So what does 50+ pounds less look like?

erikkmcvay · July 2013

Back in October of last year I weighed 282lbs and I looked like this:

By December 4th I was fed up with myself and finally started seriously working at losing the weight I'd gained. I was 275.8lbs having walked a little since October and having lost a few pounds in the two months.

Not sure when I started MFP -- perhaps February -- but eventually found myself here and use the diary daily (unless I am not in town and don't have internet access since I don't use it on a phone) which has helped a lot.

With diet and exercise I've done this:

That's my step-daughter laughing about something that just happened before the pic was taken -- we were at her cousins wedding.

Here is my wife and I:

I'm not using any new diet or any published diet, just eating much better (lots of whole grains as some have probably already read here -- about 40-55% carbs -- and very limited simple carbs) and getting LOTS of cardio

So while I have about 25lbs to go I thought I'd share because, well, I'm feeling pretty darn good and you can too!

jenhanke · July 2013

YOU LOOK AWESOME! And also, you look happier. What a beautiful family you have too

Way to go!!

erikkmcvay · July 2013

Thanks

and yes I feel 100% better!!!

And am very lucky to have such a great family! (my wife and I have 5 kids between the two of us and Sarah - above - is the youngest).

JerZRob · July 2013

Good job man. Can't believe how much thinner your face is. Keep up the good work!

theycallyoumister · July 2013

I tip my hat to you....great stuff!

xxghost · July 2013

You look fantastic! Congratulations!

AnnieMitten · July 2013

Congrats! This is very motivating

erikkmcvay · July 2013

Thanks all

I agree on the difference in my face! Amazing!

llangstraat · July 2013

Phenomenal job! Congratulations!

saphyreplatypus · July 2013

WTG! Looking good, congrats on all you've accomplished so far, can't wait to see your goal pics!

calibriintx · July 2013

You look great! For a second I thought the first two pics (side by side) were your before and after and was thinking, wow, he looks exactly the same - how does that happen?? Then I scrolled down, and WOW, HUGE difference. High five!:flowerforyou:

007FatSlayer · July 2013

You seriously look great!! Good for you, you should be so proud of your accomplishments so far. :drinker:

janatarnhem · July 2013

WTG..congratulations, you look fab! Can't wait to be where you are..thanks for the encouraging post!

Gwen_B · July 2013

Congratulations!! You look great!!

mistyblu13 · July 2013

GREAT JOB!!! That is awesome!! trying to get my BF to monitor what he eats even for a few days a week but its just too much work lol

erikkmcvay · July 2013

For those interested these are the measurements I took in February after losing 20lbs and today having lost over 50. I didn't take starting measurements for whatever reason so can't say what they were.
Note: I measured my thigh at the top and mid-thigh because most of my fat was at the top of the thigh and I was curious to see how it came off.

I can say though that I am VERY happy to be here and can't wait to be at my goal weight which is around 205 depending on body fat level.

I'm a bit of a spreadsheet junkie and work on my PC all day so have time to do things like this -- it's a graph of my weight-loss over the last 30 weeks.

I must admit (and looking at the graph you can see it) that I've had setbacks (usually involved eating bread or junk food) but all in all I've kept at it and expect I can make my goal in the next 2-3 months.

erikkmcvay · July 2013

Thanks again everyone

MFP has been a HUGE part of my success so far and while I might debate weight loss plans, ideas, info etc with some of the folks here I respect ALL of your opinions and as such have learned a lot! THANKS!

This is a motivating group and you've helped keep me at it so if I can help any of you I'd be happy to

All I know is that losing weight is TOUGH! BUT if you keep at it you WILL lose

Which means you'll win

Don't worry! Be HUNGRY!

maryannelk · July 2013

Great motivation! You made a tremendous amount of progress and sounds like you did it very smartly! Go, you!

Lilylee757 · July 2013

You look fabulous!

kbmnurse · July 2013

HOT couple.

dmspenc · July 2013

You look amazing!!

pbtennis · July 2013

Amazing work! What a transformation?! Congratulations!

chunkydunk714 · July 2013

U look great!! Good job

dawnmcneil10 · July 2013

This is a wonderful post and not just because you've lost 50lbs but because you're working at creating a healthier you. I'm thrilled to see you weight loss chart and to see that you aren't ashamed to show the setbacks, that shows you're strength, you kept working at it and look at you, the smile on your face says it all! Congrats to you and good luck on the rest of your journey.