Down 200 Pounds in 17 Months (from 405 to 205 lbs)

I weighed in yesterday and I was at exactly 205 pounds which is a total loss of 200 pounds since I started my weight loss journey. I’m 6-0 in height, male, and age 38. I started at 405 pounds on February 17, 2012 and as of July 7, 2013, I am at 205 pounds. That is a loss of 200 pounds in 73 weeks or 2.7 pounds per week. In the last year, I have been averaging a loss of around 2.2 pounds per week with pretty consistent weight loss. My waist measurement was at around 66 inches at my navel when I was at 405 pounds and now my waist is at 38 inches. I still have more to lose and more fitness goals to reach but I feel great. Hitting the weight loss mark of 200 pounds is a huge milestone for me. I just wanted to share the good news. I still want to work in decreasing my body fat percentage and increasing my muscle mass. For exercise, I have done mostly walking, hiking, and swimming along with lifting weights. I now really enjoy exercise and try to exercise 2-3 hours a day. I did just walking and swimming for the first six months and then added weight training. For diet, I have focused on eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein with portion control. I try to eat 5-6 times a deal with smaller meals and snacks. I try to eat at least 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day (e.g. fresh bananas, apples, green peppers, carrots, cucumbers). I still go out for the occasional pizza or Mexican food but that is only maybe once a week. My lifestyle has totally changed. I feel great and my health is now excellent. I’m 38 years old and I’m in the best shape of my life. I was a mess with pre-hypertension and morbidly obese with a BMI of 55. Now, I’m working on getting ripped with an athletic build with a current BMI of 27. I saw my father last week who I didn’t see in two years and he says I look like an NFL player. I started slow with just walking and then have increased my exercise level with more intensity and duration over time. My father in law now calls me a health and fitness junkie. I’m just trying to live life to its fullest and improve my health and fitness. I can now swim a mile in 37 minutes and run three miles in 26 minutes. My mom has gastric bypass surgery a few years ago but I knew that I could lose weight on my own. I have lost the weight without surgery, fad diets, pills, a personal trainer, or a reality television show. I have tried to use a common sense with proper exercise, nutrition, and relying on my faith in God. I know it’s cliché but if I can do it, anyone can do it. A comparison pic is on my profile.