Chris's Story

I was a 23-year-old, 330 pound man who looked in the mirror daily and thought, “It’s not that bad. There’s definitely someone fatter than me, somewhere.” I figured since I wasn’t as fat as some of the people I saw on TV, my weight wasn’t a health concern. I was constantly on a ‘fatter person’ lookout. If I saw someone heavier than me I would feel better.

My mindset was completely focused on food. Food made me feel safe; everything was planned around my meals. Going out to dinner wasn’t about spending time with friends and family, it was about eating as much bread before the meal as I could, and then ordering a meal three people could share. Going to the movies wasn’t really about the movie; mostly I looked forward to the giant tub of popcorn covered in salt and butter.

As I became more and more dependent on food, it was taking more and more food to make me feel happy. I had snacks everywhere. Then, the tipping point came.

A fun trip to Six Flags turned into a horrible day when I was told I was too fat to fit into a ride’s seat. I’ll never forget my walk of shame as I was forced to get up (after the attendant’s multiple attempts to get the lap bar to go down) and walk to the exit while my friend rode the ride alone. After that, my unhappiness continued to grow. I decided that I would try a few, small changes.

I started walking every day for half an hour around my neighborhood and eating more fruit. Then, I began using a workout DVD designed for really fat people doing girl push-ups and half-jumping jacks. Water became my beverage and I always had my giant gallon to help curb my hunger. These steps, as small as they were, and others, were moving me forward and I soon began to make real progress.

Over time my willpower began to strengthen. I began to find it easier to eat healthier meals. I was able to understand that food cravings will pass and that it was really me giving them power.

Gradually, my workout upgraded to a high-intensity, cardio DVD. Once I was on this track I just kept going. I felt confident enough to join a gym. I brought my tub-o-salad to work with me for lunch, and I didn’t let slip-ups slow me down.

That is what I feel deters people the most, slip-ups. I would be lying if I told you I didn’t have them. But what really, truly matters, is it never once slowed me down. I would accept what happened and just keep on going. My cardio would still get done that night, and I would continue on in the morning.

That is what I feel the true key to success is. Dr. Fuhrman can give you all the tools you need and you can have all the willpower in the world, but keeping your momentum will carry you to your success. It is so worth it, and I believe that if I can do it, anyone can do it.