Weight loss success stories: Barb Birge

If you’ve had no success with trying to lose weight on your own for a long time and you think that “surgery”


is your only option at finally losing weight, then I urge you to read the weight loss success story of Barb Birge…

After a life long struggle of trying to lose weight, Barb Birge thought her only-and-last option to shed her excess body fat was to undergo bariatic surgery. Fortunately, after some persuasion from her family, Barb decided to lose weight naturally by joining a local weight loss competition. Little did she know how that decision would literally transform her body from flab-to-fab in a relatively short amount of time.

At age 52, Barb ultimately lost 74 lbs in 11 months without surgery. I hope that her weight loss journey would inspire you as you try to conquer your personal battle to lose weight for good. Enjoy!

In her own words, Barb Birge describes her weight loss journey…

It really is nice that Ryan is so proud of me!!! He was one of my children who freaked when I told them about my possible bariatric surgery. Anyway, here goes…

I have tried every diet in the book, you name it, I’ve done it! I was so tired of being overweight. Fortunately, the only health issue I had was high blood pressure. And, I was blessed with high energy like my mother so I was always very active.

So, at 52 years old I threw in the towel. I contacted my doctor who had been aware of my weight loss struggles and asked if he could recommend a Bariatric center. He provided a contact and I went to see them. We talked about risks, possible results, what to expect, etc. I then started meeting with the psychiatrist and nutritionist.

As I was waiting for what would be my last appointment, a couple of things happened to make me pause. First, I talked to another patient in the waiting room who had already had the lap band surgery. I asked her
if she could feel the port under her skin. She said yes. Not what I wanted to hear! Then, when I met with the nutritionist she was talking about foods I could never eat again post surgery.

Let me say, I am a sweet freak but when she told me I couldn’t eat bread again, my mouth hit the floor! I couldn’t imagine never eating bread again. So, armed with this info and digesting it as I drove home, I thought it was time to share my decision to have surgery with my kids.

I was expecting their full support and was shocked when 2 of my 4 kids weren’t buying in. Yet another thing to make me pause.

I worked at AT&T at the time and had a co-worker who co-owned a gym. I decided to talk to her one day about my surgery. She immediately asked me to reconsider. We talked about the surgery, the limited food I could eat post surgery and I came to the realization that if I ate like I was going to have to eat after the surgery, I would definitely lose weight.

She told me about a weight loss competition they have at their gym and that she thought I should give that a try. They were half way through a session and I knew that I didn’t want to have to wait for another 2 months to start. We were heading into the holidays and I didn’t want to allow myself that eating freedom.

On December 8th, 2008, I went to my friend’s gym and started the weight loss class mid way through. I couldn’t compete for the prize but the money wasn’t the primary motivation for me. The weight loss program was made up of unlimited workout classes to attend and a weekly weigh-in with a group meeting following the weigh-in. The embarrassment was pretty bad initially.

They post your weight on a board to share with the class. Kind of humiliating but we were all in the same boat! Move more, eat less. That became the mantra that I repeated over and over in my head. I adjusted what I was eating and the amount. It was starting to fall into place.

I started working out there 4-5 times a week. The workouts were brutal! They offered a Taerobics class, boot camp and kick boxing. All equally tough and daunting! I was drenched and exhausted after each class but the support at the gym was so uplifting.

After about 3 weeks I sucked my best friend into joining the gym and the journey. That was a Godsend! We have struggled together for many years dieting and that support that we provided each other was crucial. When I wasn’t in the mood she pushed me and vice versa.

We stayed focused and started the next Kickstart class together. After 10 weeks, I won the competition and $400! I lost 21 pounds in that 10 week competition. We joined the next class together and continued to encourage each other.

Unfortunately, neither one of us won the next 10 week competition but we weren’t where we wanted to be physically so we joined the next class too. I had lost another 20 pounds in that class so with both classes and the time in between classes I had lost about 55 pounds. I was closing in on my desired weight but not quite there.

Once again, we joined the next class. We worked with the trainers in the gym and got pointers for how to ratchet up our workouts to increase our potential for weight loss. We really kicked in on our walking and added that to our workouts that we were already doing. We were determined that one of us would win this Kickstart class.

After 10 hard fought weeks including one brutal weekend at the end, I won again! And even better after 11 months….I was at my goal!!! I lost 74 pounds in 11 months and I did it without a port in my side and I can eat bread!!!

My journey continues as I work at maintaining my weight loss. I’m allowing myself a 5 pound leeway but I feel good about being at a reasonable weight. I took my winnings from the last contest and joined a gym that is closer to my house and has many classes to choose from.

I’m one month into this stage and have stayed within my 5 pound range. I’m still working out 4-5 times a week and will continue to do that. I plead with Ryan [my son] to stop showing my pictures at work, to friends, etc. but I know he is proud of me and I need to embrace that. I am proud of my accomplishment but it’s still embarrassing!

Wasn’t that a powerful and encouraging weight loss story? Barb has definitely proven that there’s nothing that cannot be accomplished with hardwork, determination, and a desire for positive change in one’s life.

Great job Barb, and thanks for sharing your inspiring weight loss story.

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Disclaimer: The article above is for information purposes only. Always consult your physician before engaging in any exercise program.