Thanks a lot, Jennifer and Tomb_Raider.

You are absolutely right Tereza, life is indeed like a tennis ball. The harder it falls, the higher it will bounce. I too have been a victim of overweight trauma but like you, I chose to look at the brighter side and sprung my way out of the mess. I would request you to go through my post titled "Get, Set and Lose" which will give you a deeper insight of my story.

Enough of me trying to steal your thunder. Your achievements deserve accolades and that you shall get. Keep it going girl, you truly are an inspiration to many around you.

I haven't until now, but since you've mentioned it, it's worth giving a thought. Thanks a lot.

Thank you so much, Jennifer.

Thanks Diana. Your words of appreciation do mean a lot to me.

Hello everyone. I would like to share my story titled "Get, Set, Loose". Exactly a year back, I weighed around 300 pounds. I was basically a blimp. At the age of 25, carrying this weight in society was really embarrassing. People would stare at me with horror on their faces as I passed them. Kids would mock at me and call me names. I don't feel the need to mention, yes I was single (no surprises there).

There was this one time in an airplane where the gentleman sitting next to me requested the flight attendant to have his seat changed as the fat from my body was oozing onto his seat. I don't blame him for that, as at the end of that journey, my bottom was stuck to the flight seat and I literally had to be pulled off it.

With all of this, I came under severe depression and this made me eat more than I normally do, not helping my problem in any way. I had reached a new low in my life. With no friends to look up to, I really did not know what to do and where to go.

However, when life shuts one door, it always opens a window.

I got that window of opportunity when I saw an advertisement of our local gym, enrolling members with an offer of free membership if you could lose a 100 pounds in a year. This offer was specifically for people like me with very less to lose in life, but a lot to lose in weight.

I immediately grabbed the offer and enrolled for membership. I soon found myself waking up at 5 am every day, following a strict regime of exercises and a harsh diet as suggested by the nutritionist.

I must say, it was really tough in the beginning, with having to drag my weight out of bed at 5 in the morning, but I had made up my mind. Say no to "FAT". You've got to "Get, Set and Lose". It's been a year now and I have lost 112 pounds to be precise. More than looking great, its the feeling great that mesmerizes you. I cannot express my feeling in words, but I'm kind of a role model for many now with my past and present picture proudly displayed at the entrance of the gym.

I am in a relationship with a guy I met at work and I still haven't shown him a picture of my past yet. I'm thinking of gifting it to him on his birthday next month;). So that's my story I wanted to share with you all. Believe me, I have no intentions to flaunt my achievements, just an honest attempt to try and motivate others.