Click here to post your comments!
I have been battling my weight for most of my adult life. About 10 years ago I had reached 337 pounds and at that point I realized I needed to make a change in my life. With cutting my portion sizes in half and lots of exercise I got my weight done to 262 pounds. After several changes in my life including marrying the most wonderful women in the world and relocating to Columbia, South Carolina, by July of 2007 my weight had gotten back up to about 294 lbs.
It was at this point I just got sick and tired of the weight, so I decided to make a change in my life. This was when my wife and I went out and purchase the Dr. Ian book "The Fat Smash Diet". After my wife and I read the book, we both decided to follow the program in the book. In addition, I decided to join the 50 Million Challenge and I set a goal weight of 250 lbs. I continued to workout at my local fitness center increasing my workout days to 6-7 days without using a personal trainer. Since following the plan in the book, I am at a weight of 194 lbs. I never dreamed that I be this size. I use to wear a 46 pants size, but today I am wearing a 36 size. I am thankful for the support of my wife, making sure that I have healthy meals and snacks, and being my cheerleader. I am also thankful to Dr. Ian's book because it changed my life. Through this entire journey, I give God all the Glory and Praise because he gave me the strength to loss the weight. As you can see from the pictures that I have attached this was a complete life changing experience for me.
Comments (35)
I'm a size 6 on top and a size 16 on my bottom. How can I equal out? I work out two hours a day. I can lose weight no problem.I can't get rid of my hips,thighs,butt. All I lose is my top half, even though I work out my bottom half. Is surgery the answer? I ve been at this for 25 years plus. Please help me
Posted by Kim Leib | June 14, 2009 12:25 AM
Posted on June 14, 2009 00:25
Congratulations on your success. Your story was very uplifting.
Posted by teeshie | May 9, 2009 5:13 PM
Posted on May 9, 2009 17:13
Brother I was 280 and I'm trying to get my weight to 188 (bmi=25). You have made my struggle seem a little easier. I've lost 13 with many to go! Isn't it amazing how obesity is accepted in our black community?
Posted by Dion Cherry | April 20, 2009 8:36 AM
Posted on April 20, 2009 08:36
Congratulations on your weight loss. Today I started the fat smash diet and I cannot weight to post my success.
Posted by Thewomaniam | April 17, 2009 6:34 AM
Posted on April 17, 2009 06:34
Congradulations on you weight loss!! I decide to join the site, because like you I lost the weight and gained it back. Now I am determine to lose it and keep it off and hopefully this site will help me stay on track. My best friend is is Columbia, I wish you and your wife could get her in check..LOL! Thanks for your story God Bless!!
Posted by 101witAB | April 11, 2009 3:06 PM
Posted on April 11, 2009 15:06
greatjob iam looking forward to my weight loss
Posted by Anonymous | April 11, 2009 2:25 PM
Posted on April 11, 2009 14:25
Way to go man. Keep it going.
Posted by bladerunner | April 10, 2009 2:21 PM
Posted on April 10, 2009 14:21
Congrats on losing the weight. I know how much of a struggle it is do to it, because I am in the same situation you were in. I lose weight and then something happens. I lose the weight again and then something happens in my life that draws me away once again. But this time I am not looking to the left or to the right. I am going to finish this race until the end. And I will be victorious.
LLove in Milwaukee, WI
Posted by Lena Love | April 10, 2009 9:37 AM
Posted on April 10, 2009 09:37
i want to see a before pic but good job hopefully my story will be up here soon ( in small voice) pray for me
Posted by Tashena | April 8, 2009 12:18 PM
Posted on April 8, 2009 12:18
Keep up the good work I went down like you did but gained back 45 pounds after i stopped smoking so i am trying once again
Posted by sabrina | April 7, 2009 10:10 PM
Posted on April 7, 2009 22:10
You must feel very satisfied with yourself. I'm very happy for you, for both your pyhsical and emotional well being.
I spent half of my life being 'too skinny' no matter what I ate.. which put bad eating habits in place. Then at age 26 I became extremely ill and my already tiny frame dropped to only 83 lbs. and am 5' 9" tall.(hyperthoidism)
They had to take out my thyroid. I gained 30 lbs. in 3 months... and I needed to - but not changing eating habits, a pregnancy w/ baby #2 three months after surgery... and constant fluctuation on my thyroid meds made weight loss nearly impossible. Then came baby #3, and a divorce. (unrelated btw)
Lost my insurance thru divorce, and my thyroid meds as well. Over the next 4 years w/out meds, I gained another 45 lbs. Its been 10 years now since the divorce, I now weigh 215 lbs. I spent the last two years being quite inactive due to heel spurs/surgery (brought on by weight I believe) and a knee replacement last July. But enough of THAT!
