Lost 100 pounds, my story

DENMW · 05-18-2006, 05:44 PM

At age 55 it has become abundantly clear to me that exercise needs to be a priority in my life.

About 6 years ago I was assessed by a Physical Therapist for back problems. He did a total spine evaluation and told me that if I did not do something about my physical condition now I would have permanent damage. He put me on a cardio and strength training program in his rehab facility. After physical therapy was over I knew that I needed to continue to exercise but I knew trying to do it on my own has never worked for very long. That’s when I decided that joining a gym would be the best thing I could do for myself.

I started out slowly. When I first began I could only do 3 min. on the elliptical trainer. Even though I was not losing weight at first I gained a lot of strength and endurance. I also overcame several obstacles. I had arthroscopic knee surgery and was facing a knee replacement if I did not lose weight. I have rotator cuff problems, hip and back problems all of which tremendously improved. I was also having hormonal issues and was told that it would be very difficult for me to lose weight during menopause.

I was determined, however, and did not give up. I adopted a healthy eating plan and stuck with my program. I have now lost over 100 pounds and have maintained that weight loss for a year and a half.

My latest fitness accomplishment is that I have become a Les Mills International certified RPM instructor and teach spinning classes. This is a HUGE accomplishment for me.

For me fitness is not about having the perfect body. It’s about adopting an overall healthy lifestyle. I feel like exercise has given me a new lease on life.

Linda

Trisha29040 · 05-18-2006, 05:47 PM

Congratulatons!! Way to go....I needed to read this story tonight. Very inspiring.

Cathlena · 05-18-2006, 07:05 PM

That is GREAT!! I am incorporating cardio and weights into my routine as well. I am trying to make it a regular part of my day as much as possible. I heard someone say something like "Exercise should be part of your day just like brushing your teeth, etc."

I keep reminding myself of that everytime I want to skip out on exercise.

Thanks for sharing your story and Congratulations!!

schauflermom · 05-19-2006, 11:45 AM

Wow! You look incredible. What an inspiration to us all! Keep up the good work!!!!!

heidi21062 · 05-19-2006, 01:52 PM

Congratulations!

cinnya · 05-23-2006, 08:28 PM

you are an inspiration...

creminimush · 05-28-2006, 01:41 PM

Wow, way to go! That's awesome.

jgw · 05-29-2006, 09:14 AM

You look Great!!!

DENMW · 05-29-2006, 10:40 AM

Thanks guys. Every now and then ai need to read my story over because I still can't believe it sometimes

chakwaina37 · 05-29-2006, 10:45 PM

WTG you have come along way and should be very proud of yourself, I sure needed to hear this story as I as well have back issues in dire need of me losing this weight. Thanks so much for sharing your story.

QueenOfAcapulco · 05-31-2006, 06:03 PM

Wow, you really are an inspiration to all of us, thank you so much for telling your story!

QueenOfAcapulco

Swissmom · 06-04-2006, 06:26 AM

What an accomplishment! Congratulations!

romecat · 06-04-2006, 06:45 PM

Wow!! How very inspirational!! Congratulations!!

Sweeter-than-Splenda · 06-06-2006, 06:43 AM

Another BIG WOW!!! You look great!!! I am just starting back to low carb and exercising and need to lose about 65 lbs. After reading your story I feel inspired and know I CAN DO IT!!! Thank you for sharing your story and helping all of us who are just starting out and/or have been on Atkins for awhile. Congratulations on your accomplishments!!! You should be very proud!!! Keep up the good work!!!!

dorrrra · 06-07-2006, 06:33 AM

congratulations dear...

Slimmershirley · 07-02-2006, 05:13 PM

Thanks for posting your story. I am also in my 50's and hope I can be as successful as you.

You are an inspiration!

kimlou · 07-10-2006, 07:48 AM

I saw your post in Mel78's thread.

All I can saw is WOW, you look great and a total inspiration !

