Karl42
Hi folks, my story is probably pretty reflective of a lot of people here. Was in okay shape in high school, but never really athletic. Had asthma, and foolishly became a smoker anyway. In my early 20's, I got married, got a full time job, and had kids, What little activity I had been doing, slowed down, appetite and portion control never really kicked in and I blew up. Yo yo dieted for years, back and forth. Just a couple of quick stats:
45 years old this month.
highest weight was 389 lbs
height - 6' 6"
Sleep apnea diagnosis in '99
high b/p diagnosis in 2007
Now, since about 2007 my overall trend has been better... I fought off and on with stress smoking. Quit for a while, then go buy a pack and restart, you know the drill. That problem has been dealt with. I have not had a single cigarette in over a year and a half. My way of dealing with that stress changed to using the gym as an outlet. I strength train 3 days a week, and do fairly intense cardio sessions 4-5 times a week. Last July/August I averaged 110 miles a week cycling. I also kayak, walk, etc. My weight has gone from a max of 389 lbs to a current level of about 315 lbs. All good things, but...
I can't seem to get any further. I do well, lose a few more lbs, then go right back. For 3 years now I have been bouncing back and forth in the lower 300's, and every time I break into the 200's, I shoot right back. I'm just tired of it. My wife and kids have all been through bariatric surgery and I see the proof every day of what it can do. I want to give my daughters away on their wedding days and hang out with my grand kids. I'm 45 and not going the right direction fast enough to beat the clock here. I need a push to help me the rest of the way.
