Mom Loses 340 Lbs. to Regain Her Kids

by Deborah Dunham (Subscribe to Deborah Dunham's posts)
Nov 9th 2009 4:00PM

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Amy Barnes once described food as her comfort, her solitude and her very best friend. That "friend" ended up costing Amy her health and her family.

Overweight for most of her life, Amy put on an additional 200 pounds during an abusive relationship with a boyfriend that lasted five years. "I used food to celebrate, to mourn, out of boredom and for comfort," she told the Today Show. The 35-year-old admitted she was addicted to food, just like someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol. "I always had food in my hands."

Amy ballooned to 490 pounds and became too big to sit in an armchair or airplane seat, and too tired to walk up a flight of stairs or play with her children. "I had lost complete control over myself physically," she said. That loss of control landed Amy homeless and without her kids after a judge ordered her to "get healthy and get your life in order".

That was Amy's wake-up call. "I knew I needed to be a healthy mom," she said. "My kids were my motivation."

Starting with small goals, Amy began working out and eating right. Her diet went from a tray of brownies in one sitting to vegetables, lean protein and egg whites. And while her size made it difficult to move, Amy started walking and doing exercise videos in her living room. She was determined to rebuild her body and her family.

Gradually the excess weight came off -- all 340 pounds of it. Amy now says she feels "amazing" and "healthy" and is a self-proclaimed fitness nut. Showing off her new rockin' figure and rock-hard abs on the Joy Fit Club today, you would never guess she was the same person. Even Matt Lauer called her "ripped".

Not only has Amy has regained her health and self-confidence, she regained custody of her boys. "There is nothing that feels better than being able to play with my children," Amy said.

Feeling inspired? Take a look at another amazing weight-loss story.

Comments (12)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Tony 11-09-2009 @ 8:50PM

Wow what a story. I'm speechless.

frances 11-10-2009 @ 8:02PM

Where is the excess skin after losing 340lbs?

herbalife 11-10-2009 @ 8:02PM

Great Job! This story is very inspiring, it starts with making a decision and believing in the process that will lead you to your goal.
Thanks for sharing!

mark young 11-10-2009 @ 2:47PM

While happy that she has improved herself in this fashion, I am stunned, that in The United States of America, a judge would have the power to say "get healthy and get your life in order". The freedoms that the citizens of this country used to have, are in great peril. He should beoff the bench. Well done Amy, treasure your kids, they need you.

rhonacorinne 11-10-2009 @ 3:23PM

it's obviously the best thing that could have happened to her...what's wrong with court-inspired demands on us to be our best and do our best?....

without the fear of a heavy fine, how many people would stop at that red light - especially when no other cars are on the road...(in my city, cameras are always watching...)

even though legal authority is often wanting, when it comes in the form of forcing us to improve, i definitely recommend giving up all those freedoms (to destroy ourselves) and welcoming it! ....that judge saved her life!

kady 11-10-2009 @ 3:18PM

i dont believe that that was the offical ruleing in the court case. if we knew more of the story, i'm betting that she got her kids taken away because she was homeless. not because she was overweight.

Sally G 11-10-2009 @ 7:04PM

Sorry, Mark, while the language might not have been PC, when there are children involved, I think that the judge does in fact have to issue a wake-up call. Without knowing all the facts, speculation can run rampant, but when a parent is so massively obese, it is in society's best interest to make sure he or she gets an incentive to get healthy enough to stay alive long enough to raise his or her child(ren)—and 300+ lbs. overweight does threaten life. I hope that there was some moral support made available as well as the expressed demand, but not judst Mom, but the whole family will be better for it. The kids certainly know how hard the struggle was, therefore what they mean to Mom, who in addition to helping their self-esteem changed from a negative to positive role model—someone they can go to for help in the future and an example of how one can change one's life around.
Brava, Mom!

val 11-10-2009 @ 3:00PM

That is truly remarkable, I saw the piece on the Today show and she was ripped and beautiful.............But, where is all of the stretched out excess skin? Could it be possible not to have any?

Janice G. 11-10-2009 @ 4:31PM

I watched this interview as it aired on the Today show. She has a scar on her belly consistent with a Gastric Bypass. Notice how she makes a point of keeping her hands over that part of her anatomy.

Karen 11-11-2009 @ 1:02PM

You are exactly right, Janice. She has had gastric bypass for sure. If you type "did Amy Barnes have Gastric Bypass?" into your search engine, you'll come up with a link to a gastric bypass site called bluepointgroup.com. I'm sure she's had surgery to remove excess skin, too. I think her story is very powerful, and her accomplishment is tremendous. Good for her, and best wishes to all those out there still struggling with weight.

Doozie480 11-10-2009 @ 4:49PM

WOW...this is sooo remarkable!!! You go gurl, i know u must feel sooo good, and even better to have your kids back! You are beautiful!!!

tammy 11-10-2009 @ 7:55PM

Hi, i'm new to the board. I think Amy's weight loss is truly amazing no matter how she got there. I previously worked in a bariatric office and a lot of people feel gastric bypass is the "easy" way out. I can assure you, it is not. Most of these people have struggle their entire lives and are willing to do just about anything to lose wt, usually not for looks but just for a shot at a normal life. I applaude Amy and others like her.
Also, to Jen, I read that you use smartsoles. Are these similar to the Sketcher's shoes that are supposed to tone your legs ant butt?