When Kristina Bauer tried on her wedding dress in April 2012, she realized that she wanted to look better in it than she did.
Unhappy with her weight of 202 pounds and a rapidly approaching wedding date, the Tallahassee teacher decided that if there were ever a time to lose weight, it would be now. And she knew there was no one better to go through the process with her than her fiancé, Trey Bauer.
“It was a two minute conversation I had with Trey over the phone,” said Bauer. “‘By the way I’m joining Weight Watchers, you can try it, too.’ ”
The soon-to-be husband and Florida State University grants compliance analyst took up the challenge. At 275 pounds and on medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, he knew it was time for a change.
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The couple was part of the high number of Leon County residents considered overweight; according to the Leon County Health Department, in 2012 the figure was 40 percent. The Bauers decided to start the Weight Watchers program in order to maintain a healthier weight not just for the wedding, but for the rest of their lives.
“It encourages you to change your lifestyle,” said Trey. “It’s definitely different than anything I’ve ever done before. It totally changes your view of food and your relationship with food.”
The changes included attending regular meetings, which the couple said were a helpful therapy tool that allowed them to connect with other people who were going through the same situation. They also began using the food point system, a plan where points are assigned to food items and only so many points can be eaten in a day.
“I was on the phone with him (Trey) and I tracked my first meal,” said Kristina. “I had a handful of Skittles and a Krispy Kreme doughnut and I already had eaten all of my points for the day. It was an eye-opener to share that with him.”
The couple adjusted their diet to revolve more around reduced fat, sugar-free and whole wheat foods. They practiced portion control as well, which allowed them to eat their favorite foods — Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and peanut butter — but in moderation.
“Every week we said we didn’t get there because we like food — we love food,” said Kristina. “We weren’t going to lose weight by giving ourselves food that doesn’t taste good.”
Becoming active was another part of their transformation. Kayaking, running and cycling began to fill up the couple’s schedule. Eating right and exercising was easier said than done, but luckily they had each other to help make it through the hard days.
“We always call each other on our ‘BS’ when we are having those really bad days and hold each other accountable,” said Trey.
Together the couple began to lose weight and gain health benefits. After he lost 50 pounds, Trey’s doctor took him off his high blood pressure and high cholesterol medication, which he recalls as one of his biggest successes. The triumphs didn’t end there, though; when his fianceé went to try on her previously purchased wedding dress, a pleasant surprise awaited.
“It was one of those moments you were proud of all the work you’ve put in and realize it was totally worth it,” said the bride. “We compared measurements and I went from an 18 to an 8.”
The wedding day finally arrived on Nov. 13, 2013, a year and a half after they started working towards their weight loss goals. The couple had lost 160 pounds combined —the groom had lost 100 and the bride had lost 60.
Although the wedding was the biggest motivation to start losing weigh, the couple has continued to stay healthy even after the “I do”s. Half a year later, the happily married couple can be found together biking down St. Mark’s Trail, breaking a sweat at the gym and participating in 5Ks. The support they had from each other got them through the worst obstacles.
“Having her as my partner is what made me most successful. I’ve tried diets on my own and I failed miserably,” Trey said. “It was her motivation that got me inspired.”
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