Couple loses combined 580 pounds

by Brian White (Subscribe to Brian White's posts)
Jul 26th 2007 10:15AM

It's quite a sight to see an obese couple lose a combined 580 pounds, but it is also exciting to hear that when the going gets tough for some, they fight back in order to try and live a healthy life and not die before their time.

Maggie and Andy Sorrels weighed 440 and 505 pounds respectively and were living with emotional and physical pains every day. The couple could have sat alone in depressed states and given up. They didn't.

Both found "The Weigh Down Workshop," which taught them to conquer their collective addiction to food. Food addiction is just as destructive as illicit drug addiction in the U.S. in my opinion, although I'm sure some will disagree. But when a couple like this can conquer it with hard effort, it gives all those who are obese hope. As in, yes -- you can do it.

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Comments (44)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

sandie 7-26-2007 @ 3:27PM

I think it is so great when obese people loose soooooo much weight. The good thing about this is that a couple did it together and they have the support of each other. Good work guys!!!!!!!!

rea 7-26-2007 @ 3:45PM

THAT IS GREAT, THE VERY BEST TO BOTH OF YOU ! ! ! ! ...........................................

chick 7-26-2007 @ 4:18PM

I think it's a great start, but they are still obese and need to keep losing. I continue seeing very overweight people talk about how they lost all the weightand everyone claps and tells them how great it is, but in truth, they need to lose another 200 pounds.

Alexa 7-26-2007 @ 4:27PM

Chick, that picture of them in this article is a BEFORE picture. Click on it and it will take you to another article, under the picture of them theres two arrow buttons and click the forward arrow button a couple of times and you'll see the 'after' picture where they are in fact very skinny now.

Charity 7-26-2007 @ 4:29PM

To Chick... You need to click on the photo to see the after pics...They look Amazing...Congrats to the big losers!!! Way to Go!!!

me 7-31-2007 @ 1:56PM

That is wonderful! Congrats to you both! and as for "chick" your an idiot. Not everyone in the world wants to be anorexic.

Tina 7-26-2007 @ 5:49PM

I think this couple should get a BIG round of applause! I know how both addictions are. I am a recovering drug addict with 71/2 years clean. I have been over weight all my life. I have lost weight in the past, only to gain it back plus some. It is harder for me to loose weight than it was to get clean from drugs because we have to eat to survive, even when we are on a diet..we have to eat. When I was getting clean, I could just not go where I knew there would be drugs, and keep my mind on other things like step work, or reading the basic text. With obesity it is much different. You just can't get away from it! It's on the radio..television...movies...bowling alley, where ever you go there it is taunting you.
About 9 months ago I had gastric bypass surgery. To date I have lost 92 pounds, but that doesn't mean I have control, it means I have help every day. Kudos to you Maggie and Andy...Way To Go!!!!

Briea 7-26-2007 @ 4:51PM

Congratulations to both. That is wonderful that you all were able to lose the weight together with mutual support. To Win A Free Swarovski Crystal T-Shirt visit http://executees.net

Trudy 7-26-2007 @ 5:09PM

Yes Chick, first of all its not healthy to drop a large amount of weight at once, second the whole point is their losing weight, they know they are obese and are taking the correct measures (and healthy measures) to fix the problem... many many kudos to them. It is a process that takes time.

zacUpquark 7-26-2007 @ 5:13PM

After the chest pains and angioplasty in 2005, I got serious and dropped 110 lbs from 350. You have to get IN to excercise, and OUT of food-whenever-you-can. It is the easiest/hardest thing I've ever done.

Char 7-26-2007 @ 5:18PM

Are those the AFTER pics? It does not say. Wish I could loose . It's a constant struggle.

Granny 7-26-2007 @ 5:24PM

While I am pleased to hear that these folks have lost weight, I do wonder why the excuse for most of these cases is mental or physical pain? You see, I was overweight for a number of years and once i figured out it was my fault as I was the one putting the dang food in my mouth every three hours and stopped that and did eat balanced meals and get more exercise I also lost weight. I tend to think that there are more like me then a lot want to admit. I also know how hard it can be, without surgery or drugs to shed the weight. I do congratulate these folks on their weight loss, don't get me wrong about that..........

James 7-26-2007 @ 5:58PM

wow that's truly amazing! They went from gross and disgusting to rather attractive! It's incredible how much of an impact weight-loss can make on the attractiveness of someone.

But a google search found that "The Weigh Down Workshop" to be somewhat of a scam and a religious cult. The website is very vague on details on how the system works, but other sources claim you don't exercise at all. Instead they relate overeating with sin and lust, and you'll go to hell if you continue. I found a lot of information on google and it's all just a tad creepy, they created their own Christian theology and a few of their own churches. Also one of the main churches are are TN and this couple just happens to live in TN too.

The results are impressive but I think I'll stay clear of this diet.

teresa 7-26-2007 @ 5:31PM

Everyone needs to click their picture to see the after photos. They look completely different. I commend anyone who truley has the guts and ambition to loose so much weight. I know so many people who claim their on a diet, months go by with no change in appearence. Then you see them eating a sundae and a cheeseburger as they sit on the couch. Food is an addiction and to control that takes great discipline. This couple should be an inspiration for the rest of this obese country.

Penny 7-26-2007 @ 6:30PM

Gee "Chick" (as your name states as comment number 3)....you are kind of harsh with your comments about not only this couple, but other overweight people. If you looked at their after pictures, which you obviously didn't, you will see they are NOT still overweight...they look amazing.
I applaud them both for their determination to get healthier. When someone tries to shed weight for the wrong reasons, they usually are not successful. When you lose it for YOURSELF, for your health and because you know it will make you feel better (not only look better), you tend to be more successful.
I feel it's what's on the inside that counts the most, but am always happy when I see someone want to improve their health. Doing it with a partner is always the best way.
Congratulations to this couple for their hard work and determination and to anyone else who has battled the problem of weight issues and stuck with the plan!

Melanie 7-26-2007 @ 6:33PM

WOW!!!

Congrats to both of you!!

you two look SO awesome!!

:]

streamfollow 7-26-2007 @ 7:06PM

it's not hard being not fat just stop eating so fcking much

cute scoot 7-26-2007 @ 8:12PM

Congrats to these two,they look positively AMAZING!

I can't BELIEVE how much younger they look in the after pics...before,they looked like they were in there late 40's,now they look like they're 19...especially the husband!!Good for them!

I know what it's like to struggle with food addiction...I haven't 'completely' beaten it,because I think about it everyday,(as with ANY addiction),and everyday,you fight,you don't give up,and you're a better person because of it!It's SOO HARD...but it can be done!

With eating better and exercize,I've lost 80 lbs and manage to keep it off by eating in moderation,drinking TONS of water,and taking long walks.

~ps:I've gotta say,it's a breath of fresh air to finally read something positive for a change,and not about violence,wars,and drunken druggie celebrities!

J 7-26-2007 @ 7:23PM

Wow, the after photos are astonishing. They are truly an inspirational couple. Now, the task of keeping it off continues! What a really great looking couple.

k 7-26-2007 @ 7:30PM

Maggie and Andy:
Congratulations! Facing such a difficult life challenge and SUCCEEDING to conquer it takes tremendous courage, strength and determination. YOUR efforts in all have paid off and hopefully give so many more facing the same a great boost! You are both a true inspiration!! Good luck!