Twila Longenberger, almost 62, a devoted mother of four sons, has spent most of her life battling obesity, diabetes, and various health issues. Living in Indiana, her journey has been marked by an ongoing struggle to lose weight and improve her health. However, Twila’s remarkable transformation shows it’s never too late to reclaim one’s health. With determination, family support, and the right path, even the most ingrained habits can be reversed.
A Lifelong Struggle with Obesity
Twila’s battle with weight began early. As a child, she showed signs of insulin resistance, a condition that followed her into adulthood. Despite her family’s efforts to provide nutritious meals, she continued to gain weight. "We bought food from local farmers, and I ate lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains," she recalls. "I was doing everything we thought was healthy, but I kept gaining weight."
By her twenties, Twila was already dealing with obesity. Her pregnancies were complicated by gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. When she turned 30, she was diagnosed with diabetes. “I was put on medication, and the health issues just kept piling up—PCOS, high cholesterol, high blood pressure,” she says. Despite numerous attempts to lose weight through diets like the cabbage soup diet and Weight Watchers, nothing worked. She even lost 100 pounds twice using extreme measures, only to regain it all.
Twila’s health worsened. By 2016, she weighed 410 pounds, and her blood sugar was dangerously high. "I was sick so often, I couldn’t even get in to see my regular doctor," she recalls. "I had bronchitis and sinus infections every month, and my blood sugar was out of control." It became clear that something had to change.
Facing Judgments
As Twila’s weight continued to rise, so did the judgment and discrimination she faced. "People looked at me differently when I was at my heaviest," she recalls. "I was bullied a lot, even as an adult. People assumed I ate too much, but the reality was I was trying everything I could to lose weight." She was often misunderstood, with many critiquing her eating habits. "Even my mother used to say, 'You never follow diets,'" she shares. “But I was always following diets; it just wasn’t working for me.”
The judgment wasn’t only verbal. “It was really hard when I went places,” Twila explains. "I couldn’t fit into booths or many chairs. Bathroom stalls were too small, and I had to know which bathrooms I could use." Even simple activities, like going out to eat or using public restrooms, became sources of anxiety. “I just didn’t want to go out because I knew people would look at what I ate and judge me,” she recalls.
Twila felt isolated and embarrassed in public. She couldn’t participate in family activities. "If my kids wanted to go for a walk, I had to stay home," she remembers. "I couldn’t even walk with them. It hurt too much, and I was so out of breath." The constant struggle with her weight kept her from social situations, and she felt like an outsider in her own life. "I hated myself, and I just couldn’t understand why I was this way," she admits. Her emotional health suffered, and she struggled with depression for years. "I did what I could, but it was very hard. I was in a constant battle with myself."
The Turning Point: Discovering Keto
Twila’s breakthrough came when her blood sugar reached 400. Her nurse practitioner suggested trying a low-carb diet, and Twila decided to give it a shot. "At first, I was doing 100 carbs a day," she says, and her health began to improve. Within a month, she had lost 30 pounds, and her blood pressure dropped. That’s when she was introduced to the ketogenic diet. "I was skeptical at first. I thought, ‘Nobody can eat like this and live—this is impossible,'" she remembers.
Despite her doubts, Twila committed to keto. At first, she made mistakes—eating too much fat and not enough protein. But as she refined her diet, her health improved rapidly. Within six months, she had lost 100 pounds. Her blood sugar dropped to 110, her A1C improved to 5.4, and her triglycerides fell from 400 to around 100. "The changes were incredible. I was taken off almost all my medications. My blood pressure normalized, and I felt healthier than I had in years."
Embracing Family Support
Throughout her journey, Twila’s family was a constant source of support. Initially, her children were skeptical about the keto diet, but they soon saw the positive changes in her and joined her in making better food choices. "My kids saw me getting healthier, and they started asking questions about my diet," she says. "They now make better food choices, and even my husband joined me on keto."
Her husband was incredibly supportive. "We’ve been married for almost 42 years," Twila says. "He told me, 'I loved you when you got married. I loved you when you weighed 410, and I love you now. If you gain some weight, I will love you.'" His support was unwavering, and seeing her results, he became interested in trying the keto diet. "He started saying, 'Well, your food looks kind of good. Can I try it?'" Twila remembers. He began eating 50-75% keto, and the results were remarkable. “He started losing weight, his pre-diabetes went away, and his blood pressure and cholesterol got better. He was getting healthier too,” Twila shares with a smile.
Her husband's love and encouragement were key to her success. "My husband calls me the Energizer Bunny because I just go, go, go," she laughs. His support has been instrumental in helping her maintain her lifestyle and achieve her health goals. Twila’s family has been her rock, keeping her accountable and cheering her on every step of the way.
Transformation and Staying Committed
As Twila’s weight continued to drop, her energy levels soared. “I felt like a different person. I could take walks with my kids, something I couldn’t do before," she shares. “I was able to keep up with my grandchild, and now I can play with him. I’m the Energizer Bunny in my family now—I just go, go, go.” Twila’s commitment to keto and her healthier lifestyle became permanent. She continues to track her food and practice intermittent fasting. “I’m not perfect, but I’m better than I’ve ever been. It’s not just about weight—it’s about feeling good and living fully.”
Twila’s journey didn’t end with weight loss. She focused on improving her overall health. "I focus on protein and keep my carbs low. I’ve made my own jerky, and I even make my own roast beef," she laughs. "It’s about being consistent and eating real food." Her bone density also improved. "I was almost at osteoporosis, but after years of strength training and keto, I’m almost normal now. I’m building muscle and keeping my bones strong."
Inspiring Others to Reclaim Their Health
Twila’s story has become a beacon of hope for others. “You’re never too old to regain your health,” she says. Her passion led her to become a certified keto coach, encouraging others to take small steps toward better health. “I always tell people: What’s a better option? Let’s just make better choices. Small changes lead to big results.”
Her message is clear: health transformation is possible at any age. It’s about more than just losing weight. It’s about reclaiming life, improving mental health, and reversing chronic conditions. “I never thought I’d lose this much weight or feel this good,” she says, but now she’s committed to helping others on their journey. “It’s not just about weight loss—it’s about living a better, healthier life.”
Twila’s journey from obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance to health and vitality is a testament to perseverance, family support, and the life-changing power of the keto diet. “I’m not going back,” she affirms, and her story continues to inspire others to find their path to better health.
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