WHO: Kevin Carter, Personal care worker
AGE: 36
CITY: Botwood, N.L.
By The Numbers: 393 pounds at my starting point, and currently 174, total weight loss 219 pounds.
The Weight Gain: As a kid my weight always went up and down but I can't remember a time when I was actually comfortable in my own skin. I remember for most of my childhood being made fun of for being overweight and as a kid this was very detrimental to my self esteem. I always felt embarrassed and self conscious in social situations and always wondered what the other kids were saying about me.
I tried diet after diet, exercise routine after exercise routine but like I said these diets and programs would be short lived. I tried slim fast, herbalife, LiteWay (Weight Loss Group), Richard Simmons sweating to the Oldies and even Alyssa Milano's Exercise Program "TEEN STEAM."
The Final Straw: Prior to losing the weight I was experiencing shortness of breath, prone to chest infections that would last up to two months at a time. I had high blood pressure, high blood sugars, sore joints, infections in the skin folds, and other health problems. I was at a point where I was wearing 4 XL t-shirts and the only pants I could wear were track pants. Living in a small town made it difficult to find clothes that fit.
I was very afraid for my life and was afraid that the next breath I took was going to be my last. My husband always wanted me to start eating healthy and my answer would be that I would start Monday — it took a very long time for Monday to come. On July 14, 2010, I finally took it upon myself to go to the next TOPS meeting and that is when my journey began.
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