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Throughout his childhood and youth years, Dylan recalled always being
overweight. He said, “I was usually the biggest kid. Over the years, I’ve tried to lose
weight so many times,” admitting that he would lose weight but gain it back quickly
resulting in a “discouraged” and “defeated” attitude.
Dylan knew the health risks associated with having extra pounds on his body.
He longed to become the healthiest version of himself.
As part of the video productions team at Crossgates Baptist Church, he was
aware of the annual fast that the church encouraged as a way to strengthen one’s
journey in their faith along with the added health benefits. Dylan took a leap of faith
and participated in one of the fasting events with other church members. He said,
“I had lost all self-awareness and knew it was time for a real change. The fast was
really the kickoff to all of it. I committed to 21 days without any sugar. I proved to
myself that I can actually have self-control.”
His successes began rolling in as he lost 50 pounds. A co-worker who felt led to
help approached Dylan with a proposition, one that would ultimately change his
life forever.
Dylan was given the opportunity to commit to 100 days with his co-worker
helping him with his fitness and nutrition goals. 100 days—and then if he wanted to,
he could quit. He said, “I wasn’t sure at first. I didn’t think I could do it. We ended
up taking it in 10-day blocks. I would have a weigh-in after every 10th day.”
The plan was simple. Set a calorie limit, track everything eaten, and begin simply
moving. His beginning caloric intake was around 1800 calories. Dylan said, “I stayed
away from simple sugars and white carbs. This allowed me to eat much more food
that kept me full for longer. In the beginning, I started with one 45-minute
workout a week.”
Once he was into the groove, he added in strength training with weights and
workouts using his own body weight. He admitted, “I had just made up my mind
this time. One of the biggest obstacles for me was emotional eating. There is so
much joy found in food. And I would also eat when I was sad or depressed.”
Since June 2020, he has lost more than half of his body weight. He credits his
success to his faith and to his incredible support system. “Every time I wanted to
give up, I prayed and knew that God would help me get through whatever hurdle
I was facing,’ he said.
Dylan added, “Everybody has been great. I have had so many people to lean on
through this journey and I have learned so much about myself. I always believed
that if I lost the weight, I would be happy. This has taught me so much about the
importance of mental health as well as physical.”
Phase one of his journey is almost complete as he is only a few pounds from his
goal weight. However, his next journey is just beginning. A journey that will be his
toughest yet. Dylan’s desire is to have skin removal surgery, excess skin that is a
reminder of his former self. He is currently raising money to help pay for the three
surgeries that will cost between $15,000 - $20,000. The surgeries can be completed,
including recovery, over the course of a year. To help Dylan make this possible,
donations can be mailed to Crossgates Baptist Church, 8 Crosswoods Road,
Brandon MS, 39042 (Attn: Dylan’s Surgery).
Dylan advises, “For anyone trying to lose weight, the biggest thing is to find a
balance especially in our Southern culture where so much tradition is grounded in
food. Once I changed my mindset that you eat to live and not live to eat, it changed
my life.”
Hometown MADISON RANKIN • 41