Look what I've achieved

[Stan_Lite]

As many of you will know, I embarked on a weight loss campaign back in January and was determined I was going to do it properly. I'm almost at my target weight now - only 3.5lb to go. I was going to leave this thread until I'd reached my target weight of 12st 12lb but I had to take some 'after' photos for a 'success stories' article Weight Loss Resources want to do about me.

This thread is mostly shameless self praise but also, to show what can be done with a little willpower and a lot of hard work. I'm not going to pretend it's been easy - it hasn't - it's been bloody hard work but, I'm sure you'll agree looking at the photos below that it's been worth the effort.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all my friends on here who have encouraged and supported me with their kind words and praise throughout the process. I'd have found it a lot more difficult without your support

It's not just appearance either, you wouldn't believe how much easier life is when you don't have to carry the equivalent of a sack of potatoes of extra weight everywhere you go. I have a lot more energy now, I don't get tired as easily and, really importantly (and much to my surprise), I feel a lot more confident now. Hopefully, with some of the extra strain taken off my heart, I may have added a few years to my life.

Now that I've lost it (well, not all, but almost), the trick is to keep it off. Once I get the last few pounds off, I'll be maintaining for a few months until I'm comfortable I've got it under control, then, I'll be quitting smoking. I tried to give up the fags half way through but found it all too much at one time so I decided to defer that until I was at a sustainable weight and wasn't having to devote so much mental effort to it. After I've got the fags kicked, I'll probably bite the bullet and get my arse down to the gym. I'll get myself a personal trainer for motivation and try to build a little muscle whilst maintaining the same weight. This should help get my body fat down a bit more - I still have love handles and a bit of a paunch when relaxed. I'd like to have a flat stomach but I don't want to get any lighter as I'm comfortable at this weight.

A few stats first:

Start (27/01/09):
Weight = 17st 2lb = 240lb = 109Kg.
Chest = 51".
Waist = 48" (in line with belly button).

Present (21/11/09):
Weight = 13st 2lb = 184lb = 83.3Kg.
Chest = 42"
Waist = 39"

That's 56lb lost which is half a hundredweight in old money or nearly 26Kg for the metrically minded.

This was mostly achieved by sticking to the basic principle of weight loss - eat a healthy balanced diet, sticking to a sensible calorie/nutrition limit, combined with some exercise - in my case mostly walking. I don't like gyms so quickly gave up on that idea. I bought a weights bench and some weights but haven't used them much. I also bought an exercise bike but I only use that when the weather is really bad. I enjoy walking and like to get out and about for my exercise, rather than being stuck indoors sweating.

Now for the part - the photos.

Before: - The two half dressed ones were taken in March when I was 16st 2lb, so I had already lost a stone by then. The two fully dressed ones were at full fat.





After: Yes, I know I'm cheating slightly by holding it in but it makes for a much more dramatic comparison.