Weight Loss Wednesday: Fast Food Lover Jody Lost More Than 120 Pounds by Cutting Out All The Junk!

At 266 pounds, Jody Drollinger said her life was depressing, dreary and joyless.

So in January 2014, the 43-year-old set out on a weight loss journey by exercising and cutting out fast food and soda from her diet — and has since shed an impressive 126 pounds!

"This journey has been one of the best accomplishments I have ever achieved — and it’s just getting started!" the Pine Grove, Calif. native exclusively told 'Closer.'

Read on to find out how Jody successfully lost the weight and turned her life around!

• What was your life like before the weight loss?

My life was a complete mess. It was depressing, dreary and joyless — not to mention life-threatening! I lived on fast food and soda. I avoided social situations, family and friends. It was a life void of happiness.

(Photo Courtesy of Jody Drollinger)

• Was there a specific event or moment that triggered your weight loss?

I was in need of shoulder surgery, and during the consultation with the surgeon I was told I couldn’t [undergo the operation because] they feared I wouldn’t [survive]. I was told if I didn’t lose a significant amount of weight, I would be dead in 10 years.

• How did you get started with your weight loss journey?

My doctors gave me the option of gastric bypass, but if I wasn’t fit enough for shoulder surgery, how could I make it through the bypass surgery? That gave me just one option — to do it the hard way! On Jan. 2, 2014 I took my first steps into the gym and have probably [taken] a million since. My exercise of choice at the time was the recumbent bike. I also knew I had to make some serious lifestyle changes with my diet and sleeping patterns.

Related Story: Kelsey Lost 50 Pounds to Feel Comfortable in Her Body Again!

• How does it feel now that you've lost the weight?

There are too many words to describe how I feel! Fantastic! Wonderful! Happy! Joyous! Light! I had a close friend tell me that “I found my smile” and they are right. My life before had nothing in it to
make me smile, and now I can’t stop. This journey has been one of the best accomplishments I have ever achieved — and it’s just getting started!

To submit your own weight loss story, email jbirkinbine@bauerxcel.com.