[ashleyklam]

Hello everyone!

I have posted a few messages on the new members board but thought I would start my journal since I intend on sticking around for along time

My name is Ashley and I am 34 years old. My weight loss struggles began in my late 20's but they were minor compared to now. I used to fluctuate by 5 or 10 pounds, depending on my mood from one month to the other. I grew up very thin and never, ever thought that would change. I became an emotional eater when I was planning my wedding at age 26. I almost didn't fit in my wedding dress because I had gained some weight! Anyway, I had re-dedicated my life to getting fit and healthy at age 32 and dropped back down to my typical weight of 130 (I'm 5'8"). Then it happened............

........I got pregnant! It was such a joyous time, but I took it as an excuse to eat everything I wanted. I ended up with 80 extra pounds on my frame and didn't look like myself. I always thought I would be that cute pregnant girl that hardly looked pregnant. Boy, I was wrong!

After a hard delivery of a healthy little boy, I lost 50 of the pounds quickly. I was lucky, I know. Around 6 months after his birth, my husband got very unhappy in his job, and we moved suddenly to another state and I knew no one. I started eating for comfort. Suddenly, I had gained back 10 more pounds. That was a year ago. I have been struggling for almost 2 years to get off the same 30 pounds and I got tired of it at the beginning of this summer when a man at a resort in Galveston, TX asked me when the baby was due! I was so humiliated!

In late July I decided to take control of this situation. A new friend I met told me about her weight loss success with phentermine so I went to the clinic she recommended. At first I was on Adipex but was switched to Bontril. They both work fine, but the Adipex seems to work best for me. I started at the end of July (on a Thursday, but I don't remember the exact date). I weighed 159 then and am happy to say that I am down to 151 as of September 11. It has been a slow process, but I haven't lost my motivation. I am exercising regularly and eating whatever I want, only in moderation. The phentermine really helps control my urges to overeat. I am hoping to wean myself off of it eventually but will continue to use it for another month or two at least. My goal is to be back into my size 4 jeans by January. Right now, I am fitting pretty comfortably in a size 8, so hopefully it is achievable.

I have been reading everyones' stories and find them very inspirational. Good luck to all of you, and I look forward to reading more of your entries!

Ashley

[tatiana40]

Ashley, welcome to the forum. It's an incredible crowd of intelligent, beautiful, and supportive women.
Exercise and diet along with Phen seem to be working really well for all of us.
Please post often and welcome again,
XXXX

[susanpesek]

Ashley, welcome to PhenForum! Tatiana is so right on; you will find great support here. I have read some of your earlier posts and am so glad you decided to post your own journal. Its really a great tool for weight loss support and it is easy to make fast friends. I think our gals are set apart from the crowd--SPECIAL people sent here by God! Never have I read an ugly post~these girls are angelic!
You have done very well in your loss. It sounds as if you want to maintain if you are in a size 8. Sometimes I think we all want a little wiggle-room and try to get down below what we really wanted as a first goal..You must be careful about this, though. Don't compromise your health under ANY circumstances!
Keep posting and reading, Hon. You are now a true member and a friend!

[ashleyklam]

Tatiana and Susan,

Thank you both so much for your support and kind words! What a loving community here! I guess we can really all relate each others' struggles! You both have made me feel very "at home" here

Ashley

[ashleyklam]

Good evening everyone!

Today was a big test for me and I am happy to say that I passed the test with flying colors! One of my biggest downfalls when I was heavier was fast food, particularly french fries. I kid you not, I could eat 3-4 orders of large french fries from any given restaurant without thinking twice about it.

I have been having some problems with my 2 year old not wanting to be in public places..........a type of social anxiety, basically. Therefore, I have been trying to take him to as many places as possible to get over this. My husband is gone for a few days, so I decided to take my son to McDonald's for dinner tonight. I did my research online beforehand and found out that a small cheeseburger and small fries has only 560 calories. It was just enough to make me full! I was proud of myself and realized at that moment that ordering 3-4 orders of french fries was crazy in the past and I was just as satisfied with a small order of fries.

We had a great time as well!

My next big test..............two weekends from now we are having company from out of town that we usually get together with several times a year. Part of our activities usually revolve around food, so it will be a big test. I have already prepared myself to not be disappointed if I don't lose weight that week. As long as I don't gain any back, I will be satisfied.

I hope everyone is having a great evening!

Ashley
SW-159lbs
CW-151lbs
IW-130lbs
21 lbs to go!!!

[looseit]

Good Job on the will power!! I know how hard it is sometimes to just say no and walk away. Hmmmm..thats how I got in this situation.LOL Being able to say no is the first step to success. You Go Girl!!!

[kimberpc]

Welcome to the forum... congrats on your weight loss so far.. that's great I'm sure you'll be in those size 4s in no time flat!!!

[dreamy039]

Welcome to the forum... and remember we are all here to help each other...so keep us posted on how you are doing.
Wishing you lots of luck on losing....Dreamy