DEBBIE'S STORY

As I sit here today looking back over the last year of my life, I am still amazed at the reality of how much my life has changed. One of my best friends, Tanice, is the person who introduced me to Curves. She is a nurse and a few of her co-workers had joined Curves and were constantly telling of their success. When she heard that a Curves was opening up in our area, she was quick to let me know. For about a month or so before they opened, we would talk about Curves, how great it sounded and that we should look into joining. It was no surprise to me when she had set up an appointment for our assessment. That day was November 14^th, 2002 and I was to meet her there. The day came and I must have picked up the phone and started dialing her number at least a half a dozen times with every excuse in the book why I couldn’t come. I thank God that I didn’t complete those calls. I had found the courage to go; and believe me when I say it was not easy.

I had gotten to a point in my life where doing normal everyday things had become a challenge. I had gained so much weight that I could not even walk half a block without becoming short of breath. It seemed almost laughable that I was considering joining a fitness club. I went and I can say without any reservation that was the first day of the new beginning for me. When I got there I think my friend was a little shocked that I had shown up. She had been expecting my phone call and all my excuses, and had been prepared to have come and picked me up had I not gone.

As we entered Curves I got the feeling that it was kind of an easygoing atmosphere. It didn’t look too intimidating; just maybe it could work for me. Then Jennifer introduced herself as a fitness consultant and she was an enthusiastic, great looking, athletic person. I thought to myself; yeah sure, she hasn’t got a clue what it would be like to have to lose weight. Jennifer was quick to let us know that this was not the case; she had lost over 40 pounds through the Curves program and had the pictures to prove it. I then felt a lot more relaxed with her and we got down to the basics of why I had come to Curves. I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and let’s not forget the inability to get around. The bottom line was I had to do something, anything. I could not just keep ignoring the one issue in my life that had paralyzed me and had kept me a virtual prisoner in my own home. Then came the weigh-in and sure enough the first draw back; we couldn’t get an accurate weight as the scale only weighted to 350 pounds. Next to come was the fat index machine and guess what, no reading there either – it was off the scale. Thank God the tape measurer was long enough to get my measurements. Then we tried out a few of the machines. That was not bad; the arm one seemed okay and the few leg ones we tried weren’t that bad either. I thought “what the heck, I might as well sign up.” So I paid my fees right away because if I didn’t, I knew I wouldn’t likely come back. With the date set for my first workout, I left with a fairly positive attitude, thinking this might be it. I’ve tried everything else, so why not.

My first few weeks at Curves turned out to be challenging. It was hard – I found getting in and out of the equipment difficult if not impossible, but the staff and other members were great. They would stop what they were doing to help me; without hesitation they would pull out the paddles of the leg press so that I could get my legs up. There were other exercise machines I simply could not do, but Jennifer just kept telling me not to worry, it would come with time and not to push it. She told me to do what I could, just to keep coming and that was what was important. Sure enough, over the new few weeks, things did get easier. But more importantly, I felt like I belonged there. It was a safe place to go where there were everyday-people, not like the typical gym with your body builders and super models. We all had our own reasons for being there and that’s all that really mattered to anyone.

December 19^th, 2002 was my first weigh-in. That day I felt good, I had lost enough weight that I could get weighed without adding extra weights to the scale and I had lost over 10 inches. I was thrilled with the results. What started out as great day turned out to be one of the worst days of my life. I had a Christmas party to go to that night and finding an outfit to wear had been hard. The store where I shopped went to size 32 but most of those were too tight; however, I did find an outfit. I went to meet with the others at the restaurant where we were going only to find out, probably due to the time of the year and all the parties going on, they had moved the tables closer together. When it came to sit at our table, I didn’t fit, there was not enough room. I was devastated. I felt angry and embarrassed, all I wanted to do was get out of there – so I left. Yeah sure, they could have rearranged things so I would fit but that was not the point. When I got home my daughter wanted to know why I was back so early. I didn’t know what to say and all I could do was cry. Later, I did explain to my kids what had happened and as usual, they were supportive of me. What turned out to be one of the worst days of my life was also what has motivated me to come as far as I have. The determination I felt knowing I had allowed this to happen to me made me realize that I was the only person that could make sure it never happened again. Gone were the days of walking through a crowd of teenagers and listening to all the “fat” remarks, I was going to do something about it. Timing was everything. Within the next few weeks the sign up sheet was posted for the Curves weight-loss program: Permanent Results without Permanent Dieting. I did procrastinate signing up thinking I couldn’t afford it, but did in the end, knowing I couldn’t afford not to. I continued working out and watching what I was eating until the program got started.

