Thursday, July 7, 2011

Courage defined: one man's 300 pound journey


I’m proud of the weight I’ve lost and prouder still that I’ve been able to maintain the loss, particularly over the past three years.  At my heaviest, I weighed about 40 pounds more than I do today, and my official weight loss with Weight Watchers was 32 pounds.  As proud as I am, I have always been in awe of those who have lost multiples of this. 

I remember very clearly in one of my first Weight Watchers meetings in the year 2000 when I first saw a member who had lost over 100 pounds.  Her leader was celebrating her effort, and the support and cheers from her fellow members was an inspiring sight.  I always tell people that this day was the first day in which I truly began to understand the power and mission of the company I had joined.  It was the day I learned that Weight Watchers was unlike any organization I had ever known.  It was the day I heartily drank the Kool-Aid (sugar-free) and become a Weight Watchers zealot. 

I’ve thought a lot about that member for many years.  I have often wondered how I would do if I had that much weight to lose.  I have wondered if I could have summoned the courage to walk into the door of a Weight Watchers meeting and ask for help.  I have wondered whether I would have just given up and accepted life as a morbidly obese person.  How would I have handled things if the goal had seemed so far away? 

The answer, of course, is that I don’t know.  I do know that the strategy for most of the folks who lose a tremendous amount of weight (e.g., 50 pounds or more) is not to focus on a distant goal, but rather to set manageable near-term goals such as 5% or 10 pounds.  The second strategy is to re-frame the weight loss process into one of gradual and small changes, not crash, siege-like dieting. 

The other day, I received an email forwarded by our regional field staff in Indianapolis.  It was a letter from Derrick, a young guy in his 20’s, who had just reached the milestone of losing over 300 pounds.  I was completely blown away by his accomplishment and his courage, and I was also moved about the very real effect that this process had on his life.  Rather than re-telling the story, I will let his words speak for themselves: 
The day I walked into a Weight Watchers meeting, I was trembling with fear. I hadn't been weighed in years. No scale would weigh me. I had absolutely no idea how much I weighed. I stepped up on the scale, only to weigh in at an unfathomable 529 pounds. The meeting leader, Cyndi Portteus, could not have been any more positive. I said to her, "Can I really do this? This seems impossible." She smiled at me, took my arm and said "Derrick! You can do this! I know you can!" And I haven't looked back since.  
 Life was very different back then. At 26 years old, I was on two blood pressure medicines. My doctors were practically begging me to have Bariatric surgery and I slept with a CPAP for severe Sleep Apnea. My seat belt didn't fit me in my car. I couldn't sit in booths in restaurants. Every chair was my enemy. Would I fit? Would it hold me? I couldn't go to concerts or any public event that had stadium seating. It was out of the question. Flying was a dramatic, terrible ordeal.  Everywhere I went, all eyes were on me at all times. I was the biggest person everywhere I went. My back constantly hurt. I was wearing a 6X shirt and size 64 inch pants. And special ordering clothes from a catalog was the norm. Going to the grocery store was a grueling ordeal.
 But that was two years ago. I went down 20 pants sizes. I have lost over 26 inches from my waist alone. I can buy clothes anywhere I go. I have been taken off all my blood pressure medicines and no longer have high blood pressure. My blood work is stellar. After a sleep study last year, I have absolutely no symptoms of Sleep Apnea and no longer sleep with a CPAP. I can fit in any booth, seat or chair. I have participated in eight 5K's with 3 more scheduled this year. I have even dropped a shoe size! 
 My entire life has changed, and changed dramatically. Weight Watchers saved my life. Presently, I am only 1 pound away from losing 300 pounds and am inching closer and closer to Goal. I can see Goal and Lifetime, and it's only a short distance away. I finally see it can be done! At the time that my doctors were telling me what a perfect candidate I would be for Weight Loss Surgery, I knew that would never be for me. I knew if I was going to do this, I was going to do it. I knew Weight Watchers worked.

[Note:  as of this blog posting, Derrick informed me that he had reached a total loss of 302 pounds.]

I can never know the kind of courage that Derrick had to summon to walk into that door.  I can never know the kind of perseverance and determination that it took for him to see through a 300 pound loss.  I can, however, acknowledge and celebrate his success and enthusiastically tip my hat to him.  I can also acknowledge and thank our local staff, particularly Derrick’s Leader, Cyndi, who supported him through his journey.  Most of all, I can thank Derrick for reminding me, once again, why I love working for Weight Watchers. 

