It Was a Photo That Finally Did the Trick

After seeing the enclosed ’95 Christmas Eve picture, I was struck with the absurdity of being so concerned about my appearance that I spent nearly $200 to have my teeth whitened but was unwilling to consider how my weight was affecting my appearance, not to mention my health.

I was, however, painfully aware of the mounting physical ailments my 256 pounds were causing. The fat constricting my hands was causing poor circulation. In addition, I was frequently tired, had shortness of breath, knee-joint pain and intestinal problems. I knew it was only a matter of time before the physiological effects were going to take their toll.

My weight began its ascent in the late ‘70s. Every attempt to lose weight was only short-lived, and I began the yo-yo pattern of losing and gaining, only to have even more weight to lose with the beginning of every newfangled diet. In 1985, I lost 60 pounds on a liquid diet after a long list of dieting-starvation efforts, some official, some organized and others very costly.

It wasn’t until my 16-month involvement with a 12-step program in 1990 that I had a glimpse of the emotional basis that may have triggered my over-involvement with food.

On Jan. 8, 1996, I walked into my first Weight Watchers meeting finally with the commitment to myself to exert as much thought, time, effort and energy into getting healthy as I was putting into overeating.

Along with Weight Watchers, I fortified myself with an arsenal of tools I still use: a food journal, a personal journal, subscriptions to three health-related magazines, Oprah Winfrey’s audio and video tapes, newsletters, books and 12-step materials.

I stayed with Weight Watchers for 18 months. Even though I’m not at an “official” goal weight, I have managed to keep the weight from returning over the last eight months.

As for exercise, it took me nearly three months into Weight Watchers to venture out on a slow 10- to 15-minute walk. Three months later, I enrolled at the Rio Hondo Fitness Center at my local community college. My attendance there in the beginning was sporadic and difficult, but today it is a part of my life. I’ve been a member now for more than a year and a half, and I work out a minimum of four times a week for an hour and I frequently walk-jog the two-mile round trip.

The support and encouragement I receive from the fitness center staff, my family and friends is invaluable. I’m off of the highly unsuccessful dieting merry-go-round, and I have turned my choices into a lifestyle. Besides, I’ve discovered that a size 14, with 33% less body fat, feels better on my body than a size 24!

Share Your Story

Losing weight is as individual as gaining weight. Do you have a story on how you got in shape and stayed there? If so, we’d like to hear from you with a 500-word essay listing what worked in terms of diet, exercise, encouragement / support as well as your emotional and physical changes.

We’d also like you to send us full-body color photos of you, before and after.

Send essay and photos to “How I Did It,” Health, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, and include daytime and evening phone numbers. No phone calls, please. Submissions cannot be returned.

In addition to publication, winners will receive a Los Angeles Times gym bag and a gift certificate for a free pair of athletic shoes of your choice, redeemable at any Big 5 Sporting Goods store.

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Vital Statistics

Name: Arlene Barberia

Age: 43

Occupation: Kindergarten teacher

Height: 5 feet, 5 inches

Old Weight: 256 pounds

New Weight: 187 pounds

Time to Get There: 18 months