In 2022, everything changed. I discovered I was a Celiac. My world was rocked. I weighed about 220 lbs, felt sick constantly, and was tired all the time. Doctors were zero help.

After at least two decades of giving the medical people a chance, I was desperate.

I was on six medications regularly, and they kept suggesting more tests to figure out what was actually wrong. But they weren’t getting to the root—just treating the symptoms. From what I’ve learned, this happens a lot. Food allergies and autoimmune diseases are hard to diagnose, and so many people never find the actual source of their issues.

Once I found out what was really behind my illness, I had a choice: completely change my life or keep suffering. I started small—cut out bread, the obvious stuff. Then I went all in: clean, healthy eating as much as possible. And it worked. I lost 80 lbs and went from a size 12 to a size 5 slim fit. I’m now just 10–15 lbs away from my dream weight.

But the biggest shift wasn’t just physical—it was how I showed up for myself.

When I began, I couldn’t walk more than 10–15 minutes without pain and leg swelling. They even suggested fibromyalgia. That was the moment I said no more. I quit the doctor and took my health into my own hands. I viewed it as a life-or-death situation. A wheelchair wasn’t an option for me. Neither was living life from the inside looking out. I started walking and riding my bike. At first, it was only for as long as I could handle. But over time, I got stronger. The weight came off. Even my seasonal allergies? Going, going, gone.

Now I do weekly 10K walks, bike half-marathons, and go to the gym—at 64 years old. I can work circles around women half my age. I’m not just surviving anymore—I’m living.

When you start a weight loss journey, you often feel very self-conscious. I knew I needed the best workout clothing I could find—something that would make me feel good about what I was doing and what I was wearing.

I’ve tried so many brands, but nothing compares to Fanka. I just wish I had found them sooner. The fabric is amazing. The quality is unbeatable. When I felt good about how I looked, it made it easier to go outdoors or to the gym. I started in a size large. Now I’m in a small—and aiming for one more size down. I’m a lifelong customer now.

Start slow. Right where you are. Before I joined a gym, I walked and rode my bike. I wasn’t strong enough—or confident enough—to walk into a gym while still 80 lbs overweight. Honestly, if I had started there, I probably would’ve quit.

When I finally did go, I was overwhelmed. I couldn’t do more than one set of anything, and even that was with no weight. I’ve seen people dive into fitness too hard, too fast—and then I never see them again. Start small. If you can walk to the mailbox today, walk twice that tomorrow. It may sound silly, but those little wins add up. They build strength, confidence, and momentum.