Orhideja (Orchid) – 170 lbs.

“My work life, children, husband and self esteem have all been affected negatively as a result of my weight.  As a CNA, I am am no longer able to bend over and assist my clients at work as I was once able to.  My stomach pushes against my diaphragm make it difficult to breathe, while my heart races.”

“When I get home from work, all I want to do is sit down or lay down because my body hurts so badly.  My children want to play when they get home from school, but I simply don’t have the energy to do it.”

“I want to be comfortable in my own skin and be able to play with my children, enjoy my husband and do my job effectively.”

Joyce – 420 lbs.

Joyce says that her excess weight affects her every day functions.  “Walking, cleaning house, taking care of my family, and having enough energy to get through a busy day as a caretaker for my elderly mother and two babies.  Just a day at the mall can put me in pain.  I want to be able to get down on my knees and clean out a cabinet or weed in the yard!  I want to go on a bike ride with my husband and grandchild, or at least take a walk around the block.  I can do none of these things.”

“I find myself being more reclusive and look for excuses to stay home.  I have always been a joyful and positive person, but now I like to be quiet and blend into a group instead of being myself. ”

“Most importantly, if I do not lose some weight soon, I will not have a future to look forward to.  I have a loving family and I want to be able to see my future grandchildren, watch them grow and play with them.”

Kim – 223 pounds

Her Story:

My weight has prohibited me from being the mother I should be by not being able to do things with my children.  It has caused me to not participate in certain things due to embarassment.  I have shortness of breath when over-exerted, pain in my legs and my feet are hurting all the time.  I am very unhappy with myself.  Losing with will afford me to enjoy my young children, and more importantly, will afford my children and my husband to enjoy me!

Sue – 261 lbs

Sue is a Breast Cancer survivor, and now has diabetes and arthritis.  She knows that weight loss will help her reduce or eliminate the medications she takes, and will also reduce the risk of the breast cancer returning.

“My excess weight has been a burden both physically and mentally.  I have three beautiful grandchildren and I want to be able to sit down on the floor and play games with them, but I can’t.  I want to be able to go outside and run around with them and take walks. When I walk up stairs, or even from the car to the mall, I can’t breathe.  I have to stop and relax before I can do anything.  My back and legs hurt all the time because of the weight I am carrying around.”

“I want to be able to take care of my aging mother, who is requiring more and more from me physically.  I want to play with my grandchildren and travel with my husband.  I need to be around for all the precious people in my life, and if I don’t make some life changes, I may not even be around to watch my grandchildren grow up.”

Connie is a young mom, whose weight has definitely impacted her life.  She is ready to be healthy and energetic!  Her story:  “I have trouble doing activities with my two children.  My 8 year old is a special needs child and I get very tired trying to keep up with her.  My 10 year old is very aware of my size and is cautious about her weight.  I do not look forward to weekends because my family wants to do something fun, and I find myself sitting out or not going. 

I need to get healthy for my kids and for me.  I want to be around to see them grow.  Right now, I feel like I am on the outside of the world looking in.

328 lbs