Last June I received an email from a young woman named Shelley. I hope that her story of struggle and success encourages you as much as it has me ...
Hi Kim,
My name is Shelley. I read your book in January and loved it. I found it to be extremely encouraging, inspirational, spiritual, funny, sad and filled with hope all at the same time. One of the most insightful sayings you had in there for me was "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels." I repeat that one to myself alot. My children now have a mother who is more patient, more self-controlled, kinder, gentler and more loving.
In February 2008 I was 256 pounds and very unhappy. I was shocked into action by a photograph of myself. I was flabbergasted. Was that really me? Matthew 19:26b says "with God all things are possible". That left no room for excuses. So I prayed hard, worked hard and learned how to eat healthy. It wasn't easy, but it was well worth it. At times I wondered if anything was happening. Other times, the changes were quick and drastic.
On June 19, 2009 I hit my goal weight: 145 pounds! Praise the Lord! My husband, children and family are very proud of me. Since then I have lost another 12 pounds as I'm learning how to maintain. That is going to be a life long battle, but like Kim says, I'd rather struggle at goal than struggle to get to goal. My life is much different now. I now know that God will give me the strength to accomplish anything!
Comments
debsweetman said,
April 27, 2010 1:46 PM
Hi Shelly,
I am so happy for you! Wow, ok, so after 5 years of trying everything, and losing some, and gaining it all back..you mean in 14 months I can be thin..that is inspiring! I need to loose 60 pounds and I started weight watchers 4 weeks ago. I am loosing about 1 pound per week. I exercise 3x's a week sometimes more if I bike ride on the weekends. Any tips to help me loose more? or is that the norm to loose just a little every week?
Thanks Deb :)
pepper300 said,
March 6, 2010 8:05 PM
Thanks for your story Shelley. You look fantastic ! Through God all is possible. I quit smoking last year after 40 years of it. This year I will shed my excess weight. God knows what my needs are and he will guide me to the support I need. I could never do this all on my own but with God and my good support team, all is possible !
Marycheebs said,
February 11, 2010 7:08 AM
Shelley,
You are such an inspiration to us all. You are beautiful both before and after. Thanks for sharing your story and giving us hope that we can do it to.
God Bless you,
Mary
lkm422 (not verified) said,
January 7, 2010 4:20 PM
Shelley, look how TINY you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go! I've ordered Kim's book & am anxiously awaiting the arrival. I finally lost my weight on WW (173 to 145); recently have gained back 10 (thanks Disney Cruise - but I put that in my mouth - nobody forced)......and am working on getting back to goal... Congratulations & thanks for sharing your story!
Molly (not verified) said,
January 6, 2010 9:02 PM
Hi Shelley!! I just got done reading Kim's book and since discovered her website and your success story, and I really related. You are a young mom like myself and I am topping the scales at 251 right now. I also need to lose about 115 pounds, and to see how much you have changed is awesome!! I hope to look as good as you do at the end of this journey.Congrats on all your hard work!! You are an inspiration! :) Sincerely, Molly in San Diego, CA
Shelley (not verified) said,
December 2, 2009 8:57 AM
Thank you all for your encouraging comments and congratulations. It feels so good to have come out on the other side successful. Pray for me that I will never give up the good fight. I will pray for all of you, too! To debrajacobs - I was given a calorie counter book that I used to make my meal plans and exercise was crucial. The push-ups and crunches that Kim recommended did so much to tighten my arms and abs. My favourite(Canadian spelling) tip is - if you exercise before you eat in the morning, you will burn 200% more calories than any other time of the day.
Let me know how you do.
Terry lynne Allard (not verified) said,
November 27, 2009 7:45 AM
Way to go Shelley! I'm so happy for you, not just for losing the wait but mostly for finding yourself. It's not an easy thing to do. What a great inspiration you are to so many.
