Meet Our 2008 Winner

Final results now posted below

Lisa

Height: 5'9"
Weight Lost so far: 10 lbs.
Age: 38 years

Goal:  Lose 25+ pounds in 12-weeks.  Get the tools to take the weight loss the rest of the way. 

Background:  Mother of 6 children and watches 2 grand children when oldest daughter is at work.  10 people live in house and Lisa is always running the washing machine and/or dishwasher.  Lisa won the extreme makeover because she has significant challenges to deal with in keeping up with all those children but she is also a role model for all of them.  If she can make herself the best she can be it will have a great impact on all her kids.  She has a super dream goal of 140 pounds and I intend to work hard to help her get there.  Anything is possible, it just takes commitment.  Be ready for a 1/3 finished update video coming soon.  In the mean time you can watch this video of our initial interview and part of a workout. 

To everyone wishing to have their own extreme makeover Lisa offers this encouragement "JUST START!!!".  I agree.  You won't get anything unless you start and make it happen. 

Results

8/13/2008
Lost:
 40 pounds
8+ inches at waist
23 inches overall

Read what Lisa has to say:

Journal entry dated May 7th 2008

I was thinking the other day about Jeremy’s initial questionnaire that I filled out when I won this makeover package and the questions regarding what were my goals. I said to get healthier and become toner and be a role model for others and for my family… I had a lot more to add to that as I want to be able to be a part of my kids, grandkids lives and be able to run with them and not sit on the side line while they are playing because I feel that I am too fat.  I want to be a role model to them and give them inspiration that nothing is impossible if you just
believe in yourself.  Never say never, and never say I can’t.  I say yes you can and it will only get easier... I had thought all the walking and hiking that we did with the kids at the state parks and creeks was exercise, which it is, but boy I was really way out of shape and was missing out on sooo much. I want to be able to put my wedding ring back on. I had become so overweight that my ring doesn’t fit anymore…I want it to fit again.  I want to be able to wear a regular pair of jeans not the kind with elastic waists.  I want to feel comfortable in a restaurant
and not have to look to see if they have chairs as well.  I want to sit in a booth and feel comfortable, as well as look comfortable.(there was a time when I couldn’t even fit in a booth).  I want to look at myself in the mirror and not wonder why my face looks so puffy and who is that person looking back at me.  I want to see myself again.  I want to be around to continue watching my children and grandchildren grow.  I want to live life again, that’s my goal.

End of Journal entry

When I was at my heaviest I remember looking at the scale and thinking to myself how did this happen.  It read 326 pounds.  That can’t be right, I can’t possibly weigh that much I thought, but guess what I did weigh that much.  I thought where do I start as it seemed like there wasn’t any light at the end of the tunnel.  How am I ever going to lose weight.  I would look in the mirror and say who is that stranger looking back at me.  I wasn’t always heavy and had started gaining weight after getting married and having children.  I guess 10 pounds turned into 20 and 20 into 40 and so on and so on.  It sure was easy to put on.  I turned to food in times of stress and for comfort.  I even considered gastric
bypass surgery but after much research decided I didn’t want to take that risk of having surgery even though I knew I could die just from being overweight. My addiction was food.  My oldest daughter Brittany had her own addiction that she was able to overcome through love, support, guidance, strength and believing in herself.  So many people would say Oh not my child but guess what it happens in the best of families and addiction doesn’t discriminate.  I had written to my daughter a saying I made up to Fight the Fight, Keep the faith, Have the Hope to stay strong and live your life.  That’s what I needed to start doing.  I made an appointment with my Dr, even though I had avoided going to the Dr for many many years.  I was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure.  I was really slowly killing myself.  I had to start somewhere if I wanted to live to see my children and grandchildren grow up.  When I was at my heaviest I really felt at my lowest and didn't realize it then as to how much in life I was missing out on.  I definitely tried to keep up but was really just fooling myself.  I started changing little things such as my food choices and I started moving more.  Slowly weight started coming off. I had to look at my weight loss as one step at a time instead of as a big set of never ending stairs.  I had ups and downs during my weight loss but slowly before I knew it I had lost a little over 70 pounds when I decided to enter this makeover contest.  During my weight loss journey I never expected I would win a makeover package.  I am so grateful to have won this package as I really feel like a new person and personally thank each and everyone who was a part of it.

