David Tucker, 51, of Lawrenceville lost 83 pounds

Height: 5 feet 10 inches

Age: 51 years

How long he's kept it off: "My journey began March 25, 2009 when a new Weight Watchers At Work session was starting at here at the County," Tucker says. "I achieved my goal and became a lifetime member May 4, 2011 and have kept the weight off since."

Personal life: "I live in Lawrenceville with my lovely wife, Meredith, and our dog, Rocko." Tucker is the deputy director for the Gwinnett County Department of Transportation.

Turning point: "I had previous success with Weight Watchers years ago and unfortunately the weight and bad habits came back," he says. "My turning point was when a few things happened around the same time: I had to purchase some size 44 pants, I saw myself interviewed on a local television newscast and was just blown away at how big I was. The camera adds a little [but] not that much. And most importantly, my body began sending some signals that I needed to change my way of life."

Diet plan: His day begins with two eggs, three strips of bacon, whole-wheat toast and fat-free milk. A mid-morning snack of fruit is followed by a large salad with lean protein and hot sauce. In the afternoon, he snacks on whole-wheat tortillas and salsa. He ends the day with grilled chicken, vegetables and hot sauce.

Exercise routine: "This is all about my heath and feeling good so I try and exercise almost every day. I strive for three to five days of aerobic activity a week and at least two days of weight and resistance training. I aim to do at least an hour and a half of activity each time I exercise...I mix up the weight training by changing routines and even finished a series of P90X recently."

Biggest challenge: "Along the way, I hit a three-month struggle period of no change. It was tough, but I finally got back to the basics and watched portions honestly and what I was eating. I did not give up and pressed forward to my goal. Nobody wants to hear this, but it is a daily challenge to keep it off."

How life has changed: "I have lost almost 12 inches off my waist — I wish I could put in words just how much better I feel. I am happier, more confident and can handle much more stress," he says. "In 2011, I placed first in two 5Ks for my age group and finished the Peachtree Road Race in well under 55 minutes."

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 Holly Steel, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or email Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.