It wasn't so long ago that Hannah Curlee was turning down wedding invites from close friends because she did not want to wear a dress.

One year later, she was finding fun ways to celebrate the small milestones, like snapping a photo on the airplane seatbelt fitting loosely around her waist.

Curlee, a runner-up on season 11 of "The Biggest Loser," admits that she hated herself and her appearance for most of her life. She reached her turning point when she went to the doctor and weighed in at 285 pounds. With 300 approaching, she knew she needed a change.

Although she initially refused to go, Curlee now says that the casting call for the hit reality show was "the first day of the rest of my life."

Curlee brought her success story to nurses, doctors and visitors at Sky Ridge Medical Center Aug. 2, sharing how she went from loneliness and despair to confidence and pride. Curlee, who serves as director of health engagement for HCA, the parent company of Sky Ridge, dropped 120 pounds within seven months on "The Biggest Loser." She did it with the help of trainers and a support system that boosted her every step of the way.

"I never thought I could have this life," she said.

Sherry Davis, who attended the presentation in the cafe of Sky Ridge, said she was inspired by "The Biggest Loser" to lose 40 pounds in the last 14 months.

"It's just such a great show to watch and learn from," she said. "They make it look difficult on there and it definitely is."

Curlee's advice to work hard and stay positive continues to motivate those who want to drop some weight and feel good about themselves. She remembers encouraging others to participate in work-sponsored 5K races, but says she was always the one at the finish line with donuts in her hand. Now, she takes on her role as director of health engagement with more gusto than ever.