Former weight: 239 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Pounds lost: 94
Height: 5 feet 5 inches
Age: 54
How long she's kept it off: "I started Weight Watchers in October 2010," Dougherty said. "I made my goal weight Feb. 11, 2012. I made lifetime member [in March] and have continued to remain at goal."
Personal life: "I live in Loganville, Ga., with my husband Allen, married 29 years, and our two dogs. We have two children and three grandchildren," she said. "I work for Benchmarc360º Inc., a strategic meeting management company in Atlanta. I am the director of events and lead the global sourcing for the company."
Turning point: "I have struggled with my weight all my life," she said. "In 2001, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had my thyroid removed. Again the struggle continued because my metabolism had to be medically regulated. On top of this, I could not exercise because I needed a knee replacement. ... At this point, I was on high-blood pressure medication, and my endocrinologist informed me I was borderline diabetic. I was told I either lost the weight or ran the risk of being put on insulin — what a wake-up call! I left the doctor's office in tears, and at that point, I made up my mind I had to make some big changes in my life ... a lifestyle change."
Diet plan: Breakfast is scrambled eggs and ham or oatmeal. Lunch is a salad with lean protein or leftovers. Dinner is grilled chicken, pork or fish and grilled vegetables.
Exercise routine: "I joined Ladies Workout in Snellville ... and love it," she said. "I started out with just two days a week and have increased it to five days."
Biggest challenge: "My biggest challenge has been to remember this was a lifestyle change — it is not temporary," she said.
How life has changed: "I am off the high blood pressure and medication for diabetes. I am the smallest I have ever been in my life... I have a much healthier and active lifestyle," she said.
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 Holly Steel, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30346-1301; or email Michelle C. Brooks at ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
