While facing a number of issues that many people would have found overwhelming, Ida lost 142 pounds with weight loss surgery. I think you will find inspiration in her words. She wants us all to know that WE can do anything! Here is HER STORY:
“My name is Ida Henson Starks and I had weight loss surgery on March 13, 2012. When I went to surgery I weighed 302 pouns. Today, 20 months later, I am a healthy 160 pounds. The weight came of easy. The mental aspect has been the toughest. My parents told me if I set my MIND to do something…don’t give up and don’t give in…. I’m a success story.
I have been overweight since I was a child, not fat but larger than other kids my age. I got married at 19 years old and that was when I lost control. I didn’t eat due to depression, anxiety or a health issue. I ate because I simply enjoyed the taste of good food. At 29 years old (I don’t mind sharing this) I was diagnosed HIV positive. I’ve never been sick and instead of allowing the disease to take control of me, I took control of it. I gained weight instead of losing. In 2006, while preparing for a hysterectomy, I found out I was pregnant. I delivered a healthy HIV negative baby boy in August of the same year. I continued to gain. I divorced my third husband in 2010, and it was me and the little one. My ex had a habit of calling me fat but my 3 year old son would find ways to encourage me in his own little way. In 2011 my son started to play flag football. At 42 years old, I was not only one of the oldest mothers but I was also one of the heaviest. He wanted to play basketball, do martial arts and sing in the church choir. I wanted to get something to eat and go to bed after a hard day at work. I made up my mind after the football season ended that since I couldn’t do anything about my age, I would do something about my weight.
After getting clearance from my Primary Care doctor, Infectious Disease doctor and my OBGYN to go forward with surgery, I chose to do the gastric sleeve where 85% of my stomach was removed. The surgery was done on March 13, 2012. I weighed in that morning at 302 pounds wearing a size 26/28. Now, 20 months later I am a size 10/12 weighing 160 pounds. I have worked out 3 to 4 times a week since surgery. I have completed a 3 mile AIDS walk and a 7 mile prayer walk. I am preparing for a 5 mile walk for the cure of Breast Cancer. I was on 1 medication for HIV, but I was on 5 meds for high blood pressure. I am still on 1 med for HIV but I’m proud to say I have not taken a blood pressure pill in 18 months. There is a lot to my story and surgery for weight loss is just a portion of it. Someone needs to know that there is life after a diagnosis no matter what the diagnosis might be…and…when you put your mind to it. My son and I have a saying to encourage each other. OUR saying is, ‘I CAN DO ANYTHING!!’. Thank you for allowing me to share.”
Carol G. says
Very inspirational! Thank you for sharing your story and giving testimony to others.
Jacki says
You have blessed me – thank you so much!
Gwen Coble says
Thank you so very much for sharing your story with us. You are truly an inspiration to all of us.
God bless you and keep you because your testimony helped someone today.
Keisha says
That is a great testimony and motivation to others goals can be accomplished. Continue to be the person you are, you will continue to encourage others
Denise says
Wow ,you are amazing !!!!!
Mary says
I just love this story. This story is something that I needed to hear. I could say this and I could say that about your statement. I can say that you are inspirational and you are special. I don’t want to say that. I want to say thank you for sharing. Sharing brings more to the situation. Sharing brings strength. And your strength reads loud and clear through your words. May God continue to blanket you and your beautiful son. Thank you.
Cicely says
Thank you for sharing….continue to INSPIRE!!!
rosalyn says
very inspiring! great job!!
Deniser says
I loved this – “I made up my mind after the football season ended that since I couldn’t do anything about my age, I would do something about my weight.”
Awesome! I just turned 46 and came to the same conclusion earlier this year.
Denise says
Thank you for your generosity and honesty. May you save live(s) with your story. I suspect people that have AIDS but will not admit to it. The denial of the disease is that kills the most.
Shebretta Sheridan says
What a amazing story…reading this brought tears to my eyes.
carmen says
I am so proud of you Ida. You have came along way. Keep up the good work. Love you friend.
Sharolette Tarver says
I commend you for choosing to live. You are an inspiration to me. Just when I thought my situation was bad, you just showed me how to turn a bad apple into a beautiful apple pie. Im not living my full life do to fears, you have been diagnosed with a life altering disease but your living. Thank you so much for showing me how to live. God bless you & your son.
toya says
Amazing story!!! Thanks for sharing and you look simply beautiful.
kathleen smith says
Ida, you are a blessing. And I’m true believer that God has ALREADY healed the HIV
Ida Starks says
Thanks to all of you for your words of support and encouragement….it is what continues to give me the inspiration I need to keep on..keeping on. Thank you ALL! Hugs and Kisses from Me and the muchkin…
Shaye says
God is so amazing. I think you are an Inspiration to so many people who have desires to lose weight , but for other reasons don’t go through with it. Cudos to you & your son. God Bless & keep You.
Rich Mo says
What an awesome story all the way around. I work at an alternative school in Orlando, would you like to come and speak to my High School. Our students could benefit from your story in a lot of ways. We can also produce some materials for you to use for this presentation that you will use again and again. Your story need to be heard and some places could pay you, not that that is your motivation, but why not get paid, you are worth it?
Latrice says
Such a blessing to read your story. Well done!!!
Marquita says
Wow, God has truly blessed and smiled upon you. You are an amazing woman, (tears) you are an overcomer, conqueror and an extra-ordinary woman!!! Inspiration you are and you are going to touch many, this is just the beginning!! Keep looking up and you will go far. Peace and Blessing 😉
Kierra says
Ida, you are amazing! Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
NATALIE says
GIRL…YOU HAVE ME IN TEARS OVER HERE….YOU HAVE TOUCHED ME IN SUCH A SPECIAL WAY…YOU BLESSED ME WITH YOUR STRENGTH, COURAGE AND YOUR MOTIVATION AND I PRAY THAT THE GRACE OF GOD CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN YOU IN YOUR JOURNEY AND HEAVEN SMILES UPON YOU AND YOUR SON. THANK YOU!!
Tamara Stewart says
Awesome story, Inspirational, Continued blessings and wishes of Success for you.
Jessica says
I have one thing to say “you are amazing.”
LaToya says
You are blessed to be a blessing!! Thank you for sharing you motivating and very inspirational testimony!!!
adetoun Adeleye says
Your story brought out my inner strenght. I don’t know where to start with my weightloss, I thought I m helpless, but ur story taught me I can do it!
LaShonda Battle says
Thanks for sharing your storey…
Pamela Coleman says
Thank you for sharing. It is so important for you and for your son that you have gone on and done so well, I know that you can imagine the great things that he will do with such a wonderful role model behind him. Thank you for sharing.
Tenshar says
God Bless You!!! God Bless You!!! God Bless You!!!! Thanks for your courage, strengthen and sharing your story.
AVP VanPelt says
You are truly Gods Blessing to men kind. You are an inspiration to many and I hope you continue this very same attitude as you continue in life. Continue to be an encouragement to everyone you come in contact with throughout your life and God will continue to bless you. #YouBlessedMeOnToday.