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Name:
Denise W.
Age:
64
Height:
5’5″
Starting Weight:
407 lbs.
Current Weight:
244 lbs.
Weight Loss:
167 lbs.
Approach:
Keto
Life before keto:
At 64 years old, Denise Welch had a long history of obesity that began when she was in puberty. After a failed procedure, she had an unbalanced metabolism. Welch claims she ate everything that wasn’t “nailed down.” By 2017, she carried 407 pounds (185 kg) on her 5’5″ frame, which forced her into an early retirement from a job she loved.
But her real reason for starting keto was all the problems caused by severe pain and health issues in multiple joints. “My healthcare provider requires a BMI of 40 or lower for joint replacement,” Welch explained. “That meant I needed to get down to 240 pounds. Pain is a powerful motivator.”
At that time, she started a low-carb, high-protein diet that made her feel terrible.
After starting keto:
Welch then found keto, and her life changed. In just over a year, she was able to lose 167 pounds (76 kg) and qualify for the knee replacement she so desperately needed.
But after reaching that goal, she decided to take a break from keto. “Big mistake,” she admitted. “I went on a carb binge and gained 28 pounds (13 kg) in three months.” During that time Welch felt awful. She’s also sure that the binge set her back during recovery from her knee surgery.
Nevertheless, she’s on a roll again with what she calls “Keto 2.0.” Her weight has dropped back down to 244 pounds (111 kg), which means she’s almost ready to undergo a shoulder replacement. “I feel so much better!” she said.
Support along the way:
Welch found Dr. Berg, like many people do, after searching keto on YouTube. “I found nearly all of Dr. Berg’s YouTube videos so informational and relevant,” she said. “When I hit a plateau, videos on extreme keto and intermittent fasting got me over it. The videos on apple cider vinegar and supplements were really helpful too.”
She also joined a Facebook group started by her niece to share struggles, successes, recipes, and encouragement. But even with increased energy and freedom of movement, her weight-loss program wasn’t always easy.
Challenges:
“The hardest part was having a non-keto son and three vegan grandchildren living with me,” said Welch. “French fries and pizza, cereal, pancakes, waffles! It all smells so good.” Nonetheless, she is “amazed” at how satisfied she is by keto and only wishes she’d started a long time ago.
Now that Welch has committed to keto as a way of life (after learning the hard way to avoid breaks), her new goal is to reach 150 pounds (68 kg). “I know I can get there,” she says.
Favorite way to exercise:
Welch enjoys walking for exercise.
Favorite keto recipe:
Keto Low-Carb No-Bake Cheesecake.
