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What a Bunch of Losers!
January 9, 2008
I have been waiting a long time to write this blog and finally today I can say at last I have made my Weight Watchers goal. As of Tuesday's weigh in, I have officially lost 119.6 pounds!! I've been asked for some time to tell my story, so here it is.
Two years ago, I couldn't even walk up the stairs to my bedroom. As I crawled up, on my hands and knees, I started to cry. All I could think of was that I would become that lady who lived in her living room and could never leave the house. The next morning I joined Weight Watchers. My leader, Julie, and all my WW pals have stuck with me and encouraged me through the good times and bad. I have to say that I never wanted to quit and I never gave up.
Three months after I started WW, my brother gave me a membership at the high school fitness center and I was so mad at him (I wanted a sweater). I begrudingly went and could only do 5 minutes on the treadmill. After a month, I took my first class. Since then I've done step aerobics, cardio kick, yoga, Tai Chi, weight training and yes, even belly dancing. I've found that I really enjoy working out and that has been the most shocking part of all.
A big part of my success has been eating at the local Subway. I'm there just about every day and they treat me like royalty. They know what I want (chicken breast on honey oat) and how I want it (loaded with veggies, especially green peppers and spicy, brown mustard...yum and just 6 points). Sometimes they see me pull up and my sandwich is made even before I get in the store. (Tiffany, Josh and Amanda in pic)
Now I'd like to share some other success stories. First up, author
Sharon Sala:
"Barbara, I understand that congratulations are in order, and that you've finally reached your weigh loss goal. I'm so proud of you, but I want you to know, you were the impetus - the inspiration if you will - that I needed.
When we first met on the cruise in 2006, I was still grieving deeply for the loss of my fiance, Bobby. He and I had been childhood sweethearts, and then lost track of each other in the ensuing years. Finding him again after I was divorced was like a miracle. I had eight of the most wonderful years with him and then he was gone. After his death in June of 2005, I went into a downward spiral of absolute despair. It was like nothing I'd ever experienced. I didn't care about myself. I just went through the motions of living, even though I had wonderful family around me. But that cruise, which I'd promised to go on before Bobby died, was a promise I had to make myself keep. It was my "first step" back into normal and it was as difficult as losing him had been. Meeting you was a gift...one of those "meant to be"moments that change our lives. You were so upbeat and had such a positive attitude, and I had great admiration for your weight loss journey.
After I got home, I was still in a state of denial about everything, but now and then something would happen and I'd be reminded of you and your inspiring story. Then we met again at the RT convention in Houston, which was another year later. I suppose it was a case of "the right time" for everything to click. I joined WW in my area in the latter part of May, 2007 and have missed only one meeting since I was trapped in my home during the December 2007 ice storm that swept through Oklahoma. Once I'd committed to the process, I've been so focused I've surprised everyone, even myself.
At any rate, I'm 61.2 pounds down and still counting. My ultimate goal is to just be as healthy as I can be. Bobby would be so proud of me. I know I'm proud of myself. And it was never about being slim so much as it was about rejoining the living.
Thank you again."
Your friend,
Sharon
Well Sharon, I am also very proud of you. You are truly an inspiration to us all.
Author
Berta Platas:
"Congratulations, Barbara! I'm so proud of you. I heard you mention your weight loss to someone at Moonlight and Magnolias and asked you to tell me more. I was so impressed that I joined WW that week. I've now lost 10 pounds - my first goal, and I'm a quarter of the way to the end. I may decide to lose more when I get closer to the end, but I definitely give you credit for this great start to improved health.
It's not easy, but when the folks at work bring cookies or coffee cake, I think of your before and after pictures, and I desperately want an "after" picture of my own!"
Love, Berta
Berta, you'll have that "after" picture before you know it and I want to be there to see it.
Author
Kira Sinclair:
"There were definitely times I thought about quitting. I was 5 pounds away from my goal and just couldn't seem to get there. I literally spent about 2 months gaining and losing the same 1 or 2 pounds. It was frustrating but I remembered talking to you in Dallas about WW. I'd read your blog and remember our conversation and resolve to keep at it."
Kira, I always knew you could do it.
Finally, our own
Beyond Her Book blurber, Joyce, who I met at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention last year. While we were talking about our weight loss, she told me she just lost 80 pounds. So here's her before and after.
Joyce is a librarian in Ohio, but she's also a Harley babe. Too bad I don't have any of those pictures.
Bottom Line: It's an honor to be in the presence of all these losers.
Posted by Barbara Vey on January 9, 2008 | Comments (62)
