Lost 163 pounds (352 -> 189)

JeffBarker38

I’m Jeff from Fairhope, Alabama. I hope this helps:

I have lost 163 pounds (352 to 189) I’m 6’0”. I will get down to 180.

I am 46 years old. My BMI (if you care about that sort of thing) went from 47 to 26.5. My pants went from 48 to 34-32, depending on the cut. My shirts went from XXXLB to large or medium. My shoe size went from 14.5 to 13. My ring size went from 14 to a 9. I no longer have sleep apnea, HTN, insulin resistance, and all the other obesity markers. My most recent BP was 118/77. My resting HR is 49 (I had to check to make sure that was okay.) I no longer have self loathing. I learned how to recognize and care for my inner child. I make time for me and my health. I do what I say I will do. I never make excuses.

If you are with me so far, that felt a little uncomfortable and braggy, but that’s the type of stuff I would want to know if I were reading this post as someone just starting out.

The next thing I would want to know is, well, how’d you do it? With discipline, consistency, and patience. It takes all three. If one is missing then it won’t happen. Real long-term change will collapse.

I am just like you, if you are in this group. A lifetime of obesity, desperate to lose the weight and willing to do anything. I even got caught in the prolonged fasting trap for several years and have gone 7-10 days without eating, many times; basically torturing myself for nothing.

I have lost the weight and kept it off by changing my mindset. I talk about it on my TikTok channel some: @Jeff_Barker.

I count calories, but no food is ever off limits. I exercise 3-5 days a week, for the health benefits, not as a way to burn calories.

Never quit. The body and life of your dreams is there for your taking. Every moment/every day is an investment in the future you whether you like it or not. YOU CAN DO IT

drv123

Incredible, great job Jeff. How long did it take to get to this point?

WeirdestLoser

Amazingly inspiring! Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

cookderamus

Congratulations to your new health and life!!

BD_RD

I'd never been on TikTok before, but I checked yours out, to learn more about your journey. What an insightful guy you are! Hearty congratulations on your success, and thanks for the inspiration.

perfetto19

I love this! I am working hard now to do this, I can't wait for the day I wake up without pain!

poisonesse

Very well said. And the difference shown in the pics is simply amazing! You have SO got this, Jeff! Great job of taking control of your life! 👏👏👍👍

r44inspector

Wow! Wow! Wow! Several years ago, I went from 354-215. I was almost there. But I got a promotion at work, which meant longer working hours, much more stress and negative confrontations, and emotional eating. Dang it! That is amazing brother! Thank you so much for your post today, I just happened to been on the right page, there it was, and I just had to check this out.

FrankieFan84

Thanks for sharing, congrats on your loss

Dianedoessmiles1

WOOHOO this is FANTASTIC!! I went from 288 to 170. The same way you did, no food is off limit (Portion control though) and exercise. WTG!!! You are doing so well!!! Inspiring!

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Here's the link to the 💺Need a Seat on a Team? Post ONLY Here!

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10891482/need-a-seat-on-a-team-post-only-here/p1

dgipson1988

Awesome job. I am at the beginning of my weight loss journey and I am enjoying the challenges but it is a slow process. Thank you for the progress pictures and the motivation.

BigMech

Wow, awesome job Jeff! That is an amazing transformation!

Thanks for sharing and being an inspiration!

Scot1200

Thanks Jeff, Have to loss 90. Two weeks in down 7. For me thats a big deal. Day by day.

aliesha3771

Wow! That's amazing and what a difference. I just lost my mom last year. She could never get a handle on the food and at 5 feet tall and she weighed 210 lbs. In her 60's she developed high blood pressure and diabetes. Most of her weight was on her stomach, which as you know is the worst risk for a heart attack. She had a heart attack at 73, much too young. She missed seeing her first great grandchild being born. I'm proud of you to stick to the course so you can be healthier and be there for your family. I know how hard it was for my mom and she was never successful, so I'm super proud of you. Wow!

GrandmasBigTummy

Hi Jeff, I'm just starting, and was wondering -- when you started, did you choose your calories based on 1 pound a week, 1.5 pounds, or 2 pounds? I'm on the fence because I have a lot to lose and I'm already in my 60s, but I also don't want to set myself up to fail.

JudyKenova6573

I'd like to know the same thing. It is so inspiring, especially knowing what it's done for that little girl! He'll be around longer for her.

nytrifisoul

You look like the lead singer of REM.

ChrisMeece

Jeff, you rock! Before and after pictures are so so important.

My wife and I started back after a 10 month hiatus. We got married last September and my wife is a very good cook. On Monday we started Couch 2 5K and on the off days we are doing Power Nation from Tony Horton.

Pictures like yours keep us inspired.

screamingnoodle

Freaking amazing results! Cheering for you!
Thank you for posting. This is my motivation for the day!

Rock on!

Cdewbre1

Thanks for posting, Jeff. I have just recently got off the self-loathing train. All those years, all that self-torture. My doctor said ‘diabetes’ and I said, no more. I don’t count calories but I do watch my carbs (strictly for the sugar spikes I have to avoid). I’ve lost 70 pounds in 6 months - so far it’s rarely hard. I get the odd sugar craving, but I have some positive self-talk, or I send myself to take a bath or a walk or go to bed. I started at 350 and I will make my goal next year, because I deserve it lol.

pbm89gt

Amazing! I started out at 342 and I'm on my way I'm down to 297, my goal weight is 200. It's inspiring to hear your story and see the pictures. Thanks for sharing those!