Starting A New Topic - Share your thoughts!
* Required Field
*Topic:
Summary:
*Category:
Created On:
05.24.13 02:05 PM
*Message Text:
 Subscribe to this topic
 
Replying To A Topic - Share your thoughts!
* Required Field
Topic:
Lorem ipsum dolor utet
Summary:
Summary Text
Created On:
02.04.09 12:19 PM
*Message Text:
 Subscribe to this topic
 
new topic >
Topic Title: My journey
Topic Summary: I have a long weight loss journey ahead of me and just thought I'd post the occasional update, good or bad!
Created On: 05/31/12 09:25 PM
follow this thread
|
print this thread
05/31/12 09:25 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
I had my 3rd week weigh-in tonight as I continue on the Healthy Solutions program at Baptist Milestone in Louisville, KY. My first two weeks results were:
Week 1: 15.75 pounds lost
Week 2: 8.25 pounds lost

So week 3? Another 8.75 pounds! For a total 3 week loss of 32.75 pounds.

I am thrilled and amazed at my success so far. I know I won't see these results every week. But every week with even a single pound lost is better than a week with a pound (or more) gained.
05/31/12 09:51 PM
jennyb Posts: 750
Joined: 07/04/11
wow, that is truly incredible! It's so clear that you're staying 100% committed to the program and to being in the box....great job!

Jenny Berk, MSEd
Health Educator / Forum Moderator
Health Management Resources
06/01/12 05:54 AM
KeithVanGasken Posts: 1367
Joined: 06/07/11
We need a 'Like' button

Keith Van Gasken
Senior National Trainer, Forum Moderator
Health Management Resources
06/01/12 12:44 PM
SandiBraithwaite Posts: 351
Joined: 06/07/11
Ha! Keith, I was thinking the same thing! LIKE!

What an amazing start on your journey towards better health! You must be walking on air!

Sandi Braithwaite
Customer Relations Specialist, Forum Moderator
Health Management Resources
06/14/12 08:21 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
I missed a post after week 4 last week. The weekly loss total dropped last week a bit to 3.0 lbs, but that's still 3 more gone! And I know my body will go through adjustments as I continue this process. This past week I just kept doing the same things I have from the beginning and at my end of week 5 weigh in tonight, I was down another 8.0 lbs! That makes 43.75 lbs in my first five weeks!

The next week or two will have a couple of big milestones for me....I'll be dropping under the 400 lb mark with over 50 lbs lost. I know technically it's "just a number" but dropping under it was one of my first big goals. And once I make it happen, I get to set my next one!

Thanks again to all who post on here for your support. It's easier to walk a long road when you have people along with you who have made (and continue to make) the journey. :-)
06/14/12 10:13 PM
jennyb Posts: 750
Joined: 07/04/11
Wow, thanks for the update! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and can't wait to hear about your upcoming milestone!

Jenny Berk, MSEd
Health Educator / Forum Moderator
Health Management Resources
06/15/12 01:06 PM
LorraineM Posts: 7
Joined: 06/08/12
That is so AWESOME for you! I'm into my second week, week one I lost 9.6, I was thrilled. The food is great and filling, it is hard sometimes, but my mind and body are committed. Keep the updates coming. I found this site helped me alot my first week and I love coming here every day.
06/15/12 10:16 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
Thanks jennyb and LorraineM! Lorraine, what a terrific start! Can't wait to hear your updates as you continue as well.
06/19/12 09:15 AM
healthyangie Posts: 37
Joined: 05/10/12
Hi Kystormwatch! I'm so happy to hear that you are doing well on healthy solutions. I am also doing healthy solutions. Its not difficult to do, but it is an adjustment going from eating anything I want to eating "In the box". But It feels good knowing that I am eating healthfully and not starving! I love all the Fruits and Veggies!!

Question: Do you eat Benefit bars? just curious
06/19/12 11:12 PM
itsmejf Posts: 2
Joined: 06/04/12
Wow! What an impressive loss so far! I just started my first class tonight. Diet starts tomorrow. Your post is just what I needed to get me even more motivated. I am committed to staying 100% in the box. Can't wait to continue to see your progress!
06/21/12 09:42 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
healthyangie - I have not been eating the bars so far. My health educator gave a general recommendation that even though I can have it on Phase 1 of Healthy Solutions, there are better options for me at this point with so much to lose. It's nice knowing they are available for later times when I will eventually add a little more variety.
06/21/12 09:51 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
Tonight was weigh-in day at the end of week 6. I has mentioned last week that I was closing in on a couple of pretty big goals for myself. Well...happy to report that I hit the first one. I lost 7.0 lbs last week and that brings me to 50.75 pounds lost so far! I am 1.75 lbs more from being below the 400 mark and leaving it behind forever! It's still amazing to think I've been able to lose over 50 pounds in just 6 weeks!

