Ashley and Becca Saef: Sisters lose 138 pounds together

Total pounds lost: 69

Height: 5 feet 5 inches

Becca Saef, 18:

Former weight: 238 pounds

Current weight: 169 pounds

Total pounds lost: 69

Height: 5 feet 7 inches

How long they've kept it off: Ashley began Weight Watchers in October 2007, and Becca did the same in April 2008. "My sister Becca and I have been in this together," Ashley said.

Personal life: Ashley is a resident services coordinator at an assisted-living facility. Becca is a senior in high school. They live in Marietta with their parents, David and Keri Saef. Another sister, Lindsey, 22, attends school in Columbus.

Turning point: "What made me finally decide to lose the weight was nothing specific; it was actually a general feeling of being tired of the lifestyle I was leading," Ashley said.

“All my life I had been heavy,” Becca said. “I had a feeling I could be skinny, healthy if I set my mind to it.”

Diet plan: They both start their day with an English muffin. Ashley tops hers with a veggie sausage patty, and Becca includes egg substitute and veggies with hers. Lunch is a turkey or tofurkey wrap. Dinner is usually a salad or veggie hot dogs.

Exercise routine: "Before I began Weight Watchers, I never went to the gym," Ashley said. "Now, it is simply part of my day, like showering or brushing my teeth." She works out five to six days a week.

“I used to hate the gym,” Becca said. “[Now], I am a self-proclaimed gym rat.” She does 30 to 45 minutes of cardio and strength training six days a week.

Biggest challenge: The biggest challenge for both was learning to differentiate between hunger and wanting to nosh. "I have slowly learned how to tell the difference by listening to my body," Ashley said.

How life has changed: "Over Thanksgiving, I climbed to the top of Stone Mountain, which is something I never even dreamed of doing before," Ashley said.

“I was always the funny fat friend,” Becca said. “I have a whole new confidence in myself, and I’m loving every minute in my new body. I cannot wait for the future.”

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 e-mail 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, Sixth Floor, 72 Marietta St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30303; or e-mail ajcsuccessstories @gmail.com.