Jeremy the trainer for Tall Trainer fitness systems was wonderful to work with and really motivated me to workout and continue working out.   When I first won the makeover package I remember being really really excited and then all of a sudden it set in that this was 12 weeks of working out and that’s when I thought to myself "how am I ever going to get through 12 weeks?”  Well after the first week I had started using muscles I hadn't used in years and I was feeling better and actually started looking forward to the morning workouts.  The 12 weeks flew by and I lost 38 pounds and over 23 inches.  During the program I had gone back to the Dr for a regular follow up and my blood work showed no signs of diabetes when last year at the same time it was uncontrolled.  My cholesterol also was now excellent and I didn't have to go on cholesterol medication.  Jeremy showed me how to strengthen my muscles and body through the workout program. He taught me proper posture and positioning when exercising. He encouraged me at times when I wasn't sure I could so something.  There wasn't a morning that I didn't leave there soaked in sweat but feeling really good about what I was doing and accomplishing for myself and my family.  I really learned a lot also through his nutrition program on what I should be eating and what I was lacking with my nutrients. Jeremy has helped me with my weight loss journey and has given me the knowledge to continue with my weight loss program. There is a saying that Knowledge is power and I do feel empowered.

Park West Hair Design and Spa was nice enough to donate 5 sessions of the microdermabrasion plus a whole makeover including getting my haircut and colored and getting my nails and makeup also done.  The microdermabrasion actually helped my skin look and feel smoother.  I enjoyed the time I went there for the sessions as they make you feel welcomed from the moment you walk in the door.  I was pampered by being able to relax during the sessions in a nice room with slippers and a robe that are provided.  I truly felt special.  They also donated their time and talents to 'make' me over.  Diane the owner personally cut, colored, highlighted and styled my hair.  My hair had been long for so many years and I had always worn it the same way pulled back in a long pony tail.  I was so nervous and scared about getting my hair cut but I am so glad I did. I ended up donating the hair that was cut to locks of love. Diane and her staff did a wonderful job with all they did. I absolutely love my hair and I feel like a new person.

Primadonna Bridals graciously gave me a beautiful gown for the photo shoot that was going to happen at the end of the 12 weeks. Rita and her staff made me feel comfortable and they were such a help in picking out a dress. I was absolutely amazed at her beautiful elegant store and how many dresses there were to choose from. The fitting rooms were large and the area to 'show' off the dresses I was trying on was so nice. They made me feel wonderful and I felt like a princess in each of the gowns I tried on.

Dianna Hart Photography did the photo shoot at the end of the twelve weeks and what can I say but wow. She is very personable and makes you feel very comfortable. I had never liked having my picture taken before but she made me feel at ease and it felt like I have known her for years even though I had just met her. The photos came out beautifully and she did a wonderful job.

Light R U owner Jacqui has been donating her time as my personal life coach and it gives me a chance to set goals and express how I am feeling. I enjoy our calls and have learned a lot about myself.  She has made me feel empowered and accomplished with what I have been doing.  She is always there to encourage me and I appreciate the notes of encouragement she sends. She helps me set goals and timelines to accomplish my goals. I feel less stressed and have learned not to worry about everything. She is very good at what she does as she has personally overcome her own challenges when it comes to weight loss.

I am still on my weight loss journey and have been so blessed and thankful that each of these people were able to be a part of my journey.  There is no ending to this journey as there are only new beginnings. I will continue my journey and hope to encourage others to start their own journeys. In my Journal entry dated May 7th there were some things I wanted to accomplish and I have accomplished quite a few of them and one of them is living life again:)

JOIN BOOTCAMP GET RESULTS LIKE LISA

• 12-weeks of training with Tall Trainer Fitness Systems in the morning Boot Camp workout.  (www.talltrainer.com)
• Full makeover:  Hair (cut/color), Nails, Make-up, 5-week microderm abrasion by Park West Hair Design and Spa.  (www.parkwesthairdesignandspa.com)
• 12-weeks of lifestyle coaching from Light-R-U.  Professional coach Jacqui has lost 28 pounds on her way to getting her life back.  Now she wants to help others discover the joy of life when you are happy with yourself.  She will help make this change stick.  (www.light-r-u.com)
• A Dress - from Primadonna Bridals, know for their bridal fashions and also their elegant evening and special event apparel.  A new dress for your new size.  (www.primadonnabridals.com)
• Professional Photo Shoot - Pictures of you after your makeover.  Known best for her wedding photography, Dianna Hart will capture the emotion and beauty of your great achievement.  (www.diannahart.com)

Be sure to visit the message board for updates on the makeover and read messages about last years makeover!!

Donations By:
www.talltrainer.com
www.parkwesthairdesignandspa.com
www.primadonnabridals.com
www.light-r-u.com
www.diannahart.com

Last Years Initial Interview