Derrick’s success is entirely his own.  I’m just glad we were able to help. 

As I write this blog entry, I’m sitting in a Frankfurt hotel room early in the morning.  I’ve been blitzing through Europe for the past three days, and it’s been a great trip.  My eating habits have been a C+ effort, but I’m trying to compensate by keeping my exercise pace up.  After I make this post, I will dutifully put on a pot of coffee and head over to the gym next door.  I will do my best to keep it sane today and the flight home.  I will also take comfort in the fact that I’m back on my home routine for a couple of weeks.  This process always has its great weeks and not so great weeks.  If one many can lose 300 pounds, then another can keep focused while on maintenance.  Derrick’s story reminds me that healthy life is a process, not a sprint.  His story also reminds me that the benefits are worth the effort. 

Thanks Derrick!

Cheers,

David

71 comments:

  1. Hi Dave -
    Thank you so much for sharing Dreeick's story with us! I am a new WW leader, having lost 80 pounds on the program and hearing stories like Derrick's reminds me of what motivated me to want to work for this company once my own weight loss journey moved in to the 'rest of my life' phase. Having a tremendous amount of weight to lose can be a one-way ticket to despair, and there were many times over the last 20 years where I was resigned to being morbidly obese - at my heaviest I weighted twice what I do now. But it was the support of a leader like Cyndi that helped me get to where I am, and now I hopefully will be able to show that to others who feel as though weight loss is a losing battle. Thank you!
    Judy Evans

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  2. David, Thank you so much for sharing Derrick's story. I started my own journey at 300 pounds. I lost 150 pounds with Weight Watchers online ... had a special needs child I was raising alone and that prevented me from attending the one meeting in my town. Seven years later, I found myself playing around with 40 of those pounds I'd lost ... well, I'd been playing unsuccessfully with them for a while. I walked into a Weight Watchers meeting room and handed myself (LITERALLY!) over to the most awesome leader and asked that she tell me what to do and I'd do it again. And do it I did! Now, I work for Weight Watchers! Ohhhhh, what a dream come true ... to be at my goal weight and staying there. To be helping others to achieve their goals. David, what a privilege to put forth this message with such a great company. Thanks so much for Weight Watchers and this opportunity!
    Cathy Manning

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  3. WOW! I am in awe of Derrick and all he has accomplished -- what an achievement!!

    As for me, I'm one of those people who also walked through the door knowing I had 200+ to lose, and I was not sure I would succeed. All I knew was that this was my last chance. My doctor had already told me that my BMI alone -- not having health issues -- would qualify me for WLS. But I also believed I had it within me, somewhere, to do this. I had a tough-as-nails, heart-of-gold leader ... To this day, I remember her exact words when I stepped on the scale and saw an even larger number than I expected: "Don't worry, honey. You will never see that number again. I won't let you. You can do this." She was dead on.....

    There have been times that I wished WW offered special meeting times for those who have more than 100 to lose. But then I realize that I have just as much to learn from someone who's struggling to lose 20 as they have to learn from me. And I know I've had plenty of those 20-30 people tell me that my story gives them incentive to keep trying, to keep going. We have so much to learn from each other!

    Again, AWESOME!! So glad to read Derrick's story and see his amazing progress.

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  4. Thanks Dave! I have been a leader for three years and my members are my inspiration to keep going. What a great, great story. Hang in there!

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  5. I started with WW in August of 2002 with 32 pounds to lose. I had already lost six pounds on my own but it had taken me four months to do that. My leader, Nadine (now retired), was exactly what I needed. She was fun, knowledgeable, and supportive. I still go to meetings and am still maintaining my loss. :)

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  6. Such an inspirational story and one I am so glad that you took the time to share. I am in awe of people who have the internal fortitude to lose 100+ pounds.

    When I reach goal I will have lost 62 pounds, a number I still can't fathom I had to lose. This gives me hope that if I just stick with it, keep working the program, work toward small, achievable goals, I will get there!

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  7. Way To Go Derrick!

    This is my favorite quote and it is in my signature on the WW boards: "The secret of success is having the courage to begin in the first place." For me, the hardest part was to walk through those WW doors late 2007. Now I just can't image if I had not had that courage.

