Hello to new friends, goodbye to the old me.

zenwarrior77

Hey guys, I thought I would drop in and introduce myself. I guess I will start with stats 5'9", started at 350, now at 313 as of this mornings weigh in. What else to really say. For most of my life I have been fairly athletic, I was always in some sport or another. Even when I was 230 I was playing soccer, Practicing TKD, and living my life. Shortly after getting married I moved up to 270. Why not I was happy and getting ready to have a baby boy with my wife. Then nine days after my son was born, terrorist attacked the twin towers. I had to do something, I intended to enlist in the Marine Corps! I made a resolution that beginning January first of 2002 I was going to lose the weight and prepare myself for active duty. I was motivated, dedicated and focused. By September I had dropped from 280 down to 215, I look at pictures of me on September 2nd, 2002 and I can't believe that guy in them, SKINNY!! I then lost another twenty pounds by October 14th and went to the military enterance processing station, where I was referred out to see if I could get a waiver, due to an ear injury. I had surgery on the ear and continued to maintian my weight espite not being able to workout like I had become used too. In January of 2003 I found out that my waiver was denied by some Navy doctor out east. I was devastated, and returned to my old friend food for comfort. You see in the family I grew up in that is what we did, ATE. If someone was born, we ate. Someone died, we ate. Someone did anything, we ate. Food wasn't sustenance it was part of our life.
Since I couldn't enlist I decided to go to school towards becomeing a firefighter, the problem where I live is that if you don't know anyone, good luck getting a job. I turned down two other positions in other states because my wife at the time said she would leave me if I went. Since the pre-requisites for paramedic and Nursing are the same I went to nursing school. Back in school I returned to 270lbs. I was also owned a martial arts school at this time was severely busy. Right after graduating from school and landing a good paying job, my now ex-wife stated she was done and wanted a divorce.
The stress of work, going back to school again, and the divorce had left me at 350lbs, UGH!!! I was tired and never had energy to really paly with my son despite coaching several of his sports teams. I am not happy with myself!! I need to make a change, I need to be a better me, so I can be a batter DAD, and hoepfully someday soon be a husband again and show my son what a healthy family is like.
I will try to add some pics to these post so I can show some past, present, and future shots.

My most recent pic @ 325


Me @ 340


Me in 2002 around 200lbs


Another one of me. Dang I was so FIT!!

BRISAjustAltered

I admire your courage. And you determination to be a better dad. I'm soft of sadden by your story though. But I can tell that you are strong and will accomplish what you set out to do. Add me if you like. I'm interested on how your story will end .

ohmariposa

welcome...you are in the right place. You will find much support from the wonderful people here!

oberon0124

Welcome aboard we are all in the same boat in one way or the other!. I to have struggled with weight issues. I have 164 to loose and have a good start at it. If there is anything I can do to help just ask.

tatabanana

Yeah, you have totally got this! You can say been there, done that as far as weight loss goes. Hang tough, and persevere. Remember to do it for you first, then your family. Rock on!