My Motivation

It's not easy being 300 pounds at 24. Friends go skiing in the winter and swimming during the summer. They're in serious relationships, getting married, or having children. They wear beautiful suits to work and cute tops to dance clubs.

I weigh 300 pounds. I haven't been in a relationship for 5 years, and I can't climb the stairs without panting. I wear a size 24 pant and XXL top.

I avoid going anywhere for fear of people looking at me and making comments. I definitely don't go out to bars anymore. My friends all get free drinks, and I get ignored. When I'm in public, all I can think is, "I weigh 300 pounds."

I am doing this for my health. All of my family is large. My grandfather and father are diabetic. I don't want to have a heart attack at 30 and die young. I want to be able to pick up and go to the beach without buying coverups or making an excuse. I don't want to think of reasons to avoid eating in public.

I don't want to be skinny; I want to be healthy. And I'm doing this so I can be proud of myself for taking a stand and taking control of my life.