I have gained weight since I was about 18. Before then, I'd been super skinny - without trying! When I moved out on my own, and started struggling with depression again, I gained 40-50 lbs in about 7 months. I joined the Navy, lost all of the weight with the intense exercise we did daily.

When I was 20, my (ex) husband and I welcomed our daughter into our lives. She is a huge blessing, but my body was not at all built for pregnancy. I gained over 100 lbs during my pregnancy, and ...

I have gained weight since I was about 18. Before then, I'd been super skinny - without trying! When I moved out on my own, and started struggling with depression again, I gained 40-50 lbs in about 7 months. I joined the Navy, lost all of the weight with the intense exercise we did daily.

When I was 20, my (ex) husband and I welcomed our daughter into our lives. She is a huge blessing, but my body was not at all built for pregnancy. I gained over 100 lbs during my pregnancy, and only lost about 60 of it in her first few years of childhood.

In 2000, my brother died. I gained 20 lbs that summer. I have put on between 5-10 pounds every year since. Sometimes I lose a little ... usually I don't. My weight has not ever bothered me, even when people told me I should lose weight.

THIS IS MY MAJOR DOWNFALL ... I'm comfortable with me, period. Obese or not.

Why I Want To Get In Shape

I want to live a healthier lifestyle. I want to provide a healthy example for my daughter. I want to make sure I am around to see her get married, travel, have children, and live a wonderful life. I want to enjoy my 40's as a happy, fit, fun woman.

In order to do those things, I need to get in shape NOW. I am going to be 35 this year. It is time to claim my physical health back, and match it to my mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Read More About DEVYLGYRL (Updated May 3)