Barbara Perry, 63, of Marietta lost 30 pounds


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 Patty Murphy, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.

SUCCESS STORY / Barbara Perry, 63: From 193 pounds to 163 pounds

Former weight: 193 pounds

Current weight: 163 pounds

Pounds lost: 30

Height: 5 feet, 6 ½ inches

Age: 63 years

How long she's kept it off: She started in January and reached her current weight in early October. She is still working toward her ultimate goal of losing 15 more pounds.

Personal life: "I have two adult children and married for 42 years. My four-legged family includes: a westie, a cocker spaniel and chiweenie: a chihuahua / dachshund hybrid dog. I am retired from being a pediatric physician assistant." She lives in Marietta.

Turning point: "I retired from a career in medicine. I was having increasing issues with my back and knew that eventually I was going to have surgery for general health reasons and the increasing weight with my back issues was not good. I personally had the personal time to focus on my health and not everyone else's." She tried many diets but lost interest and grew bored. In January, she started working with wellness coach, Jacynta Harb (www.sparkleanewyou.com). "It wasn't a resolution or anything. It was a health decision and I said, 'I've got to do this!'" In June, Perry had back surgery. "Until [mid-September], I was pretty immobile since June 3. I kept tracking even though my husband was cooking and buying food. We've made it a real commitment as a couple to be healthier … I had success despite having some handicaps."

Diet plan: Breakfast is oatmeal with nonfat milk and fruit or an English muffin with peanut butter. Lunch is a peanut butter or lunchmeat sandwich. Dinner is fish, chicken or beef with salad and vegetables.

Exercise routine: She currently does water therapy twice a week for an hour. "Prior to [back surgery], I was biking 20 to 40 miles a week; that's really my most favorite exercise … cycling."

Biggest challenge: "The biggest challenge has been the inactivity. I think had I not had the back issues, I probably already would have been at goal. Because I cannot burn calories as well, it's been slow and steady — that's been probably my biggest challenge."

How life has changed: "My life has really changed. I personally just feel better not having the extra weight," she says. "Any behavior you are trying to change, you personally have to be ready. Whether it's drinking or smoking or losing weight — you have to be patient; you didn't gain it overnight; you're not going to lose it overnight."