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  8. Thank you so much for sharing this!

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  9. Dave, thanks for posting about Derrick and also admitting your own struggles with staying on plan after reaching goal. My son lost 130 lbs on WW while traveling the world almost constantly for his job and he has managed to keep it off. I on the other hand lost 50 but became complacent and am now trying to take 20 of it off again. I now realize that it doesn't end when you reach goal...I need to stay dedicated. But it's good to know I am not alone.

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  10. Congrats!! That is so Awesome!! I am in weight watchers too have lost a total of 40 lbs but not i'm stuck up & down can't seem to get anywhere but i won't be giving up thats for sure!!! Ur The Best So Proud Of You!!!

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  11. What an incredible story. I'm seeing one very much like it at my own meeting with a young man who is being transformed before my eyes. Whether it's 10 lbs. or 300 lbs., Weight Watchers is about health and manageability! Thanks for all you do!

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  12. Wonderful story! So glad to hear of a fantastic voyage such as Derrick's.

    A great leader sure helps the cause as well. My leader, Katie Kearns, a wonderful leader here in Chicago! She is non-judgmental and keeps us all optimistic.

    WW's is a great program that teaches us all how to live in the real world, with real food.

    I currently still have at least another 30 pounds til I can reach my goal; so far 62 pounds gone forever!

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  13. So happy for Derrick. I lost 50 lbs and unfortunately had some thing happening in my life and put most of it back on. Weight loss is something that no matter what kind of program you choose, if you don't have the mindset to do it, you won't succeed. I commend those who can have the determination and mindset to continue with their goals. Hopefully I will be at a place where I can get that perspective again one day.

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  14. Thank you For this story, I too am still on my journey to loosing my weight. I have been on WW for now a year and half and just two weeks ago, hit my 100 pound weight loss. I have 90 more to go and am inching ever forwards. I am so inspired. I too like with Derrick was on blood pressure meds and Diabetic. I am not on any of those meds any longer. I had my check up last week and the doctor just said Wow... 100.7 down and without surgery. My blood pressure 120/80 and No medications for almost a year now. I just want to say, That story has helped me get more inspired and determined to reach my final Goal.. I say to Derrick CONGRATS!!!! I say to you Thank you For sharing this amazing story. I also want to add My leader Annis has been my biggest Cheerleader. With out those meetings and support I WOULD have quit along time ago..
    I say to anyone who don't believe Weight Watchers works I will show you it don't

    Genna Stafford, South Bend, Indiana

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  15. I m sorry I meant I will show you it DOES!!!!! sorry for the spell check error

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  16. Kudos! You are amazing and I really commend you on sticking with it.

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  17. Thank you so much for sharing this story!! I needed to read this today. Stories like this remind me why I joined Weight Watchers 10 weeks ago. I have lost 20.5 pounds so far. Today has been one of those days that I would have liked to thrown my points out the window, but I think I will stay on track :) Nothing tastes as good as being thin and healthy feels!!

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  18. Awesome! I do know how scary it was to walk into the meeting the first time. I started at 433 and am keeping of over 20, and still working at it. YAY for you!

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  19. I joined the ww journey with a goal losing 10 lbs. Yes only 10 lbs but I couldnt do it alone.
    I lost 15 lbs 2 years ago and I'm happy to say my knees do not hurt anymore from arthritis and I feel great!

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  20. I needed this. I'm a middle-aged woman, and I lost about 85 pounds and in the last few months -- after a bad cold and steroids and vacation and bad decisions and more bad decisions -- I have gained about 10 back. I will not gain all this weight back. I will NOT go back. I have 50+ pounds to go. Thank you for the inspiration.

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  21. I am overwhelmed to hear this story. This is my exact story to the letter. The highest weight I have ever seen on the scale is 457 lbs. I am scared to see how much I weigh now...

    I have struggled for years with my weight and overeating. It has been a nightmare of yo-yoing that has become out of control. I really have a desire to lose weight, but everything I have tried as brought me back to square one...

    I know Weight Watchers works because I see how much success my friend has been having. The unfortunate part is that I cannot afford to pay for the program since I am not working so this has been a struggle as I fail time and time again on my own.

