Carol Hoefs of Tucker lost 55 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, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
Success story
Carol Hoefs, 60: From 192 pounds to 137 pounds
Former weight: 192 pounds
Current weight: 137 pounds
Pounds lost: 55 pounds
Height: 5 foot, 3 inches
Age: 60
How long she's kept it off: She started in August 2008 and has kept it off since October 2010 — more than five years.
Personal life: "I have been happily married to my husband, Richard Hoefs, for almost 27 years," Hoefs said. "We have no children or pets. … My husband has worked for a major company based in Atlanta for over 30 years." She is retired and lives in Tucker.
Turning point: "A decision to lose the weight came when my weight was causing discomfort in my knees, which both are completely replaced, and my cholesterol was extremely high. This was my decision, to lose the weight for health reasons. When I told my doctor, she was thrilled. … She has been real pleased how well I have been able to maintain my weight loss."
Diet plan: "This was my second time losing weight with Weight Watchers; this time I was determined, and I did it. … About two years ago, I was medically diagnosed gluten-free and dairy-free," she said. She eats fish, chicken and five servings daily of fruits and vegetables. She incorporates a low FODMAP diet, created by Dr. Sue Shepherd, with her Weight Watcher meetings. "It works," she said.
Exercise routine: "I exercise four to five mornings a week. … I average about 45 minutes each day when I exercise. … I have an open floor plan and two to three times a day I will walk around my house for 10 minutes at a time in a fast walk. … My husband and I cruise a lot, and even when on cruises, I make a point of going to the ship's gym."
Biggest challenge: "The biggest challenge was the negativity I got when I started and for almost a year after. … I ignored them and continued the program. [I] made it my goal to achieve what I had set out to do."
How life has changed: "I am a happier person since I am healthier and I love wearing smaller-size clothes. I went from a women's size 18 to 20 down to a size 10 petite. God has blessed me with my healthier life and I want to live life healthy. I'm amazed to keep my weight off. …. I think what helps is I am exercising. In the back of my mind, I do not want to have to wear big-girl clothes again. … My tip to anyone who is trying to lose weight is that, if you slip up, no matter how bad, get back on track and remind yourself what you are achieving for yourself."
