Transformation Nation Success Story: Stephanie Lewis

Stephanie Lewis was once the skinny girl who could wear anything and took it all for granted. The weight gain started creeping up on the 42-year-old from Woodbridge, Virginia 12 years ago. Lack of exercise, mindless eating, too many restaurant meals and stress took their toll.

“Looking in the mirror was very difficult, and I would avoid that at all costs. I was ashamed and riddled with the guilt that I did this to myself,” Lewis says. She was 240 pounds.

Then Lewis joined Dr. Oz’s Transformation Nation: Million Dollar Challenge with her parents. Lewis and her mom work out five to six times a week at the gym, sometimes twice in a day. The whole family now enjoys Weight Watchers meals and recipes, and they are all counting points.

The effort has paid off. Lewis has lost 48 pounds.

Lewis has vowed to continue her transformation to honor her father, who is morbidly obese, and all of those who face obesity and feel overwhelmed and helpless. She hopes to start a non-profit to support the obese. “After all, if I can’t take something out of this and help others, what have I really accomplished?” Lewis says. “Thank you for the inspirational push to take back my life.”

Visit the Transformation Nation finalists’ page for more inspirational stories. And watch The Dr. Oz Show on May 23 to see who won the Transformation Nation: Million Dollar You!

Join the largest health conversation in 140 characters or less! Tweet what you want to talk about to @SharecareNow and let’s start chatting!

Join the largest health conversation in 140 characters or less! Tweet what you want to talk about to @SharecareNow and let’s start chatting!

File under: Success Stories