Monica: Before Becoming a Buff Bride
Monica's Starting Stats
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 165 lbs.
Dress Size: 12
Q: What was your favorite food before becoming a Buff Bride?
A: Ice cream.
Q: What was your favorite body part before losing your weight?
A: My stomach.
Q: What was your motivation to lose the weight and get fit?
A: I am an athlete and have been my entire life. In 1998 I had the most spectacular opportunity to play the game I love and get paid for it. I played a season for the National Woman's Basketball Association of Puerto Rico. Upon my return, I began working for a major corporation and that was when my working out stopped. Before I knew it I was out of shape and in agonizing pain. The pain existed while I played sports, but staying in shape helped relieve it. I could not take the pain anymore and had to make one of the biggest decisions of my life — back surgery. After seeing the same specialist for three years and falling twice in the street because my right leg went completely numb, I decided to put myself in the hands of my spinal specialist and let him make me whole again. On Sept. 25, 2002, Dr. Sean McCance gave me back a part of my life that I'd lost — my ability to fully engage in athletics and exercise with no pain. After my surgery I was so eager to get back to the gym, but I had to wait six months before I could even carry a heavy bag. With my eight-month checkup coming, I went to a bridal show. There I came across the Buff Brides booth, which asked, "Who wants to get in shape for the big day?" I ran over, inquired and signed up. The next day at work I sent a follow-up email expressing my interest. This was my perfect opportunity. I would have a trainer who was fully educated and would help get me back into shape and guide me back to a healthy and confident weight.
Q: Did you exercise before becoming a Buff Bride? If so, how often and what did you do?
A: I used to have vigorous workouts playing basketball, using machines and free weights, running, biking, climbing stairs, jumping rope, drills, full-court games, double sessions, two-hour practices, etc. You name, I did it. In Puerto Rico it was double sessions every day — morning and night —. We played in 89-degrees-and-above weather with no air conditioning, only fans that blew hot air. Oh how I missed this so much. I was always in shape.
