It’s been a while since we’ve had any success stories around here. I’m now focusing on weight loss with counting calories and everything, so I figure it’s time to get all motivational. Enter Jill.
Jill Knapp
Wife, Mom, Diabetes Advocate
Age: 43
Height: 5’8″
Before weight: 237
After Weight: 137
During my first pregnancy, I gained 50 pounds, and after childbirth, my weight gradually began increasing. As with most women, I became busy with life and forgot the importance of taking care of myself. I was young, and my body didn’t feel the extra 100 pounds I had gradually put on over the years. I had bad eating habits, no time for exercise and no real desire to be healthy.
Unfortunately I had to hear “You have type ll diabetes.” I am hoping others will lose weight before they have to hear those words. It was so very depressing getting the diagnoses of type ll. It changes everything.
I logged my food, ate six small meals a day and had no refined sugar. Finding out I had Type ll diabetes helped me have a paradigm shift in the way I think, and I did a lifestyle change versus a diet. Five days a week, cardio mixed with weight training was my exercise routine. I never skipped a day.
I broke my both sides of my ankle after slipping on black ice. I had to have surgery and a plate with 6 screws put in my Tibia bone. I thought “How will I ever get the weight off now?” I was so determined that I sure did not let my ankle stop me. It took 9 months total to heal from that fall I could not exercise, but I kept eating 6 small meals a day and reached my goal.
My neighbor who works behind the scenes of the Mrs. Idaho Pageant said I have a great platform. I thought with winning a local title it would be a great way to get my message out. I was Mrs. Treasure Valley. With the title of Mrs. Treasure Valley Idaho I was able to start bringing awareness to type 2 diabetes. I spoke at schools, offices, weight loss challenges and after school programs. It was a wonderful feeling to share my personal journey to help others.
The Mrs. Idaho pageant was fun and it was the first time I have been on a stage in over 20 years. I placed 2nd runner up. I won the best interview award, community service award, and most years married award and was voted Mrs. Congeniality.
Currently I am a diabetes advocate. I am still carrying my message as far and wide as I can. I am also a motivational speaker and love it. It brings me great joy to share my story and in doing so inspire them to “get up and get moving!’
My health now is great! I take no medication for my diabetes I have it under control through eating right and exercising. I feel wonderful! I have more energy now and it’s because I am living a whole new lifestyle. I have the energy to keep up with my 3 kids but especially my 5 year old. I have more drive to live and am happier with myself. I remember how it felt carrying that extra 100 pounds around. I remember being very depressed. I will never go back and live that way again.
I want to let others know YOU can lose weight. No matter what your circumstances. No matter what your age. YOU can start living a healthier lifestyle right now. Take one day at a time and you will reach your goals.
I have maintained my weight loss for 1 yr 7 mo.
If you would like to learn more about Jill Visit her web site at http://getupandgetmoving.net
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What an amazing story. I need to read these once and a while to keep me going! Thanks for sharing!
Striving to get rid of diabetes myself I look up to this lady. I live day in and day out worried about my health. This post has given me some hope.
Congratulations! And thank you for bringing such awareness to diabetes! It so hard to swallow the “what if’s” of getting control of weight gain earlier on. At least that’s what I struggle with with patients. It’s hard to empower people in such a low state to see the silver lining. Diabetes can be managed, and that’s a wonderful thing. Thanks for sharing your story!
She looks amazing! I always wondered what weight loss goal would be good for my height (5’8) its nice to see someone else who has similarities to you accomplish goals. Now I know the 130s might not be too slim for me!
Congrats on your success! The fear of developing diabetes was my trigger as well. That’s what woke me up!
This is such a wonderful story! Thank you so much for sharing! It is so refreshing to see someone with Diabetes maintain their weight and stay healthy without medication. It really is such a fantastic thing.
Love that post about Jill. That is inspiring. Eat less and move more, that is what I say. Stories like Jill’s are important to hear (or read) to keep us going. Thanks.
Wow that’s a good story I know someone that is diabetic I will have to share this information with them.