From Rock Bottom to a Year Later down 123 pounds

whoopsazz
whoopsazz Posts: 8 Member
edited November 13 in Success Stories
Hello MFP community. I've just passed a year on starting MFP and I decided I'd post a success story for everyone. I don't participate on the forums much, but I do read them a lot for tips and for motivation. Thank you all for that! Here's my story....

On January 4th, 2014 my wife who was 29 passed away due to complications from an emergency surgery. To say it devastated me is an understatement. Day by day I try to get better, as I know she wants me to be happy. At this time, I was huge. I had been huge for a long time. I was at rock bottom. I knew I had to do something with myself or I wouldn't live to see 60. So, I decided to visit the doctor. My BP was borderline high and my cholesterol levels were high. Nothing too crazy, but high. Instead of putting me on meds, he really wanted me to try dieting first. So he suggested the DASH diet which is a diet to help lower blood pressure. So, I was all in. I got a book to help guide me and I joined the Facebook support group for guidance. It helped me so much. My journey started in the beginning of March. The diet didn't want me to count calories, but I still wanted to track what I ate and my measurements in MFP. I love stats, so the more data I could collect the better. For the first 8 months, it was mostly diet with light exercise added in. I tried to walk a mile at work at least 2 or 3 days a week during the summer. This past November I decided to hit the gym and I've been going ever since. I love the gym.

I'm confident that dieting and working out has helped me mentally with everything. It has taken determination and will-power, but I've stuck to it. I can't tell you how much cake I've said 'no thanks' to at work lol. They did get me a fruit tray for my birthday, so I am having a positive influence to my co-workers. But I can't stress enough, no matter what situation you are in, anything is possible. After everything happened unexpectedly, I could have crashed and just stayed in a rut until I did harm to myself. But, as I wanted to honor my late wife and knowing she wanted me to be happy if anything were to happen to her, I got my butt in gear and made change. I'm so glad I did. I'm sorry for the length of the post, but I wanted to share my story. Also, I was featured in an article on the DASH diet, and that can be found here: Link.

Time for stats!!!
Weightloss: 123.6 pounds currently (Started at 390 pounds)
Neck: Down 2.5"
Waist: Down 15"
Hips: Down 9"
My Blood Pressure is normal now
My Cholesterol levels are normal now

And Photos:
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Replies

  • mikeyninja
    mikeyninja Posts: 18 Member
    Nice job bro
  • ego9
    ego9 Posts: 6 Member
    Respect.
  • Beploveshomer
    Beploveshomer Posts: 283 Member
    You look great! Younger and vibrant. Good job.
  • jazzine1
    jazzine1 Posts: 280 Member
    So sorry for your loss. I'm glad you took that terrible situation and turned it around and to take a look at your life and reflect on how to make it a much healthier and better one. Shes smiling down at you buddy and I'm sure she's very very proud. GREAT JOB!!!!!
  • drgmo
    drgmo Posts: 1
    Great job, both the physical and mental portions. That's a lot of weight to lose in a relatively short time, so stay safe.
  • aquamarina_182
    aquamarina_182 Posts: 119 Member
    I am so sorry for your loss, I can not imagine what that must have been like for you...You are an example to everyone and you should be very proud of yourself. Well done, stay strong and remember that you're awesome!!! :)
  • whoopsazz
    whoopsazz Posts: 8 Member
    Thank you everyone!
  • whoopsazz
    whoopsazz Posts: 8 Member
    I should have added, that I started this journey at 390 pounds.
  • CandyMonster160
    CandyMonster160 Posts: 153 Member
    So very sorry for your loss. You should be very proud of your success and what an inspiration you are and will be to many. Thank you for sharing your story. :smile:
  • jskyjse
    jskyjse Posts: 28 Member
    I'm sorry about your wife. You should be very proud for handling such a devastating event and not losing yourself in despair. You look amazing- you've come a long way.
  • sharonocallaghan1956
    sharonocallaghan1956 Posts: 30 Member
    I am deeply sorry to read about your loss, as you say devastated would be an understatement. I am sure that your wife is proud of you and that you honour her with what you have done and what you continue to do. Live your life to the full, for you and her. Xxxxx
  • gopgirl425
    gopgirl425 Posts: 140 Member
    Great way to honor your wife....so sorry for your loss. Congratulations to you for getting healthy. Good luck.
  • Marlene1667
    Marlene1667 Posts: 201 Member
    What you have done takes a lot of courage. Congratulations!
  • craignev
    craignev Posts: 1,247 Member
    Great work!
  • MrsMizart
    MrsMizart Posts: 1,275 Member
    I am a very sorry for the loss of your wife.

    You've been amazing coming back from such a time. No mean feat to turn your life around.
  • DayByDayGetStronger
    DayByDayGetStronger Posts: 108 Member
    Thankful for your sincerity and honesty. You've turn devastation into power and positivity. My your heart, not your plate, be overflowing with love every day !

    Your friendly dietitian
  • elisa123gal
    elisa123gal Posts: 4,333 Member
    ahhh your wife smiles on you… awesome job and what a way to honor yourself and your wife.
  • stayfocusedAMANDA
    stayfocusedAMANDA Posts: 22 Member
    Awesome job! What an incredible thing your doing!
  • Loveable64
    Loveable64 Posts: 24 Member
    Awesome Job!!!
  • compgeek812
    compgeek812 Posts: 57 Member
    Great job man!
    As a side note, I'm super envious of your beard!
  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    That you for your beautiful story. Keep doing what is working for you. <3
  • HannahsMother2012
    HannahsMother2012 Posts: 47 Member
    edited March 2015
    Absolutely amazing!! I'm so sorry for your loss! I can't imagine! I lost a daughter to stillbirth last february, and after trying to deal with my emotions by eating junk food, I finally have a mindset to love my body and mind the way it deserves. In a healthy way! Your story is inspiring!!! Thank you for sharing. It's beautiful that our loved ones can teach us such great life lessons, even after they've passed, and that's exactly what your wife is helping you do! Lots of respect for you!! Well done!!
  • inchwormbyinchworm
    inchwormbyinchworm Posts: 180 Member
    Awesome!
  • samsaints
    samsaints Posts: 6 Member
    amazing well done you! :)
  • NurseCU
    NurseCU Posts: 122 Member
    I'm so sorry for your loss, I can't imagine what that would be like. You are amazing for all you have done and accomplished, and your story is so inspiring! Keep it up, you look fantastic!
  • AmyTCaldwell
    AmyTCaldwell Posts: 86 Member
    Your doing great,congrats on your success, you look awesome,and I'm sorry to hear about your wife. You keep your head held high,stay strong and motivated,and never let any thing get you down.when all else fails,there is a good lord above who is always there to listen,and help you in the time of need,and besides your lovely wife,is there too watching you accomplish what you have set out to do. God bless and hang in there young man.
  • cmsu64113
    cmsu64113 Posts: 474 Member
    Amazing job!
  • melhughes903
    melhughes903 Posts: 55 Member
    So incredibly inspiring. I can totally relate and your story has inspired me to get my butt in gear and press on!
  • rayw89
    rayw89 Posts: 564 Member
    You are a shining example to so many. Amazing job. (*)
  • Rosie5151
    Rosie5151 Posts: 57 Member
    So sorry for your loss... You are a very strong man! What a beautiful gift for your wife and your future. Fantastic job!!!
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