The early success makes it so much easier to "talk myself down" on those moments that still come up on a regular basis when that little voice inside tries to talk me into just a bite of something not in the box. I know in the real world I will eventually (phase 2) learn the skills to deal with these situations and learn how to allow them on a very limited basis. But for now, consider me very happy with my phase 1 plan!

Thanks again to everyone for the supportive comments. I'll keep posting as the journey continues.

Dan
06/21/12 10:59 PM
PALS65 Posts: 149
Joined: 01/31/12
Great Job!!!
06/22/12 11:58 AM
DooLittle68 Posts: 3
Joined: 05/29/12
Way to go Dan! I have seen you working hard in the pool at Milestone a couple of times and commend you on doing so well with that and HMR both! Personally, there are days that I really just don't feel like going there when I get off work, but I make myself go anyway and am happy I did once I am done. Your success so far has been incredible! It is inspirational actually. Great job!
Dana
07/05/12 09:02 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
Time for an update! It's been a couple of weeks and the journey, and the success, continues. I just finished week 8 of Healthy Solutions phase 1 tonight, and had the weekly weigh-in. I had worked really hard this week with lots of PA (9100 cal) and, of course, been totally in the box. But the numbers still amazed me. I lost 15.0 lbs last week! That brings my 8 week total to 69.75 lbs. I feel terrific and am starting to see changes in how clothes fit and hear comments from others. Still a long way to go, but tonight is time to celebrate. Maybe a double HMR shake with banana and sugar-free salted caramel syrup!
07/05/12 09:09 PM
jennyb Posts: 750
Joined: 07/04/11
Wow, wow wow!! That's better than the weight losses on the Biggest Loser! Who needs Bob and Jillian when you have HMR right? Nice job! I love your attitude in this - you really have all hands on deck here. Amazing....keep up the great work!

Jenny Berk, MSEd
Health Educator / Forum Moderator
Health Management Resources
07/19/12 10:46 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
Today I finished up week 10 of Phase 1 - Healthy Solutions and I'm at a total loss to date of 74.25 lbs! The 100 lbs lost mark is on the horizon and I'm loving this!
07/19/12 11:29 PM
SandiBraithwaite Posts: 351
Joined: 06/07/11
Woohoo! Nice going! That's some incredible weight loss, kystormwatch!! Thanks for the update.

Sandi Braithwaite
Customer Relations Specialist, Forum Moderator
Health Management Resources
07/26/12 09:50 AM
HondurasBeauty Posts: 35
Joined: 03/13/12
Keep up the good work kystormwatch! I am so happy for you! So far I have lost 27 lbs and I am looking forward to my 30lbs goal. Can't wait to set the next one after that! Great Job!
07/26/12 03:18 PM
OptimusAudrey Posts: 3
Joined: 06/29/11
I am blown away by what you've done! Keep it up, and I can't wait to read when you reach that 100 lb. mark!!!
07/26/12 04:05 PM
EstherH11 Posts: 8
Joined: 06/29/11
Congratulations! Your story is so inspiring! Keep up the good work!
07/27/12 12:14 AM
AnnaMaria Posts: 58
Joined: 02/25/12
Love to see the updates. At week 21 this morning at weigh in I have lost 78 pounds. My story is on the success stories but I am not done with the program. I still am in Phase 1 Decision free, and I try and exercise 1 to 2 hours a day which consists of powerwalking, walk/running, and some bicycling (which I am just starting. I have 42 pounds to go until I get to my ideal weight. 22 pounds to a normal BMI.
07/29/12 09:07 AM
Mommaof3 Posts: 4
Joined: 07/29/12
I think you are doing fabulous. I wish you the best on your journey to good health!!
07/30/12 03:41 PM
BeneFitBarbara Posts: 41
Joined: 06/27/11
Hey Dan,
Someone told me to read this thread - that I would be inspired. Well, I am. Thank you for sharing your journey - good or bad - which has been all good thus far and for opening the door for others to share their successes. Stories like yours are the reason so many of us work at HMR! Keep going!!!!
Barbara




08/02/12 10:05 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
Hello All...it has been a few weeks now so time for an update. Just finished week 12 and I have lost another 5.75 lbs this past week, matching my week 11 total again. That makes for a 85.75 lb total loss so far. Just a few weeks away from that next big milestone!
08/02/12 10:09 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
Just one more quick note to say thank you again to everyone commenting and supporting me here. I really do appreciate the encouragement and positive notes! :-)
08/02/12 11:03 PM
jennyb Posts: 750
Joined: 07/04/11
Holy cow! You are melting away! I love getting your updates. thank you! Keep up the good work....have you submitted your success story on the diet site yet? You should!!

