Success Stories - Amy S.Please click on thumbnails to see the full size photo. I guess when people say that one day it "clicked", I know what they mean. I didn't ever really see myself as heavy or unhealthy until one day it "clicked." I was 19 years old and I just finished my freshman year of college. I was wearing a size 14 pants. My excuse - I'm just tall. Really, I am...I am 5'10". But when I stepped on the scale and saw that I was 181 lbs, I KNEW that I had to do something. I joined a gym, but doing 30 min on the treadmill was counteracted by the brownies I would bake with my girlfriends at night. I didn't think of joining Weight Watchers until one day, almost as a joke, my Mother suggested we join together. I said YES. It was almost like something took over my body and forced the word YES to come out of my mouth. It was from that point on that I KNEW I was going to do this because I wanted it, I wanted it so bad I could taste it! I joined Weight Watchers the first week in June and like I said, I was 181 lbs. The last week in August, 12 weeks after joining, I weighed in at about 149. I am now about 145 lbs and I have never felt better. I threw out all of my size 14 clothes and I am fitting into sizes 9 and 10. One of the best rewards was not reaching my goal weight, but coming back to school and seeing my friends again for the first time since last semester. The look on their faces, the signs of pride and praise about what I did with myself this summer were amazing. Hearing that people thought I looked awesome and so skinny were what made me really, truly realize that I did this! I did what I set out to do 3 1/2 months ago. I am the worlds laziest person. When that cliché "if I can do it, anyone can do it" comes up, I totally believe it now b/c it is SOOOO true. I was the girl who sat on her bed and ate cookies last year when her roommate and 4 best friends went to the gym. I was voted the laziest person in my dorm! But I did something about all of that and I would never change it for anything. I worked hard for where I am at today. Not just look wise, but I know how healthy I am. I am in the best shape I have ever been in. Even better when I played sports for my high school. I eat healthy and I care about what goes into my body. That is the lifestyle change that I have made for myself. I didn't make this change for anyone but ME. I hope that my story, as well as others, allowed people to realize that they are NOT alone and that something can be done. You have to want to do it for yourself and for no one else! Starting is the hardest part, but once you get going, it's wonderful. You feel so much better about yourself. My roommates at school are so happy for me. They keep asking me, whenever I write down points or check fiber, "how long are you going to be on this diet, Amy?" I simply say... "You guys, it's not a diet.....it's my lifestyle now and I will be on it forever....because I love it!" I am actually a happier person. I lost 35 lbs, and gained a world of knowledge and self confidence. And, self pride. There is nothing better than to be proud of yourself! Amy Update 12/26/00 - My
story has only been up since the first week in December and I have received
over 40 E-Mails. Every letter has been great and such an encouragement.
I have people from all over the world writing me to tell me how great
I look and how I have inspired them to reach their goal. I have managed
to write each and every person back, some I am still keeping in touch with.
They don't' know it, but every letter I get is motivation and inspiration
for me to keep this up and to stay this way for ever. Many people write
me and ask me what my "secrets" were and how I lost weight so fast.
So, I figured I'd share it with all of you. Update 6/20/01 - It has been some time since I updated my story, but being in college can take up most of your time. As of October 10, 2000, I became a LIFETIME MEMBER and to this day, I have maintained my weight, going back and forth between 140-145. I have been a Weight Watchers member for over a year I still cannot get over how much my life has changed by it. And I am not just talking about my body, because yes, that did change dramatically, but I also became much more clear-minded and focused as to what I wanted to do with my life, and at 20 years old, I'd say that is pretty darn good. Whenever you accomplish something you did not think you could, you gain a sense of pride and determination to tackle all of the other things in your life. Your sights are set higher, your dreams are more tangible and your heart is more content. I hope this does not sound cheesy, but it's true. Going off to college I did not think I would be able to keep up with my lifestyle change, the points and exercise. I was used to a set schedule and more structure (because I lost the weight over the summer when I was home). College is unpredictable, uncertain and always changing day by day. I did not know if I would have time or money to be able to cook my own food. I did not know if my workload would allow me to get to the gym. I made it to the gym as much as I could, which was only 3-4 times a week. I did not keep points. It's hard when you grab on the go before class, etc., but the thing that kept me at goal weight and sane was that keeping strict points before allowed me to teach myself how to eat and exercise without having to write everything down. So, here I am. 20 years old, lost about 40 lbs, 4-5 sizes and still keeping it off. I even bought my first bikini! That was something I NEVER thought I would do. It's not easy, but it's not hard. It is another challenge that I know I can handle, thanks to what Weight Watchers has taught me.
Photos - L-R: Before Pic (about 178 lbs); After Pic (145 lbs); 6 months before starting WWer's - 160 lbs; my roomie & I playing "dress up" - 145 lbs; end of my sophomore year - 143 lbs; me & my roommate - 142 lbs (11/7) Hey Everyone!! Again, it has been a LONG time since I have updated my story. But first, thanks, still, to all of you who have written me. I have been SO busy lately that replying to all of them is almost impossible, but I promise to try harder - thanks again! So, I am now 21 and am happy to report that I am STILL a lifetime member at my goal weight. It's been a little struggle at times, but I am managing. I spent a semester abroad in Paris and as wonderful as it was, it was difficult. No gym and tons of wonderful food - crossiants!!! But, because I have been working out for almost 2 years, very reguarly, and watching what I eat, I was able to FULLY enjoy myself while I only gained 3lbs in my 3 months over there. Since then, which was a year ago, I have been keeping my weight off my working out about 3-4 times a week and just eating healthy. This weight loss journey never ends. Even being at my goal weight for over 2 years now, I know it never ends. I still find myself checking calories, points and fat grams, and I still get upset if I can't get to the gym for a week. I worry how my body will react. Will I gain weight?? But what I also realized is that is no way to live. You can't stress out if you put on 5lbs one week, or find yourself eating ice cream more than you used to. I am going through that RIGHT now, and it is hard. It's mind over matter. I find myself worrying more about my weight, as a number, rather then what my body looks like or if I am actually healthy. WW teaches you about HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. They are so right. Being the "thin" one of your group or circle, yes it's great, but if you are not happy or find yourself more stressed then not, re-evaluate why you are doing this? It has to be for YOU, and not them. It has to be to get healthy....realizing these things, although do take time and change, make the end result, that I have reached much more rewarding. I am in my last year of college and have 1 more semester to do. The last 3 years of college have been more than amazing. I Started at 181 and now I am at 140. I grew so much self confidence and I have been able to enjoy ME more than I thought. I owe it all to WW and to all of you - thanks for being so supportive, because you guys help me keep it real! Check out my new, and very recent pictures!! xoxo, Amy These pictures were taking September 21, 2002. I am about 140 here.
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