    If you have any suggestions as to how I might be able to do your program on a scholarship basis then I would love to learn more. I am confident that I could find success on your program with the right support and a big push in the right direction. Thank you, Elissa

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  22. Tks for sharing this with us, very inspiring and gives us courage that we an do the weight loss and the better life it will give us:))

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  23. I started Weight Watchers October 2010. I have lost 50 lbs so far! I now know what to look for and what to eat! I have learned the correct foods to eat! I actually eat better than before! I wish I had done this 20 years ago! Highly recommend to anyone ready to shed the weight! I am 52 years old and before I started I felt like I was 100 years old! I would think I am too young to feel this old and this much pain! thought my life was over! Now I feel like a kid again! Bravo to weight watches! You saved my life!

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  24. Kimberly RichardsonJuly 7, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    Absolutely Amazing!!!

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  25. Nice post I have been on error weight watchers since May 14th 2007. And as I told a fellow member last night .8 lbs at a time still has gotten me down over 165 lbs so far.

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  26. It's wonderful to hear a story like Derrick's. Reminds all of us with a lot to lose that it can be done! 77.8 lbs down, 55.2 lbs still to go, and I know I will get there, eventually! Someone like Derrick inspires on line members like me to just keep on plugging away. I may be losing a little more slowly than folk who go to meetings, but as my German isn't really up to attending a class here yet, online works for me.

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  27. This is an inspiring story. I've lost 127 pounds with Weight Watchers since August 26, 2009, and I know how Derrick struggled to lose and keep off that much weight. I shared some of the same problems, and understand how much harder life is when you carry that much around with you (I started with 440.8) Wonderful to think that he's doing so much better after joining this program that truly changes your lifestyle. Congratulations to Derrick!

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  28. Always love reading these stories. I have lost 80 lbs so far with another 20 to go. It has taken over 2 years, but I realized it would only work if I looked at this as a life-change and not a diet. Weight Watchers has reinforced that over and over again and I think that is THE MOST VALUABLE lesson I've learned. I was overweight my whole life, and now I'm at a weight that is considered "normal". Amazing. Thanks for sharing, and congrats to Derrick on his incredible success!

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  29. Dave - thanks for sharing (and thanks for the tweet the other day!). This man is amazing and is giving me new inspiration in my maintenance efforts (and perhaps a little push to lose 5 more pounds so I too can hit the century mark. Cheers to you, WW and Derrick!

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  30. To the poster who said she can't afford the program...all I can say is, if you're 400+ pounds, you can't afford NOT to join. Your health and well-being are at stake. Check with your medical insurance company. Many offer discounts for WW! Good luck to you!

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  31. It's great to see a story here about someone with a life-threatening amount of weight to lose as opposed to someone who's trying to tone up in time to hit the beach. My thanks to this brave soul for sharing his story with the world and trying to help others! I hope to be where he is someday.

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  32. What a awesome story. I to joined weight watchers 1 year and 5 months ago and weighed 426 pounds. I have lost 108 pounds so far, this story has inspired me to know I can lose the other one hundred and forty pounds. Congrats Derrick.

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  33. I was lucky enough to be in the meeting when he weighed in for a loss of 302 pounds. He looks amazing and it was a great inspirationto us all. Keep up the good work...we all can succeed!!!

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  34. Derrick,
    Bravo!!!!!! I have 50 lbs to lose. I quit smoking and gained 30 lbs. You are truly an inspiration. Thanks for the encouragement.

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  35. Thanks for reminding us that a healthy life is a process not a sprint......I'll go through the process please!
    Congratulations to Derrick

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  36. Derrick's story is one of determination and courage. I admire his strength and find it very motivating. Thanks for sharing!

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  37. Thanks for posting Derrick's story. What an inspiration and on a day when I needed it desperately! I joined WW Jan. 27th and I am down 30.8. I weighed in today with no loss nor gain and I was really "down" on myself. I am just 9 lbs from goal and it seemed impossible to get to until I read his story. Thanks again and it reaaly helps me feel "RENEWED".

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  38. Amazing!!! Good job, Derek! Your story is both up-lifting and encouraging. Weight loss for me has been a struggle - most of my life. Currently, I'm down 82 pounds - 41 Weight Watchers. I need to lose about 80 more. Right now, I'm in a slump and having a hard time. The weight isn't coming off like I would have wanted. However, your couragous story has remotivated me. God Bless you!!!

