I was always skinny as a child, through my teens and into my early adulthood. I was always lean, could eat anything I wanted and it never affected me. But, when I turned 30 things changed. I guess my metabolism changed and I also got married and we had kids, I started gaining weight.

I became a stay-at-home dad, which I'm sure didn't help, because now I was not only eating more, but doing less physically. Either way, from 30 to my current age, 45, I was overweight. According to the charts measuring height and weight proportions, I was considered obese at 5'9" and 242 pounds, my heaviest.

In 2006, my wife and I split up. It added to the weight gain, as I was going out more, drinking more, and eating more poorly. Fast food, bad food and drinking lots of beer.

In May of 2008, I started dating a very nice girl. We moved in together, and even though she was 15 years younger than me, she fell for me - though I was much older, and not in very good shape. I was fat. Two years later, June 2010, we decided it was time to end the relationship. It was mutual, and we remain friends to this day.

As our "end date" was approaching, I began to take a look at my physical situation. I was tired of being overweight, and becoming single again and looking and feeling like shit, I knew it was time to do something drastic. I looked into the lap band surgery, but my insurance company didn't cover it. I was bummed, because it seemed like the way to go... easy, no effort, right? Well, it didn't matter. I was denied.

I was on the computer working and an ad came up telling me how I could lose weight fast and easy. It intrigued me, so I clicked on the ad, something I almost never do. It was an ad for this stuff called Sensa. It is a kind of grain type substance (like sugar or salt) that you sprinkle on your food just prior to eating. In fact, it comes in a cartridge that is split in half, where one part is for Sweet type of food, and the other, Salty type of food.

It goes into your system and into your sinus area, eventually. From your sense of smell, it triggers a section in your brain that tells you you're full. You sprinkle this stuff on every solid type of food that you eat You carry it around with you all the time, and you just get in the habit of using it! Oh, it's not cheap though. The initial cost is $94 for a two month supply, and then in two months you're automatically billed for another two month supply at the same cost. I knew it was expensive, at least to me that's expensive, but, I had a good feeling with this product. I clicked on the order button and laid my money down.

I decided it was time to take something serious. I used it on everything I ate. I also started drinking only WATER! No more sodas, Diet Pepsi, sweet drinks, fattening drinks, etc. I cut way down on my beer consumption (One night a week at a friendly gathering, rather than every night whenever I got home and grabbed a beer from the fridge), and began to eat... less!

The first two weeks, I lost ten pounds. Then another five. Then five more... ten more, etc. From May of this year, to now, September, I've lost a total of 47 pounds, and for the first time in 15 years, I weigh less than 200 pounds!!! I am more energetic, feel better about myself and have gone from a size 42 waist to a 32! I had to throw out my clothes and buy a new wardrobe practically!

Oh, and I decided to shave my head! When I was heavier, around 2001, I shaved my head for the hell of it. I looked horrible. I had all these "hot dog rolls" at the base of my neck, and I didn't like it. But, as the years have gone by, my hair decided to leave me, and I thought, hell, I'm not going to be one of those guys that hang on to false hope with combovers, or things like that. But, I also didn't want to shave my head until I lost weight... I just thought it would look better that way.

Well, four weeks ago, when I was at 32 pounds weight loss, I decided to shave my head too. No "hot dog rolls" at my neck, hell, no rolls at all! People say I look twenty years younger as a result! It's crazy!

Going to the clothing stores and looking at "normal" size clothes is incredible too! I still can't get over that I'm buying SIZE 32 WAIST CLOTHES! My shirts went from XL to just L, and my self esteem went from very low to "Hey, check me out!" Ha ha!

I still drink water as the main beverage in my life. I still have social night with friends that I have my beer. I hardly ever finish anything on my plate. I usually leave half the main course and a little of the side dishes. I now check the labels on the packages to see what the fat levels are, the trans fats, the protein, etc. I have even started walking around the park near my home... and I really love it.

I just want everyone who is overweight to know that it is never too late to consider a change. I woke up one day and decided that I no longer want to be fat. I didn't want my 'fat years" to go beyond my "skinny years". Currently, I weigh 195. I struggled at 200 for two weeks! Finally, I looked at the scale results one morning and couldn't believe my eyes! I did it! I was under 200!!! Right now, at 195, I feel a little stuck. It is now up to me to start toning my body so that the loose skin tightens and it won't be so "wobbly"... but, hell, I'll take it! It's just a thrill to be back to me again! It's a good feeling.

Me, FAT, in May of 2009.

Me FAT in April of 2010 at the Relay for Life Walk-a-Thon. I wasn't walking, just supporting a friend whose mother was recently diagnosed with cancer.

