I grew up in a single-parent household — my father was abusive and my parents got divorced when I was two years old. Since my mom worked 10-12 hour days, my sister and I were on our own to figure out what we were going to eat. We ended up eating a lot of junk food, as it was the easiest. I was always chunky as a kid, and I remember kids picking on me about my weight.
My weight spiraled out of control when my grandma passed away. I started hanging out with the wrong crowd and met my ex-boyfriend, with whom I remained in an abusive relationship with for eight years. Food became my friend. I would eat to fight the pain and depression of losing my grandmother and living with the abuse. Then, when I was 18, I got pregnant, and had a beautiful baby girl, Jade.
After I had Jade, I was of course overweight — even more-so than before. I decided to start dieting, and from there was on a diet rollercoaster for a long time. I would lose 60 pounds, then gain back 80; eventually, I gave up. When I hit 301 pounds at only 26 years old, I knew something had to change. I felt terrible knowing I was depriving my daughter of certain activities — like playing outside and swimming — because I was too lazy or didn’t feel comfortable.
So in September 2008 I decided to have lap band surgery, a tool to help control your eating. After the surgery, it's up to you how well you will do with your weight loss. I know many people who have had the surgery and have hardly lost any weight — it won’t just fall off! You have to make an entire lifestyle change, and I was ready to change my life.
My biggest challenge was giving up soda and only drinking water or skim milk. It was also tough making the change from fried food to salads and lots of fruits and veggies. I loved Denise because she is always happy. I started receiving her motivating daily tips and I loved making her recipes. Denise's plan was so different from all of the other diets I have tried because she really gives you the confidence to know that you can do it. She pushes you to achieve, and she always has that smile! Exercise may hurt, but Denise's energy pulls you through. I started seeing results instantly and I built myself up to working out three times a day.
My initial goal was to lose 150 pounds by September 2009. My doctor told me that I would never be able to do it. Boy, did I show him! I exceeded my goal and lost 150 pounds by July 2009. I have muscles in places that I didn’t even know you could have them! I get compliments all the time now. It really feels good, especially when you are used to being the fat, unattractive girl in the bunch.
Now, exercise is a huge part of my life. I do a workout DVD in the morning before work and on my break I’ll go for a mile walk. Then at lunch time I go to the gym and do weights or cardio depending on the day. After I get home and eat dinner, I will do another fitness DVD like Yoga or Pilates to finish off my day.
My life has completely changed; I don’t look the same, act the same or feel sluggish anymore. I actually have fun with my daughter and can finally keep up with her!
SECRET TO SUCCESS: Never give up. When you find yourself struggling, think about all of the things that you want and remember why you are doing this. Take it one day at a time and don’t get discouraged. If you mess up, pick yourself back up and make up for it the next day. One of my favorite sayings is “Why choose failure when success in an option?”
More DeniseAustin.com Success Stories:
Melissa's Story: A Healthy Role Model
Latonia's Story: Now an Aerobics Instructor
*Weight loss varies by individual. You may not achieve these results.