Bryant

Member Since February 2009

My Story
In January of 2009, I went to my doctor for a regular diabetic check-up and to discuss the swelling I was having in my legs and arms and was told by my doctor I now had high blood pressure. I also discussed with him the fact that I had been gaining weight drastically since June 2008. That is not good when you are already severely obese and on insulin injections to control type 2 diabetes. That day I decided it was time for a change or I was going to die and leave my children without a mother. I threw out my cigarettes and started eating right. I started taking blood pressure medication to control the blood pressure and decrease all the fluid I was carrying around. It was time to change or decide I was alright with the fact I was killing myself. I knew this already though. I had a stroke in May of 2005 that led to really decreased strength and balance issues on my entire left side. I have real problems with all of my fine motor movements on my left side.

I started Curves February 6th 2009 hoping it would help me. I am almost 37 and that is not old! I was feeling like I was ready to give up and give in. I had my first workout that day and after leaving I just knew I wouldn't be able to do this. But later that night I was refreshed. I came in for my second workout and knew I had found the answer to my prayers. I felt so good. Wow, how does this happen? I actually felt good for a change. My confidence was actually renewed that day. I knew this was it I could go from being ready to lay down and give up to living life. I have been overweight all my life and have lost lots of weight several times to only gain it back. But never have I gotten this immediate boost of confidence and energy.

I arrived at Curves at 293.5lbs wearing a size 26/28 after already losing 30lbs on my own walking and eating 1000 to 1200 calories per day in January. I had hit my first plateau and couldn't get any more weight off. I was taking 70 units of insulin a day and taking meds for high blood pressure. Today, June 9, I weighed in at 258.5lbs wearing a size 18/20. I no longer take high blood pressure meds; I don't need them. I no longer take 70 units of insulin; I now am on oral meds for diabetes control. My A1C was 9.7 in January which means I was not controling my diabetes it was controlling me. My A1C was 5.5 last month and that is in the perfect range. My balance has improved enough for me to play hopscotch with my young children and not worry about falling on my face. My strength has doubled since starting my workouts at Curves. My entire life has changed for the better because of working out at Curves and following the healthy eating lifestyle. I have lost 35lbs with Curves and 27.5 overall inches and 6.2% body fat and decreased my BMI by 4.81 points. All I can say is lookout world Here I Come!!! And it only took a few months to feel healthier and younger. I have a 20 year high school reunion October 2010; I will be there healthier and feeling better about myself than I did in high school or even Jr. high school. Maybe even before then.

Thank you Curves and all the wonderful women that I have met there. All of you inspire me to push harder and look forward to the next workout. I look forward to each day and getting to work out on the circuit. Thanks for saving my life and giving me a reason to push forward in it and for the first time enjoy life. No matter what I will keep on getting stronger and healthier. My goal is to be the healthiest person that I can be and inspire those around me to follow in my footsteps.

UPDATED: I now have lost a total of 39 lbs. and 34.25 inches. 37.43 lbs of my loss is actual body fat pounds with boby fat down 7.2% and my BMI down 5.36. Wow Curves really works!!!! Come join me and see how healthy you can get! Look forward to seeing everyone there!

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