Karin

Age: 55

Lost  50 pounds

Completed Program  February 2006

Almost two years ago my best friend, Nancy, started the 20/20 Lifestyles program. I watched her continuously keep losing weight, while my good intentions fell by the wayside. After eight months and a steady weight gain, I decided that I would have to join the program as well. I’d thought about it for several years but was too afraid to make the commitment. Nancy’s incredible success was the reassurance I needed.

Like me, she was a Microsoft spouse. We both were astounded that Microsoft considered it important enough for us to lose weight that they were willing to cover 80 percent of the program cost for the employee, as well as their spouse. Meaning that Microsoft believes our health care would cost them MORE than if we didn’t lose the weight. Microsoft is just an amazing and innovative company!

I had a few challenges starting the program - probable arthritis in my elbows which made it impossible to even lift a carton of milk, and old hip injuries which made it painful to walk up stairs. Two weeks of taking fish oil faithfully, receiving physical therapy for my hips, and exercising regularly resolved all issues. And my usual seasonal depression never really appeared. Exercise is a wonderful thing!

My favorite part of the program was the counseling support group. Our group continues to meet for dinner monthly. We share our recipes, struggles, and successes. One of my group members even joined me when I ran my 10K!

Sara Slater, our group leader, helped us all navigate the realities of big lifestyle changes. She helped us see that “failing” wasn’t really failure, and it certainly wasn’t permanent. Instead, she showed us how to get ourselves back on track and make the small choices that make the big changes possible. We started learning how to avoid beating ourselves up, and how to transfer accountability from the personal trainers and dietitians to ourselves.

My family has been wonderful. My husband couldn’t have been more supportive and my kids tell me that they are still amazed at the changes in my attitude. It’s hard for them to remember the person I was 50 pounds ago.

I believe the best way to maintain my weight loss is a “No Excuses” attitude about exercising, which I do five days a week. I continue to work out at PRO Sports Club because I want the support I get here to continue. After being “invisible” because of my weight for so long, it’s wonderful to come to a place where I am not judged by my weight.

I now work for the 20/20 Lifestyles program. I’m passionate about it and want more than anything to help other people feel the success that I’ve felt. My message is yes, you can do this! If this couch potato was reformed, anyone can be. Have a good time, and get healthy! I’ll see you at the gym.