| My weight loss journey ( 95 lbs in 51 weeks) I have always had fluctuations in my weight since my late teen years. In my childhood and early teen years I had always been considered slim to average. In March 2003, I had to
see my family Doctor over food poisoning. The nurse told me that they had to
know my weight to measure the correct dosage to treat me. I learned that I had
weighed 285 pounds.
This is my "Before" picture:
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| I had been having
some bleeding from my navel which made me worry a lot. Out of fear of a
developing hernia and my Mom's asking me to lose weight, I decided to join
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). Since she had been losing weight, I thought
I'd might as well join and see what happens. I was very skeptical at first,
as most men would be. I dreaded giving up all the foods I had lived for.
The first week was the hardest of my dieting journey. I learned later on that I wasn't eating enough. But, at my first weigh-in, I managed to lose 9 pounds. It was at that moment, on the scales, that I became convinced that I COULD do it. I'll just take it one week at a time. After losing about 20 pounds, friends, classmates, and family members bragged on my loss. This kept me going strong. I was already having a "visible" loss and building some self-esteem along the way. About the 50 pound loss area, it was new wardrobe time. Everything I owned was too big and baggy. It felt so good to shop outside the "big and tall" section. Here is a picture of me
at the 65 pounds loss mark. Tid-bit: I'm 6ft 4in tall. This shirt was a 2XL The shirt in the picture above was a 3XL |
| The winter holidays were tough on me. I had reached a
plateau and was going no where. In spite of the holiday foods, I never gained
any weight. It took over a month to lose 3 pounds. I started on the treadmill
more than ever before. My losing streak was back on track.
In side my goal to reach 190 pounds, I had a mini-goal. That goal was to graduate college weighing less that 200 pounds OR at goal. Final exams made a wreck out of me and I ate a little bit more than usual. I wasn't gaining weight, but was turtling. The night of graduation was one of the happiest nights of my life. I walked across the stage 199 pounds. 1 pound under my mini-goal, and 9 from my main goal. I was more happy about my weight than I was about graduating. (might seem odd, but its the truth)
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Shirt size XL Shorts size 34 BEFORE pants/shorts size 44
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| I have eaten at McDonalds 1
time in a year and a half. I've been seen eating at Subway though. I still eat
whatever I want, just smaller portions. I no longer eat fried foods period. I
have no added sugar in my diet, no salt, and I've learned to like skim milk.
I'll die before I give up cheese (regular, not fat-free)
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| I feel very fortunate to have the
support I've had (and still have). I couldn't have the success I have
without TOPS and the chapter members of VA# 595 Clinchco. TOPS has
recognition for various achievements that members can work towards. I have
received (during my year and a half membership): 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 pound charms, best loser of the week several times, Division 2 Winner in the Men's category twice (2002 & 2003), Chapter Inspiration Award (2003) KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) charm when I reached goal, Most Consecutive Loser Award (2002). These awards were from Fall Rally Day (2002 & 2003), where the achievements were compiled from the members from other TOPS chapters in southwest Virginia. And Division Winner within my local chapter. Speaking of my local chapter, you can visit our site at www.tops595.org . I hold the officer position of "Weight Recorder" and have enjoyed it a lot. |
Pictured with my charms at Rally Day 2003. |
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A little side-by-side comparison
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| Any feedback or comments,
perhaps suggestions (other than gaining weight) are welcomed.
EMAIL ME and I'll be sure to reply.
A more recent, higher quality "after" picture will be posted here real soon, check back!
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