Love your cousin Terry lynne
Maria61 (not verified) said,
November 15, 2009 8:36 PM
Way to go Shelley!! You are half your size. Struggling as well and tipping the scales at 250. I too am contemplating gastric but too fearful and still trying to gain that confidence that "I can do this"....and reading/seeing your before and after is proof indeed that "anything is possible" with great patience and sincere support from those around us that want only the best for us. Thanks to all for you continued inspirational stories/comments/sentiments........As most of you have perhaps also experienced "obesity" can feel like a very lonely place despite all the love and support that may surround us, so to have others walk in our shoes and know exactly the "pain" and "frustration" of battling this disease offers great comfort. Have a great week everyone!!!
Michelle7702 (not verified) said,
October 20, 2009 5:32 PM
Shelley you look beautiful.. I too was 242 lbs at my heaviest and thanks to the wonderful WW plan I am currently 147 and still going strong after nearly 2 years. It is currently a VERY slow process of losing to reach my goal of 132 but I will eventually get there..
Andrea in Sebastian (not verified) said,
October 15, 2009 9:16 AM
What a great story!. I too read the book and joined weight watchers. I started at 272 and am now at 240. The process is extremely slow and sometimes frustrating. I almost opted for gastric sleeve until I did a reality check and kept saying "slow and steady wins the race". We are all in this together and knowing that helps tremendously.
debrajacobs said,
October 14, 2009 12:15 PM
Wow Shelly! Congratulations! Could you please share with us how you lost the weight (what diet you were on) and your exercise routine? You look incredible and I know you feel incredible! God bless you.
Sugarwings said,
October 14, 2009 11:08 AM
Shelly,
You look like a new woman not to mention years younger. Thanks for sharing your story. It helps to know there are people who fight the good fight and win. Not only do your reap the rewards but your family does as well. Take care and may God continue to bless you.
suezq86 said,
October 14, 2009 7:41 AM
Shelly,
that is wonderful. You look so different. I joined about 3 weeks ago and I have lost 7 lbs so far. I did belong to WW and lost some weight but never hit goal. I need to this time. Not only for my health but for insperation for my daughter and grandkids.
Sue
Janay (not verified) said,
October 13, 2009 9:12 PM
What a testimonial! I was nearly topping the scales at 250pds. I have so far shed 54pounds, it is so exciting seeing other peoples journeys...congrats!
Janay (Canada)
janechia said,
October 13, 2009 6:49 PM
Shelley: What an awesome story. What a wonderful gift you gave to yourself and to your family.
Your before and after pictures are both beautiful but I must admit the after picture shows a picture of health.
Keep up the good and hard work.
Jane
genny (not verified) said,
October 13, 2009 4:27 PM
Hi kim i went back to weight watcher last week. I need go back becouse i gain some weight. i don't what to gain all my weight back. I been drinking my water. and mom and i been walking to
Tweeti4276 said,
October 13, 2009 4:00 PM
You are an inspiration, as is Kim! I know this will be me someday! I want to be a success story!
Terri
Carole (not verified) said,
October 13, 2009 3:49 PM
Praise God I am so encouraged that He helped you to lose the weight and to be in great shape. I know it is more about His grace than our obedience. His grace is sufficient to help me be obedient to - His grace!
God bless you and I rejoice with you and hope many are inspired by your testimony
Cindy M (not verified) said,
October 13, 2009 3:24 PM
Kristin,
Congratulations on your decision to join WW. My husband and I are both WW success stories. He lost 75 lbs. and I lost 112 lbs. and have been a lifetimer since February 09. It's a great program and I highly recommend it to anyone because if I could do it, anyone can do it! Good Luck to you!
Suezque1950 said,
October 13, 2009 3:23 PM
WOW! You look great and even have small arms. That's a dream of mine :) I'm hoping that by joining with Kim and getting some extra encouragement, I'll have a picture of myself her someday!
Roseann152 said,
October 13, 2009 3:18 PM
Congratulations, Shelley! You should be very proud of yourself - for losing the weight and for being an inspiration to others.
Good for you!
Roseann
Kristin (not verified) said,
October 13, 2009 2:59 PM
Congratulations Shelley!!!! I joined WW 4 wks ago & have lost 9.8 lbs so far. I too weighed 258lbs. Seeing your before & after pictures is such an inspiration to me. Keep up the good work!
God Bless,
~Kristin
mother mary said,
October 13, 2009 11:25 AM
PTL for your obedience Shelley. Blessings.
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