Jenny Berk, MSEd
Health Educator / Forum Moderator
Health Management Resources
08/03/12 12:10 AM
Michelle215 Posts: 32
Joined: 06/16/12
Congrats, Dan!! You have to change your profile pic soon :-)
08/03/12 10:37 PM
SandiBraithwaite Posts: 351
Joined: 06/07/11
WOW!!! I'm blown away by your weight loss! What an accomplishment. Congrats!

Sandi Braithwaite
Customer Relations Specialist, Forum Moderator
Health Management Resources
08/16/12 11:07 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
Here's my latest update....I finished Phase 1 (week 13) of the Healthy Solutions program last week and ended the phase with a total weight loss of 90.50 lbs lost. I am staying "in the box" as I continue on with Phase 2 - and plan to do so for at least another 50-60 lbs. I lost an additional 3.75 lbs last week bringing my loss to date to 94.25 lbs. Only 5.75 more lbs to go to hit the "magic" first huge hurdle of 100 lbs lost!!! As I said starting out...it's a long journey, but so far it's been pretty darn fantastic!
08/17/12 09:25 PM
jennyb Posts: 750
Joined: 07/04/11
wow! incredible. congratulations on your transition!

Jenny Berk, MSEd
Health Educator / Forum Moderator
Health Management Resources
08/18/12 01:43 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
OK...so my "official" weekly weigh-in occurs every Thursday evening during my HMR meeting at Baptist East Milestone Wellness Center. But using the same scale we use during our class weigh-in, as of today (after a long workout...whew), I have dropped over 100 lbs! 101.25 to be exact. It will definitely fluctuate during the week, but I should still come in below the mark with almost 5 days to go before the next check. 100 lbs in 14 weeks and one day. That's pretty close to a pound a day. I never, EVER, would have thought it possible to have this kind of success in that time frame! I've done it with a whole bunch of folks cheering me on....both in person and online. Thanks to all of you!
08/29/12 12:37 PM
SanibelSarah Posts: 5
Joined: 08/29/12
Where are you, kystormwatch? Your posts are great, and as a newbie I have been counting on you for inspiration. Please check in with us tomorrow and let us know how you're doing.
09/15/12 06:02 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
Hello All! I've been checking in periodically on the HMR Diet FB site but thought I should probably post here every now and then as well as I know not everyone follows FB. Lots of news recently....all good!

This past Thursday was the end of my 18th week and I stand currently at 117.25 lbs lost total. I also got some blood test results back earlier in the week and the numbers were terrific. Here's the main numbers compared to where they were almost one year ago to the day:
Glucose: 93 (last year 106)
Total cholesterol: 127 (last year 170)
Triglycerides: 120 (last year 167)

Finally, today was the day my trainer at Baptist East Milestone Wellness Center worked with me to revise my workout (to keep it fresh) and also did an evaluation on the Tanita scale to evaluate body fat percentages. In the last two months, I've dropped 7% body fat while pretty much maintaining my lean body mass. That was great news to me in that it let me know the work I'm doing is paying off in losing the appropriate pounds (fat vs muscle).

If anyone has doubts that this program can be life changing, let me assure you....it CAN and has been for me.

My next short range goal is to drop another 35 pounds before Thanksgiving Day. That will place me just under the 300 lb mark. If (when) I make this, I'm going to add my first lean protein back into my diet on Thanksgiving Day....some turkey! I've stayed totally with the plan (3S, 2E, 5V/F) and in the box from day 1 to current due to the large amount of weight I want to lose. It will be a good first lesson in reintroducing "real world" eating while using the tools and controls I've learned through my HMR clases.
09/15/12 06:19 PM
fusion624 Posts: 107
Joined: 08/14/12
Congratulations! This thread is so inspiring. You have worked so hard and it shows. Thank you for the update!
09/16/12 06:45 AM
KeithVanGasken Posts: 1367
Joined: 06/07/11
Wow, just Wow. Congratulations.