I am on day 1 of my journey. My husband is joining me (so is our teenage daughter)and I (we) look forward to individual growth, the support of one another and sharing a success we work toward together.
I have my grocery list, and am headed to the kitchen to clean out my pantry and refigerator while I boil a few eggs.
I want my health back... and I'm not stopping until I get it!
Posted by Terri Locker | April 7, 2009 9:11 AM
Posted on April 7, 2009 09:11
Hi! Congratulations on your weight loss! I had just learned about this site, today, on TV. Immediately, I tried to join. Only, it's not accepting my ID and password. I went to the trouble menu, and done the cookie thing and the other thing, but it is still not letting me login. I weigh 294 pounds. I am a female, standing 5'3". I am 42 years old. In my high school days, I played Tennis. I have ALWAYS ate big, but apparently kept it off through tennis, and other sports. After graduating high school, I let myself go. Then I developed an overactive thyroid, losing 50 lbs in one month. WOW! I was so excited about that weight loss! Then, my mom took me to a specialist, and he used radioactive iodine to rid some of my thyroid. I am not sure if I have any left or not. I don't think so. Each year, my medicine is increased. Right now, I take 2 pills per day. I take a .2 and a .112. So, I blame some of my weight gain on the thyroid issue. They say the pills replace the thyroid, and that function should be normal. But I don't believe it. Nothing synthetic replaces a natural organ. Nevertheless, my weight issues affects me everyday, in EVERYTHING that I do; every part of my life. I am ready to get it off. I have tried other things, but I do not stick with it. I am not very good at setting goals, and meeting them. I need some help. Can you help me?
Beth Paul
bucknhorse@embarqmail.com
Posted by Beth Paul | April 6, 2009 1:29 PM
Posted on April 6, 2009 13:29
Way to go, I too have struggles all my life with up and down weight, one year I look great the next even bigger than before. I am tired of the Yo Yo, I pray you will continue to eat healthy and exercise, thanks for reminding me that With God all things are possible. Looking forward to getting back on the right track. Keep up the good work and thanks for the encouragement.
Posted by gingersmile | April 3, 2009 3:24 PM
Posted on April 3, 2009 15:24
Congratulations on your successful weight loss. It is awsome. I know 'Momma' was with you every step of the way.
Posted by Dianne | April 1, 2009 8:37 PM
Posted on April 1, 2009 20:37
i have lost 62 pounds and i feel so much better i have about 100 to go . i will do it BRENDA
Posted by Brenda | March 31, 2009 9:34 PM
Posted on March 31, 2009 21:34
I think this is so wonderful. It seems like you had the drive it took to get the job done. It also doesn't hurt to have someone in your corner.
Posted by cheryka.crim | March 31, 2009 11:48 AM
Posted on March 31, 2009 11:48
Dennis, we are so proud of you here in the Florence office. What a tremendous accomplishment! Keep up the good work, we are pulling for you.
Posted by T. Jones | March 31, 2009 8:04 AM
Posted on March 31, 2009 08:04
Good job Dennis with the grace of god and people personal inspiration like yours it will help me reach my goal I to have been overweight my adult life but I am on my way since october of last year I have lost 60 pounds.
Posted by Knesah | March 26, 2009 8:47 PM
Posted on March 26, 2009 20:47
Big Ups To You....Congratulations!!!!!!!!
Posted by Anonymous | March 26, 2009 12:59 PM
Posted on March 26, 2009 12:59
Your doing a great job, keep it up! I joined the site to help support others with their weight loss and health goals. I just started to change my life with diet and exercise, although I might be around 135, I still feel that everyone needs support. Im also a teambeachbody coach and I do have products that help people. If you have the time feel free to check out my site. Remember No challenge equals no growth.
Posted by pjlaw22 | March 26, 2009 9:45 AM
Posted on March 26, 2009 09:45
Way to go I hope I can do as well as you have I need alot of encourgement I have been overweight all my life, I have diabetes and HTN I have to do this or have gastric by-pass I need help!!! God bless you!
Posted by Diane | March 25, 2009 7:31 PM
Posted on March 25, 2009 19:31
You have done a wonderful job, I hope you continue because you are an inspiration to others.
Posted by Annie Hill | March 25, 2009 3:26 PM
Posted on March 25, 2009 15:26
You look fantastic! Congrats!
