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
Patsy Casteen, 61: From 264 pounds to 163 pounds
Former weight: 264 pounds
Current weight: 163 pounds
Pounds lost: 101 pounds
Height: 5 feet 3 inches
Age: 61 years
How long she's kept it off: She joined Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS Club Inc.) in January 2014. "I reached my goal of a total of 100 pounds lost on Dec. 17, 2015," Casteen said.
Personal life: "I have three beautiful daughters … five awesome grandchildren … I have the most wonderful husband of 45 years, he is my biggest support." She's a retired nurse and lives in Valdosta.
Turning point: In 1985, she joined TOPS, lost 85 pounds and went on a cruise. "Needless to say, going on a cruise to reward yourself for losing weight is not the greatest idea. … After the cruise, I did not put my heart back into it." In 1999, she joined, lost 100 pounds and was Georgia TOPS state queen in 2001. In 2002, an automobile accident caused severe injuries, multiple surgeries and weight gain. "I finally returned to TOPS for the third and final time. When I stepped on the scales on Jan. 2, 2014, at 264 pounds, I was mortified, disappointed and very depressed." She also had congestive heart failure.
Diet plan: "I (drank) seven 12-packs of real Coke a week." Now she drinks a gallon of water daily. Breakfast is an egg-white omelet, cheese and bacon. Lunch and dinner are lean protein, veggies and fruit.
Exercise routine: She walks 5 miles daily. At her local senior citizens center, she takes Hula Hoop and line dancing classes. She's a member of the line dancing group, "The Silver Slippers." On weekends, she does 5Ks, where she usually wins her age division. "When you find the exercise for you, that you really enjoy, that is the coolest thing … it's almost like an addiction."
Biggest challenge: It was hard returning to TOPS in 2014: "Are they really going to accept me?" She felt like she let people down gaining weight again, but she was overwhelmingly welcomed.
How life has changed: In June, she flew to New York to be featured on the "Today" show as part of the Joy Bauer Fit Club segment, a goal of hers. Her health has improved: "I've not had any more issues with congestive heart failure. … Life is going to give you just what you put into it, so put your whole heart into it."
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