Your Journey

What major changes did you make to your food, exercise and thinking?

Food: The major changes were portion control and eliminating the unhealthy snacks I used to have. I counted points and tracked vigilantly. I was totally committed and enjoyed success from the start. I used Weight Watchers recipes for most of my main meals. That way I was sure of the points count.

Exercise: I was already attending the gym regularly three times a week. I became totally committed to that and increased the intensity of the work and the time I spent there. After a while my arthritic knees had improved dramatically so I started walking on the days I wasn't at the gym. Just this year I have taken up golf again and play once a week.

Thinking: My thinking has changed a lot. This is the first time I have kept the weight off for any length of time and I certainly don't intend to put it back on again. I've lost a quarter of my body weight! I still use Weight Watchers recipes and weigh most of my food that is not point free. My goal of staying slim is uppermost in my mind. I still attend WW meetings most weeks as it helps to keep me motivated and I always learn something.

Your Achievements and Rewards

What goals did you set yourself and how did you achieve them? What rewards and incentives did you give yourself?

The goal I set myself was to be in the healthy weight range and improve my health. I achieved these by committing to the Weight Watchers program, following it implicitly and never missing a meeting. I also made exercise just as high a priority as the WW program. My rewards were the exciting new size 12 clothes I had so much fun buying, as well as the heartfelt compliments from family and friends.

What is the most important thing or experience your new lifestyle has given you?

One of the best things was attending a family Mothers Day party in 2008 and I felt SO good being the same size as everyone else in the extended family and I made that announcement to everyone. I'm also able to exercise and play golf on a par with others, when the old me would have been puffing and panting to keep up.

Your advice to others?

Hang in there. If you follow the program properly with dedication and commitment and you have a regular exercise regime, you will achieve your goal and enjoy all the rewards that come with that. If I can do it at age 68 anyone can!

A humorous moment during your weight loss

I wish I could think of one, but I really can't.