In 2012, Misty Shaffer went on a personal mission. She wanted to surprise her husband, Larry, an Army specialist, who was deployed in Afghanistan. Before he left, she weighed about 260 pounds, but when he returned, she would be 155 pounds. More than 100 pounds lighter.
The Backstory – A Lifelong Struggle with Weight
Misty and Larry Shaffer had been together since high school. They shared countless memories, including prom nights and a wedding in 2008. Through it all, Larry never once commented on Misty’s weight, but she faced struggles of her own.
She had fought with her weight from a young age, trying multiple diets that never lasted. She was even picked on for her size. At her heaviest, she reached nearly 300 pounds, attributing much of her weight gain to emotional eating. Food had become her go-to for both joy and sorrow.
Her struggle with weight continued even after having her daughter, Nevaeh. Misty had previously lost around 60 pounds by taking diet pills but regained it all, and more, once she stopped. She finally felt ready to make a permanent change.
“I would eat when I was bored,” Misty told CNN of her former habits. “I’d eat three huge meals a day, and then snack in between. Sad or happy, I’d turn to food for everything.”
A Personal Mission – Cutting Out the Junk
Misty’s approach was simple but far from easy: she wanted to cut out all the junk food and stick to water and coffee. The first few months were grueling, with cravings hitting hard. Yet, once she adapted, her tastes started shifting. Water replaced soda, and she found herself uninterested in sugary drinks that had once tempted her.
Working as a personal shopper at a grocery store, Misty faced daily temptations. She passed by the fried chicken at the hot bar but stayed focused, opting for healthier choices like the salad bar and oven-baked options.
Her typical meal plan became more structured. Breakfast was oatmeal with fruit, with snacks like carrots or fruit mid-morning. Lunch included a salad or half a sandwich, and dinner focused on lean meats and vegetables.
The Big Reveal – A Moment of Transformation
Larry returned home on May 15, 2013, having never seen Misty under 220 pounds, even in high school. She nervously awaited his arrival at the airport. As he approached, she ran and jumped into his arms.
A moment she had only dreamed of. Her husband was speechless, only able to utter, “Wow.” It was the first time he had ever lifted her, and that feeling alone made every moment of her journey worth it.
Maintaining the Transformation
Since that day, Misty has kept the weight off. Going from a size 22-24 to a size 6, she not only transformed her appearance but her entire lifestyle. She enjoys the benefits of smaller clothes and finds herself saving money on wardrobe essentials.
While Larry’s eating habits didn’t change much, she keeps hers in check. Occasionally, she’ll join him for a treat, but she’s committed to her healthy habits, driven by the memory of her hard work and determination.
Although Larry returned from Afghanistan in 2013, the story has resurfaced after CNN featured the Shaffers in its “Weekly Weigh-In” series.
An Inspiration for Others
Misty Shaffer’s story isn’t just about weight loss. It’s a story of resilience, of finding strength when life feels overwhelming. Her journey from emotional eating to health and wellness highlights what determination can accomplish.
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