Man Loses More Than 400 Pounds – How He Did It

David Smith used to weigh 650lbs but he is now down to a healthy 220lbs and he did it the old-fashioned way.  His story is chronicled in the TLC documentary, 650-lb Virgin, which I happened to watch last weekend.  He said that he considered having gastric bypass surgery but he also thought about suicide.  In the end, I’m so glad that he chose to try diet and exercise and, after reaching out to a local TV station, he found the trainer who changed his life.  It really brought tears to my eyes!

He talked with Today show host, Matt Lauer, about how his life is completely different now that he’s lost all that weight.  His trainer, Chris, was also on the show and recounted how baffled he was when he was first contacted by David since he didn’t know how to help someone with such a serious weight problem.  He said that the key was to not make drastic changes and to address the psychological issues as well as the physiological ones.  It’s so important.  Being overweight is about more than just overeating.  There is an emotional connection there and, if it goes unresolved, people who lose weight will probably just put the weight back on.

Watch his amazing and inspiring story;