I was a skinny kid until puberty. I was short too! Boy, did things change. Throughout high school I was a little chunky but never terribly overweight (though I felt like I was) and I was always SERIOUSLY unathletic (you know, last picked for teams in gym class and all that). In college, I put on some more weight except for one lovely summer when I took off 40 pounds and got down to 140. I married my husband right out of college and then I proceeded to gain more and more weight every year until I weighed 275 (I'm assuming that was my highest weight, but for years I didn't even know).
My husband is gorgeous. I’m not just saying that – seriously, it’s a fact. He’s one of those people whose looks draw attention, and he’s amazingly fit. He’s always been a runner, and he’s never had an ounce of fat on him. For years, people have wondered why he’s with me. I know this, because some people have even expressed that opinion directly to me! Yes, unbelievably rude, I know. Anyway…he has NEVER made me feel bad about the way I looked, but he didn’t have to. I was always worried that he was ashamed to be married to an obese woman when he’s so fit and healthy. I’ll never know how much shame he might have felt, because he would never say something like that to me.
Like most of us, I’d tried every diet in the book, but I’d never REALLY tried. Yes, I had an 8-month stint with Weight Watchers back in 2001 when I lost 50 pounds, but I gained all that back plus a few more. I knew that the WW plan worked for me, but I had no plan for maintenance, and I just couldn't get back on track. When my mother received a diagnosis of diabetes last summer, however, I realized: this is it. I’m 34 (now I’m 35) and I’m far heavier than she has EVER been. I’m on the path to diabetes and God knows what other kinds of problems. I have to stop this NOW.
So I did it. Yes, that sounds too simple. But it is. You just DO it. What is it that Yoda says? “Do or not do – there is no try.” Something like that. On July 18, 2006, I started counting my WW points again (without going to meetings). I tracked every pound I lost in a spreadsheet and a graph. I was a faithful poster on 3FC from the beginning (and thank God I found this site). In the process, I discovered that I love running. That’s been the biggest surprise of all.
The most awkward, unathletic kid in the world has become an athlete and a coach. The saddest, most ashamed wife has become a woman who’s proud to stand next to her husband. I want more than anything to let people know that they can do this too. People always say “if I can do it, anyone can,” but it really couldn’t be more true in this case. I was unhealthy for so long, and now I’m strong and happy and alive. Thirty-five is FAR better than twenty-five was, I can tell you that for sure.
I can’t thank the people at 3FC enough for the support I’ve received here. It’s unbelievable how wonderful this place is! When I saw 165 on the scale this morning, the first thing I thought was that I can’t wait to let my 3FC friends know.
My next goal is 155. I have all sorts of fitness goals as well, mostly involving becoming a faster runner. I know I’ll have the support of you fantastic folks here as I keep striving toward my goals, and I want to be able to support all of you as well.
This weekend, I’m opening a bottle of champagne to celebrate!
I don't have a whole lot to add, really, but I wanted to let you know that your story gives hope to me, and so many others as well. 
Lisa! It must be an amazing feeling! Your story gives me a lot of hope
