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
Melanie Cain, 59: From 213 pounds to 143 pounds
Former weight: 213 pounds
Current weight: 143 pounds
Pounds lost: 70 pounds
Height: 5 feet, 5 inches
Age: 59 years
How long she's kept it off: "My recent weight loss journey began on Aug. 1, 2015." She reached her current weight in March.
Personal life: "I'm the charge nurse in pre-admission testing at Gwinnett Medical Center, where I do testing and education for patients preparing for surgery. I am married and have two daughters, a stepson and three grandchildren." She lives in Flowery Branch.
Turning point: "My mother played a major role in my decision to lose weight. Nearly two years ago, my mother became sick. Prior to her passing, she shared her deep hope for me to lose weight. It was then that I decided to begin my journey. Early on in my weight-loss journey, I booked a beach family vacation to Turks and Caicos. … As a young girl, summertime meant memorable family beach vacations. However, as a mother, my weight prohibited me from comfortably wearing a swimsuit. … I participated in the medical weight loss management at Gwinnett Medical Center's Center for Weight Management."
Diet plan: "As a nurse, I understand health care; however, I wasn't as knowledgeable about nutrition." Breakfast is oatmeal. Lunch is a turkey sandwich and dinner is fish or chicken with vegetables.
Exercise routine: "I have recently joined a gym with my husband and work out three to four times per week."
Biggest challenge: "I worked to remove the opportunity for possible setbacks by setting a hard goal … my trip to Turks and Caicos."
How life has changed: "Our beach vacation was incredible. … I'm now a strong advocate of journaling, as it helps to get in touch with your feelings. … When you reflect, it motivates you even more. … Being a stress eater, it helps you to see what your triggers are and to understand what drives you to eat. During my journey, I also experienced a difference in people's attitudes toward me. When you are overweight, sometimes you feel invisible, which can be painful; however, as I lost weight, I noticed a change, which I was able to better identify through journaling. … If I can be successful at this program, anyone can…. Weight loss has lessened the barriers in my life."
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