Twenty down, 12 more twenties to go.

When I wrote my post this morning, I had no idea that so many caring and thoughtful people were out there. I basically sent it into the "series of tubes" that is the internet, with no real thought that anyone would actually read it.

I am overwhelmed and grateful for the support of each and every one of you. As a guy who ALWAYS ran to food as a source of emotional comfort, it was so crazy today to realize that it is 8:15 p.m., and I still have 693 calories that I don't even feel like consuming. I will eat something, just because this is a marathon, not a sprint, but what a blessing to finally break free of the (literal) death grip that food has had over me. You fine people are a big reason for that. So thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! All of you!!!

Deanadet -

First of all, thank you for your supportiveness. It really does help to see people caring about people on here. I am glad you mentioned the "behemoth" reference. When I explain it, I think you will understand that I meant it in a positive and not self-deprecating way.

Over the many years that I accumulated my extra weight, I would either avoid looking at myself in mirrors, pictures and the like. When I did, I would convince myself that I didn't look so bad. I did that all the way up to 487 pounds. It was not until I finally and truly recognized what I had done to my body and admitted it, that I decided to do something about it. It was that recognition that spurred me on to action. So when I refer to myself as a "behemoth," it is not in an angry way or to belittle myself. Rather, it is a way of acknowledging, "hey, Houston, we've got a problem," and that through action, I can solve that problem. A lot of people would look at being 478 (now 458) pounds as a terrible, horrible, no good and very bad thing. I do too, with two exceptions.

First, I have a medical condition (morbid obesity) that I can solve myself without surgery or dangerous drugs. In that regard, I am pretty sure that a lot of transplant candidates and cancer patients would trade places with me in a moment. All I have to do is to do what I know I need to do and I can be my own best treatment for what ails me.

Second, I do NOT let my weight define me. Am I morbidly obese? Yes. Is that my defining characteristic? No! I am also an excellent father, a very accomplished attorney, a pretty good husband (thank you Dooney & Bourke for saving my butt a few times), and a funny guy with a really good sense of humor. My acceptance of the reality of my physical condition about a month ago when I started this journey, and continuing today, is a big part of what will spur me on to the finish line a year and a half to two years from now. And I'll do it one good food choice at a time, one decision to exercise at a time, and one pound at a time. I don't know how to lose 258 more pounds. But I do know how to lose 1 pound and to do that 258 more times. And I will!

I hope this makes sense.

Scott R.