Triathlon Dreams…er…Nightmares?

I'm such a dork. The last few nights I've been having these ridiculous dreams about getting my new bike and finding a tri-suit for my upcoming (more like eventual) triathlon. They're not really BAD dreams, just stressful ones where I spend my time searching high and low for one or the other and they're reoccurring over and over again every fricken night! Basically they go like this:…

A Triathlon Is In My Sight!

I sold my old bike today. It was a bit emotional as it was my first investment in my weight loss journey. I bought it in 2010 more than a year before my gastric bypass surgery and though I didn't ride it as much as I had planned when I bought it, it still symbolized my desire to change and a first big step in accomplishing that. As I'm planning to do a triathlon sprint this fall I realized…

Lipedema Surgery Before and After with Dr. Marcia Byrd

As of December 30, 2020 I’m four months post op from my first surgery and two weeks post op from my last. Looking back on all of the surgeries, the physical challenges were hard, but bearable. The emotional challenges were the toughest, but even those were temporary. It must be made clear that this whole process has required many sacrifices, as some points it felt like I was sacrificing…

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…

Motivational Speaker

Andrea Matthes, CPT From 328lbs to Triathlete, Andrea Matthes transformed her life from the inside out and now teaches others how to create true lifestyle change (physically, mentally and emotionally) through workshops, group coaching and one-on-one consultations. She is best known for her viral blog post, “10+ Reasons I Love My Ugly Body,” which has improved the way millions of women (and…

Learn More

Based on creator and founder, Andrea Matthes' personal and professional experience, I'mperfect Life is all about letting go of perfection to live a truly happy, healthy lifestyle. A lifestyle that is free from the cycle of diet-fail-repeat, while loving your body from the inside-out, and working to feel your best: physically, mentally, and emotionally. From 328lbs to Triathlete, Certified…

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…

About I’mperfect Life

328lbs, to Triathlete, to Mom, to Woman on a Mission I'm Andrea Matthes, creator of the I'mperfect Life philosophy and methodology designed to help you let go of perfection so you can love yourself, care for your body, and live a truly happy, healthy lifestyle. I spent countless nights crying myself to sleep full of guilt, remorse, regret, and shame, believing that I was incapable…