“I had gained so much weight that daily tasks had become nearly impossible to complete. I knew then and there that I needed to change my life for the better.”
These powerful words from Samantha mark the moment she decided to take control of her health. After finding even simple tasks increasingly difficult, like walking to the mailbox, Samantha knew her lifestyle needed to change. That day in December of 2023, she made a choice. A choice to throw out all unhealthy foods and make the call to the Indiana University Health Bariatric Department.
Before starting her weight loss journey, Samantha dreaded exercise and had little interest in healthy eating. The gym felt intimidating, and unhealthy foods were her go-to for comfort. But as she made small changes, her mindset shifted. Today, she looks forward to her workouts, eager to push herself further each time. What was once a chore has become an opportunity for personal achievement. On tough days, Samantha looks back at her progress photos to remind herself how far she’s come. “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” she says, knowing that lasting change takes time. Instead of focusing on setbacks, she celebrates the small wins, trusting that progress is built one step at a time.
Fast forward to today. Samantha has lost 175 pounds, transformed her mindset, and is amidst her training for the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K, a goal that once felt out of reach. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination and the fact that anyone, no matter where they start, can achieve incredible things.
For Samantha, the 5K is more than just a race — it’s a chance to measure how far she’s come. “I believe the 5K gives me an opportunity to truly see how much I can really do,” she says. Completing a 5K is a true accomplishment for her, especially considering where she started, and serves as a powerful reminder of the progress she’s made on her weight loss journey.
Samantha’s advice for anyone starting their own journey is simple: give yourself grace. Setbacks are inevitable, but it’s how you bounce back that matters. She reminds others not to let one bad day turn into a week or a month. “Remember you are doing better than you were the day before and you should count that as a big win.”
As Samantha continues to push through her goals, she remains dedicated to helping others who are just starting their own journeys. “If my story can help even one person beat that fear, then it is well worth it,” she says. By sharing her experience, Samantha hopes to inspire others to take that first step, no matter how daunting it may seem. With her eyes set on even bigger goals down the line, including participating in the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, Samantha’s journey proves that transformation is possible for anyone willing to take the leap.