TracyinKS · 07-10-2006, 01:56 PM

WOW!!!!!!! whattainspiration you are!

DonnaD40 · 11-06-2006, 06:37 AM

wow! I just read your story. You are quite the inspiration!

DENMW · 11-06-2006, 05:16 PM

Thanks. I know it is going to be a lifelong battle, but I'm geared up.

bilowi · 11-08-2006, 12:07 PM

Wow, if I can look like you at 55 I'll be a totally hot mama!!! A true inspiration.

HarleyLady · 12-02-2006, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bilowi

Wow, if I can look like you at 55 I'll be a totally hot mama!!! A true inspiration.

i will be 50 in 19 days

T-bone · 12-03-2006, 02:07 PM

This is my first post - and I am totally inspired!

DENMW · 12-03-2006, 03:36 PM

This is a great website. There is a lot of support and helpful info here. Check out the recipe room and recipe suggestions board. Post often. It's a great way to stay accountable. Also, check out Fitday.com. It is a free foodtracker that many of us use that is great.

T-bone · 12-06-2006, 02:48 PM

Thank you for the info - wandered away from low-carbing for about 2.5 years...now 25 lbs later, starting again! Your pictures are amazing, btw!

PhillyDude · 12-11-2006, 06:10 PM

Wow Linda you're story is a huge encouragement to me! Thanks for sharing your story

prairiemom · 12-17-2006, 05:37 PM

Thanks for shareing your story. I bet it wasn't easy,what determination you've shown! Congratulations on your much healthier body.

pink00 · 01-05-2007, 07:58 PM

Amazing story! GREAT!

julieboolie · 01-06-2007, 07:19 AM

I know the changes you've made are reward enough but you are truly inspiring! I'm upping my exercise this year as part of my new goals and you have really challenged me to not back off from new workouts. Thanks for sharing your experience and congratulations on your new life. Enjoy it!!

Shirl1 · 02-02-2007, 04:26 AM

I looked at your before and after pics, you look great. What a change.

05-18-2006, 05:44 PM	#1
DENMW MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 2,239 Gallery: DENMW Stats: 243/162.5/139 5'4", Age 57 WOE: Crack the Fat-Loss Code	Lost 100 pounds, my story At age 55 it has become abundantly clear to me that exercise needs to be a priority in my life. About 6 years ago I was assessed by a Physical Therapist for back problems. He did a total spine evaluation and told me that if I did not do something about my physical condition now I would have permanent damage. He put me on a cardio and strength training program in his rehab facility. After physical therapy was over I knew that I needed to continue to exercise but I knew trying to do it on my own has never worked for very long. That’s when I decided that joining a gym would be the best thing I could do for myself. I started out slowly. When I first began I could only do 3 min. on the elliptical trainer. Even though I was not losing weight at first I gained a lot of strength and endurance. I also overcame several obstacles. I had arthroscopic knee surgery and was facing a knee replacement if I did not lose weight. I have rotator cuff problems, hip and back problems all of which tremendously improved. I was also having hormonal issues and was told that it would be very difficult for me to lose weight during menopause. I was determined, however, and did not give up. I adopted a healthy eating plan and stuck with my program. I have now lost over 100 pounds and have maintained that weight loss for a year and a half. My latest fitness accomplishment is that I have become a Les Mills International certified RPM instructor and teach spinning classes. This is a HUGE accomplishment for me. For me fitness is not about having the perfect body. It’s about adopting an overall healthy lifestyle. I feel like exercise has given me a new lease on life. Linda

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05-18-2006, 05:47 PM	#2
Trisha29040 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: South Carolina Posts: 369 Gallery: Trisha29040	Congratulatons!! Way to go....I needed to read this story tonight. Very inspiring.

