Letter to the Editor: A Local Woman's Weight Loss Success

The purpose of this is to share my journey of success:

In December 2007 I tipped the scales at 363 lbs (size 28). My life and health were in jeopardy - I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, many aches and pains in almost every joints, and was a borderline diabetic. My journey began when I finally decided to put myself first and take control of my health.

I started to become conscientious of my daily food choices and started taking daily walks. Each walk was increased a few blocks each day and pretty soon I was up to a mile, then 2, then 3 miles, and finally 3 1/2! I usually walked the 3 1/2 miles in 55 minutes (which at my size was pretty good!). To add to the regiment I joined Curves for Women – I did their circuit for 6 months. Within the first year I lost just under 100 lbs. 

However, the best decision I ever made was to walk through the doors of Bally Total Fitness (James Center, Tacoma, WA) and sign up for a personal trainer. I was assigned to John Jarman, who from the very first session was invested in my success. He celebrated the smallest progress as though I already met my goal; the biggest blessing is that he believed in me when many others did not.

Through his professionalism, compassion, patience, encouraging spirit and leadership, I have accomplished things that I never in my wildest dreams ever thought I would or could do. He has taught me so much about myself! He has helped me to discover the true and real me. He has challenged me to new heights as I continue in my journey in finding this new me. Just recently, I finished a local 5k run in under 40 minutes!!!

With the help, support, and guidance of John and the Bally staff, over the past months, I have lost another 70 lbs and over 30 inches off my total body. Currently I weigh 205 lbs (size 12/14), which means a total weight loss of 165 lbs. I’m still working on losing the last 20-25 lbs – my goal is 170-180 lbs!!

The ‘new me’ is excited for what is to come, new adventures, new challenges and everything in between. One thing that I would really like to do is use my story/journey to help inspire others to find their own ‘new self’. As someone who struggled with my weight, I can understand where they are, and that they hope to get where I am.

It takes a lot of drive, determination, dedication, teamwork and support. I can help pave a path for someone to follow, so they can have the rest of their life to enjoy their new found healthy lifestyle.