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 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
SUCCESS STORY
Stephanie Abrams, 38: From 369 pounds to 145 pounds
Former weight: 369 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Pounds lost: 224 pounds
Height: 5 feet, 2 inches
Age: 38 years
How long she's kept it off: Abrams had surgery in March 2015 at the Atlanta Bariatric Center at Emory Johns Creek Hospital; she reached her current weight in June.
Personal life: "I have two amazing parents. I work at Home Depot; I'm a manager over their protection plan," Abrams said. She lives in Marietta.
Turning point: "In January 2015, I was at dinner with my dad and my dad looked at me in a very fatherly way, not in a mean way, just a fatherly way, he said, 'Have you thought about bariatric surgery?' I said, 'Dad, I really haven't, but Dad, I am going to do it.' … He said it to me, and it clicked. Then he said, 'Thank you so much, I cannot imagine what it would be like to bury my child.' … I knew at that moment, my head was in it, my heart was in it, and I knew I was going to do whatever it took to get this surgery approved."
Diet plan: "I don't do diets. … I hate that word. … I am on a food program, a lifestyle of healthy living and healthy food." Breakfast is a protein shake. She has a colorful salad with salmon for lunch and dinner.
Exercise routine: In November, she did her first 5K. In July, she did her first 50K. "During the work week, I bike four to five times per week, spinning. I do two hours of cardio at least four days a week. On the weekends, I run in the pool."
Biggest challenge: "I don't see things coming my way as challenges anymore. It's been such a breakthrough — my mind and my heart are so strong. … I don't have bad days anymore, I have harder days."
How life has changed: "Life has changed dramatically. … People tell me I am always smiling; I am radiant, I'm told." She credits her nutritionist and her surgeon for giving her huge support on her journey. Now, she helps others: "I volunteer and talk with patients … it makes me hold myself accountable. … I was trapped in a fat suit. I literally accepted that I am just supposed to be this way — no, it's not the way I'm supposed to be. … It is a virtual prison and I am free. … If I could help just one person — I know what it's like to live in hell and be trapped."
