Sue Volpato, 45, Putnam Valley, NY, Professional MOM
How much weight have you lost?
At one point I lost the same 25 pounds four ties, but that doesn’t really count. However, DURING this journey I have lost over 90 pounds.
Tell us what the “old you” used to be like:
The old me loved food and figuring out what to eat next. I loved sugar and chocolate. As a family we loved walking the mall to see the food court and ice cream desserts. We spent hours on the couch watching TV and eating popcorn. I did a lot of napping on the couch.
What prompted your weight loss?
I had been trying to get pregnant for a few years and nothing worked. I would lose 25 pounds and then go through an IVF procedure and then gain 30 pounds back. It was a vicious cycle for a while. During that whole process I found out that I had thyroid issues, polycystic ovaries Syndrome, and insulin resistant it was quite a blow to my system. I have one son and I wanted to give him a sibling so bad it broke my heart. The real awakening was my friend old school friend died suddenly and I was going to the wake with another friend of mine, and we didn’t want to DIE or go on living not doing anything FUN. We made a pack to do a fun run in few months; nothing timed, just fun. I said ok. I had run years ago and I knew I could run again.
How did you lose the weight?
I started walking and running on my treadmill. I watched what I ate and little by little I started to eat cleaner and healthier. I only eat fruits, meats and veggies. Nothing processed.
How long did it take?
It took a year to lose the weight. Holidays were hard, but I jumped right back on track.
What was the hardest part?
I love sugar, it was the hardest to give up.
Most fun part of your weight loss?
I love doing fun runs with my friends.
Most rewarding experience?
My most rewarding experience is finishing a goal I have for myself.
Who/what inspires you when you feel like quitting?
My friends who are struggling and reach out to me for help. They totally inspire me for the courage they have to take the first step.
How has this weight loss changed your life?
It has brought me back full circle, to where I started when I first got married. I love my husband and my son and now we can do things together as a family and have fun doing it. I want to enjoy my life.
Have any advice for others who’d like to lose weight?
Pick a small goal each month to lose the weight. Meet that goal for the month and then do the next month.
Your must-have fitness equipment:
I have added to my collection over the years, but I always return to a cardio DVD when I can’t do my scheduled workout. I also need a good pair of sneakers to walk or run.
Favorite training song:
Run to the Hills by Iron Maiden is my favorite running song. When I first started running again I had a rule that when certain songs would come on I would run the whole song with no break. Those songs were: Run to the Hills by Iron Maiden, Ray of Light by Madonna, and Monkey Wrench by the Foo Fighters
Favorite healthy food: Sweet potatoes
Favorite not-so-healthy food: Cupcakes
Funniest /weirdest/most awkward experience during your weight loss journey:
I bought a few dresses to wear for my anniversary and when I went to try them on … they were too big. Now, my wedding ring and engagement ring fall off.
Future goals:
I am training for a half marathon now, once I have completed this goal, my next goal is a triathlon.
