I had been fat since babyhood and morbidly obese most of my adult life.  I lost weight several times on a variety of diets but had never reached my goal.  I had NEVER lost enough to be considered "not fat."   That has changed now and I did it by burning more calories than I consumed.  This was possible with my Bodybugg and by working with my personal trainer, Will Elmer.

I joined Gold's Gym 1-1/2 years ago with modest expectations.  I had given up on ever being anything but obese.  My modest expectation was that I could lose enough weight so that I would just be "fat" and not "morbidly obese."  I purchased the bodybugg and started to work with my personal trainer.  The bodybugg gave me the information I needed to know how much I was actually burning so I was able to achieve deficits no matter what food choices I was making.  My trainer started me out doing very simple, easy workouts, gradually making them more and more challenging, consistent with my ever-increasing strength and abilities. 

I continued to lose fat and get fitter and stronger.  The body changes were a delightful surprise.  One day I was looking at my back in the mirror.  I saw a dark spot I thought might be a bruise.  As I looked more closely I realized it was a shadow, created by a bone protuberance!  This was the first of many such discoveries.  I could feel bones I'd never felt before.  I began to see muscle definition in my arms and legs.  My abdomen began to flatten.  My aches, pains and creaky joints went away.  My doctor is thrilled at my improved health.  My husband is proud of me.  I'm pleased with myself, and most of all, I'm healthy and fit.  My expectations are not so modest anymore.  Now I fully expect to reach my ultimate goal and to maintain it.  I know I can because I have 3 important things on my side; the bodybugg, my personal trainer and Me.

Update: May 2008

I started my fitness journey in October 2005, when I was 53 years old.  In 2007, I got to a good weight and body fat percentage and what do you suppose happened?  This is where you may guess that I let up and started to back-slide...but you would be wrong.  It's May of 2008 and I am successfully maintaining.

I know lots of people who have lost fat.  I know very few people who have kept it off.  The Bodybugg is a great tool to help with initial fat loss but it's equally helpful when your goal is maintenance.

In the past, I always "yo-yoed," immediately returning to my old ways and regaining whatever weight (plus more) that I had just worked so hard to lose.  This time is different; I really have changed the way I live.  In spite of a sedentary job, I have found countless ways to incorporate movement into my day.  I still work out regularly with my wonderful personal trainer, Will Elmer.  I eat what I want, and rely on my Bodybugg to tell me how much I have to burn in order to maintain.  I have had many "pig out" days but I have either preceded or followed these days with calorie deficits, resulting in blessed maintenance.

I'm 56 years old now and in the 3^rd year of my new life.  I tell anyone who will listen that it's never too late to change a lifetime of obesity. 

My doctor says I'm "lean."  Clients have described me to my office receptionist as "that slim woman...."  Complete strangers have approached me in public and complimented me on my looks and my dress.  I had no idea that thin people got so much affirming attention.  The best part, though, is how I feel about myself.  I love myself and my life.  I have a confidence I never had before.