Lysa Robinson, 37, of Stone Mountain loses 90 pounds

By Michelle C. Brooks

For the Journal-Constitution

Former weight: 250 pounds

Current weight: 160 pounds

Pounds lost: 90 pounds

Height: 5 feet 11 inches

How long she's kept it off: "I started my new lifestyle June 2008 and currently I am still losing weight," she says.

Personal life: "I live in Stone Mountain, Georgia," says Robinson. "I am an accountant. I have a 137-pound rottweiler and a 14-pound cat — both slightly overweight as well."

Turning point: "I yo-yo dieted for years," she says. "My sister did the program and eventually convinced me to sign up. I have a strong family history of diabetes, strokes, heart attacks, high blood pressure [and] high cholesterol."

Diet plan: "I joined a bootcamp that focused on several small meals per day," she says. "No late-night eating, no sweets, no alcohol, no fried foods. Snacks became granola, grapefruit and yogurt as opposed to candy and chips. I limit my beef and pork intake and have learned to use ground turkey and ground chicken more often."

Exercise routine: She does an hour of cardio about 5 days per week. This includes jogging, walking around Stone Mountain, step aerobics and kickboxing.

Biggest challenge: "My biggest challenge was changing my eating style," she says. "I went from eating quick, inexpensive fast-food meals each day to meals consisting of fruits, vegetables, grilled chicken and fish."

How life has changed: "Once I started seeing results, I knew this was not going to be some fad diet — it was going to be a lifestyle change," she says. "I enjoy the exercise now; it is no longer a chore. Things have changed quite a lot. I never had self-esteem issues but I do enjoy shopping and going out better. Although I have had to spend the money on replacing my entire wardrobe, clothes are cheaper, cuter and easier to find. Even the type of men who approach me has changed. A typical first date is now a walk in the park as opposed to a 5-course meal. I take pictures with my family and friends and I am no longer the big girl of the group."

Be an inspiration: If you've made positive changes in your diet and/or fitness routine and are happy with the results, please share your success with us. Include your email address, a daytime phone number and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG). Write: Success Stories, c/o Suzanne Van Atten, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Sixth Floor, 72 Marietta St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30303; or e-mail ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com .