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  39. Well.....I have no excuse now to lose my 80 measley pounds. Thanks for the inspiration!! You rock!!! Well.....here I go!! :-)

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  40. Thank you so much for your post! I am so encouraged as I have over 136lbs to loose. I have just started my journey again with WW, but love the new plan! My goal is to reach this before I turn 50 which is next year. Thank you again for sharing this, as I know the first step is the hardest but keeping the steps moving are even tougher! Best to you! Enjoy your trip! You look amazing and you should be so proud of a great job! Thank you for the encouragement!
    Cheers!

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  41. Thomas Edison wrote, "If we did all the things that we are capable of, we would astound ourselves". Derrick, you achieved your goal because you DID NOT GIVE UP! You astounded all of us who read about your phenomenal accomplishment. Did you astound yourself? And what is next for you to take on? I hope WW continues to follow you!

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  42. Thank you for sharing Derrick's story. At 55 I am once again starting a weight loss journey of my own, with almost 150 lbs to loose to my goal. Derrick's story proves it can be done, if you have the courage to start and the fortitude to stick to the plan.

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  43. So inspirational. I have gained so many pounds over the years and then gained them back. So many health issues I can't list them. I went to visit the location for my daughter's wedding and I couldn't walk the distant. I pledged that I wasn't going to her wedding in a wheel chair. Her wedding was there on June 25th and I was 81 lbs lighter. I have to lose a total of 205 to reach goal, but I know I can do it thanks to a wonderful leader, BEV and my sisterhood of friends at WW. We have a very close bonding and support system. So many members weigh in and then leave. I and others need the inspiration of a close class. Thanks WW

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  44. SO GREAT! I hope I can eventually find this kind of strength in myself!

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  45. What an amazing story! It gives me so much inspiration and helps keep me going on my weight loss journey. I started this past January with 120 lbs to lose - at my all time high with high blood pressure and sleep apnea. This is my 4th and final time I will start losing weight, I am going to finish. I absolutely love my leader and Sunday morning group. They are completely supportive and encouraging. I have lost 36.2 lbs to date and taking it 10 lbs at a time, I can't look at the big picture but I know I will get there and keep it off. Thank you Weight Watchers!

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  46. I have about 100-125 pounds to shed. Reading everyones story not just derricks have given me hope. I am on my third week. Actually weighed in tonight and I have lost 8 pounds. Its a struggle everyday. I want to have a baby. And I'm totally motivated to reach my goal. When I first weighed in I was 9 pounds away from being 300 pounds. I still can't comprehend the fact I was that close. I am going to stick to it. Even with 8 pounds gone I can feel a difference. For the good. Thank you everyone for you stories and words of wisdom. I'm 28 and way to young to feel run down. I'm on my way to be the next success story.

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  47. Thanks for the wonderful story of Derrick, I started my WW journey, almost 13 weeks ago and have lost almost 20 lbs.I weigh less than I have in years, I feel so much better, less arthritis pain, and I have more energy than I have in years. I still have almost over 50 lbs to loose, but I know I can do it with WW. I may have to do some on my own as my ins. is paying right now and I can't afford it on my own either, but I now have the tools and knowledge to do it on my own I hope...I will miss the weekly meetings.. they are very helpful and inspiring! Awesome Job Derrick truly an inspiration.

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  48. What an incredible story.It is motivating. I want to lose a total of 110 pounds and I have lost 25 pounds in 3 months which I think is really good for me...I want to keep going and reach my goal in 1 year .,realistically speaking. I am not exercising yet,but I will be there.Thanks again for sharing the story,it makes me focus more on my eating habits.

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  49. Thanks for this. So proud of Derrick!

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  50. That is an amazing story from Derrick and thank you for sharing it. Whether you lose 40 lbs or 300 lbs it is the journey that gets us there in the end. I joined WW for the first time in 2009 and reached lifetime in 2010. Since I joined with my Mom we go every week. It's your family where you can be an inspiration to all.

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  51. Thanks for a great article. I am proud of you Derrick. I have been going to WW for years and had lost 50 lbs., but never reached my goal. I have been especially motivated lately and want to keep the motivation going upwards. I regained 25 lbs. while dealing with my husband's illness and subsequent death. I have been on a real roller coaster. I am more ready than ever before. I also want to thank everyone who posted - so inspiring, all of you!