05-18-2006, 07:05 PM	#3
Cathlena Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 434 Gallery: Cathlena Stats: 10/06: 195 CW: 185 GW: 135 WOE: Low Carb, No Grain, No Dairy (some cheese ok) Start Date: 1/1/07	That is GREAT!! I am incorporating cardio and weights into my routine as well. I am trying to make it a regular part of my day as much as possible. I heard someone say something like "Exercise should be part of your day just like brushing your teeth, etc." I keep reminding myself of that everytime I want to skip out on exercise. Thanks for sharing your story and Congratulations!!

05-19-2006, 11:45 AM	#4
schauflermom Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: North Augusta, SC Posts: 72 Gallery: schauflermom Stats: 146.5/133/128 WOE: Atkins Start Date: recommitted 5-12-06	Wow! You look incredible. What an inspiration to us all! Keep up the good work!!!!!

05-19-2006, 01:52 PM	#5
heidi21062 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Transplanted to NC...but my hearts in Hampton, VA.... Posts: 14,460 Gallery: heidi21062 Stats: 190/176/110 - 5'3" WOE: Atkins..no WW's...wait a minute....what day is it? Start Date: Started WW 07/28/08 @ 178.6 lbs	Congratulations!

05-23-2006, 08:28 PM	#6
cinnya Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Boomer~Sooner Posts: 74 Gallery: cinnya Stats: 169/138/135 WOE: moderate carbs	you are an inspiration...

05-28-2006, 01:41 PM	#7
creminimush Junior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 28 Gallery: creminimush	Wow, way to go! That's awesome.

05-29-2006, 09:14 AM	#8
jgw MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Magnolia State Posts: 1,123 Blog Entries: 46 Gallery: jgw Stats: SW229 CW185 GW140 WOE: Flexing by Weight Watchers!! Start Date: 01/09/2006	You look Great!!!

05-29-2006, 10:40 AM	#9
DENMW MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 2,239 Gallery: DENMW Stats: 243/162.5/139 5'4", Age 57 WOE: Crack the Fat-Loss Code	Thanks guys. Every now and then ai need to read my story over because I still can't believe it sometimes

05-29-2006, 10:45 PM	#10
chakwaina37 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Nv Posts: 490 Gallery: chakwaina37 Stats: One day at a time WOE: Low carb, suger free Start Date: On and off since 2000	WTG you have come along way and should be very proud of yourself, I sure needed to hear this story as I as well have back issues in dire need of me losing this weight. Thanks so much for sharing your story.

05-31-2006, 06:03 PM	#11
QueenOfAcapulco Junior LCF Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Neptune, NJ Posts: 4 Gallery: QueenOfAcapulco Stats: 180 WOE: Atkins Start Date: May 30, 2006	Wow, you really are an inspiration to all of us, thank you so much for telling your story! QueenOfAcapulco

06-07-2006, 06:33 AM	#15
dorrrra Guest Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 9 Gallery: dorrrra	congratulations dear...

06-04-2006, 06:26 AM	#12
Swissmom Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 55 Gallery: Swissmom	What an accomplishment! Congratulations!

06-04-2006, 06:45 PM	#13
romecat MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,142 Gallery: romecat	Wow!! How very inspirational!! Congratulations!!

06-06-2006, 06:43 AM	#14
Sweeter-than-Splenda MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Southern Minnesota Posts: 1,036 Gallery: Sweeter-than-Splenda WOE: currently following Dr. Oz' plan "You: On a diet" Start Date: restart restart date 1/02/08	Another BIG WOW!!! You look great!!! I am just starting back to low carb and exercising and need to lose about 65 lbs. After reading your story I feel inspired and know I CAN DO IT!!! Thank you for sharing your story and helping all of us who are just starting out and/or have been on Atkins for awhile. Congratulations on your accomplishments!!! You should be very proud!!! Keep up the good work!!!!

07-02-2006, 05:13 PM	#16
Slimmershirley Guest Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 33 Gallery: Slimmershirley Stats: 245/245/145 WOE: Lower Carb	Thanks for posting your story. I am also in my 50's and hope I can be as successful as you. You are an inspiration!

