Susan's Story

There’re virtually no similarities with the person I was at the end of 2008 and the person I am at the end of 2009! First of all, I’m 101lbs lighter as I ring in 2010. Throughout the year, I’ve learned many things about myself – I’ve experienced so many changes that I no longer have anything resembling a comfort zone – which is actually pretty cool!

I literally started to walk and then learned to run! By the end of October I did the Tulsa 5K Run finishing upright without the assistance of oxygen or EMSA, at a slow but steady 40.24 pace – besting my goal of 45 minutes! Ending 2009, my husband, Jeff (who has lost 66lbs) and I Raced into the New Year in 20 degree temperatures to celebrate our amazing year of change. It was exhilarating!!!!!

I never contemplated what a life-altering transformation shedding weight would be. Losing a grasp on my comfort zone, I began embracing new things … things I would have adamantly resisted before. New foods like sweet potatoes (love ‘em), activities like boot camp (whooahh!), geek stuff like my Nike + (the thrill of running stats) and buying clothes (styles I never thought I’d wear).

Random thought: OMG! I’m a newbie runner and I love it!!!!!!! 

No comfort zone meant learning to not take myself so seriously – which took a bit of getting used to. (I’m just a tiny little bit of an A-type personality). Let’s face it, it’s a bit humiliating to post my picture at almost 300 lbs. I’d rather not, but then again, it’s far more important to face it directly – it’s not like it was a secret that I was packing around a few extra pounds! :)  I think it’s part of acknowledging the problem/healing the soul kind of thing. Truthfully, kidding ourselves is how most of us get into the obesity situation to begin with. 

One day on the way into the office, a guy I’ve worked with for a years, sheepishly asked me if I’d mind sharing how much weight I’d lost. I said sure and began rattling off my weight stats. He was totally floored! He said he couldn’t believe I’d share such information so openly. I told him the same thing I tell you now. It’s just a number on a scale and I’m not afraid of it anymore. It’s liberating to talk about without fear … even knowing I have another 46 lbs to go to reach my goal weight. 

So in a nutshell, in 2009, I’ve learned that I’m capable of accomplishing anything that I put my mind to. Finishing the 5K proved it! I’ve learned that you truly can draw strength from others who believe in you even when you doubt yourself!!! (Thank you Jeff, Paige, Jo Ann, Shawn, Brenda, Catherine, Kim, Marisol, Jenny, Jan, Joy, Renee, Jevolyn, Ceci, April, Serena, Vicki and Anna!!) I’ve learned that at 45 years of age, I can still surprise myself. And most importantly I’ve learned that you really can teach almost-old dogs new tricks  :)

You ask for proof? I enter 2010 training with the wonderful wacky group of runners at RunnersWorld Tulsa for my first-ever half marathon, scheduled for April. Watch … I’ll keep you posted!!!

Kirk's Story

In June, I weighed 340 lbs, one day I became very sick. I spent a week in the hospital, where they could not figure out what was wrong with me. Part of the problem, was that I was so fat, I couldn't fit in an MRI machine. I was finally diagnosed with Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (Nash) of the liver, which is a severe form of cirrhosis of the liver.

This caused my gallbladder to die, and was removed. I was told that my liver was next. I was told I needed a new liver, and I had two options: stay at my weight and I would need a new liver in 3 to 4 years (which wasn't going to happen) or I could lose the weight and I could wait 30-40 years. My doctors decided the best course for me was ti get a gastric bypass. I started the initial consultations for the surgery, when I decided to make a lifestyle change. I consulted with a dietician (who half-hearted placed me on a strict diet thinking I would not follow). A that time, I limited myself to 1500 calories and 5 grams of saturated fat a day. (now, I am at 2200 calories a day, but  I still limit myself to 5 grams of saturated fat).

I also started walking and parking as far as I can at work, Wal-Mart, etc. I also started walking around my office before work and at breaks and lunches with 1 lb weights,  At first, I could barely make it a block or five minutes at the office, but I kept at it, In August I joined the YMCA and mixed 30 minutes of weight training with 30 minutes of walking on the treadmill six times a week (now, I would rather have my teeth pulled and replaced with rusty nails then to run on treadmill I digress...)

In September, I decided to walk to 10K Zoo Run. I made two resolutions: not to die and more importantly not to finish last. ( I still keep these resolutions and have never broken them in my races). I finished the race in world beating time of 1:34:56. Even though I finished the race barely able to walk and a blister that covered half of foot  (before I had heard of RunnersWorld, Body Glide, and Running Socks), I decided I want to do more races and run them (shows my mental sanity). I purchased a couch to 5k app on my iPhone (again, before RunnersWorld), and started running.

I ran/walked the 5K at the Tulsa Run (which when I started I thought would take me three years to complete). It was after I finished the Tulsa Run, I decided I wanted to run the half at the OKC Memorial Marathon (Again, check mental status)  After I finished the program, I started the half-program, and now I am the fat bastard who runs on Tues and Thurs, and Saturdays  (when I can beg, borrow, or swindle a Sat off.)I now weigh 190 lb (I still am a fat bastard, always will be.) My last visit to the Dr was encouraging, because my doctor admitted he didn't think I could do it, forgot that it could be done the old fashioned way, and asked me for training tips.