I'd rather work out than go through surgery!! (Pics inside)

My story begins back in February of this year when I went to the doctor because of some pretty bad sleep insomnia and chest pain. After a bunch of exams, I was told that I was "healthy" according to all the usual tests and that I'd probably have to go through surgery or get a sleep study done while sleeping with a machine which sounded ridiculous to me. Even though the doctor joked that my belly fat (weighed in at 185..I'm 5'7) meant that I was eating well, diet nor nutrition was never suggested as an option. I told the doctor that I'd think about it and thanked him.

A week or two later, my picture was taken and I couldn't believe how big I'd gotten over a year or 2 and I absolutely hated it. I was really in shock!!! Luckily at that time, a friend had just joined the gym due to reasons of her own and as we both like to work with dependable people we started going together. We eased ourselves into a routine with cardio and the weight loss did come off slowly and steadily. Then with some research I realized just how important the right changes in ones diet can be (in my case, cut out most sugar and processed carbs, more protein, and real food vs processed stuff) and the weight started coming off a lot faster. So on to the pics.



The first pic is me at 185 and the last are at 165. Still want to lose another 10lbs of fat and gain 10lbs of muscle (with time) but I'm encouraged by the results that I see daily on these very forums. I've had no more chest pain and my sleep is far better than before. Thanks to all here and for the myfitnesspal app/site for the extra motivation!!