My 2013 New Year's Resolution led to dropping 180lbs (Pics)

Thank you for all the kind words!

You are an inspiration! I'm lucky to have you on my friends list.

Right back at ya GG!

No! You're not "clearly far away from" success. You are a success story if I have ever seen one! Great progress and awesome attitude!!

Thank you - I appreciate that. Don't get me wrong, I am all about appreciating my success. And in fact this brings up a great point. I bet a lot of you track your calories, exercise, weight, measurements etc... But do you track your successes? MIGHT sound silly but it helps me.

You are "The Man"

@RailroadTony aka Tone Loc - I forgot to include you on my list - one of my first friends and I always marvel at your progress and log in streak. Yes. A little jealous.

you tedrick, so glad to have you as a friend on here!!! Congrats on your amazing year, you are awesome!!!!!

@ sare - thank you! I feel the same about you! You owe me a message :laugh:

in fact, as i read through your story, i'd say your philosophy lines up with my own on about 99% of everything. so, good job! drinker

@Burro - thanks for the kind words - you are actually one of my favorite posters here. There is constantly a huge debate on these boards about "rudeness vs telling the truth people dont want to hear" I think you walk the perfect line and do it in a humorous way. Never rude - but always the truth. Way it should be.

For others reading - I have seen some rare incidents of meanness here (I myself was on the end of a pretty mean barb once that I won't get into...but if that dude is reading this - check the profile pic breh :laugh: ). That said - If anyone reading this ever feels like they are under attack - don't get defensive. This MIGHT be a clue that you need to disengage and try to pick up some knowledge from the thread.

Plus ya know, I spent ten+ of my formative years posting on a rap music message board. This is CareBearVille honestly. In the grand scheme of things this is a pretty nice place.

But I LIKE sweet potatoes bigsmile

:laugh: - me too actually. I just hate people tried to take my plain ones away

Man, you are a rock star and have done some seriously amazing work.

I hope lots of people take the time to read this and learn.

You are inspiring and passing it on.

Thanks Hossman - just a heads up - I don't think I have surpassed you at all! Still inspired by you. Can't wait to see you back on that rugby field!

To everyone else - thanks a lot - words mean a lot. I was really anxious when I posted this for some reason. Even left my computer LOL

To anyone reading this who is super obese - there is an added layer of confusion for us. Most of the information you will find will be directed to people smaller than you. Don't let that stop you. I have done a ton of research and it was hard finding stuff directed towards people our size. The ONE thing I found was an article by Lyle McDonald that was actually geared towards trainers of super obese people. Not entirely helpful.

So a couple tips I have for us fellows who had our own gravitational pull....

- Walk. Its easy. Its free. Build up though. If you are in the 500-400 range - I would suggest NOT to jog. I also suggest that if you feel sore of injured, go to docs and rest up! I know first hand it sucks to have your momentum snuffed out my an injury but if you try to force it you'll only get more hurt. I tweaked my foot early on - tried to "power through it" and I was off my foot for almost a month because of it.

- Lift weights asap I say! But remember - you might not be able to do every exercise right away. From my research I had my heart set on Starting Strength routine...wellll at 500lbs I wasn't able to squat. That didn't stop me from doing bench press, bent over rows, military press...and yes CURLS! (not in squat rack )

- 550lb limit scales are easier to find that 500lb. Don't ask me why but I remember coming up nearly empty when searching for 500lb scales but found multiple 550lb scales. Now that I think back on it - thank Jebus I didn't find a 500lb scale only to step on it and see ERROR.

- Dont be afraid of the gym. I joined when I was 500lb. I now have a home gym but I never ever once had an issue at the gym I joined. Full of super helpful people. The owner and I are still boys. He was unbelievably helpful and kind to me.

- Don't worry about what people think of you. You are an adult. The thoughts of others can only hurt you, if you let them. Dont be afraid to workout in front of people. Don't be afraid to ride a bike. Don't be afraid to join a gym. Get on the dance floor if you want! Shiiiiiit I am a 35 year old male Drake fan from a town of 5000 people. You think that flies with the neighbours? :laugh: Put up a profile pic and join the community!

Anyone who wants to add me as a friend please don't be hesitant - I add pretty much everyone - I'm easy