Life Before Lipedema Diagnosis

Pre diagnosis… My family has a history of obesity and undiagnosed lipedema. I have struggled with my weight my whole life but most notably, my body changed to pear shaped almost overnight around the time I got my first period at 11 years old. In 2011 I reached my highest weight of 328 pounds and had weight loss surgery in an attempt to regain control of my body and my life. I lost 164…

Why I decided to have liposuction for lipedema

The short answer is because I will do whatever it takes to improve my quality of life, but there's more... Growing up "fat" At seven years old, I was the chubby kid-- I don't know why, I assume because I ate more calories than my body needed. We ate a lot of boxed dinners, pasta, cereal, and other processed foods. My mom was overweight, and my grandmother had fought her weight her whole…

I Was Disconnected from My Body

I remember this girl. I remember being completely unaware of my body, except when I noticed its size, and then hate it. I had no idea how hard it was working to keep me alive. I did not pay attention to its needs. I did not appreciate it. I did not honor it in any way, at all. I simply dwelled in the large shell of a body that I wished was different. I abused that body with food and…

I Swore I Would Not Get Lost. WRONG!

I also never thought I'd drive a minivan! One of the things I swore to myself before I had kids, was that I would not get lost. I would maintain my identity, continuing to be Andrea-- the wife, daughter, sister, friend, blogger, personal trainer, lifestyle coach, motivational speaker, triathlete, Spartan, avid CrossFitter, general badass, etc... I'd just add "mom" to the list. HA! Let me…

I Am Not a DIY Project- There’s No Such Thing as Before and After

There's no such thing as before and after. Only then and now... In 2011 I weighed 328lbs. I was stuck in the cycle of diet-fail-repeat, trapped in a body that prevented me from living the life I wanted to live, wishing things could be different. In 2013 I weighed 164lbs (for like one day) and leveled out, comfortably, around 172lbs. I had escaped the cycle of…

25 Facts About Me

In case you were wondering here are 25 (mostly) interesting facts about me, you know, so you don't have to wonder anymore! The Not So Interesting Facts: I was born in 1977 I am married with two baby boys, 21 months apart, one dog and a cat I live near Charlotte, North Carolina I grew up in Southern California and Arizona I am a Certified Personal Trainer and CrossFit Coach…

I AM Making Progress!

Yesterday I posted a video on Facebook of myself jumping onto four, 45lbs plates-- the equivalent of about 12". (WATCH HERE) It took every ounce of courage I had to attempt it. I am vertically challenged in more ways than just my height. (5'1") In 2014 I managed to jump onto 6 plates (about 18") and I filmed it for all to see, it was pretty comical. (Check it out HERE) It's now 2017 and…

2017 Faster. Stronger. Better. Progress. Challenge!

4th Annual I'mperfect Life Making Progress Challenge Because living a happy, healthy I'mperfect Life is more than before and after... CLICK TO JOIN REGISTRATION INCLUDES: 1 2017 Custom Finishers Medal Your profile in the IPL Facebook Challenger’s Brag Album Access to the private 2017 Challenger’s Facebook Group for support and motivation Undeniable proof that you are…

How I Lost Half My Body Weight

I lost half my body weight The simple answer that people want to hear is that I lost weight because I had gastric bypass surgery, but let me tell you right now that was only one piece of a very complicated puzzle. What ultimately led to my weight loss and successful maintenance was creating healthy habits: eating mostly plants, plenty of protein, sufficient amounts of starch to maintain…