Easing the pain: Once troubled in mind and body, today she is fitter than ever - Success Stories - Brief Article

Muscle & Fitness/Hers, Feb-March, 2002 by Holly Carson

My father died when I was 11, and tram that day on I consoled myself with food. By the time I began seventh grade, I was 58" and a size 16. Needless to say, my self-esteem was very low. The more weight I gained, the lower my self-esteem sunk By 11th grade, I was a very unhappy 300 pounds at 59". I no longer cared about life.

At age 16, 1 was diagnosed with spondylitis and spondy-lolithesis, two debilitating spinal conditions, and would often lose feeling in my legs and feet. I was in constant pain, and in and out of the hospital. My doctor informed me that I'd probably be in a wheelchair before long. Yet my weight was an issue I chose to ignore. Forced to diet for major surgery in 1980, I managed to get down to 180 pounds. The surgery was successful and I was walking again, but about a year later, depression and self-pity prompted me to seek comfort in food.

By 1985 1 was up to 275 pounds and again headed for a wheelchair Desperation drove me to try an extremely dangerous gastroplasty (stomach stapline). One year later I was down to 173 pounds but very sick. Complications from the previous surgery forced me to have a gastric revision that left my stomach a mess.

The thinner me met and married my husband John in 1986. He, unfortunately, has seen my many sizes. Soon after we married I began to gain back the pounds I'd lost. I yo-yoed for many years, gaining and losing and gaining again. Yet through all my sizes, John has been there for me as both a friend and supporter.

Making a Promise

A year and a half away from my 40th birthday, I found myself walking with a cane, suffering from arthritis and fibromyalgia. Chocolate and self-pity were my only consolation. Every. thing hurt, and I was fat and unhappy. That's when I decided I wasn't going to live the rest of my life like this, and I made myself a promise.

I started walking in the spring of 1998. By October 1 was up to 10 kilometers a day and nearing Vancouver's wet season. A close friend, Cyndy Pollock, gave me a one-month pass to a gym she belonged to. That was the true beginning.

Three months later, I was discouraged and ready to quit. Then Dave Langlands, a volunteer trainer at the gym, began working with me every week. He taught me how vital a healthy diet is, as well as how to exercise more effectively. Together we set up a training program tailored to my needs and strengths as well as my physical limits. I did cardiovascular exercise and lots of it -- elliptical trainer, stationary bike and Spinning -- but did only basic weight exercises so I didn't overextend my joints.

Much to my amazement, my weight started to move. I saw inches slowly disappear My hopes were high; I was on my way to a happier, healthier, slimmer me. I prayed for strength every morning and thanked God every night for one more day I stayed on track.

I set a goal to get down to 145 pounus. As number on the scale, my focus became stronger and I began to really think about what I put in my mouth. Gone is my habit of eating fast food, no vegetables and 2-3 candy bars a day I eat smarter, and it's a diet 1 know I can live with: a salad with every lunch or dinner, chicken, bran cereal with skim milk, homemade soups and lots of fresh veggies.

A Medical Miracle

At 41 I'm slimmer, healthier and much happier I've kept the weight off for more than 18 months and my entire way of life has changed. Not only am I not in a wheelchair, but I don't even need my cane. Considering all of my physical impairments -- including the arthritis, a torn rotator cuff and a damaged left knee -- this is a major accomplishment. My doctor calls me his walking medical miracle,

I do cardio on the bike and elliptical machine for about an hour a day at least five times weekly, and lift weights for 45-60 minutes four times a week. When I shop, it feels great to head for the size 8-10 rack instead of the 24 . 1 know I'll never need those sizes again! I've been very blessed with love and support from my husband, and the encouragement and assistance from Dave. Most important, I firmly believe that God gave me the strength, willpower and friends to achieve my goal.

Even today my story continues: I'm a certified weight trainer, I just passed the personal-training exam and work part time at the gym. I hope to specialize with overweight youth and middle-aged adults who need help and encouragement. I'm living proof that it can be done!