500 days, 167 pounds, Thanks MFP!

fishermanmatt

Just wanted to make a quick post to say thanks to MFP, it's members and most importantly my Pals. I first logged into MFP 500 days ago in early June 2012. I was at a real low point in my life and frankly was running out of reasons not to end it all. Lonely, depressed with little to no hope for happiness, MFP provided me the setup and tools to help completely transform my being. I've still got a ways to go on my journey but confident I've reach my goal.

The journey so far:
Day 1: 523 pounds, 72" waist, 6/7 XL shirts, 16eeee shoes, zero hope of happiness
Day 500: 356 pounds, 52" waist, 2/3 XL shirts, 13 eeee shoes, endless optimism

In my first couple weeks on the site I spent a ton of time in the success stories section reading all the great things that were happening for everyone else. I got a ton of motivation reading their excitement and seeing photos of their results. I can only hope that someone else starting their own journey will read this a keep going one more day. There's absolutely nothing special about me. If I can do it, so can you!

what_lola_wants

Great Job!! You look so much healthier than before! Keep on pushing! **All the best

TemikaThompson

Great job! What exactly did you do to lose?

mockchoc

You've done an amazing thing for yourself! You have a new life ahead. Looking good

Sarauk2sf

Well done - you have made fantastic progress and good luck!

SuperCrsa

Wow great work guy! Looking good!

miller930

That's Awesome! Way to Take control of Your Life! Good Luck with Your future goals!

currlee

Wow! Serious dedication! You're doing great

OMGeeeHorses

heck yes!! way to go!!

Ophidion

Very nice work my friend, truly astounding.

fishermanmatt

Thanks everyone.

Great job! What exactly did you do to lose?

Major diet change. I cut out fast food and the majority of the prepackaged frozen foods. (I still enjoy my cheap frozen pizza.) Started eating lots of veggies, lean proteins, and fruit. Started eating breakfast most every day. I start out the day with a protein shake.

Exercise began with walking. At 523 pounds walking hurt. I joined the YMCA and starting swimming every morning at 5:00 am. Joined another gym and started lifting weights as a reward for losing the first 50. Dropped the Y over winter because jumping into a cold pool just wasn't fun when it was cold out. Starting riding the recumbent at the gym for cardio. Bought myself a bike and started riding as a reward for losing 100. Road the bike and lifted. Bought myself some running shoes and a C25k app as a reward for losing 150. Trying to get a handle on running to prep of the Warrior Dash in May with friends. Current goal is to be under 300 by spring of 2014. Planning of whitewater kayak lessons at the US Whitewater Center in Charlotte as a reward for 200 pounds lost.

dedicationandcommitment

You look amazing....congratulations!!!!!

blueboxgeek

Go you!!! Fantastic work, you have done amazingly well

karinajean2388

Love your rewards. Thank you for the inspiration!

strangeone25

You look fantastic...great reward system you have! I love it. Keep it up you are definately a success!

MireyGal76

Thanks everyone.

Great job! What exactly did you do to lose?

Major diet change. I cut out fast food and the majority of the prepackaged frozen foods. (I still enjoy my cheap frozen pizza.) Started eating lots of veggies, lean proteins, and fruit. Started eating breakfast most every day. I start out the day with a protein shake.

Exercise began with walking. At 523 pounds walking hurt. I joined the YMCA and starting swimming every morning at 5:00 am. Joined another gym and started lifting weights as a reward for losing the first 50. Dropped the Y over winter because jumping into a cold pool just wasn't fun when it was cold out. Starting riding the recumbent at the gym for cardio. Bought myself a bike and started riding as a reward for losing 100. Road the bike and lifted. Bought myself some running shoes and a C25k app as a reward for losing 150. Trying to get a handle on running to prep of the Warrior Dash in May with friends. Current goal is to be under 300 by spring of 2014. Planning of whitewater kayak lessons at the US Whitewater Center in Charlotte as a reward for 200 pounds lost.

^^^ pure awesomeness!!

Great job!

zebszee

What a transformation you have made in your life, it must feel so good.............congratulations, keep up the great work.......

Rai007

Keep it uP !!

ceciliema

Great job!

FixIngMe13

I am so proud of you. Congratulations on your loss....and smile! You are doing absolutely fantastic!!! :)

t1954

What a great success story. I know firsthand of your dedication and commitment. Basically, I did the same thing as you. You are right it can be done. Good job and continued success. I am sending you a PM.

Laura3BB

wow that's an inspiring journey!

darkon

That's great!
Impressive work, really!

Oh_Allie

Congratulations!!

paulaann67

Wow such determination! Keep up the great work & keep posting your future losses. Maybe put a photo w a smile I'm sure you would look great! Keep pushing on you're one to watch here on MFP!

watercolorarteest

I'm so happy for you! No one should ever feel that hopeless ever! I'm so glad you have been able to accomplish to much and you are on the right path! Stay true to your goals! YOU are an inspiration now... to all of us who came to MFP after you did! I'm a frequent daily visitor to Success Stories as well. For the exact same reason! It's helping me too! Thanks for sharing your story because in doing so, you become a part of others' success stories through the inspiration you have provided! :happy:

hananah89

so amazing! I've wanted to go to the Whitewater center in Charlotte but just haven't gotten around to it (I'm up in the Triangle, NC). You are an inspiration!

SkinnyMsFitness

Fabulous!!! You're a rock star!

jmadams111

Fantastic job; looks like you are doing all the right things; you have nowhere to go but down

brookielaw

HECK YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I could identify with this on so many levels it's not even funny. I remember how everything hurt and how crappy my quality of life was, although I started with swimming because walking hurt. We even did the same 100 lb reward!

You, sir, are a rock star. I have zero doubt that someone will log on, read this, and get inspired to turn their life around just like you did. I'll bet you hear the word "Inspiration" a lot. Congratulations, keep up the great work, and thanks for sharing this!

sarahz5

Thanks everyone.

Great job! What exactly did you do to lose?

Major diet change. I cut out fast food and the majority of the prepackaged frozen foods. (I still enjoy my cheap frozen pizza.) Started eating lots of veggies, lean proteins, and fruit. Started eating breakfast most every day. I start out the day with a protein shake.

Exercise began with walking. At 523 pounds walking hurt. I joined the YMCA and starting swimming every morning at 5:00 am. Joined another gym and started lifting weights as a reward for losing the first 50. Dropped the Y over winter because jumping into a cold pool just wasn't fun when it was cold out. Starting riding the recumbent at the gym for cardio. Bought myself a bike and started riding as a reward for losing 100. Road the bike and lifted. Bought myself some running shoes and a C25k app as a reward for losing 150. Trying to get a handle on running to prep of the Warrior Dash in May with friends. Current goal is to be under 300 by spring of 2014. Planning of whitewater kayak lessons at the US Whitewater Center in Charlotte as a reward for 200 pounds lost.

Bravo, such amazing progress! I especially love how you reward yourself with more and more healthy fun. Just getting to the point where fitness is your reward shows this is a lifetime change for you. So inspiring!!!!