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'You Need To Be Honest And Believe In Yourself'

Hernando Today photos by BOB EAST III

Noreen Galvin lost 73 pounds by using a Weight Watchers program and exercising at the YMCA.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 23, 2008

Noreen "Beth" Galvin, 50, Spring Hill

Height: 5-foot-3 1/2

Starting weight: 218

Current weight: 145

Why I did it: Two things happened late last year that changed my life. First, in fall 2007, it was time to renew our health insurance at work. I decided to apply for the short-term disability policy that was offered. A letter from the insurance company stated they were declining me because of my weight. I could not believe it. I was devastated. Also, my husband, Scott, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

With the beginning of the new year, like millions of other people, I decided that I not only needed to make a change, I had to make a full commitment to it. I told my husband I could not do this alone. I was going back to Weight Watchers. He encouraged me.

How I did it: On Jan. 21, our first holiday of the new year, I took a deep breath and walked into the Weight Watchers center on Little and Ridge roads in New Port Richey. I've enrolled in Weight Watchers many times, but this time it was going to be different. I was determined and focused.

On my previous tries, I estimated my food portions. This time, I did everything by the book. I bought a scale, the food companion books and points calculator. Everything that went in my mouth was weighed, measured or accounted for point-wise. That is one of the reasons I chose Weight Watchers: I received the tools, the information and the support to succeed. I am not alone. Most importantly, I am accountable.

Part of my commitment was to start a regular exercise regimen. I started at the YMCA two or three days a week, walking the treadmill for 15 minutes and then going into the pool. Slowly, I increased my speed and my time on the treadmill. By May, I was walking on the treadmill for 43 minutes.

I keep trying to challenge myself. I recently changed my workout routine. I now start with 25 minutes on the cross-training machine, then a few weight machines and finish with the treadmill.

On Sept. 30, eight months after I started, I had lost a total of 73 pounds and reached my goal weight of 146 pounds.

Hurdles: My biggest problem was changing my eating habits. I learned to make healthier choices and substitutes.

My husband used to laugh because my salads consisted of lettuce, about half a pound of shredded cheese, a small bag of bacon bits and two handfuls of croutons. Now my salads consist of lettuce, shredded carrots (replacing the cheese) and red, yellow and green bell peppers (replacing the bacon bits and croutons).

I have either a sugar-free Jell-O dessert or yogurt, or even a latte for dessert, instead of a pint of mint chocolate chip ice cream or cheesecake.

Going the distance: I know it sounds funny, but I do not deny myself. I know there is a price to pay if I am going to play. Recently we went to Gainesville and we went into a Hops restaurant. I always loved their baked potato soup. I ordered a crock of the soup and a fried chicken salad. I did extra time on the elliptical bike and treadmill the next morning at the hotel exercise room.

Weight Watchers group support is wonderful. I had the support of my husband and son, and the Hernando County Clerk's Office, where I work. Even people I did not know personally, other than riding in the elevator together, were tremendously encouraging. That was extremely important. No way could I fail with all these people cheering me with each pound I lost.

Best advice: You need to be honest and believe in yourself. Otherwise, you will not be able to succeed.

Keyword: Lost It, to tell us about a weight-loss plan that works for you. Or send your story to mshedden@tampatrib.com or Mary Shedden, The Tampa Tribune, 200 S. Parker St., Tampa FL 33606.

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