Stephanie dropped nearly 150 pounds with TOPS

A year ago, Stephanie Fisher was fed up with being obese and decided to make a change.

With a starting weight of 322 pounds, Fisher reached her goal weight last year when she lost 147.5 pounds.

"I had enough with feeling crappy all the time," said Fisher. "I decided to do it for my kids, my family and just to feel better."

Although there had been times in the past Fisher said she has been thinner, weight gain has been something she has been struggling with her whole life, as well as the toll it took on her body.

With sinus problems and aching joints and limbs, Fisher said it got to the point where it hurt to walk up the stairs. Instead of facing the problems it became easier to hide from it.

"I felt awful," said Fisher. "I didn't want to talk to anyone or even leave my house.

"It was easier to stay home."

But after Christmas 2005, Fisher said she had had enough.

She joined Timmins' chapter of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) and today she is the division winner for the province, the second-biggest loser of weight in Ontario and an international division winner.

By eating balanced meals and exercising for no more than an hour a day, Fisher was able to lose almost 150 pounds and keep it off.

"People I have known for years that I haven't seen in a while don't recognize me," said Fisher. "It's a mindset thing, if your mind isn't into it, you're not going to do it."

Having struggled with her weight most of her life, Fisher said she has tried different diets and had even spoken to her doctor about gastric bypass surgery, but in the end a lifestyle change was all she needed to get her life back.

"It's nice that I can keep up with my kids now," said Fisher. "I can run with my son and he's the one saying 'mommy, I'm tired.'"

The most difficult part of her journey has been maintaining the weight loss, and telling herself that she doesn't need to lose anymore.

"When you've been heavy all your life, it's hard to see yourself as thin," she said.

For Fisher that moment came earlier this year, when she saw a photo of herself at a New Year's Eve party.

She still has photos of herself at her heaviest, and holds on to a pair of size 26 pants she used to wear.

"They're reminders," she said. "I lost all that weight and I'm not going back."

The weight loss has not only done wonders for her physical self and her family's eating habits, but it has given her newfound self-esteem.

"When you're big you always want to be liked," said Fisher. "I was told that I lost all that weight and grew a backbone."

For those who continue the struggle, Fisher said she is there to offer advice.

"You need to think positive," she said. "It can be very frustrating, but you need to stick with it.

"It is possible."  Source: http://www.timminspress.com/