.
I am the poster child for yo-yo dieting. (I am changing that from now on to was!) I earned life time status at Weight Watchers sometime in the mid 1980’s but I never really got the gist of how to maintain. I gained all the weight back — and then some — by the mid 1990’s. Then, in December of 1999, I reached my goal weight again ... but once more gained it all back.
I have an old journal from January 1st 2007 that I wrote “This is the absolute last time I want to have to make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight.” By January 18th I stopped journaling — which means I stopped trying. The next entry was May 8th, 2007. It reads “Yes, that’s right it has been four months since my last entry and I’m still as heavy as ever.” As you can see, weight loss has always been an issue for me. Somehow I managed to keep myself from being more than 45 pounds overweight. As soon I was nearing the 50 pound mark I would panic and follow whatever fad diet was "in" at the time.
I rely heavily on food during times of stress and had several life altering issues hit me in a two year period. In November of 2008 my husband passed away. I was at an all time low in spirits and all time high in weight. My sister Wendy, who is my life line, rallied around me like a mother hen. She continually found projects and events that we could do together to help ease my pain.
In December of this year, Wendy dragged me to a book signing of some weight loss guru in the town right next to ours. That's when I met Kim Bensen. Kim told the story of how she began her weight loss journey at the same time her father passed away. I took this as a message from up above. If she could do it, then by golly so could I. I began attending her weekly meetings, watching Kim online, trying out new recipes and planning like I've never planned before, all the while hearing Kim’s voice saying, “You can do it”. The rest, as they say, is history. Maintenance is for LIFE.
[I just want say thank you to Kim, Penny, Peter, Mark and Matt!]
Comments
Cam (not verified) said,
January 4, 2011 7:38 AM
Pat, I have just begun surfing this site. Yours is the first I have seen of someone who lost weight on the old WW program. I joined in January 1973 and became a Lifetime member in June 1973.
This was long before a maintenance program and I was left on my own. Of course, I've gained the weight back, but that is another story.
I haven't gone back and learned about the Points system, but just might.
Thanks for your story.
pepper300 said,
August 13, 2010 1:35 PM
Hi Pat,
You have a terrific story that brings hope & belief to others. Thanks for sharing your story. You look awesome & must be so proud! Sometimes we can take the low points in our life and turn it to something positive. I know your husband would be so proud of your success ! Keep it up !
PhyllisC (not verified) said,
June 9, 2010 4:52 PM
Hi Pat
Wow you look terrific and your story hit home. I had 4 deaths in four years, My mother-in-law and then 4 days later my Mom and in 9 months my 39 year old son and this November my Dad but I worked it out and reached my goal in March 89./ lbs. Your are an inspiration to all. God bless you. Yes Kim is such a wonder and so much support and motivation
singmusically said,
March 31, 2010 1:01 PM
Hi Pat. I am in the same situation as you were. My husband of 20 years passed in November of 2009. I am 46yo and have 5 children. I am about 80 pounds overweight and really need to take good care of myself. Especially now. Any advice you could give would be appreciated.
Sandi
bama girl said,
March 15, 2010 10:12 AM
You look fabulous. I am so very proud of you. Keep up the great work. I hope to be there too one day.
Pat
Barb T (not verified) said,
August 12, 2009 6:00 PM
Hi Patty,
I am so proud of you and what you have accomplished
during this past year, especially with the loss of George.
Thank God for Wendy cheering you on and being there
always. I'm so glad we are friends and now I am part of
Kim Bensen thanks to you. Much Love, Barb
Debbie E. (not verified) said,
August 12, 2009 5:27 AM
Hello Pat,
I just have to tell you that I was moved by reading your story. You look wonderful and most certain you will keep it up. Set yourself small goals, take one day at a time. My daughter and myself belong to weight watchers and I don't ever want to quit. I just had to give you my 2 cents in wishing you the best. Also, Diane, I will put you and your husband on our prayer list. Best of luck to you.
Remember this always. "They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care"
Take Care and much success.
Debbie from Virgina
Diane Lott (not verified) said,
August 11, 2009 11:11 PM
Dear Pat, you look terrific. I am faced with a situation
very similiar to yours. My husband is sick and we have to
go to Houston,Texas for surgery. And we live in Pensacola,
Fl. He has 5 aneurysms in the front of his body. And the
main artery going up the center of his front is an aneurysm. Please pray for him. His name is Jimmy and my
name is Diane. We have 3 children and 5 grandchildern.
We have been married 42 years August 19th, 2009. God Bless
and keep up the good work. I forgot to mention I am 150lbs
overweight.
Hugs
Diane
Jodi said,
August 11, 2009 12:48 PM
You look awesome!
GREAT JOB!
kim said,
August 11, 2009 11:37 AM
I'm so proud of you Pat! Keep up the great work!
Kim :)
Mary Deming (not verified) said,
August 11, 2009 6:33 AM
Pat
I am sooooooooooooo proud of you...as I read all of your words about yo yo dieting and your history with "weigh on weigh off", I could feel my heaad going up and down ...yep yep yep...that's me..BUT YOU DID IT...you look fantastic....thanks for your support
Congrats to you Pat and Wendy too!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mary
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