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  52. Maria Lodewyk SingletonJuly 8, 2011 at 1:19 AM

    This is such a great article and inspiration to others. As group leader i lost 70 lbs myself and have been on goal since December 2010. It's such a blessing to be able to help others in the same position i was in to loose weight, because i know how hard it is, but if you put your mind to it, anyone can do i. Thanks for sharing this story. Will show this to group members. Derrick, u can be so proud of yourself, as group leaders we encourage and inspire members, but still you are the ones
    that must do all the hard work. I feel great after losing 70 lbs, so i can imagine how great you must feel. Keep up the good work.

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  53. Kudos to you Derrick. I, too, have changed my life with Weight Watchers. I used to walk with a cane and was told that I needed a knee replacement. I no longer need either as I am celebrating a 136lb loss and this month will be three years that I have maintained my goal and kept the weight off.

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  54. What a fantastic testimony. I always find excuses not to start: too much to drop (40 pound! :(, not enough time to work out, and anyway it is far too hot where I live), when I should focus on the 'life benefits'. I am saving this post and will come back to it for motivation.
    As you are travelling around Europe, could you push further and come and see us in Singapore! No WW for us here, and even if the online tool is great, we miss the motivation you get from the meeting.
    Thanks,

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  55. I have about 30 pounds I have been yo yo'ing with for a few years now, the extra weight makes me feel awful. Picures, HATE THEM. Your story has motivated me to join WW and stop living a miserable life with this extra weight. You made me realize, if you can lose 300 pds. surely I can lose 30. Thank you for sharing your amazing journey and inspiring us.

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  56. does Derrick have a web presence at all Blog, Twitter, etc that has more of his story?

    follow me on my journey to lose over 200+ pounds

    http://toobig.net

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  57. I too am a WW member and so can relate with this story. Over a year ago I walked into a WW meeting and weighed in at 557 pounds and as of weigh-in this week I am down 164.4 pounds. Yes, I still have a long way to go, but I also look at how far I have come as well. Thank you so much to my leader and the other WW staff members who are so awesome every week. I could not have done this so far without you!

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  58. Thank YOU for sharing Derrick's story. It reminds me as a WW Leader that the most important support that I can give is these four words, "I believe in You." Teresa Rose Roseville, CA Teresa WW Rose on FB.

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  59. To Elissa, I too am unable to afford WW at the moment so what I did was buy a lot of used materials from the old points plan online. I'm going it alone for now because it's my only option (or nothing) for now. I had success in the past with the old plan and many others did too. You can still do it if you're determined enough! You don't have to pay for the plan for it to work; you have to DO it for it to work.

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  60. "Courage" really? It's not courage to lose weight it's discipline. Courage is when you are afraid of losing life or limb and do something anyway. This sounds like the opposite to me.

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  61. Thank you for this truly inspirational story. I am a WW. I joined because of my health. I am down 32.5# and have quite a bit more to go. I WILL get there because there is no going back to the unhealthy person I was. My latest dr's checkup was outstanding and I have WW to thank for that.

    Stories like Derrick's and the stories of the ladies on my online board are what are inspiring me as I make this long WL journey. Goal is not the end...but the beginning of a new, healthier life. Thanks for sharing.

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  62. Wow, this is really cool, at least there are people who really made it to loss a lot of weight. congratulations again

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  63. That is fantastic! I am really proud of Derrick and his leader!

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  64. Thanks for sharing his story. What an inspiration!

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  65. I am also one of the folks who walked into Weight Watchers with almost 200 lbs to loose. I made goal last June having lost 196.4 lbs and just last weekend completed BLS and will soon be a full fledged WW leader (one more mentoring session). Weight Watchers literally saved my life! It will be my privilege to help others save their own! Thanks for sharing one members story!

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  66. Derrick's story is completely inspiring and is the shot in the arm that I needed. Thank you for posting!
    -Sarah
    fitango.com

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  67. I've been using the eTools since December, but never did a meeting because like Derrick I was so nervous about being in a room with a ton of other people talking about weight loss. Today I caved. I hadn't been getting results (4lbs in six months...) and with 110lbs to lose I decided that there were worse things (like my health) than participating in a meeting. It was an eye opening experience and I feel more motivated than I have in months. Cheers on a motivational story!

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