Billy Smith was under 50 when his doctor told him he only had two years to live.
His weight had gotten out of control, beginning in 1992. His mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and he began to have to provide care for her.
But when he had to maintain his job and be her caregiver, the stress made him skip meals and gorge when he did eat.
He developed high blood pressure, and severe osteoarthritis in his knees.
The father of one had gone up to 448 pounds. After being told that his lifestyle would kill him, he knew he had to change something.
“When I heard that I had two years to live, I was devastated. It was in effect a death sentence. I was completely crushed. I didn’t want to die. I wanted to see my young son grow up, and I knew it was time to change.
“I never imagined I could have put on so much weight and when I read those numbers aloud, something in me changed. I decided it was time to turn my life around.”
He set up a Facebook group, first just for his family, but now for 1,500 well wishers. He posted his health journey, documenting his daily healthy meals, which he made for himself. He posted their nutritional facts and calories, too, as well as their recipes, so other people can benefit.
His food diary documents his meals, which are generally easy to make for anyone. They include ham and eggs for breakfast, salads and potatoes for dinner, and lots and lots of fruits and veggies.
He also goes to the gym, and he loves to swim.
Now, he’s 266 pounds, but he still has a long way to go until he reaches his target weight of 155 pounds.
But with how far he’s come, he’s very proud already.
“Losing weight has changed my life for the better and has really boosted my confidence,” said Billy.
“Now, I can make up for lost time with my son—I can do the things I have never been able to do, but should have done as his father.
“I had never taken him swimming before, but now, I feel confident and healthy enough to take him on a regular basis.
“I don’t feel like I have to hide in the shadows anymore. Losing weight has changed my life forever.”
