My name is Risa. I'm 24 years old and live in Boca Raton, Florida. I have battled with my weight since I was about 6 years old, and for the last couple years, I was finally winning the fight. But I slipped, gaining back 36lbs from my lowest weight in ages. Now I'm buckling down again to shed the weight so I can look on the outside the way I feel on the inside. But the road isn't always straight and smooth. For more information on my life-long weight loss journey, please view my first post here. This blog exists for me, to keep me on track and motivated. If you don't like personal posts or personal opinions, you took the wrong fork at Albuquerque!

**Please note that I am not a nutritionist, personal trainer, doctor, or in any way professionally trained in matters of health. Any advice I provide is based on my own thorough research and experiences. Please consult your physician or other health advisor for your personal needs.**

Watch my video about excess skin and, if you'd like, donate to my skin removal surgery fund by clicking the button below. Please and thank you for your support. <3



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Risa’s Wall of Fame

I often get asked for blogs I follow and/or recommend, so I decided to create a page dedicated to the blogs I truly stand by. Many of them have even become fantastic friends. To visit a blog, click their blog name. The order does not indicate anything other than the order in which their name happened to pop into my head.

1. Th3Skinny

I don’t think anyone would put me out of line for saying Ruby is a legend in the TWLC. She shares my affinity for knowledge and facts, and she doesn’t take any guff from anyone. She’s strong, she’s smart, and she’s stunning. She’s a must-follow for any healthy blogger.

2. FitForInfinity

Mary and I became acquainted through a bit of a misunderstanding that was completely my fault. It taught me quite a bit about her, though. You know you’ve found a brilliant person on the internet when you can come to a compromise or at least agree to disagree for any given conflict. She’s wise, resilient, and intelligent. Though we don’t always share opinions, we can always find the happy medium, and that itself speaks volumes.

3. QueenBliss

Melissa is like a mama to everyone she follows. She always does anything and everything she can to help, and she does it with a smile on her face. This sweetheart gives me hope for the world.

4. FatAssToHealthyBitch 

One of my first follows, Taylor is an absolutely incredible woman. She is so dedicated and admirable, and, like an iceberg, you would never believe the strength that lies beneath her beautiful surface.

5. A-Speel

Rumor has it that “awesome” and “amazing” start with “A” to reference Adam. He has been one of my biggest heroes in the TWLC, and his blog is full of fun and whimsy. He’s lost over 100lbs, and he inspires me.

6. LuminousLiz

Liz’s sparkling personality shines through in every post and message. A part-time vegetarian with diverse tastes, her creativity and heart make her a must in your follow list.

7. JuicyJacqulyn

You may be wondering why Jacqulyn’s in my list. She’s not a weight loss blog by any means, and she’s certainly not what one might call “thinspiration.” (Bleh, I hate that word.) Jacqulyn is someone I follow because she has earned every ounce of my respect. She’s a badass, body positive Canadian blogger who reminds the world that bigger can be beautiful, your curves make you strong, not weak, and you should never let anyone else dictate who you are. If you aren’t afraid of a little plus-size pride, and occasionally some risqué photos, Jacqulyn’s your lady.

8. CurveCreation

Missi is an Australian fitness blogger who’d take healthy over skinny any day. She posts about fitness as well as her personal life, and you can tell from her style that she’s a very genuine human being. Give it up for this gorgeous Aussie!

9. Overcoming-Obstacles

Kiran is an absolute sweetheart. She has an obvious love for health, but she’ll also take the time to just talk with you, see how you’re doing, and basically let you know that someone cares. I can’t imagine not having her on my Tumblr.

10. BariatricBadass

Like myself, Meg is a Gastric Bypass patient. I have followed her since her surgery prep and past her first 100lb lost. She is a genuinely beautiful person all around, and she’s someone I consider a pillar in the weight loss surgery community.

11. Weight-A-Second

You want inspiration? Brynn is your lady. She’s lost the weight of an entire person, but she’s grown in strength quite a bit. She’s beautiful, inspiring, and downright impressive.

12. AllyFit

If you’re looking for someone who’s out to lose a ton of weight, Ally is not for you. However, if you’re looking for someone who’s passionate about fitness and can always make you smile, you better get following! Also, Canada. OH CANADA!!!!

13. Fitsploration

I cannot say enough good things about Veeka. Her dedication to both her health and that of others is nothing short of admirable. Her strength motivates me, and her smile makes me smile, too. She Her spirit is beautifully relentless, and nothing is ever going to hold her back.

14. LizziesJourneyToWeightLoss

Lizzie is such a strong person. She has made both great progress and great graphics, and her attitude is sweet and empowered. I love it. You will, too.

15. TreadMillionaire

Jess is a lovely crossfitter Australian lady, but you can get that just from her sidebar. What I want you to follow her for is her courage. Jess has a video a lot like mine about her excess skin. She had a gastric sleeve, which is another form of bariatric surgery, and it’s left her with this seemingly insurmountable hurdle in trying to obtain her true body. She gets a lot of hate, but she deserves a lot of support. She works her butt off, and she inspires me.

16. JennieInTechnicolour

I swear I didn’t put Jennie up here JUST because she’s so darn adorable. Although that certainly doesn’t hurt! Jennie is not about weight loss. She’s about fitness. She’s already thin, but she still shows a tremendous amount of support for bigger women and takes a firm stance against body shaming and societal beauty standards. She is smart, articulate, and, yes, down right cute.

17. Size10Plz

What’s there to say about Lucy? She is witty, strong, fun, funny, and downright brilliant. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t following her, and I can’t imagine a time when I would unfollow her. She completes my dash. One of her most well known posts is that one about how it’s simply impossible for many people to have thigh gaps because of bone structure. She’s smart, she’s sassy, she’s Size10Plz!