For Carol Henson, weight management has been a challenge since childhood. “Weight loss has been my struggle from day one,” she recalled. “From being called ‘fat’ in second grade and not being able to fit in the chairs in grade school through high school, I have struggled.”

Her journey was marked by both emotional and physical hurdles. Simple tasks like washing herself fully became difficult, and at times, she admitted, “I honestly just wanted to give up … and just eat what I want to eat.”

Despite the setbacks, Carol’s resolve to find a balanced path to health never fully wavered. Her advice to others navigating a similar path is clear: “Just keep looking until you find something that works.”

Exploring a Wide Range of Treatments

Over the years, Carol tried numerous weight loss solutions — each offering a glimmer of hope but ultimately falling short of lasting success. Her efforts included prescription medications and injectables, nonprescription options, structured meal plans, and even bariatric surgery.

Even though many treatments helped her lose weight at first, preventing weight gain was hard. “I did lose weight on almost every one of them, and as soon as that was finished, I regained it,” Carol said.

Carol acknowledged that during her earlier weight-loss attempts, she had placed too much faith in quick fixes. “Everybody thinks that this is going to change my life,” she said about each new treatment. “I did the same thing with my first surgery. That’s why I failed the first surgery. That’s why I failed the second surgery.”

Over time, she started to see things differently. “You have to follow all the instructions,” she said. “They didn’t work for me without watching what I ate and exercising along with them.”

A New Approach: Mindset, Lifestyle, and Patience

With experience, Carol learned that sustainable weight management required more than just medical treatments — it needed consistent lifestyle changes. For Carol, that meant paying close attention to what she ate, finding easy recipes, incorporating exercise into her routine, and embracing small, consistent efforts. “It is a change in your mindset. It is a change in your whole being. It is a change in everything,” she emphasized.

Whether it’s a walk down the street or a visit to the gym, Carol believes that movement is key: “Do something physical every day. Maybe not every day — three, four times a week.”

Progress, Not Perfection

Now at 53, Carol reflects on her journey with determination and perseverance. “It took me 53 years to get here, and I’m still a work in progress,” she said. “We’re all works in progress, and we fail. And then I pick myself up by my bootstraps, and I start over again.”

Her philosophy is simple: “It’s one meal at a time. Every step of your day is a start over.”

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyObesityTeam, the social network and online support group for people living with obesity, members share their experiences. With more than 56,000 members discussing the complexities of obesity — including its challenges and successes — MyObesityTeam is a valuable resource and supportive community.

What treatment options have you tried on your weight-loss journey? How do you stay motivated when progress feels slow? Share your experiences in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.