YMCA Helped Huntington Woman Lose More than 200 Pounds

By Grant Traylor
Huntington News Network Columnist

Huntington (HNN) --- As Sheila Smith strolls into the YMCA whether to work or work out, a beaming smile comes over her face as she walks through the doors. The reason, you ask? That's simple! The reason is because she is able to walk into the YMCA 204 pounds lighter than when she first started walking in the doors!

Smith's miraculous weight-loss program started on July 1, 2003 just weeks after a doctor had told her that he wanted to order a wheelchair for her to get around in because the arthritis was getting so bad in her body.

"I decided that if I got in the wheelchair, I would probably never get out and that was like a death sentence," Smith said.

Smith also said that it had forced her to quit doing many things that she loved doing such as work as a firefighter and teach school, which she did for 23 years in New Orleans, La.

Smith started at the Huntington YMCA shortly after moving here with her son Stephen and daughter Sasha in April of 2003. Her efforts at the YMCA quickly became the focal point toward restarting her new life.

"When I first started coming to the YMCA, I could barely move and was in a great deal of pain everyday. Mary Sharp encouraged me to join her water aerobics arthritis class for seniors," Smith said. "Even though it took me about a month to be able to do each of these exercises, I believe that this class saved my life!"

From there, Smith saw herself lose the first fifty pounds with the water being easier to exercise in than the fitness center due to less strain on the body. Smith was quickly not only feeling better physically, but mentally as well.

Smith said once Mary Sharp's aqua arthritis class got to be a normal routine, she started adding in swimming laps to her daily regimen.

Smith now swims a mile, which is 36 laps, on a daily basis. Swimming laps is the best exercise for arthritis, according to Smith, because it is done with very little pain. Smith has also added deep water aerobics and even nautilus workouts in the fitness center--something she couldn't do before--to her daily routine.

Smith said her main goal was to lose 200 pounds before having surgery to remove the excess skin. She looked at the scales on the morning of July 29, 2004 and confirmed that she had reached her ultimate goals.

Although Smith was thrilled and relieved to reach her goal of 200 pounds and she is in the process of planning her abdominoplasty, she is in no way ready to take a break from her plummet down the scales.

"It was funny because my father (Doyle Smith) wanted to take me to dinner, but I refused," Smith said. "I wasn"t about to gain any back!"

The mention of Smith's weight-loss is a miraculous story in itself, but Smith said that there are many more aspects that make the weight-loss great.

Smith said, "Since losing my first 50 pounds, my inspiration is now all the wonderful friends from the YMCA, neighbors and family members who have continuously encouraged me throughout the last year."

Smith has literally managed to bring everything in her life together exactly the way she wants it. Now, the friends at the YMCA and her family have become as one in more ways than imaginable.

Perhaps the great family feel of Sheila's weight loss endeavors were never more recognized than on a Sunday afternoon in the spring when she and son Stephen stood together outside the pool. Both had just completed their lifeguard certifications and became employed at the Huntington YMCA.

"I have always felt extremely lucky to have children who wanted me to be a part of their lives, especially during their teen years," Smith said. "I am very lucky that both of my children have always accepted me as I was."

In addition to the family aspects, Smith said that just being able to lead a normal life was a fulfilling accomplishment in itself.

"Being able to go into a regular store and buy clothes instead of having to go to only plus-size stores feels fantastic," Smith said. "Probably the best thing is going places and not having people stare at you or make rude comments about your weight or size. Life is worth living now!"

While the pounds keep dropping, her self-esteem keeps rising and members at the YMCA now recognize her as a role model. Smith is modest in this assessment, but does offer advice to those who might look to do the same things she has done.

"Take it one day at a time! Don't get discouraged when you do not lose as quick as you would like or even gain a pound here or there. I have also learned to be patient each time I hit a plateau. It is frustrating to go two to four weeks without losing a pound," Smith said.

Actually, Smith was in a plateau right before she hit the 200 mark. She was stuck at 194 for two weeks before she lost 10 pounds in another two weeks to put her at where she is today.

"There's nothing worse than dieting fanatically with no cheating and working out for hours each day and seeing the weight on the scales not change day after day," Smith said.

Now that her goals are reached and she is in control of her life the way she wants it to be, Smith is still not satisfied or going to quit.

Smith said, "When I reach my final goal of weighing 130-140 pounds, I'm going to Disney World as my reward. I've always wanted to go but hated the thought of trying to get through the turnstiles or not fitting on the rides."

According to Smith, one roller coaster that won't be ridden anymore is the roller coaster on the scales.

"Even though I know I will always have to watch my weight, I am determined to never regain these pounds again," Smith said.

Congratulations Sheila on reaching your goals and good luck as you continue to watch your weight! Just don't forget to watch the kids in the pool while you are at it!

For more information on the Sheila Smith story or how to contact Sheila, please e-mail me at traylor8@marshall.edu or contact the Huntington YMCA for further details.