Jacqueline’s incredible story of losing 170 kg on her own at home was shared with well-known fitness guru Heidi Powell.
Heidi was amazed by the incredible story and decided to share it on her blog to spread the important message that “ANYTHING IS ACHIEVABLE,” a belief we strongly hold at Styleoga.
Jacqueline’s account is anything but simple, and this is what she penned down.
I am Jacqueline Adan, 29 years old, born and raised in California. Weight has been a constant challenge for me throughout my life.
Since I was young, I had a hard time accepting my body and hated my appearance; the sadder I felt about it, the more I turned to food.
I was mad at myself too for allowing food to control my life and causing me to gain an excessive amount of weight.
Regardless of my efforts, I always struggled to stick to a “diet” plan. I would end up gaining back the weight I lost, or I would give up and go back to eating unhealthy foods.
I always stood out from others because I constantly focused on my diet and body, and I grew tired of it!
I couldn’t eat the same food as my friends. When I began college in 2005, I decided to give up and just live a normal college life by eating like everyone else.
My sister Jenny and my boyfriend Kevin thought it would be a great idea to go to Disneyland, a place I’ve loved since I was born, in late 2011, right before my 25th birthday.
As soon as I entered through those gates, I found myself in a magical and fantastical realm where dreams came true and anything was possible. In an instant, I transformed into a princess.
I thought going to the “happiest place on earth” might cheer me up, but when we arrived, I was too tired to even walk to the entrance without having to get a wheelchair.
I was filled with embarrassment because I couldn’t walk and had gained so much weight that I needed a wheelchair to get around.
While I was in a wheelchair at Disneyland, I remember feeling like all eyes were on me, critiquing me, and praising the plus-sized girl in the wheelchair who couldn’t even walk! I felt embarrassed.
I actually knew that I wouldn’t be able to fit on the rides, and it really disappointed me. Even though I had already told my sister and Kevin that I didn’t want to go on them.
I agreed to try a few rides that I thought I could fit on, but I missed one small thing..
As we approached the front of the line, I spotted the turnstile. Kevin and my sister went through it, but I ended up stuck. I felt awful!
After I left, I tried to brush it off by laughing, but I felt guilty, ashamed, and embarrassed. I was shocked at how big I had become. I ended up going to the bathroom to cry.
In February 2012, a few days after my 25th birthday, I remember realizing that I had to make a change. It was a morning when I woke up with a strong desire to transform myself.
Little did I know the immense impact that one phone call to Jenny Craig would have on my life.
I was feeling anxious as I prepared to step back on the scale, but I wasn’t expecting what I saw.
In Jenny Craig, I reached my breaking point and tears started flowing. After composing myself, I dried my eyes and confidently said, “I’m ready for this challenge.” Together, we set a goal for me to lose over 300 pounds.
On that day, when I left the center, I felt a mix of determination, fear, and excitement, aiming to reach at least a hundred.
I always stick to my goals if I genuinely believe in them. This time, nothing could hinder me.
I shed 100 pounds in the initial year thanks to the support and motivation from Jenny Craig, my consultant, my family, my friends, and Kevin’s constant love.
I reached my first “major” milestone in May 2013…
I had reached half of my target weight. My first return trip to Disneyland with Kevin, Jenny, and my cousins took place in August of that year, which was another event.
Returning made me a little anxious, but it was my tiny cousins’ first vacation, so I couldn’t miss it for the world!
I still needed a wheelchair to aid in my mobility, and I was quite anxious to ride the rides.
But despite my self-doubt and belief that I would not fit, my cousins grasped my hand and led the way as we stood in line.
Even though that was the hardest thing for me mentally, I was able to fit on every ride and I didn’t get stuck in any turnstiles. I was no longer going to let my weight prevent me from enjoying life.
We went to Disneyland once more at the end of 2013, and this time, my life altered significantly. On Christmas Eve, Kevin got down on one knee in front of the castle in Disneyland!
In my entire life, I had never felt happier! My firm belief that Disneyland is the location where “dreams really do come true” was a major driving force behind my decision to embark on this voyage.
I was about 200 pounds lighter, already halfway to my goal, and engaged to the man who always stood by my side no matter how big I was.
I vowed to myself that no matter how long it took, I will get married with the body I have fought so hard for, next to the man who has been by my side throughout it all!
I was determined to get married in a non-plus size dress! It really was a fantastic way to end a fantastic year! I truly felt like a princess!
I started having some trouble at the start of 2014. I let the fact that the weight wasn’t losing as quickly truly depress me.
Instead of focusing on how far I had come, I began to consider how far I still had to go.
We determined that it would be best for me to attempt making my own meals in order to see if I could start eating again because I was having trouble swallowing anything.
I was still having trouble eating, wasn’t getting enough calories, which was making my migraine headaches worse, and the weight loss was still proving to be a challenge.
I started trying new meals, and I had to consciously remind myself that eating wouldn’t make me fat or gain weight. After some time, I was eventually able to turn things around and continue my change.
I started taking a “boot camp” session at “Fit For Life Solutions” in January 2015, and I absolutely adore it!
My trainers are all incredibly helpful, really work with me, and assist me in making adjustments so I can perform all of the routines.
I work out hard with cardio and weights four to five days per week. Along with the weight on the scale, the inches are also decreasing.
I was thrilled to see my collarbones for the first time in years now that I can actually see some muscle definition!
I’m very happy to have expanded my support network with more incredible people.
I have the best trainers, and all of the individuals I work out with make an incredible support system. They constantly stand by me and are very encouraging and supportive.
I currently weigh around 350 pounds, continue to attend boot class four to five times each week, and continue to consume Jenny Craig meals.
Although my weight has been stable for the past six months or so, my body is nevertheless undergoing significant changes.
I have lost weight, but the only issue I currently have is all the additional skin. Though I’m making an effort to accept it, it still gives me a lot of mental trouble.
I’m experiencing rashes, severe neck and back discomfort, and headaches as a result of it.
In addition to all the medical problems the excess skin is giving me, I am still battling my insurance company to get them to pay for the surgery because they are classifying it as cosmetic.
Since I’m still healing from my first skin removal operation from July 28th, I’m trying not to let this stress me out too much and to keep my mind and body positive and peaceful.
This is not the end of my adventure, and I can’t wait to discover what lies ahead for me!
I still have the rest of my life to live, and I’m doing it in a way that makes me proud and no longer makes me ashamed.
Now I don’t have to worry about renting a wheelchair or trying to fit on the rides when I go to Disneyland.
In my family, there is a running joke that after everything is said and done, I will have a destination wedding, forgo wearing a bridal gown entirely, and exchange vows in a white designer bikini.
Disney once said, “Anything is possible; all you need is a little bit of confidence, trust, and fairy dust.” All of us must simply wait and see.
What else can we add? Jacqueline is living proof that everything is achievable with support, dedication, and hard work. Her story is exciting and incredibly inspirational.
Jacqueline We’re hoping the best for you in the future!
