Terry Gomez, 57, of Suwanee sheds 52 pounds

• Former weight: 230 pounds

• Current weight: 178 pounds

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Terry Gomez before picture

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Terry Gomez after picture. ‘I feel like I not only lost pounds but I lost years off my age. I am healthier now than I was in my 40s.’

• Pounds lost: 52 pounds

• Height: 5 feet 8 inches

• How long he’s kept it off: Gomez started on Oct. 4, 2005 and he reached his goal on July 29, 2006. He’s kept it off for over 2 years.

• Personal life: “I am a sales/vinyl window product specialist and I love what I do,” he says. “I live in Suwanee, Ga. with my wife of 37 years, Betty.” They have three grown children: Jeff and his fiancée, Roxanna; Amy and her husband, Jason; and Tracey and her husband, Halem; and four grandchildren.

• Turning point: “I was on medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol and also found myself looking at buying a size 38 waist pants,” he says. “A customer of mine had success with Weight Watchers so my wife and I joined together.”

• Diet plan: He starts the day with Honey Nut Cheerios, an English muffin with reduced fat peanut butter and sugar-free Smuckers and coffee. Mid-morning, he snacks on fruit. Lunch is a turkey sandwich and dinner usually includes a salad, lean meat and a vegetable. “For dessert, I will eat sugar-free pudding with fat-free Cool Whip or fruit.”

• Exercise routine: He works out at Gold’s Gym three to four times per week. He does 5 miles on the treadmill, free weights and sit ups. “I now can’t imagine life without exercising,” he says.

• Biggest challenge: “Craving foods that are not healthy and portion control,” he says. “When we go out to dinner, my wife and I will usually share a meal. If I do eat more than I should, the next day I track my daily points including BLT’s — bites, licks and tastes — to get back on track.”

• How life has changed: “I feel like I not only lost pounds but I lost years off my age,” he says. “I am healthier now than I was in my 40s.” He is no longer on medications and his waist size is 32. “At my first annual checkup after joining Weight Watchers, my doctor hugged me and told me how he wished all his patients would lose weight slowly and in a healthy way, instead of wanting a pill or an easy way to take off the pounds. I was ready and did make a lifestyle change.”

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