Malvern woman, 75, loses 87 pounds through determination

MALVERN >> Pat Gillespie of Malvern says that she has battled her weight dilemma since grade school, but that’s finally ended since the 5-foot, 8-inch 75-yearold retired senior lost 87 pounds, and got healthier. In losing the weight, she went from a size 3X to a size 14/16 dress.

Gillespie, who retired after 30 years as the head of the data department for the pharmaceutical giant Glaxo Smith Kline (formerly Smith, Kline & French) says that her weight issues began all the way back in grade school, continued through high school, college and into her working years.

“My weight always yoyoed up and down throughout my entire life,” she said. “I’d lose weight, get overconfident thinking my problem was solved and stop watching what I was doing and gain it all back adding a few more pounds than I originally lost.”

She says that she was constantly gaining, losing and regaining weight, adding unwanted pounds and inches because of poor eating habits and a lack of routine exercise. She said that throughout the years she consumed lots of foods high in carbohydrates.

Then in 2001, disgusted with how she looked and felt, she rejoined Weight Watchers. “I vowed to myself that I wasn’t going to stop this time until I got to my goal weight, said Gillespie, a graduate of Bryn Mawr College, where she earned a bachelor’s of arts degree in mathematics.

Gillespie, credits a lot of her success to her Wellness Coach Brenda Barry, whose Wellness Workshop she attends on Thursday mornings at the Weight Watchers Studio Goshen, located at 9 North 5 Points Road in Goshen.

“As a psychologist, she understands her member’s personalities, and is very realistic and supportive. She makes you feel that you want to do it,” Gillespie said. “When my weight plateaued, she spent extra time with me analyzed what I was doing and changed it up a little to get me moving again.” She said that the members in her community group were very supportive and helped out with suggestions and recipes.

Gillespie has added an exercise component to her lifestyle while losing the weight. “I walk two and a half to three miles three times a week and also belong to a gym where I do strength and conditioning exercises,” she said.

She says that she now looks better, feels better and has much more energy. She also comments that she likes how much better she looks in her clothes. “I now run up the stairs in my multi-level house,” she proudly states.

On advice to others trying to lose weight, she said, “Don’t give up. If you have a bad time, just get right back on the program and keep going.”

The Weight Watchers approach is based on healthy eating, regular physical activity, behavior modification and support. The ;rogram offers a unique confidential aspect at Wellness Workshops with private weigh-ins, while providing Wellness Coach motivation and encouragement for members. There are unique weekly workshops in which members interact to help each other achieve their weight goals.

Pat Gillespie