Deborah Renner

Women's International Division 9 First Place

Newport, TN

157 Pound Loss

"I felt I had to do something before it was too late."

“At my highest weight of 484 pounds, I couldn’t breathe, let alone walk from point A to point B without being completely exhausted. I avoided shopping for groceries and had my daughters run errands for me. After trying twice to lose weight, only to gain it all back, I reluctantly decided to have gastric bypass surgery. I felt I had to do something before it was too late. With my family’s help, I lost 216 pounds in one year. I started exercising; eating healthy by giving up potatoes, bread, and sweets; drinking plenty of water; and attending TOPS meetings. Now, with my doctor’s permission, I can occasionally treat myself to popcorn and grits again!"