Dennis’s Journey: From Carrying the Weight Alone to Finding Support

For as long as Dennis can remember, weight was part of his story.

“I can remember back, even when I was 8 or 9 years old, struggling with weight,” he recalls. One of his earliest memories is standing on a scale in front of his peers, hoping to make the weight limit for his football team. When he didn’t, he wasn’t allowed to play. “It was definitely something I have a core memory of—not being able to play with my friends because I was overweight.”

As he got older and gained more independence, his weight became harder to manage. By his teenage years, Dennis says things “got a little bit more out of control.” Along with the physical challenges came feelings that many people living with obesity recognize: shame, self-doubt, and a sense of being different.

“When you’re not able to do what everybody else is doing, you kind of look in on yourself,” he says. “What am I doing wrong to get to this point where I’m being limited?”

Growing Up Around Weight Struggles

Weight challenges weren’t something Dennis saw in isolation. He watched family members on both sides struggle with their health.

“I saw weight limiting people… uncles and aunts,” he explains. “Seeing how it affected other people – it was definitely not a positive.”

Those observations stayed with him. Still, like many people, Dennis tried to handle his own weight on his own. Over the years, he cycled through what felt like endless attempts.

“I have countless attempts under my belt when it comes to weight loss,” he says. “Low carb, high fat, high carb, low fat, low sugar, no sugar—whatever the hot topic was at the time, we tried it.”

Despite the effort, nothing seemed to stick. Looking back, Dennis recognizes that consistency—and the mental side of weight management—was where things kept breaking down. “Getting there mentally with some help is really the basis of making any progress.”

Pride, Pressure, and the Turning Point

For a long time, seeking medical help didn’t feel like an option. Dennis grew up in a family where pride ran deep, especially among the men.

“Doctors were kind of avoided,” he says. “I don’t need help. I can handle this on my own.”

That mindset began to shift after the birth of his daughter.

“I gave myself every opportunity to restart and get back on the right track,” Dennis explains. He had a gym at home and, by his own account, “no excuses left.” When that final attempt didn’t work, something clicked.

“That was really my wake-up call to realize these things aren’t working,” he says. “And it’s time that I get some help.”

Taking the First Step Toward Medical Care

Dennis started by talking with his primary care doctor—a conversation that turned out to be easier than he expected.

“That lingering issue was there,” he says. “It wasn’t something that was a surprise to anyone.”

From there, he was referred to a bariatric center, where he found structure, follow-up, and support. Working with a care team—including nutrition professionals—helped him identify areas where his assumptions didn’t always match reality.

“Having someone there to constantly give you advice and give you options and help you tweak little things here and there is very helpful,” Dennis says, especially during plateaus or setbacks. “The weight loss journey is never ending, and it’s also not linear.”

Medication and Quieting “Food Noise”

One of the most surprising changes for Dennis came after starting weight loss medication—something he researched carefully and pursued with medical guidance.

“What I didn’t really recognize before was this idea of food noise,” he explains.

Before treatment, food dominated his thoughts: planning meals, thinking about snacks, structuring his day around eating. “I didn’t really recognize in myself how much I was doing that until after I wasn’t doing it anymore.”

As the food noise quieted, Dennis found space for other parts of life—exercise, work, and time with family. “You don’t realize how much extra time you can gain when you’re not focusing on food constantly.”

Feeling Better—Physically and Mentally

The physical changes were noticeable. After carrying more than 300 pounds for years, Dennis experienced chronic pain in his back, knees, ankles, and feet.

“Less pain is the major thing that I feel,” he says. “I feel better every day.”

Just as important were the mental shifts. Dennis describes greater stability, clarity, and confidence—both personally and professionally.

“Walking into any situation, the confidence is there,” he says. “It’s changed tremendously for me.”

Motivation Rooted in Family

At the heart of Dennis’s journey is his daughter.

“My biggest motivation is definitely my daughter,” he says. He wants to be present, active, and capable—at the park, at home, and in everyday life. “I want my daughter to remember me healthy.”

A Message to Other Men

Dennis believes men face unique barriers when it comes to obesity—especially pride.

“We see things as something that we should be able to handle ourselves,” he says. “And it’s not always necessarily the case.”

Seeking help, in his view, isn’t weakness—it’s strength. “You’re knowing that you need a change that you aren’t able to handle,” he explains. “Looking for a hand to guide you through the process… will make a major change for you.”

For men inspired by his story, Dennis encourages starting with honest self-reflection and an open conversation with a healthcare professional.

“Being open, being honest with the doctor and telling them: this is how I am, this is my goal—how can we get there together?”

Looking Back—and Ahead

Like many people, Dennis wishes he had started earlier. Still, he’s hopeful about the future—both for himself and for how society talks about obesity.

“I hope that the conversation around obesity becomes a little more open, especially for men,” he says. Because at the end of the day, being healthier isn’t about appearances—it’s about being present, capable, and there for the people who matter most to you.