07-10-2006, 07:48 AM	#17
kimlou MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: May 2004 Location: Kentucky Posts: 1,545 Gallery: kimlou Stats: 186/138/135 OR LOWER WOE: LC/Low Cal Start Date: February 2004/REINTRO 10/05	I saw your post in Mel78's thread. All I can saw is WOW, you look great and a total inspiration !

07-10-2006, 01:56 PM	#18
TracyinKS Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: BandLand Baby Posts: 3,191 Gallery: TracyinKS Stats: 272/176/150ish WOE: Trying to keep it LowCarb Start Date: Many Many times since 1999!	WOW!!!!!!! whattainspiration you are!

11-06-2006, 06:37 AM	#19
DonnaD40 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 629 Gallery: DonnaD40 Stats: 175/159.5/150 WOE: Atkins 72' Start Date: restart 3/02/07	wow! I just read your story. You are quite the inspiration!

11-06-2006, 05:16 PM	#20
DENMW MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 2,239 Gallery: DENMW Stats: 243/162.5/139 5'4", Age 57 WOE: Crack the Fat-Loss Code	Thanks. I know it is going to be a lifelong battle, but I'm geared up.

11-08-2006, 12:07 PM	#21
bilowi Junior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Midwest Posts: 29 Gallery: bilowi Stats: 213/213/130 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Currently Pregnant	Wow, if I can look like you at 55 I'll be a totally hot mama!!! A true inspiration.

12-03-2006, 02:07 PM	#23
T-bone Junior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Winfield IL Posts: 4 Gallery: T-bone Stats: 160-157-125 WOE: Low bad carbs Start Date: 12-01-06	This is my first post - and I am totally inspired!

12-03-2006, 03:36 PM	#24
DENMW MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 2,239 Gallery: DENMW Stats: 243/162.5/139 5'4", Age 57 WOE: Crack the Fat-Loss Code	This is a great website. There is a lot of support and helpful info here. Check out the recipe room and recipe suggestions board. Post often. It's a great way to stay accountable. Also, check out Fitday.com. It is a free foodtracker that many of us use that is great.

12-06-2006, 02:48 PM	#25
T-bone Junior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Winfield IL Posts: 4 Gallery: T-bone Stats: 160-157-125 WOE: Low bad carbs Start Date: 12-01-06	Thank you for the info - wandered away from low-carbing for about 2.5 years...now 25 lbs later, starting again! Your pictures are amazing, btw!

12-11-2006, 06:10 PM	#26
PhillyDude Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 808 Gallery: PhillyDude WOE: Atkins Start Date: Started seriously on November 1st, 2006	Wow Linda you're story is a huge encouragement to me! Thanks for sharing your story

12-17-2006, 05:37 PM	#27
prairiemom Junior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 53 Gallery: prairiemom Stats: 251/245/135 WOE: Kimkins and treadmill Start Date: January 1st 2007	Thanks for shareing your story. I bet it wasn't easy,what determination you've shown! Congratulations on your much healthier body.

01-05-2007, 07:58 PM	#28
pink00 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 60 Gallery: pink00	Amazing story! GREAT!

01-06-2007, 07:19 AM	#29
julieboolie MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Sunny AZ Posts: 2,225 Gallery: julieboolie Stats: 266/168/159 Size 22/12-10/10-8 WOE: Atkins. Start Date: July 14, 2003, restart 2/1/06 (189!)	I know the changes you've made are reward enough but you are truly inspiring! I'm upping my exercise this year as part of my new goals and you have really challenged me to not back off from new workouts. Thanks for sharing your experience and congratulations on your new life. Enjoy it!!

02-02-2007, 04:26 AM	#30
Shirl1 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Kansas Posts: 315 Gallery: Shirl1 Stats: 200/180/140 WOE: Atkins Start Date: restart 1/1/07	I looked at your before and after pics, you look great. What a change.