Posted by Becky | March 25, 2009 12:30 PM
Posted on March 25, 2009 12:30
This is a tremendous achievement and you look fabulous! We are all so proud of you and thanks for inspiring us. I have lost motivation recently- I had a 2 week plateau and then experienced small 'success' and felt I could 'celebrate' with food. (Yikes! Old habits sure do die hard. lol) Anyway, maybe I will go out and buy this book. I need some guidance. And by the way, Tina.. I think the activity you are referring to, is called grazing. I am guilty of it, too. I will start out hungry and as I prepare my 'healthy' meal, I will snack on a couple of 100 calorie packs, a handful of almonds, some yogurt and a fruit cup, then, before I register it- I have consumed 500 calories. Then I feel guilty b/c I made this 'healthy' meal and I really should eat it.. so I stuff some more- so as not to waste. (Now I have consumed 900 calories instead of 310-400)*sigh*. 'Tis a vicious cycle but we shall prevail! (smile) Best of luck to everyone and thanks for all of your post. They are very encouraging.
Posted by cprotocol | March 25, 2009 12:19 PM
Posted on March 25, 2009 12:19
Congratulations!! What a wonderful achievement. You and your family must be so proud. :)
Posted by Katrina | March 25, 2009 12:51 AM
Posted on March 25, 2009 00:51
I'm so proud of you and your wife! We started a team today at our school across the river from USC. Thank you for your incredible commitment and motivation! Give it up for SC!
Posted by beth | March 24, 2009 10:54 PM
Posted on March 24, 2009 22:54
Good Job!!!
Posted by Mrs.Klo | March 24, 2009 7:12 PM
Posted on March 24, 2009 19:12
way to go man !!!!!!!
Posted by Anonymous | March 24, 2009 4:29 PM
Posted on March 24, 2009 16:29
U GO BOY!!!!
Posted by jay | March 24, 2009 12:26 AM
Posted on March 24, 2009 00:26
Great job Dennis! Thank you for sharing your story, and for giving praise to God for you accomplishment. I hope to be able to share my success in the very near future. What an inspiration you are. Thanks again.
Posted by Del | March 23, 2009 7:17 PM
Posted on March 23, 2009 19:17
Dennis, you look great! I too have been overweight for my entire adult life and also as a child. I reached some great goals twice in my life, once I was down to 159 pounds and more recently back in 2005 I was at 195. As I am only 5'2" most people wouldn't consider this a big deal but today I find myself at a weight I never thought I would say, 247. I joined just last week after seeing the commercial on tv and lost 2 pounds so far. I contemplated buying the doc's book and now that you posted your success with it, I think I will go ahead and buy it for myself and my family. Keep up the good work Dennis, I hope to be like you one day. :)
Posted by Tina | March 23, 2009 11:26 AM
Posted on March 23, 2009 11:26
the thing is , i do not eat a lot of one thing, i like several meals a day, i relate food to excitement, so sometimes i binge eat small portions of all kinds of food , like yesterday i had 2 100 calorie packs, yogurt, mac and cheese , potato chips and bread . i don;t know how i do it, it is kind of like bulemia with out the throwing up part, i just eat and eat aand eat several things, only small servings, until i feel full and i crash.
well i just felt like i had to let that out .
Posted by vikings94 | March 22, 2009 5:55 PM
Posted on March 22, 2009 17:55
Way to go Dennis!!!!!!
I to goined the challenge and it with the blessing of God and great team members that I presist. I have 46 lbs to but as you know they can be the hardest to lose. Our team encourage each other. Get on each other when we see bad behaviors coming back. Thank you for your courage to post your victory.I hoope to post someday
Posted by Anita | March 21, 2009 12:44 PM
Posted on March 21, 2009 12:44
YAHOO!!! You are quite a success story. You are an inspiration to all of us.
Posted by Patty Cray | March 20, 2009 5:18 PM
Posted on March 20, 2009 17:18
I joined this site for one reason, to find other people like me who need the support of others to achieve their weight loss goals. I just started to change my life with diet and activity level changes but I can say that I already feel 100% better than I did. I want to congradulate you on your success, and I hope that I will be able to reach mine through the support of others and their success stories that are posted on this site. I am 32 yrs. old and have been big all my life. I weight a whopping 320 LBS. But since I have joined and read some of the stories here I have decided that I can change my life. Thank every one who has been supporting me, and again congrats on the successes that you have made in your life.
Posted by Hattie | March 20, 2009 3:15 PM
Posted on March 20, 2009 15:15