UPDATED Before & Afters

This is from the orginal post of the Before & Afters

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/115216-its-time-before-after-pics

I was asked to write a SUCCESS STORY for my gym so this is what is going up there..

I’ve always been overweight although I played numerous sports growing up. Having a family history of diabetes and watching my mom survive breast cancer made me want to prevent what I can. My journey started Thanksgiving 2007 but gout flared up 3 weeks in and halted everything. I was bedridden for 2 months and my blood pressure was soaring . Knowing crash diets wouldn’t work , I researched the correct approach to eating and looked for a personal trainer. March of 2008 I was down to 385lbs just by eating right and exercising. Then I enrolled in Culinary School. There was not much time to exercise while working and attending school full time but I maintained my weight. After school finished, I knew I had to exercise more than ever so I began weight training 3 days a week, doing cardio 15 minutes after each lift. Knowing I could push myself further, I increased to 4 days a week. Now I’m exercising twice a day 6 days a week. I am proof change can happen! My heaviest was 416 pounds. I have lost 158 pounds and still counting........

Starting Weight was 416lbs
Current Weight 245lbs

416lbs Picture taken August 2007 *56" waist


258lbs Picture taken August 2010 *40" waist


245lbs (where did those muscles come from???) Picture taken November 2010 * 34" waist