Slow and steady progress - Success Stories

Shape, May, 2002

"I gave myself a year to lose 80 pounds -- from my highest weight of 225 pounds -- before my friend's wedding."

I was an active, healthy young woman throughout high school. Aerobics and dancing filled my time, and being careful of my food intake helped keep my weight at 150 pounds, which was healthy for my height of 5 feet 10 inches. In college, however, my schedule didn't have room for exercise, and with high-fat dorm food, I gained the "Freshman 15," which became the "College 50" by the time I graduated four years later.

When I started working, I was still eating as unhealthfully as ever and battling my weight. The snack machine became my best friend, and I was rarely seen without a bag of cookies and a diet soda. For my wedding, I lost 20 pounds with a prescription weight-loss drug, and I was satisfied with the results until I found myself doubled over in pain during my honeymoon. My doctor discovered that the medication had caused an inflammation of my gallbladder, which required immediate surgery.

I settled into size-20 clothing and thought long-term weight-loss success was out of my reach. My turning point came when I went for a fitting for a matron-of-honor dress for a friend's wedding. While all the other bridesmaids were going to wear beautiful, strappy dresses, I stuck with a large, unflattering one.

I gave myself a year to lose 80 pounds -- from my highest weight of 225 pounds -- before the wedding. First, I stopped snacking on unhealthful foods like cookies and soda. I read labels and paid attention to what I ate. I made lowfat, low-calorie food choices, such as opting to bake or broil instead of fry foods. I also included a wide range of whole grains, as well as fruits and vegetables, in my diet.

At the same time, I began to exercise. I went to the gym and walked for 30-45 minutes five to six times a week. With these changes, I lost 30 pounds in three months. I branched out into new fitness activities, such as weight training, elliptical training and Spinning, and the pounds continued to drop.

When I had lost 50 pounds, I became frustrated when the scale didn't budge no matter what I did. I talked to a friend who suggested I eat five to six small meals a day so my body had the energy to work at its full potential when I exercised. Once I started eating more often, my weight loss restarted, and when my friend's wedding day arrived, I was 80 pounds lighter. My dress had been altered four times to a size 8 to accommodate my new figure, but I didn't mind the expense. After the wedding, I realized I was too thin and gained back 10 pounds, making my weight a healthy 155 pounds.

When I meet old friends, they are stunned by the changes in me. I tell them that with determination and follow-through, anything is possible.