Struggle and Failure

Weight Loss Struggle and Failure History

March 9, 2009

Birth 1952 9lbs 10oz

1958 - weighed 77 lbs in the first grade.

1959 - 99 lbs in the second grade.

During elementary school Pediatrician put me on a limited calorie diet and diet pills. This was not successful. I do not remember why.

I played football beginning in the fourth grade and was periodically on strict diets of broiled fish and chicken and vegetables, often under a doctor’s care.

1966 - In the ninth grade I was doing 3 two hour practices a day and on 2,000 calories a day. I lost down to 196 lbs. We changed to two practices a day and I stayed on the diet and began to gain weight.

I gained weight all through high school graduating in 1970. I played football and worked part-time and fulltime manual labor jobs such as carpentry, textile plant, farm worker, etc.

College AA, 1970-1972. Worked fulltime as land surveyor. Attempted several limited calorie diets, but failed and continued to gain weight.

College BA 1972-1974. Pastored a church while going to school fulltime. Married 1973. Attempted several restricted calorie diets. Failed and gained weight all through college.

Seminary Masters of Divinity, 1974-1977.

1976 Diet of 500 calories a day, and B12 injections. Lost 50 lbs. Then increased calories and gained back all the weight and more.

1978 Weight loss specialist placed on limited calorie diet and exercise regime. He informed me I would have to live on 2000 a day for the rest of my life or gain back any weight loss. He said I had the slowest metabolism of any one he had ever examined. I cannot remember how much I lost. Probably 60lbs or more. I increased caloric intake and started gaining weight.

1982 became a participant in a Cambridge Diet study group at Emory University. Liquid diet for 30 days and limited caloric intake afterward. Several members of the group experienced cardiac difficulties so the test was terminated. Gained the weight and more.

1983-1990 Attempted several diets such as Weight Watchers, Atkins, Limited Calorie. All resulted in weight loss and afterward weight gain.

1993 Decatur Hospital weight loss program. 30 day, all day, outpatient program coupled with 12 step approach. Diagnosed as Non-compensatory Bulimic. Attended OA meetings and very limited caloric intake. Lost weight. Eventually failed and gained all back and more.

1996 eldest son killed in accident. I compensated with food and gained weight for the next several years.

1999 Atkins diet. Six months lost 60lbs. Reintroduced carbs and gained it all back and more. Also employed 1hour of exercise at least 4 times a week for a year. No significant weight loss.

2000 instructed by Othopedist, to no longer use treadmill or walking because of the condition of my knees.

2000-2008 Several attempts to do Atkins again, all were short-term successes followed by more weight gain.

I have become completely crippled, unable to walk at all and weigh 545lbs. I went on disability July 1, 2008 due to my knees and weight. I am also unable to sleep in a bed because of the condition of my knees.

In 2002 I founded a Seminary in Latin America and continue to serve as President, a volunteer position. I work on this at home every day, but am unable to go to meetings or rallys due to immobility and am no longer able to fly. I also cannot drive and my wife takes me to the doctor and other appointments where I use an electric scooter.

I have been very active all my life until my disability stopped that. I played all sports, was a hunter and fisherman. I worked hard at my ministry with significant success. I founded schools, counseling centers, crisis pregnancy centers, seminary, etc. I am a disciplined worker and was a very active person. However, I have had a lifetime of struggle and failure with my weight. I am built just like my maternal grandfather and my only maternal male cousin could almost be my twin.

I have to do something!