Weight-Loss Story:
Fran Roberts

Age 28, from Richmond, VA

I've been dealing with weight problems for as long as I can remember. Since
I was a very small child, my entire life has been a roller coaster of weight
gain and weight loss. I started out pretty chubby as a child, but my
parents were careful with how they fed me and got me to get a lot of
activity in. They helped me to lose weight when I was young. But it kept
creeping back up and I had to deal with it over and over again. I think I
probably gained weight and lost it a bout 7 or 8 times from the time that I
was 13 until the time I was about 25. This was a very difficult and
insecure time in my life, as with most people. So, as you can imagine, all
the hope and letdown was taking a big toll on my emotions. I became
depressed and had an even harder time dealing with that, because it was also
an up and down thing. I dealt with it by eating too much, and by my mid
twenties it became apparent that the weight wasn't coming off.

It was around the age of 26 that my metabolism was slowing down and I
couldn't catch up. My life was slowing down too, I was just getting myself
settled into a new job. I weighed in at about 240 pounds at that time, and
I was extremely upset about it. I think that the main problem was that I
never got any exercise. I've never been an over-eater, but what I did eat
wasn't always the smartest choice. I became more depressed than ever at
this point, and I felt completely hopeless because I didn't think I'd ever
be able to lose weight again. But even though the depression drove me to
rock bottom, it also got me to realize that I really had a problem that I
needed to work on. I've always been more concerned about my mental health
than my weight, but I knew that if I lost the weight, it would give me the
energy I needed to tackle the depression. The only problem was that I
didn't know how to do it.

Like anything I've ever learned to do in my life, I just had to jump right
in. If I just sat and did nothing then I was only going to get bigger. I
stopped having so many snacks throughout the day, and tried to focus on
well-rounded regular meals. I also started going to bed at a regular time
and waking up at a regular time -- extra early, because I started walking
for half an hour every morning before work. I was always awake by the time
I got to work. My meals consisted of lots of mixed vegetables, light
sauces, and chicken or noodles. I took cereal to work to snack on during
the day, and that helped to keep me from going for the fridge or the candy
store. After following this plan for 5 months, I had lost 80 pounds! I
still want to lose 20 more pounds, but now I feel I have the confidence to
get me there safely and easily.




Based on 78 votes, this diet story has an overall score of: 8.82

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10 - Motivational! 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 - Keep Trying

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Comments

(#1) bunnyloo posted on Jun 30, 2007 (IP: 61.6.202.86)

inspiring story! keep up the good work!

(#2) Anonymous posted on Apr 10, 2006 (IP: 209.242.59.18)

Keep up the great work, I am also planning to follow some of your guidelines.

(#3) PW posted on Jan 30, 2006 (IP: 70.242.248.30)

Thank you for sharing your story. It all boils down to taking tiny little steps that all add up in the long run. Why is that so hard for us all to do? Good for you for being able to step in and do a little here and there and finally achieve a remarkable weight loss! And you developed habits that will help you maintain this new weight.

(#4) Rebecca posted on Nov 16, 2005 (IP: 209.215.107.240)

Keep up the good work. I lost 50 pounds and then I got stuck. I am working on getting started losing again.

(#5) Anonymous posted on Nov 04, 2005 (IP: 66.122.68.251)

this story inspires me to get off my fat butt, if you can do it... so can i.

(#6) Michelle posted on Oct 19, 2005 (IP: 152.163.100.71)

hey im from richmond,va too!!!! im also 28 email me if you want Michelle26va1977@aol.com

(#7) erica posted on Sep 28, 2005 (IP: 159.35.134.186)

keep up the good work

(#8) Logan posted on Sep 12, 2005 (IP: 83.130.134.21)

I think that one of your sentence "did it" to me: "Like anything I've ever learned to do in my life, I just had to jump right in". I mean so simple so true - just musing "oh gosh i got 110pounds to loose..." (im my case) didn`t help just as Fran mentioned i started doing it and i hope my story will be published here soon but it`s possible

(#9) Anonymous posted on Aug 15, 2005 (IP: 210.177.86.17)

I like this story because it is for an everyday sort of person like me, no miracle solutions and no marketing intention

(#10) Anonymous posted on Jun 22, 2005 (IP: 199.33.173.1)

I was about the same weight you were when you started your diet. I have have lost 10.6 pounds and I am feeling hopeless. It makes me feel better that what I am doing might just pay off in the end. I am doing everything that you are so I hope that I have the same results.....AWESOME JOB!!! Best of luck with the next 20!

(#11)  ryna posted on Jun 05, 2005 (IP: 12.11.183.254)

Great story, truely wonderful to hear a success story. Thanx Fran

(#12) Anonymous posted on Jun 05, 2005 (IP: 4.245.43.183)

I'm 18 years old and I have what I thought was an unrealistic goal. I'd like to come back to school in the fall 50 pounds lighter, and I have only three months to do it. Your story gave me the inspiration I needed. Thank you! I hope you reach your goal of 20 more pounds!

(#13) LivingDeadGirl posted on Apr 20, 2005 (IP: 172.170.244.171)

Its TOTALLY possible to lose 80 in 5 months...at least thats what my dietician says. lotsa factors, like willpower, metabolism, food choices, etc. tho.

(#14) JESSICA posted on Feb 21, 2005 (IP: 68.14.53.249)

hey, my names jessica and im 17. i have a goal to lose 80lbs in 5 months and everyone has been telling me to be more realistic.. im a little over 200 lbs and after i read your story its inspired me and now i believe i can do it no matter what anyone else says.. THANKS

(#15) Anonymous posted on Dec 09, 2004 (IP: 140.194.32.253)

Would have liked to learn more about the 5 months - some hard times, and what kept her going.

(#16) Sam posted on Sep 09, 2004 (IP: 68.107.170.107)

Congratulations, I hope that your diet continues to work, and that you are able to maintain the healthy lifestyle. Thank you for posting such a wonderful story for all of us hopefuls to read!!! God Bless!

(#17) Iris posted on Jul 09, 2004 (IP: 70.69.45.129)

Congratulations! That's a really great success story! I am only 15 years old and I've been on a diet for about 2 months now. My goal is to lose at least 50 lbs. in 5 months and I didn't think it would be possible. When I read the part about you losing 80 lbs. in 5 months, I really felt excited because now I know I can reach my goal! Once again, congratz on your successful weight loss, and God bless!

(#18) Julia posted on Sep 30, 2003 (IP: 64.48.73.66)

Very quick weight loss, such as this, can be motivating but short lasting. Take the time to allow your body to get used to the decreased weight before losing any more.

(#19) Jennifer posted on Aug 28, 2003 (IP: 208.255.147.110)

You need to change the name to mine, it is my story almost to the tee, I do not over eat but I do not excercise to much , yet.