Thedeegan4 gained a lot of weight after her pregnancies but most of it is just a memory now, thanks to a combination of calorie counting and exercise. She explains that having a fitness buddy to keep her accountable was the key to her success. She has lost 62 lbs and is determined to reach her goal weight for her wedding anniversary.

She contacted us through our Share Your Story feature and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.

1. What made you decide to lose weight this time?

After having 2 kids I was at my highest weight ever. Looking in the mirror made me sick and trying on new clothes was completely out of the question. When it was time to get back into my pre-pregnancy clothes I was so upset by the fact that pretty much none of them fit so I knew it was finally time to make a change.

2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?

I started my weight loss process using Weight Watchers. I had a lot of success but it only got me so far before I got tired of trying to figure out points values for everything I put in my mouth so I wanted to try and find something else that was a little easier and I that's when I came across Calorie Count.

3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?

I have a friend who is a huge fitness nut so she offered to work with me on getting in shape. We went to the high school track almost every night, no matter what the weather was like and ran sprints, ran the bleacher stairs and other cardio. She really got me excited about exercise and weight loss. So much so that now I am able to run a 5K!

4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?

I love how easy the website is to use and how easy it is to look up foods and input your own if they aren't on the website. Also the fact that there is a mobile website is a great help when we are on the go and trying to figure out what I can eat that is a little more healthy than cheeseburgers and french fries.

5. What was most challenging about losing weight?

My most challenging part of losing weight is controlling my sweet tooth.

6. How long did it take you to see results?

I started my journey in January of 2009 and I still have 29 pounds to go and am hoping to get that off by March 11, 2011 which is my wedding anniversary.

7. When did you realize that you were a success?

I am constantly hearing from people how great I look and asked how much weight I have lost. It feels really good to get those comments. Even though some days I may not be as self-confident as I should be, I know I have come a long way.

8. How do you prevent relapse?

I look at my before picture and realize that I never want to look like that again.

9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?

I have a lot more energy than I did before and it's actually fun to go shopping for clothes and trying on smaller sizes.

10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?

• It's okay to have "slip-ups" as long as you realize it and get back on
  board with the weight loss program right away.
• Dieting alone will only get you so far. Adding in exercise helps immensely!
• Don't give up. Everyone goes through a plateau. You will get through it eventually.
• It's a lot easier to have a work out buddy/weight loss partner than
  it is to go at it alone. Encourage your best friend/sister/mother/anyone to join you. It really helps to keep you accountable.
• Don't cheat yourself. If you eat something that maybe you shouldn't eat, write it down or track it.