Roughly 50 lbs down and dramatically healthier (Pics Added)

My story in a nutshell:

Due to medical issues (Severe Asthma), I gained a ton of weight as a teenager. By 18, I was pushing 215 pounds and never looked back. Horrible diet and lack of exercise continued to make the problem worse. By my early 30s, I was pushing 290 lbs. I quickly developed diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and thyroid issues. I was a walking time bomb.

In December 2014 (shortly before my 39th birthday), the doctor told me that I would be dead of a heart attack in five years if I didn't do something about it. At the time, I was 240+ lbs and taking ten pills per day (6 BP, 2 Diabetes, 1 Thyroid, 1 Cholesterol). Even taking 10 pills, my BP was still out of control at about 145/90. It should be 115/75 for reference.


Fast forward to today:

I weighed in at a mean 195 lbs. I ran 2.25 miles last night (without stopping) at an 11 min per mile pace. I walk or jog a minimum of seven miles a day typically. I climb a local mountain weekly. I only take two pills for my diabetes and two pills for my blood pressure (one at 1/4 of the original dose). My blood pressure and pulse are rock solid in the healthy range. My blood work came back completely normal for the first time in as long as I can remember three weeks ago. For those diabetes people, my A1C dropped into the "pre-diabetic" range. Doc says another 15-20 pounds and I will be MEDICATION FREE!!!

I can't even begin to tell you how much better I feel. As someone that has been fat their entire adult life, I never knew just how much better I would feel. My energy is up. My self-esteem is through the roof. I'm not ashamed to take my shirt off at the pool anymore.

I wanted to post this to say... If *I* can do it, you can do it too. Good luck in your journey.

Also, always looking to add friends for motivation. I haven't been using this like I should but I plan to start being much more active here.

I originally said I wasn't going to add pictures but I figured why not...

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