This post has been a long time coming.
This is something I should have done months ago.
But I was afraid.
I was embarrassed.
And frankly, I don't think I had near the strength of character, nor the courage of conviction needed to tell people the truth...
The Truth is that I have struggled with my weight for almost all of my adult life.
The Truth is that in 2009, I had ballooned out to 278 pounds.
The Truth is that during that period of my life, my chest hurt, my feet ached, and the only thing heavier than my body, was my heart...
But the funny thing about truth, is that it often has 2 sides.
The flip side of Truth began on June 10, 2009.
It was then I made the commitment to Change My Life.
And every day since then, I have worked toward THIS moment, THIS day.
Today is October 24, 2012.
And on this day,
The Truth is that somehow through the grace of God, I have managed to lose 114 pounds.
The Truth is that I now weigh 164 pounds which is also what I weighed in college.
The Truth is I now have a new life, and a very real future to look forward to.
Which leads me to the most difficult part of this post... Just the thought of posting "Before and After" pictures makes me break out in hives, but I want the people in my life to know the truth. The whole truth. And not just the bits that make me look good.
I do this also, because I owe a debt... I am indebted to every one of those brave souls who posted "Before and After" pictures of themselves before me. I used those pictures. I used those stories. I used that determination to fix my own life.
So, to those people who put their embarrassment aside and fought the good fight. Thank You...
I pay it forward that others might come after me...
"Before"
So this is the first picture of me in the "Before" stage. I'm not sure of the exact date, but I'm guessing March of 2009. I remember this moment vividly as it was all I could do to move to the center of the boat as to not capsize...
Side profile picture
This picture is The Absolute Worst Shot of me that I could find and had not yet burned... I find it a cruel, but fitting irony that in this picture, I am in jail. And I am in jail not only by myself, but I have locked up my kids right along with me. Powerful stuff... Sad, but undeniably powerful.
OK. Let's move on shall we?
"After"
I had a friend take a few pictures of me about 2 weeks ago. These are pretty matter of fact pics. Just me in a T-shirt and jeans, as it should be.
Side profile picture
My parting shot is a picture my wife took of me on her birthday. For the occasion, we got dolled up and had Sunday Brunch at the Langham Hotel. It was a great day.
I want to take a moment to post some stats
Kyle
Age 45
Height 5' 7"
Starting Weight 278
Current Weight 164 (-114)
Start date: June 10, 2009
Elapsed Time (reached goal weight between 2 1/2 years to 3 years)
Diet: Eventually, I learned to eat better and smarter. I didn't follow any specific food plan (ie. Jenny or Weight Watchers). I just focused on eating a real whole foods diet that emphasizes Quality, not Quantity.
Exercise: Started out with just walking, then gradually moved to weight training and functional movement. I don't exercise with the expressed purpose of "burning calories." I don't exercise to make my body smaller. I exercise to make my body better, stronger, faster, so I can be ready for the road ahead.
Resources: Google, The Calorie Myth by Jonathan Bailor, Everyday Paleo, The Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson, JillFit, and the Metabolic Effect.
I do want to thank some people. My wife Lily of course, who would stand by my side at whatever weight. Also, Dad, Emiri, Jimmy, Howard, Bryant, Joel, Keri, Kristen, Phyllis, Annie, Linda, The Frosts, Kirk and Stephanie, and any others who have supported me on this journey. Thank You... I owe you my life. Really...
So, ladies and gentlemen, that is my life in Technicolour... I want to end this without being preachy or the need to be profound so let me just say this,
Losing 114 pounds is certainly a big change. But the real change happened, not in my muscles, nor in my abs. It happened in my heart...
If you ever find yourself in a situation like mine whether it's weight loss or anything else, and you can't imagine where to begin,
Start by putting Belief in your heart. Belief that you can do this. Belief that you are worth the time and the effort.
Let it take root. Care for it. Water it. And it WILL grow.
And I will cheer for you every step of the way...
