Kim Arney of Marietta loses 87 pounds

Former weight: 250 pounds

Current weight: 163 pounds

Pounds lost: 87

Height: 5 feet 8 inches

How long she's kept it off: two years, two months. She started in April 2007, and reached her goal in December 2007.

Personal life: "I am an accountant and live in Marietta," Arney said. "I have been married to my wonderful husband, Samuel, for 23 years. We have two kids. Our son, Julian, is 21 years old, a senior at Carnegie Mellon University. Our daughter, Blair, is 13 years old, an eighth-grader who plays the violin."

Turning point: "I was on cholesterol medicine and borderline diabetic and very unhappy with my appearance," she said. "I was putting everything and everybody before myself. I think this is very common with women; we are [nurturers]. When you are working a full-time job, being a supportive spouse, taking care of kids and maintaining a household, self does not make the list. Women think if you are not doing this, you are not a good wife and mother — putting yourself first is selfish and you are neglecting your family. My problem was I had [lost] myself. Nowhere in my busy life was I on the to-do list."

Diet plan: She followed the Quick Weight Loss Centers diet plan.

Breakfast is oatmeal and blueberries followed by an apple and protein bar. Lunch is a salad with grilled chicken followed at midday by an orange and almonds. Dinner is salmon, a small baked potato and vegetables.

Exercise routine: "I work out five to six days per week," she said. "I enjoy group exercise and take several different classes, which consist of cycling, yoga, kick boxing and weight lifting."

Biggest challenge: "Putting myself first," she said. "For example, when I decided I needed to join a gym to get fit, I immediately thought of the cost involved and how the money could be spent for my husband's and son's birthdays."

How life has changed: "I am happy with myself," she said. "My [confidence] is back. I am excited about life." When she reached her goal, she shared her success with the 50 million pound challenge (www .50millionpounds.com).