I have to say the first few weeks were hard; I felt weak and more tired, I didn’t think I was going to make it. Then all of a sudden it was like night and day. I started to feel like I had more energy and I wasn’t hungry all the time. I have to say I have never looked back. It’s a great program. I don’t feel like I’m dieting or have deprived myself of anythin That was January one year ago. I have hundreds, and I am not exaggerating when I say hundreds, of totally positive stories I could relate to you. But that would be more like writing a book then an essay. There are a few more things I would like to ell you about to complete my story. For example the first few times I went to my doctor and saw her astonishment with my results. She had been treating me for high blood pressure with three different medications, which were keeping my blood pressure at 150/95, still high but okay. Now a year later, I’m down to one and a quarter of the original medications and my blood pressure is 110/60. Also let’s not forget my cholesterol rate, which was high but is now within the normal range. Last month I ran into my doctor at a social function. I had said “Hi” to her and went on talking to someone else. She came up to me a while later after seeing me with my daughters and admitted that, at first, she had not recognized me; I had changed so much.

Another time back in October, I had come out of a store. I had passed by a mentally challenged woman and I knew from past experience, how with their totally innocent honesty they say whatever they thought, so when she turned to her caregiver and started to say something about me, I got that old feeling. I clenched my teeth and waited for that “fat” comment, but what she said floored me. She turned to her caregiver and said “isn’t that women pretty.’ For one of the first times in a long time, I was able to look at myself differently. As I sat in my car and contemplated what had just happened I realized that although I was still the same person, people look at me differently.

The story I would like to finish with took place on December 19^th, 2003, one year to the day of my last Christmas party. What a difference one year has made. This time, my daughters and a few of my friends went shopping with me to help me pick out my outfit. My choices were endless. I chose a basic black evening gown, size 12, with a sequined jacket – it was simply elegant. I spent the day getting my hair done and took extra time on my makeup. I was just finishing up when my youngest daughter came into the bathroom. What happened then is what has made my journey over the last year so worthwhile. She put her arms around me, gave me a big told me how much she loved me, and beautiful she thought I was. She said “mom you look like a princess!” The overwhelming feeling of achievement I felt was astonishing. I left for my party but first made an extra stop on my to show Tanice my outfit and once again let her know how much I appreciated her continuing support; just knowing she and so many others had faith in me meant so much. I had just wanted to share with her a few moments of this special evening because she had been so instrumental in getting me to join Curves. My day to this point had been unbelievable.

I couldn’t see how things could get any better but they did. My friends at work are just a great group of people, and I have worked with some of them for over 20 years. We are a very close group and they have been with me every step of the way over the last year with support, encouragement and not to forget to sugar-free chocolates! That night I felt like Cinderella must have felt at her ball. Over the last year I have become a new person with a renewed belief in myself. My self-confidence has soared to new levels. I have been able to do so many things I had previously avoided due to my size.

November 14^th, 2002,I walked into Curves weighing 366lbs and feeling totally unable to do anything about it. Today, just over a year later having lost 179 pounds and just over 140 inches, I know that something could be done but I was the only one who could do it. Curves’ fitness program and weightloss method has given me the tools to work with.

My family friends, Curves staff, and its members have given me the support, encouragement, and the Power to Amaze Myself!