Keith Van Gasken
Senior National Trainer, Forum Moderator
Health Management Resources
09/16/12 07:45 AM
mailmanmike Posts: 24
Joined: 07/16/12
Hi Dan!
I live right across the river from you in Southern Indiana, and have been going to Floyd Memorial Weight Management Center. Your journey log is so very inspiring. Sometimes when I get a little depressed or have had a rough day I come to these forums to find motivation, I can usually find a story of someone that really hits home; your story has made me rededicate myself to sticking with it! I have entered week 13 today on the HMR at home diet and have lost 42 lbs. so far. The HMR diet is amazing! I thought for sure that I hadn't lost any this week, got on the scale, surprise!! Down 4.8!! I walk about 7 miles a day on my job, but have recently been having some pain in one of my hips, so I had cut down walking with my wife when I get home, so I was worried that the decrease in exercise would really hurt me at the scale, I'm thrilled that it didn't. I have so much more energy now, and feel sooooo much better overall. Sometimes the "psychology", of losing weight drags me down; it has been so long since I have been a normal weight that it is hard adjusting to having clothes that are falling off of me, and having everyone telling me that "it looks like you have lost some weight". I mean you have to get used to being a totally "different" person than you were before, don't you; and that can be a little scary. I am also worried about reaching my "goal" of 200 lbs. by Christmas (32 lbs. away). That may be a bit of a reach, but when I do reach my personal goal, I then will have to consider how to maintain the weight loss; something that has eluded me in the past. I have read in these forums where some people still use the HMR meals, shakes, and protein bars even after they go to the next phase. I guess I may do that, the entrees are so convenient for me. I'm glad I found your posting, and I will follow your progress with great anticipation!!
Thank You so much
09/28/12 12:20 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
To mailmanmike - Thank you for taking the time to post and congrats on the terrific success you are having with the program. I had a conversation with another person doing HMR last night at my class and she is closing in on a 100 lb weight loss and our conversation centered around how weird it is to hear some of the comments and praise and to just be accepting of them.

One advantage to the classes in the preparation that's provided to help you make that transition after hitting your goal weight loss. Almost everyone I've talked to who has lost on HMR said that the bigger challenge for them was not so much the initial loss, but in then finding the balance to achieve maintenance. I know the classes aren't for everyone, but if you can't attend them, definitely seek out the information that exists on this site from the members here and on the HMR Facebook page. I still have a ways to go before I start closing in on my goal weight, so I try to file away the info and know I'll put it into practice as I get closer.

32 before Christmas is ambitious, but do-able, Mike! Just keep in mind that the numbers should never push you too far off the daily course that has gotten you to where you are today. Sometimes as you push harder to hit a goal, you can find yourself getting some odd results. I recently had 2 weeks where I had over 10,000 cal of PA per week and was absolutly working out like crazy. Neither week resulted in the kind of weight loss I was expecting and it turns out I actually needed to add some calories back into my diet (shakes and veggies) to get better weight loss results. Not exactly the info you expect to hear, lol. The bottom line is keep doing what you're doing. It works and you are going to be healthier and happier as a result!

Please keep me up on how you are doing!

Dan
09/28/12 12:25 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
A quick update....at the 20 week mark, I'm now down 124.75 lbs! After a week of feeling under the weather (bad cold) and missing 3 workouts, I still managed a 4.0 lb loss last week, which was a bit surprising. But I'm starting to feel better and ready to hopefully get back at it this weekend. Take care, all...more to come.
10/13/12 11:05 AM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
Finished up week 22 this past Thursday. Have had consecutive weeks of 4.25 lbs lost. I'm currently at 133.25 lbs lost total. 19 (technically 19.25) more to go before Thanksgiving to reach my personal goal of being under 300 lbs by the holiday! That's a little over 3 lb per week needed and based on my weekly losses so far, I think is still reasonable.
10/13/12 11:32 AM
KeithVanGasken Posts: 1367
Joined: 06/07/11
You are the incredible shrinking man!

Keith Van Gasken
Senior National Trainer, Forum Moderator
Health Management Resources
10/13/12 11:38 AM
jennyb Posts: 750
Joined: 07/04/11
definitely more than reasonable goal. Great update....you have lost the equivalent of all 3 of my kids put together!!!

