I am a young 83-year-old and have been a member of Weight Watchers since 1967 – a Lifetime Member since 1968.
I struggled with my weight since the age of 15. My weight always yo-yoed up and down, and then started going up because I used to indulge in all the family favorites: homemade pasta and pastries. I tried everything to lose the 80 lbs I had put on, everything from the latest fad diets to diet pills.
When I was 39, I was engaged to be married and really wanted to lose the weight once and for all. I knew I was only hurting myself by not changing my life. Some of my friends started going to Weight Watchers and were having success, so I tried it. I lost about 40 pounds by the time I got married. The seamstress at the bridal boutique had to adjust my wedding gown numerous times!
I weighed and measured everything, which significantly reduced my portion sizes. It wasn't easy for me all the time. Some weeks, I only lost ¼ lb and would be so disappointed. My leader once suggested that I walk around with a ¼ lb weight all day long. That little bit did add up and I realized that it was significant ... a ¼ lb DID really matter. After I got married, I lost the last 42 pounds and got to my goal of 121 pounds. I had lost a total of 82 pounds and have kept if off ever since.
I knew it needed to become a lifestyle change for me. Since then I've done everything in my power to keep myself there ... since 1968. I still call ahead before going to family parties and ask what they are serving so I can figure out my points for the day. Once I moved to Florida, I immediately found a WW center and I continue to go once a month to get weighed in. I have since had both hips replaced, and walk whenever I can for exercise. I do have to stop and rest frequently, but I still do it.
I was very lucky because everyone in my life was very supportive in my weight loss journey. I am proof that getting to your goal is attainable and staying there at any age is possible. You just have to work at it if you really want it. I enjoy my lifestyle everyday and I don't ever feel like I am depriving myself.
Comments
Leslie Wilson said,
February 6, 2011 9:08 AM
Gilda,
What a role model you are for all of us! Thank you for sharing your story, what an inspiration. I always love reading the success stories, they mean so much to me. That's how I first "met" Kim and I really felt like I knew her bc her struggles were so much like mine. I hope one day I will be a success story too.
Leslie
"it's never too later to be who you might have been." George Eliot
verapeter2 said,
January 7, 2011 7:43 PM
Gilda, thank you so much for sharing you story with us. It is people like you, Kim and some of the other Kimmies, that inspire us to continue on with our journeys.......... to reach our weight loss goal.
Love & Hugs
Vera
Anonymous (not verified) said,
January 6, 2011 8:25 PM
Thank your for your inspirational story. Really enjoyed hearing from you on Kim tonight. There is hope for even this old lady.
God Bless.
Chris
Phyllis C said,
January 6, 2011 2:44 PM
Wow bravo to you Gilda. You are awesome and lot wonderful and so youthful. I am a WW and lifetime member. I lost 91.8lbs. I was a lecturer in the 70's and then gained it back but now I am at goal. Kim Bensen, staff and all the kimmies really help, support and motivate me to say on track. I am also a success story. I always say we have to Watch out for THE blt's which is bites, licks and tastes. Once again congratulations to you PhyllisC
Ginny in VT (not verified) said,
January 6, 2011 2:10 PM
Thank you for sharing Gilda! This is just what I needed to get me back on track! I became a Lifetime member in April 2010 after losing 111 lbs. Gained 7 lbs over the holidays...now working hard to get re-motivated and you helped! All the best to you! Ginny in VT
anomyous (not verified) said,
January 6, 2011 2:00 PM
Wow what a wonderful story about Gilda. I am also a Weight Watcher member and joined Weight Watchers in 1971 for the first time. It took me until 1983 to lose all my weight and have kept it off ever since. I have been a leader since 1995. I love helping members get to their lifetime goal. It is a very rewarding experience.
armywife516 said,
January 6, 2011 1:59 PM
Oh my gosh, Gilda really? Since 1968? Seriously this just made me cry. Thank you thank you thank you for sharing this amazing story about your journey with us. I am always amazed at the stories of people who have kept it off for so long, I think this is the longest success story I have ever read. Just gives me goosebumps to read it. Most importantly it gives me hope and courage and such inspiration in my own journey.
I wish I could give you a hug in real life and tell you how much your story means to me.
Love,
Holly
carrieramriez said,
January 6, 2011 1:56 PM
What an inspiration! Thank you for reminding me that it all counts and adds up.
Love & Prayers
Carrie
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