Before 20/20 LifeStyles, I was a totally different person in every way. I wore a 2X size (which translates to a 20-22), weighed 202 pounds, was depressed, had hypertension, and was on medication to lower my cholesterol. I had started gaining weight while having six children and eating fast food because it seemed that we were never home long enough to sit down to a good meal. Poor nutrition combined with a work-related accident, the resulting injuries, surgeries, and stress, added on another 40 pounds. My health seemed to be getting worse year after year, and I felt I was aging rapidly. My son, Michael, and daughter-in-law, Karen, made this program possible for me. They flew me up from San Diego just so I could participate in it. They could see the decline in my health and energy and said, “Mom, you’re the only grandma our children have left, and we want you to be around for them for a long time.” Having 14 grandchildren, I began the program with a determination to become healthier, both physically and mentally.

I completed my 20/20 Program in October 2008. When I started that July I was nervous and embarrassed because of my weight and I was so out of shape. I was always self conscious about being fat. I didn’t know what to expect!

When I arrived at the 20/20 office it didn’t take but five minutes before all my fears vanished. No one looked at me with disgust, or have any comments like WOW! You’ve really let yourself go! As my mind had played out for me a million times.

Everyone was positive, supportive, encouraging, and helpful. My physician, dietitian, trainer, and counselor were with me on my Journey step by step, pound by pound and it was as exciting for my team as the journey was for me. It was unbelievable that they were as supportive as my family.

Now that a year has passed, my goals have changed from becoming healthy and fit to remaining healthy and fit. I use my knowledge I learned in the 20/20 Program daily to keep my body nutritionally healthy and physically strong. I ran a 5K race in Oct. and bettered my time from last year from a 9:30 mile to an 8:30 mile. I still take Jazzercise, Zumba and run. I love the group activities. I live my life to the fullest and want to share the passion with others. My goal is to become a life coach this year to help others recognize their own potentials and live their life to the fullest.