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from MA 249 Somerset
with a loss of 87.50#
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I have always been fighting the battle of the bulge.
Having lost some weight for my wedding (28 years
ago) , I put it right back on plus some, when I
became pregnant for my first, second and third
child. Over the years my health had deteriorated and
I was diagnosed with high blood pressure,
cholesterol, borderline diabetic, fibromyalgia and
knee problems. My doctors told me if I didn't take
off weight I would need knee replacement surgery -
that was the straw that broke the camels back.
After many years of being unsuccessful at taking the
weight off, I was told about TOPS by a friend and
joined immediately. This was 9 years ago. It has
been an up and down road, some years losing, some
gaining it back. About two years ago, after going to
a RV show with my husband and having to stop every
few minutes to find a seat because of shortness of
breathe and knee pain, I had my AH HA moment - what
was I waiting for?
Slowly, I began exercising by taking short walks and
working my way up to a mile or so a day. My biggest
obstacle is my appetite. No matter how much I
exercised, if I didn't cut down on my food intake
the weight would not stay off. Once I got my food
intake somewhat under control, I joined a gym and
hired a trainer for a year to assist me with the
correct work out for me and my physical condition.
Without the support and encouragement of the many
wonderful friends at TOPS MA 0249, Somerset, I would
not be where I am today. No matter how many times I
stumbled and gained, no one faulted me, instead they
would encourage me to pick my self up and start
allover again. Over the past year or so I have been
steadily losing weight and have been recognized at
both Chapter and State Level for weight loss. At
times I look in the mirror and don't recognize the
woman staring back at me. This isn't the Paula
Ferland I've been living with for so long. But then
again, I like what I see and pray that I never
become that Paula again. It won't be easy, but I
won't give up because I'm worth it.
My advice to each and everyone here, never give up,
push yourself to the limit. Exercise, even the
littlest bit does help. You'll be surprised at how
far you will go. Your TOPS chapter is there for you,
never be ashamed to go because you think you've had
a weight gain. That's the time you need them most.
I'll be a TOPS member for the rest of my life,
committed to staying healthy and helping others
achieve their goal.
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