Me, starting to lose some weight in June, 2010.

Me in Early August, I just shaved my head and cut off the beard and stache. Thought this was a pretty dramatic pose... sexy!

Me in August 2010, wearing a suit for a function at work... thought I'd take a quick shot.

With best-selling author Pam Munoz Ryan, last Saturday, presenting her a proclamation from our city naming September 18th, Pam Munoz Ryan Day. She was so thrilled!

Anyway, I'm looking back at some of the photos that didn't make this post, and I can't believe the change myself! It's so strange looking at yourself as totally different person.

Well, there it is. I'm not posting this to garner a bunch of congrats or comments on the pics. I'm just letting you all know where I am in my life right now. I have been working on this for five months now, and thought it was time to share with you, my org family, my current mind set.

Take care, and thanks for reading this!

Congrats. Awesome of you to share!

You were not alone. At 47 myself I've been doing my work too on the other side of the pond.

In April I was 220!!! I honestly didn't know I was that fat. I thoght I was overweight but not that obese. Yeah, I'm one of those who never used a scale

Anyway, went to the doctor, put me on high protein diet and now I'm 165 I'd like to get to 155 but I guess my body is taking a rest now. I feel super.

47 pounds...

thats about Prince size isnt it

All jokes aside, Congrats!!!! thats totally awesome!!!

and welcome back to the vortex org

congratulations!!! very happy for you!!

You are a total inspiration!!!

That is AWESOME! Congrats to you! LOVE the pics!

my god. that is absolutely superfantabulistic!!!!! congratulations and, i'm glad for you.

Congratulations!

You look great!

Wow... thanks you guys!

I have seen those Sensa commercials and wondered...thanks for the info! I too have got weught concerns, especially with high blood pressure trying to creep up on me (also a stress thang). I may look into this. I need to get up off my fat ass and go to the gym like I know I should!

Congrats to you!

brook i know it looks like im always piggin backin ya, but yeah! I want nothing more than to hit that gym! I have good eating habits, but my lifestyle is sedentary!

Congrats!

Wow, congratulations. You look like a totally different person in those last pictures.

So, aside from using Sensa and drinking water instead of sodas and beer, are you doing anything else to stay fit? Do you go to the gym? Do you follow a special diet? Low carbs? High in protein? Do you run ? If so, how often?

I´m just curious because I´m interested in fitness and health in general.

I´m off to the gym right now.

you look mahvelous!!

Go, June 7!!

Wow June7, looking GREAT!!!

Congratulations!!

You look great, congratulaions! I lost 43 lbs myself the past 9 months through diet & exercise. No real secret on how to lose weight, you have to approach it as a life long goal. I run to maintain my weight, so I'll probably be running until my old age.

June7 you have always been a special part of the Org..

I commend you on your hard work... You look awesome.

[img:$uid]http://www.meredy.com/yulbrynner/filmography.jpg[/img:$uid]

You look like a young (and living) Yul Brynner!

Congratulations and thank you for sharing your very inspiring story!

BTW...I like you in suits. You've got a sexy 'Kojak' vibe going on. I think it works for you!

47 lbs? I'd settle for 4.7lbs.

You look great! Congrats

KoolEaze said:

Wow, congratulations. You look like a totally different person in those last pictures.

So, aside from using Sensa and drinking water instead of sodas and beer, are you doing anything else to stay fit? Do you go to the gym? Do you follow a special diet? Low carbs? High in protein? Do you run ? If so, how often?

I´m just curious because I´m interested in fitness and health in general.

I´m off to the gym right now.

I am walking now, but no, no major exercise taking place. I do lift some hand weights, 10 lbs., and a 50 lbs. bar, but not everyday and not often enough, apparently!

I was running about 18 miles a week four years ago, but haven't much lately... it's something I want to get into again, because I truly enjoyed it.

I have some roller blades that I want to get back on too.

No special diet, no low carbs diet, no high protein diet... just eating LESS! Leaving food on the plate (seriously, it makes such a difference!). I don't go to the gym, I am looking into that when I can afford it!

Thanks for all the kind words, guys!

Woof!

Bald, you remind me of a sexier Telly Savalas (RIP).

HatrinaHaterwitz said:

BTW...I like you in suits. You've got a sexy 'Kojak' vibe going on. I think it works for you!

Saw this after I posted my comment & scrolled to the beginning for a 2nd gawk.

[Edited 9/21/10 15:16pm]

Whoa!! Excellent accomplishment! I can't see the pics since I'm still at work, but I'm sure you look great Keep up the healthy lifestyle!

Im floored! You look great!

Good for you!!!! I'm very proud/happy for you.

I just ate a King Sized Reeses Crispy Crunchy Bar.