my success in 2011

I was diagnosed in January with Leukemia. I was in the hospital for 35 days to start chemo and to recover from being extremely ill. My sister was my inspiration for losing weight as she has lost 130 pounds in about 9 months and continues to work at maintaining healthy living and weight loss. I started out weighing 286 pounds and weighed about 263 when I got finished with my 4 months of chemo treatment.
Once I completed all my outpatient chemo and started feeling better and healthier, my Husband and I decided to become more fit and lose weight. In August 2011, we joined a gym and hired a trainer. Since that time, I have been working out 5 days a week and working with a trainer 1 time a week. I was very deconditioned prior to starting on this journey and told my trainer that things were going to move very slowly. I started my cardio by pedaling the recumbant bike for 30 minutes, but that did not burn many calories. About 2 weeks after starting on our journey, I decided it was time to try another kind of cardio workout. I started walking on the treadmill for 10 minutes and using the stationary bike. I have continued to use both pieces of equipment for cardio and now am cycling 20 minutes and walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes. I have increased the speed while cycling and have increased the incline and speed for the treadmill as well. Doing both pieces of equpment now burns about 250 calories which makes me feel really good. I also have just started adding the elipitical machine for 5 minutes at a very slow pace. I have felt good about adding cardio equipment to my current workout and feel great that I am able to use more kinds of equipment.
So --- in 2011, my successes have been ---
I lost 53 pounds so far
I am able to do cardio workouts for 40 - 45 minutes usind various types of equipment
I have hired a trainer to help with this journey
I have been able to purchase new jeans that are 3 sizes smaller than what I wore in January.
My Leukemia has been "in remission" since I finished the Chemo in May.

I was not one to think I could improve on my weight and strength, but with determination, it can be done for anyone. When I started in August, I had problems walking 100 ft without being extremely fatigued, and now I am able to walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes. I also was able to climb 86 steps to my seat at the KSU football games which is something I did not think I would be able to do during this football season.