Editor's Note: At LIVESTRONG.COM we are constantly inspired by the power of our users healthy achievements. Over the last month we've collected success stories from hundreds of LIVESTRONG.COM users. To learn more about sending your own success story, click here. This week, we're honored to share Ortaega's story.
My Story:
Imagine...
1. Not being able to fit in restaurant booths and having to dine at table instead.
2. Having to wear 2 hospital gowns when being admitted to a hospital. (1 to cover the front and 1 for the back.)
3. Watching nurses struggle to take your blood pressure as the Velcro cuff unravels as it fills with air.
4. Attending a college class and being unable to fit in a standard classroom chair. (I had to take a free-standing chair and scoot up to the desk portion of another.)
5. Having to ask the flight attendant to borrow a seat belt extension as everyone waits for you to buckle up before the plane can take off.
6. Being asked to exit an amusement park ride because the locks can’t be securely fastened. (I vividly remember spectators waiting in line and looking at me with pity, laughter and astonishment. It was one of the worst days of my life.)
I can give countless examples of what it felt like to be obese (illnesses not included), but you get the point. 
Before Surgery
Where did I go wrong? In high school I was 168 and by the time I finished college in 1996, I was an overwhelming 360 lbs. After gaining 192 lbs, I was on the verge of diabetes, my BMI was out of control and arthritis had set in.
In 2001, I THOUGHT I finally found the answer to permanent weight loss--gastric bypass surgery. I quickly lost 150 lbs and thought my weight worries were over. However, what I learned AFTER the gastric, is that it gives you a huge head start, but if you stretch your pouch back to the size of your original stomach, allowing more caloric intake, you end up where you started, struggling just like everyone else.
After Surgery
As result of a failed relationship, by the summer 2007, I had regained 70 lbs, going up to 280. I won't lie. I tried the easy way out by attempting to seek approval for the lap band (on top of my gastric bypass), but was unsuccessful with the insurance company. I felt like such a failure!
My Turning Point:
Finally, I had to bite the bullet and do it naturally. In November 1998, under the care of my PCP, I started my second major weight loss journey. It included the use of dietary supplements such as Alli, eating healthier/smaller portions, drinking water and exercising.
In the New Year 2009, I began a wellness campaign, "FitandFine09," with coworkers and friends, in an effort to increase cardio endurance and to promote group support. Through this exchange, my sister introduced me to LIVESTRONG.COM and MyPlate. 
After Weight Regain
This tool worked wonders for me! I’m obsessed with keeping track of things. From the food journal, to tracking my calories, weight, inches and documenting my fitness activity, I was hooked. The articles are a wealth of fitness information and I even share them with external users and got several people to join after me.
By the summer I had finally conquered a life-long goal of running 1 mile straight and it was absolutely incredible! By year-end I had lost the 80 lbs I regained in 2007, but still, there was something missing.
I had the cardio strength I desired, but now, I wanted to build physical strength and to tone my body.
The Fitness Factor:
On Jan. 4th, 2010, (a very cold winter day) I became a faithful member of a local fitness boot camp in my area. I also launched my second wellness campaign, "SlimandTrim2010."
I’ve become stronger than ever imagined. I completed a 5K race in May and was able to run the entire 3.2 miles nonstop! What an incredible feeling! I’ve also gained so much strength and visible muscle tone. My current weight is 191 lbs (goal is 175). I’ve lost nearly 10 inches from my overall body frame and dropped 2 dress sizes!
First 5K
LIVESTRONG.COM has been an integral part of my fitness regimen--giving me the tools and resources to track my weight, calorie intake and fitness. The articles provided on your website are priceless.Becoming and remaining a faithful member KEEPS ME ACCOUNTABLE and the progress I can visually see--via the site--gives me the extra strength and motivation to keep going.
My Words of Advice: Don't ever quit. Losing the weight slow and steady and learning about my relationship with food was a huge difference this time around.
There is no magic cure. No matter what, in the end, it all boils down to the basics: eating right, exercising and drinking water. Understand that we are human and all make mistakes. Never deny yourself any indulgence, just do it in moderation as a reward, but never stray too far for too long. Make healthy eating and exercise a lifestyle, not a phase. This is not a phase for me. It’s a lifetime commitment.
Now
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