Weight Loss Success Story: Thea D.
I'm excited to share another inspiring weight loss success story with you today. Thea has been able to overcome the challenges of obesity and juvenile diabetes one small step at a time, losing 260 pounds over three years. Now completely off diabetes medications, she says it is very important to find a group that will keep you motivated and uplift you. Here are the details of her amazing journey....
Tell Us A Little Bit About Your Weight Struggle
My story is one full of amazing childhood memories with friendships that have withstood all issues and time.
However, I did face a challenge and that was obesity. I was over 300 pounds throughout high school and though I had many friends and made the Who's Who for my character and ability to make others laugh, I was miserable with my body that not only fought obesity, but also juvenile diabetes. I was told that I would not have a quality of life if I continued to gain weight, yet I took over 5 insulin shots a day—so of course I had to eat to compensate.
My parents fought so hard and cried as much as I did wanting this dreaded disease to go away. My parents fought to get me healthy and to enforce eating properly, even when I just wanted to cry and feel sorry for myself.
I was told I would never have kids as my body would not be healthy enough, but my family taught me that a doctor is only right when we choose to avoid change and try to improve our health as much as possible.
I did just that, I lost a little weight, enough to find a husband, have two kids, and defy the odds.
After my second child, I realized that the doctor was right, my quality of life was determined by my health, and that would have a direct impact on theirs, so I decided that for my kids and family I would fight!
I was 388 pounds at my last weigh in that I remember, but it could easily have been 400 that I weighed at my largest.
I started with small steps, avoiding chips then lowering carbs and after 3 years, I overcame all obstacles such as health issues, divorce, and set backs and I lost over 260 pounds, came completely off of diabetic medication, and I am currently 150 pounds.
I am a healthy and a happy mother that is now able to enjoy every second of my life with my children and teach them how to truly be healthy and to fight for everything that they want to achieve, because there is nothing in this life that is beyond our reach if we work hard enough for it.
My pride is in the health and the ability to go to sporting events and on vacations and have energy to be involved with my family. I have found a new love and together we have a blended family of four children and a lab that I can keep up with. I have fought some of the hardest battles and I do not regret any of them, they made me strong and proud.
These lessons gave me the tools that I need to be a better mother and a better person, so with these lessons I will pay, and hopefully help others that face the same issues as I did.
If life gives us a lesson, we should learn all we can and use it to teach others.
What Was Your Wake-Up Call Or "A-Ha Moment" That Caused You To Really Commit Yourself To Succeeding?
I realized that my health was effecting my daily activities and I thought about my children and how much I want to see them grow up and then I thought about how much they see and learn from me and knew for them I had to change.
How Have Your Eating Habits Changed Since Beginning Your Journey? What Did You Eat Before And What Are You Eating Now?
I have cut back almost completely on my white flour and substituted almond and coconut flour instead. I eat almonds and Greek yogurt for snacks instead of chips and unhealthy snacks.
What Is The Difference In Your Fitness Before You Started And Now?
I was so tired and never felt like doing anything after work, it was my goal to work, come home and do the basics and then get enough rest to feel better the next day.
Now I work two jobs, am finishing my degree, I take my children to all sporting events and school events, I work out and I feel amazing.
What Has Been The Biggest Change/Payoff For You So Far?
My ability to be more active and feel better so that I do not miss anything with my children. I have a much higher confidence as well.
How Much Weight Have You Lost? How Long Did It Take You To Lose It?
I have lost 260 pounds and took me a total of about three years. I currently have 20 pounds to meet my goal, but I will keep this healthy life change forever.
Thea's Low Carb Sausage Ball Puffs (Keto-Friendly)
Servings: 36
Calories: 89
Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage browned and drained (can use mild or hot)
- 4-½ tablespoons of butter melted and cooled
- ⅓ cup coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons full fat sour cream
- 4 eggs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375F degrees and grease a cookie sheet.
- Combine melted butter (I cool mine by popping the bowl in the fridge for 5 min), eggs, salt, and sour cream, and whisk together.
- Add coconut flour and baking powder to the mixture and stir until combined.
- Add drained browned sausage.
- Stir in cheese.
- Drop batter by tightly packed spoonfuls on greased cookie sheet. I made 36.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until tops are slightly brown.
Any Advice and/or Words of Wisdom for Others Who Are Struggling?
The biggest challenge that I faced was lack of energy and knowing where to start. Find your first step... Mine was cutting out potato chips, then biscuits every morning, then I started bigger challenges and once the weight started coming off I became more motivated to keep going. It is also very important to find a group that will keep you motivated and uplift you.
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Lori
To Thea D. You look great and it’s amazing what you’ve accomplished. I do have to comment tho - that Juvenile Diabetes is - Type 1 diabetes - you cannot be cures thru weight loss. You may have been a juveniles when you became diabetic- and may have been diagnosed with type I. Type 1 differs from type 2 in that with type1 your insulin making cells are destroyed by your immune system - never to produce enough insulin again. Type 2 is when your body becomes less sensitive to the insulin that IS produced - and loosing weight helps or reverses that so you no longer need meds. No type1 (juvenile) diabetes has ever been cured from - anything-other than pancreas transplant or experimental stem cell therapy. My daughter is type I and was diagnosed at age 6 - so I’ve learned unfortunately to much about the disease. I’m not in any way diminishing your amazing success and hard work - it’s wonderful.