Today marks the 5 year anniversary of when I boarded a plane from Seattle to LA, not knowing what was totally ahead of me. I remember getting a call to come be a finalist for The Biggest Loser and right away I told my friends and family that I would make it on the show. That is the one thing I got right, but after that, there is no way I could have predicted these next five years. The best way to describe them is like a roller coaster. The highest highs, and the lowest lows. In these last 5 years, I have been on a reality show and lost 95 lbs, met my now husband and got married, plus I got pregnant and have had 2 amazing little boys. Not only that, but I have traveled the country and have done things I would have never thought. In those five years, I have worn size 24-4 and every size in between. I have had the funnest times of my life, but have had the saddest times to. I have laughed more but I have also shed a lot of tears. These last five years I would never have predicted nor would I change a thing.
This last year in particular has been challenging. With a 2yr old and a 1 year old, sleep was something I have read about but really didn’t experience mush 
. Not just the busyness of having 2 toddlers, but Matt and I did so much travelling it was hard to keep track of. Matt also decided to take on the Ironman in Kona which brought a lot of fun, but took a toll on our family. Slowly I could see myself start to make a little less healthy choices for myself. I started skipping workouts because I was just “too tired”, started grabbing food, because well we are traveling and it’s convenient. I could come up with every excuse to support my negative behaviors. During this year, I would crash off 5 lbs, only to find them that much quicker. The pressure of losing my “baby weight” was always screaming at me in my mind. This pressure caused me to try to do quick fixes. This summer in fact, I crashed off all but 15lbs of baby weight. I was so excited, but couldn’t ever maintain this. The weight would creep back as soon as i tried to eat normal. This was so frustrating and getting me down. I finally hit a low a couple weeks ago when I could not button my only pair of jeans. I noticed them getting tight, but blamed it on the dryer. Well they reached the point where I could no longer place blame on anyone but myself. I was starting to feel out of control and needed to stop this before I got too far gone!
I quickly put together a plan in my mind and talked to Mattt about it. He is always supportive of me and encourages me to do whatever I think is best. I sent an email off to Renee @ The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge and quickly made plans to come out for a week. I knew I needed something quick and extreme. Renne was very supportive and helped me make these quick plans. Before I thought about it too much, I booked a flight and started calling clients to open up my week. When I really stopped and thought about what I was going to do, I would break down in tears. The thought of leaving my boys for a whole week was really hard, but I knew they would be in good hands. I not only have an amazing husband, but a great family who loves my boys and always is there to help!! In fact, I think my boys would rather be with grammie, grandpa, or auntie sometimes as apposed to there boring mamma .
The week before I left flew by and before I knew it, it was the night before I was going to leave for the Resort. Bags were packed, pictures of boys packed and all that was left to do was head to the airport. Sunday at 5am came rather quickly and Matt and the boys dropped me off to embark on my journey. With tears in my eyes, I waved goodbye not knowing what my week would hold but open for the future.
Follow me everyday and I will share with you how my week went. I ask one thing of you that you would please be respectful of my openness and honesty and know that I am on a journey myself and won’t be able to comment or return your emails about my journey. Thanks for reading, talk to you tomorrow
#1 by Marie - March 2nd, 2010 at 21:52
I know the feeling Suzy…except you’ve had to live yours out in front of the world. Good luck! xoxoxo
#2 by Meredith Rich - March 2nd, 2010 at 21:53
You continually inspire us. Keep up the good work!
#3 by Carmen - March 2nd, 2010 at 22:27
Suzy, I think it’s just wonderful for you to share your new journey with everyone. Losing weight and keeping it off is, for most people, a never-ending journey. I managed to lose 90+ lbs completely by myself when I was 33. I kept it off for about 5-6 years, then when crisis hit (my dad’s 9-month illness and passing at 61, losing my Grandpa 2 months later, my house burning down 2 months later, losing my job a few month after that…I gave in to the old ways-using food for comfort. I gained it all back and now I am 45. It’s going to be harder now. My point is that it is always a struggle, and it’s good to have people that share the struggle, especially when they can offer support, encouragement and helpfult tips. Basically, we all know how to lose weight: eat better, less calories, more exercise. The most difficult part (in my opinion) is learning how to change habits and learn to handle stress in other ways. Anything you can share with us, will be so welcomed and appreciated. I’ll be reading!
You go! =)
#4 by Linda Black - March 2nd, 2010 at 22:28
I’m right there with you Suzy – you have a wonderful rich life to come back to. This time for you is well deserved. Enjoy, rejuvenate and enjoy the fast start you’re going to have on your journey. Thanks for sharing!
#5 by Justpeachie - March 2nd, 2010 at 22:46
Suzy, Just found your new blog of your week at the resort. Wanted to let you know that I look forward to reading it. Jerica really enjoyed her time with you at the resort (even if she didn’t know who you were) sometimes that makes the best of freinds. She wasn’t in awe of you, she just plain liked you very much. Thanks for making her first week easier for her, she is doing well this second week even though she is still bumed about her low weight losss the first week. She received flowers from Josh yesterday to cheer her up and I think it helped. Have a good life with your lovely family and thanks again for sharing. Paulette
#6 by Paula - March 3rd, 2010 at 06:04
Suzy,
You and Matt are such inspirations to me! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives. Good luck with everything! I know you’ll do great! Paula
#7 by Susie Powers - March 3rd, 2010 at 10:03
I’m so excited for you! Seeing you give yourself the right to take care of you, makes me think it is possible to forgive and start over with myself. Looking forward to tomorrow, to see where your journey takes you!!
#8 by Nathan - March 3rd, 2010 at 12:10
Good for you Suzy. As bad as it sounds, its good for some outsiders (like myself) to recognize struggle after a reality show because it puts in perspective of how life goes on and things are not magically “cured” on the show, like so many believe. Good luck…..you’ve already shown you know how to do it!
#9 by Karolina - March 3rd, 2010 at 14:06
I know Suzy how hard it is… I m with you girl ! Go Girl ! you are GREAT! YOU CAN DO IT !:)
#10 by Sara - March 3rd, 2010 at 19:45
Thank you for sharing your life. I can’t relate to so much of what you have said. I have 3 kids my oldest Joe is 4yr old and my twins Ben and Olivia turned 3yr old last month. I totally understand the no sleep. I to find my self saying i don’t want to go to the gym because i’m to tired. I’m trying so hard to lose these last 65 lbs. I have already lost 80 lbs. I am working with a trainer twice a week and try to get cardio in 5 other day. I am starting to feel burnt out and i’m tired. I could sleep for a week =) I am looking forward to reading your blogs,