Jenny Berk, MSEd
Health Educator / Forum Moderator
Health Management Resources
10/13/12 02:24 PM
katcan Posts: 5
Joined: 10/13/12
hello kystormwatch, you are amazing! I started HMR through the KU Med Center (University of Kansas Weight Management Program) and have had a loss my first 3 weeks. Today, I decided to check out the HMR website and found out about you. I will say it again, you are amazing. An inspiration to us all. I plan on telling all my fellow "classmates" about you and this blog. I do have a long journey, 100 pounds, but know in my heart and soul this is the right program for me. Will be watching you on your journey, in hopes your journey will keep me on mine. Thanks!
10/14/12 11:30 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
Jenny and Keith - thanks as always for the kind words and support.

Katcan - I appreciate you taking the time to post your message and tell me your story as well. I've used this site for inspiration and motivation from day one and knowing that my story might be able to provide a bit of that same support to others both humbles me and encourages me. The HMR program has been the most important piece of a total change in my life. I never would have even hoped for the level and timing of success that I have experienced. Please keep me updated on your own journey and if there's anything I can help you with, just let me know. Take care! Dan
10/15/12 11:56 AM
PamMorton Posts: 20
Joined: 07/25/11
Thank you kystormwatch for sharing your journey and providing updates. You keep me inspired!!
10/28/12 07:39 AM
mailmanmike Posts: 24
Joined: 07/16/12
Hey Dan!
MailmanMike here. I have made an appointment to go in and talk to one of the dieticians at Floyd Memorial Weight Loss center about my current state of flux, and also perhaps to join one of the Phase2 classes that meet there. I have floundered the last several weeks, went down to 219, but am back up today to 221 after including some "regular" out of the box foods into my diet. It's scary going out of the box, but I have let myself become bored with the HMR foods. Anyway, maybe I can get back on track. Looks like my goal of 200lbs by Christmas might be in jeopardy. If you still want to chat, email me at spaulding@insightbb.com when you get a chance.
Thanks!
11/01/12 09:30 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
To mailmanmike: I haven't checked on here in a few days and I just saw your previous post. I'll drop you a direct note tomorrow!

Now time for an update....I was going to hold off in updating until I hit a couple of big goals approaching, but what the heck...I can just update it again!

I've had several good weeks in a row with weight losses in the 4+ lb range. As of tonight's weigh in, I have lost 146.25 pounds (just completed week 25). Only 3.75 pounds to go to hit the 150 pounds lost mark - I realistically should hit that this coming week. But a slightly more significant goal is just a few more pounds away as I'm now only 6.5 pounds lost away from being under 300 lbs. My intention was to hit this before Thanksgiving and then make my first journey outside the box since starting HMR and have a couple of pieces of lean turkey for Thanksgiving Day dinner. I'm thinking that is going to be some pretty tasty turkey!

I also decided that while I've had incredible success with HMR that I was not going to submit anything on my own success story until I got under 300. I still have at least 50 lbs more to go at that point, but I think that may make my journey a bit more meaningful to those out there who have a lot to lose and sometimes struggle with getting past the numbers. I was right there with you all at the start and with at least 50 to go, am still there with you. But the most important thing is that I'm choosing to make it happen and you all can too. The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. And the journey to a healthier you (and me) starts with that first pound.

Take care all. More to come in the next few weeks!
11/01/12 10:08 PM
jennyb Posts: 750
Joined: 07/04/11
thanks for the update kystormwatch!

Jenny Berk, MSEd
Health Educator / Forum Moderator
Health Management Resources
11/02/12 11:04 AM
SandiBraithwaite Posts: 351
Joined: 06/07/11
So inspiring! Thanks for the update. Great job!!

Sandi Braithwaite
Customer Relations Specialist, Forum Moderator
Health Management Resources
11/11/12 08:27 AM
mailmanmike Posts: 24
Joined: 07/16/12
Hey Dan!
Hope you're doing well. My appointment is tomorrow with the weight management counselor at FMH. I have had a tumultuous week, but ended up losing several pounds, so at least I feel good about that. I hope my yo-yo mindset has settled down some. I have been trying to reach for canned and frozen veggies more this week, rather than the bad stuff. I ate a whole can of northern beans yesterday, whew! Anyway, just wanted to say howdy, hope you had a great week.
Thanks
Mike
11/29/12 10:58 AM
andek095 Posts: 10
Joined: 07/20/12
Thanks for sharing your story kystormwatch... and you too mailmanmike (and please forgive for not mentioning any others who have responded and have similar very inspirational stories.) I'm thankful Keith shared this link on a recent post. Your words and your journey give me great strength.

