Woman Loses 222 Pounds---Woman Loses 222 Pounds Video: Aimee Smith of Janesville, Wisconsin, took control of her life after she dedicated herself to lose more than 200 pounds. Now, she is even training for marathons.
Two years ago, Aimee Smith realized her weight was off the scale when the needle slammed to an indicated maximum of 300 pounds. In fact, Smith's actual weight was a staggering 427 pounds.
Aimee Smith recalled, "My knees hurt, my back hurt. I had high blood pressure. I was pre-diabetic. I was going down a bad path. I'm sure carrying around 400 pounds wasn't doing my health any favors."
Many of us have made New Year's resolutions to lose weight and join a gym but it's safe to say that none of us were as committed to the cause as Aimee was. Determined, Aimee Smith not only performed gastric bypass surgery but also completely transformed her lifestyle into one devoted to healthy eating and exercise. In total she has lost 222 pounds.
Aimee now competes in triathlons and runs 10Ks. Currently, Aimee is training for a Wisconsin marathon scheduled for May. Eventually, Aimee aims to compete in the Iron Man triathlon as well.
Offering advice to individuals that are also struggling with their weight, Smith said, "You've got to change your relationship with food. Start thinking of it as fuel rather than a friend you can rush to whenever you're having an emotional problem."
Beyond food habits, Smith's new passion for sports sparked after she signed up for an ambitious "couch to 5k" exercise program and took it twice. What's more, Aimee even learned to swim just so that she could compete in triathlons. Despite finishing at the back of the pack, the thrill of finishing makes her come back for more. A happy spirit, Aimee completed her last 10K run in a tutu and a Santa hat.
While Aimee Smith's recovery is remarkable, experts stress that her formula is no secret. According to the National Weight Control Registry, 98 percent of successful "losers" completely overhauled their eating habits while 94 percent of the lot also increased their habit of exercising.
In addition, weight losers also heavily rely on the support of their friends and family. In Aimee Smith's case, she receives encouragement from her husband, kids, co-workers, as well as the new friends she's made from running.
Smith said, "These are serious athletes who stand on the podium at the end of a race. I expected them to be snobs. But it's been very eye-opening how compassionate they've been towards me. They love my determination and they go out of their way to let me know they're proud of me for not quitting."
Two years ago, Aimee Smith realized her weight was off the scale when the needle slammed to an indicated maximum of 300 pounds. In fact, Smith's actual weight was a staggering 427 pounds.
Aimee Smith recalled, "My knees hurt, my back hurt. I had high blood pressure. I was pre-diabetic. I was going down a bad path. I'm sure carrying around 400 pounds wasn't doing my health any favors."
Many of us have made New Year's resolutions to lose weight and join a gym but it's safe to say that none of us were as committed to the cause as Aimee was. Determined, Aimee Smith not only performed gastric bypass surgery but also completely transformed her lifestyle into one devoted to healthy eating and exercise. In total she has lost 222 pounds.
Aimee now competes in triathlons and runs 10Ks. Currently, Aimee is training for a Wisconsin marathon scheduled for May. Eventually, Aimee aims to compete in the Iron Man triathlon as well.
Offering advice to individuals that are also struggling with their weight, Smith said, "You've got to change your relationship with food. Start thinking of it as fuel rather than a friend you can rush to whenever you're having an emotional problem."
Beyond food habits, Smith's new passion for sports sparked after she signed up for an ambitious "couch to 5k" exercise program and took it twice. What's more, Aimee even learned to swim just so that she could compete in triathlons. Despite finishing at the back of the pack, the thrill of finishing makes her come back for more. A happy spirit, Aimee completed her last 10K run in a tutu and a Santa hat.
While Aimee Smith's recovery is remarkable, experts stress that her formula is no secret. According to the National Weight Control Registry, 98 percent of successful "losers" completely overhauled their eating habits while 94 percent of the lot also increased their habit of exercising.
In addition, weight losers also heavily rely on the support of their friends and family. In Aimee Smith's case, she receives encouragement from her husband, kids, co-workers, as well as the new friends she's made from running.
Smith said, "These are serious athletes who stand on the podium at the end of a race. I expected them to be snobs. But it's been very eye-opening how compassionate they've been towards me. They love my determination and they go out of their way to let me know they're proud of me for not quitting."
