So, heres the story of my weight loss journey.
I have always struggled with being heavy. I was always the "chubby" girl in my group of friends. I remember hiding food in my closet as a kid so I could eat it when no one was looking.
I did the Overeaters Anonymous teen program as a kid - but had no real luck with it.


In college I got bigger. A friend sent this to me recently- I'm the one on the left,


the one that looks like a chubby boy !

I put this side by side with a photo taken of me and my husband New Years eve 2011 for comparison. Just look - I have actual cheekbones now

Then I got married and had my first child , and got divorced - I got even bigger.
In 1995 I got diagnosed with Graves disease, a thyroid disease and I lost quite a bit of weight. At 5' tall I weighed in at my lowest ever, at 130lbs wearing a size 8
I met my husband and married him at around 140, size 10.
I felt pretty good at that size, but knew I was still considered overweight.
Then I had two more babies, in 2000 and 2003. After the birth of my son I was 181lbs - wearing 18's and 20's. I dropped 20 pounds in the next 2 months or so post pregnancy but was still a bigger girl weighing 160lbs at 5' tall and wearing 16's and 18's.
I thought I was ok as a heavier woman. I still felt pretty, loved, blessed. I really didn't consider it an issue.

Then things changed. A few things changed.

Visually I "saw myself". There was a video of me singing at church on Mothers Day - with a chorus behind me. And all I could think of was "Oh my Lord, those poor people behind me watching me jiggle!". I honestly never saw myself as that big. Some pictures from us fishing at the river that weekend also took me by surprise. I mean, I knew I was "chubby". I didn't realize how big I'd become.














I started to talk to God and asked for His help in figuring out what I needed to do. My body is a temple, but I sure wasn't treating it as one with the hershey bars and sitting on my butt on the computer .
I was having some issues with my kids. I couldn't RUN after my very very rambunctious son. I was short of breath doing stairs at playgroups. I was telling my kids "go get it and bring it to me" instead of getting up and getting it. I certainly wasn't running with my kids at the playground.

I started collecting the Walk away the pounds dvd's til I could do a different one every single day or twice a day. It was low impact, do-able, a workout for someone like me who had never worked out. Once I was down 30lbs I started doing pilates too!

I got weights. I started with 1lbs, then went to 3lbs. I started using the resistance cords and stretchie bands with the workouts. I was doing at least an hour a day of exercise - in shifts as I could. 15 minutes in the morning, 30 minutes during nap, another 15 minutes after dinner. That kind of thing. Instead of sitting on the computer when I had a moment with no kids, or housework - I worked out.


When I'd lost 30 lbs I felt really strong and knew I'd finish.


And I called a surgeon and got a consult for a breast reduction for my "National Geographic Breasts". I had gone from a 44E to a 36D with diet and exercise. Now I am a 32C and happy as a clam. I have no more back, shoulder and neck pain. And I can RUN. I can JOG. I can do everything!

I was not allowed to work out for almost 8 weeks and everyone thought that was it for me.
WRONG!!! I started back up again lightly and worked my way back. I now am back to at least an hour a day exercise - alternating cardio - In home walking, and Turbo jam!! Oh my - I don't know who turned me on to Turbo Jam but it rocks my world! I jam at least 3 times a week and I can't even name a favorite since they all are amazing workouts. I never knew I could dance - and kickbox - and well, if you turbo jam you know what I'm talking about!

I had more cardio - but then I needed serious strength training - weight lifting .

I discovered Jari Loves Get Ripped and got a barbell for my 41st birthday! I've become a huge fan. I have muscles - and yes, I'm getting Ripped :)

I have a long way to go but I"m doing it!

I have maintained my weight loss now for FIVE years now and have no doubt I will continue to be this weight, and continue to tone, sculpt and define my muscles.

I know what to do now. Eat less. Do more.
I can have things I love (in moderation) and have a much better feel for my hunger needs, cravings, emotional eating etc.
Here is me after the 65lb weight loss - quite a difference, eh?












with Leslie Sansone


I've been asked to update some photos - so here are some more recent ones!

My 42nd birthday 7/27







The Phoenix Veterans Day parade 11/07


Rock climbing November 2007 - never could have done THAT before!


Getting ready for Christmas 2007


I feel totally strong. Empowered and this is the best gift I could've ever given myself ! I feel (and am told I look) 15 years younger.
Its not like I don't have to worry about gaining back the weight. I do. I have to think about my choices every day. Drink my water. Choose my snacks wisely. Exercise.
But I feel lighter - on several levels. I feel lighter physically, spiritually and emotionally - like tons of baggage has been lifted off my shoulders.
The cool part is, its night like I had a personal trainer or chef. Or took diet pills. I'm no superwoman. I did it and that means anyone can do it!!!

And if you would've told me years ago I'd be IN a workout video I'd have laughed in your face. Now I am! I was in an infomercial released 1/07 for Leslies new Walk slim system.


I'm in her 2 mile walk called Fast Start in the Walk Slim system.
It was an honor, a blessing and a blast!

Then I got to go to Philadelphia to be on QVC live New Years Eve 07-08
with Leslie and Crew! What a great experience that was and how blessed I am to be invited to help spread the word about what an amazing program this is.
Here is a small slide show of that trip for you to enjoy. Wait a few seconds for the pictures to change :)


Wanna hear me talk about my experience? Spoiler alert did
a radio interview with me and you can listen to it on line.
Here

Almost 3 years and I've kept it off! I'm adding muscle too.




Out for a friends 50th bday ! Much more wholesome - Mothers Day - May 2008



Heres me and my son Fathers Day 08 (yes, he's not happy)



OK - adding MORE updated pics per folks requests. These were taken August 15,2008 after doing Leslie Sansones Walk and Jog!



Celebrating my daughters birthday 8/31/08


and most recent 10/23/08 my 19 year olds birthday



then I became a gramma. I still struggle with my weight but hey, its an ongoing journey. I gain, I lose.





Thanksgiving 2009




Bringing this page up to speed yet again - In May 2010 I started having headaches, jaw/neck and ear pain. I wasn't able to do my hard core workouts. Heavy weight lifting, kickboxing, turbo jam - slowly I was modifying down because the higher impact stuff was bringing on daily migraines and pain. But did I stop working out? Nope - just went back to my Leslie Sansone WALK workouts - gentle , safe, effective. Kept myself moving. When they discovered a cyst on my pineal gland in my brain I kept walking and praying and taking the meds. I had surgery October 25, 2010 - brain surgery - and they removed the cyst. Praise God it all went well. One week post surgery I checked my discharge instructions and showed my husband that it very clearly stated "walk daily". So guess what I did on day 6 post brain surgery? I did a one mile WALK dvd in my living room. Modified, gentle and someone nearby just in case - but I did it. Two weeks post op I'm doing two miles and getting stronger. Anyone can do the program - if you have legs that work, you can walk.

updated photos : July 2010 - me and my son on his 7th birthday and me and my granddaughter September2010



most recent- April 2011 at my daughters baptism and singing at our church picnic April 2011




Thanks for listening to my story and checking out my pics . Even after brain surgery I was able to start exercising again ! Anyone can eat right, exercise and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle! Again, If I can do this, anyone can do this!

You really can do this! Eat smart. Walk Strong.
Love
Barb