I would like to share two other stories I came across during the past week. The first one is about Ed Davenport. He lost so much weight he had to do skin reduction surgery. His story is phenomenal:
http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/201...l=http://bit.ly/TePIJ9

The second one is about SyedAdie Al-idrus. His story inspires perseverance, and is one of the most incredible stories I've heard:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2laIPeiMtE

I'm keeping a file of success stories in my journal. These two are there and I added your name to my list today.

Keep up the great work. I hope to be reporting similar successes in my journey in the months to come.
Kirk
12/01/12 01:48 PM
PattyW Posts: 14
Joined: 09/14/11
This is an awesome story. This was posted as a go check it out in our newsletter. I have read the journey so far and am blown away at your success. This is a great story and even motivation for those of us that have been in the program a long time. No doubt that doing what the health coordinator suggest for us is working. Your PA is fabulous. I don't meet too many people that have those kind of numbers. But from experience higher PA works and you sure feel better afterwards. I will be checking back on you I think you are receiving on of the best gifts anyone can give themselves. Keep working at it. It is worth all the effort. I have been working at my goal for a year and a half Each day it gets closer. Just remember this is a forever life change. As others mentioned a new picture would be great so we too can see the newer you. And best wishes for great success during the holidays. Thanks for sharing, PattyW. (Vancouver,Wa.)
12/07/12 10:41 PM
kystormwatch Posts: 27
Joined: 05/12/12
Hello All! Way overdue for an update so here goes...

I hit 2 really big goals I had set for myself recently. The main one was I wanted to be under 300 lbs before Thanksgiving. And by hitting that goal, I would also surpass the 150 lbs lost mark. I had remained in the Phase 1 box since I started the program May 10th. Having so much weight to lose, it just made more sense to me to keep with what was working and make the dietary transition to Phase 2 as I got closer to where I want to be with my overall weight loss. So that means I did not add any lean proteins or whole grains. Well, by making my goal, a little reward to myself was to move to phase 2 on Thanksgiving day and all some lean white meat turkey as first step forward into phase 2 eating. I've gotta say...that was some exceptionally tasty turkey! :-)

And now a few weeks past turkey day, the journey continues. I'm now at 291 as of the weigh in yesterday. That makes for 161 pounds lost total. I updated my profile pic - which is a split image of a before and current pic. It kinda amazes me to see that and realize that was only 7 months ago.

Oh...one other item that was a proud moment...I purchased my first XL item of clothing (keeping in mind that when I started, I was generally a 5XL or 6XL). It's a bit of a generous XL, but the simple fact that I was able to purchase something NOT in the big & tall section meant a lot. While I really do appreciate Casual Male XL, I will be happy to have other options going forward!

I'm still considering what weight I may end up at. And I still don't have a firm number in mind. When I get down to 250 lbs (which will then be a 200 lb weight loss), I'm going to try to do an honest assessment of my health and appearance and see where that leads me. I think one of the other major HMR success stories, Duane Cooper, ended up with a goal of weighing less than the amount of weight he lost. I think that is kinda cool as well. For me that would have me at 225 lbs. It's in the back of my mind, but I'm not going to get hung up on the numbers.

Well, that's enough for the moment. The holiday season continues...more challenges to meet and more weight to lose. Once again, many thanks to those who have commented and supported me on these posts. If by telling a bit of my story, I can be a motivating factor to someone else, then I'm just returning the favor of all those whose stories have inspired me.

Take care and more to come...
Dan
12/07/12 11:02 PM
2urbanist Posts: 63
Joined: 10/02/12
Your story And attitude is just amazing... Congratulations! Thank you so much for sharing this and inspiring me, and I am sure, many others!

"The only thing getting in the way of your success is yourself!"
12/08/12 06:28 AM
Gia1998 Posts: 13
Joined: 11/29/12
Wow! Congratulations on this amazing loss. Keep it up and thanks for inspiring us all. :-)
01/12/13 04:32 PM
saltless Posts: 7
Joined: 09/27/12
I am so in awe of your accomplishment. I am feeling good about my 30 lbs and I am also glad to be in a size xl. I like crossing my legs, sleeping without snoring, bending over, and moving faster. You are inspiring me to exercise more - something I do not like so much. Hurray for you!!!!