From Fatass to Badass!

[Jvschultz 41]

I had weight loss surgery, the gastric sleeve, in August of 2011. Here is what led to my decision.

My weight had always been a struggle for me. I was “chubby” when I was a kid and in my teenage years I was thin, but not skinny enough. As an adult I joined a gym and started to work out and I loved it. I still felt that I wasn’t skinny enough, but I was able maintain my weight for years with exercise.

Eventually life happens and I gained weight, a lot of weight. I was later was diagnosed with pre diabetes and depression. So my life, for many years, went something like this: try fad diet, work out, lose no weight, stop working out, and turn to food for comfort. I tried everything, Adkins, South Beach Diet, Weight Watchers, a shake diet, etc. Some worked and I lost weight but eventually I gained it all back.

I also exercised; I signed up boot camps, I took some spin classes, and even gave Crossfit a try. Cycling however, was my favorite form of exercise and I felt like I was good at it. So good that in 2011 signed up for the MS150, a bike ride from Houston to Austin. Unfortunately I didn't make it to Austin. I trained a lot for it and was frustrated that I failed. Around this time I began to have gall bladder issues and my blood pressure began to go up. This is when I made the decision to have weight loss surgery.

Since my surgery, I've completed 8 sprint triathlons and 8 half marathons. I completed my first marathon, the Chevron Houston Marathon, this year and I'm training for it again. Along with my current training I've started Crossfit. I don't exercise to lose weight anymore; I exercise to be a better athlete.

If your interested in following my training for my 2nd marathon please go to my blog. Here is the link: www.julissaschultz.com

[fezik23 240]

I'm happy for you, and admire your determination.

[HaddocksEyes 205]

I had weight loss surgery, the gastric sleeve, in August of 2011. Here is what led to my decision.

My weight had always been a struggle for me. I was “chubby” when I was a kid and in my teenage years I was thin, but not skinny enough. As an adult I joined a gym and started to work out and I loved it. I still felt that I wasn’t skinny enough, but I was able maintain my weight for years with exercise.

Eventually life happens and I gained weight, a lot of weight. I was later was diagnosed with pre diabetes and depression. So my life, for many years, went something like this: try fad diet, work out, lose no weight, stop working out, and turn to food for comfort. I tried everything, Adkins, South Beach Diet, Weight Watchers, a shake diet, etc. Some worked and I lost weight but eventually I gained it all back.

I also exercised; I signed up boot camps, I took some spin classes, and even gave Crossfit a try. Cycling however, was my favorite form of exercise and I felt like I was good at it. So good that in 2011 signed up for the MS150, a bike ride from Houston to Austin. Unfortunately I didn't make it to Austin. I trained a lot for it and was frustrated that I failed. Around this time I began to have gall bladder issues and my blood pressure began to go up. This is when I made the decision to have weight loss surgery.

Since my surgery, I've completed 8 sprint triathlons and 8 half marathons. I completed my first marathon, the Chevron Houston Marathon, this year and I'm training for it again. Along with my current training I've started Crossfit. I don't exercise to lose weight anymore; I exercise to be a better athlete.

If your interested in following my training for my 2nd marathon please go to my blog. Here is the link: www.julissaschultz.com

I love your site! That picture of your husband wearing a "I love hot moms" shirt is hilarious!!!

Congrats! And let the haters hate - regardless of how you lost weight, you LOST it and are maintaining a kick-ass lifestyle! That's what counts.

Edited July 31, 2014 by HaddocksEyes

[JCP 619]

Your story reminds me of mine. I used to be very active and in good shape. Life happened. My dad developed dementia and my mom became disabled. I took care of them. Stress, worry, severe depression, financial problems, lay off, grief from their eventual deaths... All too much. My own self care didn't matter to me anymore. I just got larger, more depressed, and wanted to die. But now I have hope for the first time in so long. I feel like my life is starting anew.

[MelBooks 76]

Can I ask about your pre/during/post race nutrition. I did a 1/2 5 years ago, and am currently training for another one next February. I'm only up to 5 mile long runs now (right on schedule) but I know based on my last 1/2, I will need some sort of calories around mile 8. What are you using?

[Jvschultz 41]

MelBrooks I like to eat Honey Stinger wafers and/or and Advocare rehydrate gel.