Be an inspiration
If you’ve made positive changes in your diet and/or fitness routine and are happy with the results, please share your success with us. Include your email address, a daytime phone number and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG). Write: Success Stories, c/o Patty Murphy, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or email Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
SUCCESS STORY / Durwood Fincher, 65: From 322 pounds to 179 pounds
Former weight: 322 pounds
Current weight: 179 pounds
Pounds lost: 143
Height: 6 feet 1 inch
Age: 65
How long he's kept it off: He started in the spring of 2008 and reached his current weight in October.
Personal life: Fincher, a former teacher, has worked as Mr. Doubletalk (www.doubletalk.com), a comedic corporate speaker, for more than 25 years. "Mr. Doubletalk — that title was given to me by Allen Funt with 'Candid Camera,' " he says. He's appeared at numerous corporate functions and on television, including the "Today" show, "Huckabee" and "Live! With Regis and Kelly." In 2008, Ed Grisamore authored Fincher's biography, "Once You Step in Elephant Manure, You're in the Circus Forever" (Indigo Publishing, 2008). Fincher lives in Midtown Atlanta.
Turning point: "I don't call this a diet. It's a lifestyle change," he says. "I was diagnosed a year or two ago with Type 2 diabetes. I have a vivid memory of my grandmother having Type 2 diabetes. She lost a toe, then an ankle — that has just always haunted me." When a former student, now a dietitian, offered help with a lifestyle change, he accepted. She arranged support from his alma mater, Georgia Southern University, where he started a fitness and dietary program. Georgia Southern University was "totally instrumental," in his success, he says.
Diet plan: "I really don't like to cook," he says. When he's not having Cheerios at home, he's a Waffle House regular enjoying an egg, small dollop of grits, and plain toast. Lunch is fresh vegetables at Mary Mac's, and dinner is chicken with vegetables.
Exercise routine: "I try to do something every day," he says. Every other day, he goes to the Gym at Peachtree Presbyterian for around 45 minutes where he lifts weights and does situps.
Biggest challenge: "A person is not going to make that lifestyle change until they change their lifestyle," he says. "Like most people, I started a diet six or eight or 10 times… I needed self-imposed discipline, (this time) there were lots of eyes watching me. I didn't want to be a failure. I had failed myself in the past, but I had never failed a group of students."
How life has changed: "I have got it under control, and I will keep it under control," he says. "So much more energy. I sleep soundly through the night. If you work out and you don't eat a whole pile of food — it's nothing but positive. Your body tells you; people just don't pay attention. I am blessed I caught it in time — I did not want to lose my limbs like my grandma did; that horrific memory served as a guidepost. … My theme is: It's never too late. Start today. Don't wait till Christmas."
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