290 to 178 in 10 Months! (w/photos)

johnguitarman wrote: »

Amazing! You're story was very inspirational. I used to weigh 290lbs but then with MFP got to around 218 lbs. My dad was paralyzed in an Accident and I take care of him. I go through alot of stress and unfortunately have regained alot of weight and am now at 268. I have a newfound dedication and its my goal to get around 170-190. I have a problem with fast food and junk food. Its my vice and I eat it as a comfort. I'm trying to find ways to ditch the bad foods and eat a healthier whole food diet. Also my BP is high and I need to bring that down. I did when I lost alot of weight so I know I can bring it down again. Any advice on how I can kick my fast food and junk food addictions? Keep up the great work!

Hey thanks John! Yeah, gee sorry, your dad's accident must have been an awfully stressful situation for you! I suppose the positive going into Round 2 of weight loss is that you're not starting at 290! High Blood Pressure, Fast Food, Junk Food... check-check-check! I was fortunate too that my BP dropped from "Intensive Care Status" to the high side of normal. That's something you really have to reel in John (yet I'm the biggest hypocrite for saying that).

As far as Fast Food and Junk Food goes; there are two options: (1) Moderation or (2) Elimination. Some people are able to eat junk food in moderation... usually it's THIN people LOL! Personally, I have trouble with moderation, hence... 290 pounds! Therefore I eliminated it altogether for (virtually) the entire 10 months. To this day, I've only had fast food twice (limited quantities) and only occasionally eat small amounts of junk food. After 10 months the craving go away and I no longer have that "binge" feeling. The first 3 months were hard! I tried making substitutes like Zuchini chips, Kale Chips, Air popped popcorn, Walnut/Date Brownie and those seemed to Curb my cravings.

These unhealthy temptations will always be around us... as "big people" we just have to learn how to resist! My very best wishes with your goal, and dad!

Indygirl_81 wrote: »

Wow DogRiverDude! What a great job! I could use some of your motivation.

Thank you Indygirl! Outside encouragement plays a motivational factor for sure but try and want the weight loss for yourself. Then, attack your goal one day at a time!

Awesomechic64 wrote: »

That is a great achievement, You look fantastic!! Thanks so much for sharing. You are such an inspiration.

Hey thanks AC64! It's a pleasure to share, especially now considering all the wonderful posts! I'm so glad you found my story inspiring and I'd like you wish you nothing but success with your goals in 2016!

deniseteas wrote: »

what an amazing job...I went from 265 to 190 in around the same time frame but was so ashamed of myself at the time I didn't do photos wish I had of! Im in my second phase now down to 173 aiming for 130..... keep up the good work you look amazing...thanks for sharing your success

Thank you DT. Wow, you have your own incredible story to tell! I SO understand about having no photos from "larger times". SAME here! Looking back I wish I had have too! That's great advise for anybody starting out! It was my pleasure sharing my story... I'll be looking for your story in the "Success Stories" forum later this year!!!

lilypie76 wrote: »

Phenomenal lifestyle change. Look at what YOU did!! So happy for you, your girls must be so proud of their Dad. Keep it up, knowing that everyday, through exercise and healthy eating, you are making an investment in yourself. What an amazing accomplishment.

Hey thank you LP! My daughters didn't think at first that "Dad" needed to lose any weight but... they're calling me "Hipster-Daddy" now lol (AND have an affinity to always want to pick me up now hehe)!!! It's been an amazing experience, I'm still not used to the changes and I hope this feeling never grows old. Thanks again for your kind words

lm416448 wrote: »

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I've only decided to get healthier and lose weight for about a week now. I've stayed under my 1200 calorie goal and I've been walking everyday but no weight loss yet. I was disappointed but reading this gave me hope! Thanks

My pleasure IM! It's always a great decision to live a healthier lifestyle! If you're grossing 1200 calories and walking, you should definitely be seeing some results, if you're netting 1200 calories (food cals - exercise burn), make sure the burn you're recording from your walk isn't to high. Also weigh your food and measure precisely. For example, although I rarely eat breakfast cereal, it's shocking how small and lonely "one serving" looks in the bottom of your cereal bowl lol! Remain steadfast and you WILL achieve your goal!

eomidwife wrote: »

Seriously! You look 20 years younger:) Congrats. Did you do anything to support/supplement your body regarding the potential for loose skin? I'm not motivated to exercise yet. I believe that will come with successes. I'm 100% committed, will reach my goal but I'm really concerned about that.

Hey... thank you EOMidWife! NO... I didn't do anything to supplement loose skin. It was a concern of mine early on and I did read about it though. There are SO many conflicting stories... I tend to believe that there's no "magic fix" (otherwise EVERYONE would know about it). I think I was lucky in the loose skin department --> although my skin isn't taut like it once was, it's not sagging, folding, wrinkled, or droopy either. That said, if I bend forward, you can tell my tummy is looser than it should be but... I can live with that. Bottom line is... don't let the fear of loose skin hold you back. Shoot for your goal and worry about loose skin when you're thin!