The brief notes in Donna Mishler's food journal show success in the 53-year-old elementary school teacher's long-time battle with the bulge.

At more than 200 lbs, Mishler had tried nearly everything to lose weight. From diet plans to diet pills; it seemed that nothing helped her shed pounds. In the meantime, Mishler lived an uncomfortable life. Her weight seemed to cripple her. She waddled when she walked and struggled to sit down.

Mishler came to BodyTek in March 2002.

"For once in my life I came in and said 'I don't care how much I lose.' I cared more about feeling stronger. I wanted to get in shape," she said. "I was really looking for something I could be successful at."

Lee Brinn, BodyTek founder, said he saw someone determined to succeed when he first met Mishler. "She was someone who was desperate - as if she thought this was her last chance at losing her weight. She seemed humbled yet determined, and that inspired me," Brinn said.

Brinn first trained Mishler mentally. Because Mishler was so out of shape, Brinn had to make her believe that she could get in shape.

Mishler boxed during her first work-out session with Brinn. The exercise is an ideal cardio activity for people with weak or damaged knees, he said. "Boxing is also empowering. It makes you feel confident with yourself. The aggressiveness was really good for her then. She was tired of being submissive to her weight," Brinn said.

Brinn also gave Mishler a diet plan. Instead of eating at fast food restaurants, Mishler had to cook and package her food. He allowed Mishler a few cheat foods at first but then progressively eliminated them from her food plan.

Mishler said she got stronger but didn't lose the weight like she expected. She hit her breaking point about three months into her training. "I just blew up," Mishler said. "I would wake up at 5:30 a.m. every day, exhausted, and do my cardio routine and was obsessive about getting to every workout." She left a message on Brinn's voicemail that basically told him she wasn't so sure the program was going to work for her.

"I told her to toughen up," Brinn said. "It's not a crying session; at that point, it's time to really get to work. All I did was help her believe in herself so that she would push her better-conditioned body even more."

Mishler's workouts grew more intense. Brinn incorporated the stationary bike and free weights. Mishler's endurance increased and her strength allowed her to lift heavier weights. She started a food journal where she catalogued what she ate and found that she wasn't following her food as well as she thought. The journal helped her stick to the food plan Brinn gave her. She also wrote down what she did during workouts as well as her feelings, concerns, and struggles.

Soon, there were more notes of accomplishments than setbacks:

• can walk up and down steps like a normal person - no baby steps!
• can walk up & down the sand dune to the beach without my knees, hips & feet hurting and without being out of breath.
• buy normal sized clothing not just fuller figure stuff.
• I can walk straight down the aisle of the bus at school - not having to turn sideways.

On December 3, 2004 Mishler wrote this:
I reached my goal for Christmas ! 197. I am ecstatic! Thrilled! Wow!

But even after losing more than 100 lbs. Mishler said she still has a long way to go to accomplish her goals. She's actually gained a few more pounds since last year but has maintained at least a 90 lb. weight loss despite going on a few vacations - times that people tend to lax on their diets and exercise routines.

Mishler has healthier eating and exercise habits. She works out with a BodyTek trainer for an hour three times a week and walks for 30 minutes every morning. Brinn calls Mishler regularly to motivate her.

"This is the time when life can get the best of you," Brinn said. "She has accomplished a lot and it's a lot easier to say 'hey, I've done it. She's not completely 100 percent focused on herself right now. I'm teaching her to be a little more selfish."

Mishler said she's determined to make it and Brinn has no doubt that she will. "She has built the confidence and strength to try anything now," Brinn said. "She's fearless."