Raine Davey, 28, Customer Advocate for Blue Cross and Blue Shield, San Angelo, TX
How much weight have you lost? As of now, I have lost 50 lbs.
Tell us what the “old you” used to be like. Oh goodness…the old me? I was sad, depressed and lonely. Eating was my comfort. Eating allowed me to “feel” something. I would order fast food often and even pretend to order for a family when in fact it was just for me and my son. I was ashamed of what I was doing, but at the same time something in me HAD to binge. I had to feel full because it made me feel safe. I would eat until I was miserable and every night before bed I’d tell myself “tomorrow will be different. I’ll do better tomorrow.” I just wasn’t strong enough; my will was disabled and my spirit to live had been destroyed.
What prompted your weight loss? I was tired of being sad; tired of being tired. I’m still young; I should be living my life and this was no way to live.
How did you lose the weight? I started by addressing my depression with my doctor. There was something wrong with me and I needed help. After a few months of searching for the right medication to help with my chemical imbalance, we found the right one. In no way was it a miracle drug; my problems were still there, I was still “Chunky Raine.” It lifted the fog though and allowed me to begin the process of losing the weight. I started small. I began tracking my calories and created a deficit. Allowing myself 1500 calories a day, I could see that the weight was coming off. It was slow and then it stopped after 10 lbs. I was beginning to feel discouraged and on the verge of giving up, but decided another visit to my doctor would be in order before I did.
I told him what I was doing and about my eating habits and he decided to do some testing along with several ultrasounds. We discovered I had Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) with insulin resistance. PCOS with insulin resistance can make weight loss difficult. He decided to put me on Metformin to help with the insulin and I also adjusted my diet. I reduced my carbs and sugars and avoided processed foods. The weight began to come off again. I purchased a Fitbit and that also helped me to become more active by tracking my steps each day.
How long did it take? From day one until now, it has been almost one year.
What was the hardest part? The hardest part has been my struggle with depression. I still have my “blue” days. I still have the urge to binge when I’m sad. Those days DO pass, though. It helps to have a good support system. My sister Alisha texts me on those days telling me to “log your food” and reminds me that even when I do slip up it’s not the end of the world; I just have to try again tomorrow. The other struggle is the dreaded PMS. My carb/sugar cravings are out of control that time of the month. I’m human, though, I just have to be forgiving of myself and do the best I can.
Most fun part of your weight loss? I love being able to go shopping and not leave the store empty-handed. It’s a great feeling. Being able to buy lingerie and actually feel sexy is another. I have my problem areas and still have work to do, but I look at my before pictures and have to be proud of how far I’ve come.
Most rewarding experience? The little things are rewarding to me. The things I can do now that I couldn’t before: tie my shoes without getting winded, wear high heels, pick up something from the floorboard of my car WITHOUT having to open the door and stick a leg out! Feeling more confident is the most rewarding, though. To not be ashamed to be in public, to not worry about what others are thinking about me and feeling like I’m just like everyone else.
Who/what inspires you when you feel like quitting? I have a good support system. My sister is wonderful. She is so encouraging and will give me “tough love” when I need it. My nine-year-old son is another source of inspiration, I know I need to show him how to live healthy so he doesn’t struggle like I have. My boyfriend Paul is so smart, knows so much about health and fitness and is always willing to offer advice. I am also part of a group on Facebook for Fitbit users called Fitbit Friends and everyone on there has been super supportive and encouraging as well. I am so blessed to have so many people to turn to for inspiration.
How has this weight loss changed you life? I’m happy again. I still have my blue days, but I think everyone does. I can wake up in the morning not dreading each day. I have realized I am so much stronger than I ever thought. Words cannot describe how wonderful that feels.
Have any advice for others who’d like to lose weight? Don’t give up. It’s hard; it is. But you don’t want to tell yourself a year from now “I wish I had started this a year ago.” Be forgiving of yourself. One bad day or one bad week doesn’t mean you have to give up. Fad diets are temporary and really make you miserable. Find a lifestyle that works for you. Don’t deprive yourself; it’s okay to indulge once in a while. And please please PLEASE be your best friend. It’s so easy to talk negatively to yourself. “My thighs are gross” or ” I’m so fat” or “I’m disgusting.” I’ve said all of those things to myself. Be kind to yourself; you are the only you there is and you are so special. Force yourself to focus on the positives. Don’t be your own bully; you deserve better than that.
Your must-have fitness equipment. I have to have my Fitbit every day. I track my steps and try to meet my personal goal daily; it helps encourage me to stay active throughout the day. I also have an elliptical my boyfriend got me for my birthday last year that I absolutely love, too. 🙂
Favorite training song: I love anything by FUN. And a lot of Indie/alternative music. My favorite!
Favorite healthy food: My favorites change with my mood. I really love fruit and a few nuts for a quick pick-me-up or celery and peanut butter. I like broccoli and cauliflower with Greek yogurt ranch dip, too. Yummy!
Favorite not-so-healthy food: Ice cream is my weakness. Eek!
Funniest /weirdest/most awkward experience during your weight loss journey. What the heck is with this mysterious cellulite? I swear it moves and shifts and is there one day, gone another and then back again. I feel like a melting candlestick … sometimes it’s beautiful and other times it’s funky and obscure. Or overestimating my weight loss and trying on something too small. Ugh! And then trying to gracefully get out of said item … soooo awkward.
Future goals: I’m gonna keep on keeping on, one day at a time. I’d like increase my endurance and eventually do a 5k. I hate running, so I would be happy just jogging it. Wearing a swimsuit this summer with no cover-up or wrap is another goal. They may be small goals, but I’m happy with my baby steps. I have the rest of my life ahead of me.
