44 Pounds Down in 5 Months!

Hey, I’m Wade. I’m basically a lifetime user of MFP. I first discovered the app in 2007 and quickly became very active in the MFP community…documenting my journey, consistently posting new recipes, and encouraging other users. The community interaction kept me very motivated. With lots of hard work, I lost about 80 pounds in a year. I was so proud of myself at the time! And I kept the weight off…until 2013.

In 2013, I made a bad career choice (it seemed like a terrific opportunity at the time, but it really wasn’t). Unfortunately, that decision had a ripple effect - it was just the beginning of a slew of bad choices and heartaches that diverted my attention away from my health and wellbeing. Before I knew it, I had gained all of the weight back and then some.

Without exaggerating, I spent probably 10 years (2014-mid 2024) being somewhat of a recluse. I didn’t socialize outside of my immediate family. I withdrew from all my friends. I began working a remote job so I could hide behind a laptop screen. I’d always opt for grocery pickup so I wouldn’t have to see anyone in the store. Sure, it sounds extreme, but it was a way of survival at the time.

During that period, I lost my dad to cancer, which absolutely crushed me. After packing on another 25 pounds, I had a complete breakdown. It was like a full decade of life’s problems just fell on top of me and left me powerless. I was shaky; I couldn’t breathe. I cried until the tears ran out. Every day was dark, and I absolutely hated myself. I eventually got really sick, and it lasted for weeks. Insomnia, stabbing stomach pain, severe bathroom issues (sorry)…I honestly thought at the time that I might die.

After 5-6 weeks of illness, my symptoms started to improve a bit. My wife made a comment that it looked like I had lost some weight. Stepping on the scale confirmed that I was down about 7 pounds. It was literally the first time in 10 years that the number on the screen had DECREASED rather than increased. At that very moment, I felt empowered and completely in control. And I decided to build on that momentum and use all the heartache and hurt from the last decade to MOTIVATE ME rather than crush me.

Has it been easy? Not at all. Losing weight never really is, and I’m older now. Losing weight in your 20s is quite different than losing weight in your late 30s. Have there been days that I wanted to quit? Oh yesssss…there’s actually been days that I HAVE quit (but I shook myself off and started over after I finished my tantrum). Have I been hungry? Hahahaha…I LIVE hungry. And no, it’s not because I’m eating too little. It’s because I constantly fantasize about foods that don’t easily fit into my goals…like smoked ribs and bacon burgers! Do I regret this new journey of sweat and self-discipline? Not at all. Though I’ll admit I hate logging, I’m happier and healthier now than I have been in a really long time.

In 164 days, I have lost 44.2 pounds (from 236.0 to 191.8). I’ve gone from wearing a 2XL t-shirt to a large, and from a size 40 in jeans to a size 36. I feel really good, and in turn, I am taking better care of myself. Do I have more weight to lose? Oh yes… probably at least another 20-25 pounds (and I’m expecting it to take a while since my weight loss has definitely slowed down). Can I stay the course and make it happen? I believe I can. I actually believe in myself these days! 😊

So, why did I share this with you today? Because there might just be strength in my story for someone in a similar situation. It’s never too late to start again! Don’t let life’s heartaches, or even a number on the scale, set your self-worth or keep you from your family and friends. You are the writer of your own story! Try looking at life from alternate angles, and compose a new chapter that is different than the last. You’ve got this, friend…you’re so much stronger than you think you are!