Here are my before and after pics. Never thought I would get there but i did. I didnt know if I wanted to post these but decided too. I do feel great but the battle isnt over. If i think like that i feel i will slip and put on some weight, which is my worst fear. Good luck to all in their own journey.





Matt

SOO AWESOME!!! You must feel Amazing!! Well done on your amazing achievement!!!!

How did you achieve your goals? You look like youve not only lost weight, but toned up too!

thanks KP!!!
The Doc scared the SH** out of me with diabetes in March 07 and havent looked back since. My arms are toned but i have loose skin on my belly and man boobs. I probably did lose to fast to hopefully some with tighten up.

thanks again

Matt

Awesome! Way to go!

:party:

You should be so proud of yourself.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t252/Leajnice/weight-2.png

Great Job!
My hubby is a big guy and I hope to one day see him at a smaller size. You give me hope that it can be done!
Way to go!

Holy smokes, man! You look like a whole different person! Awesome! :hurray:

Leajnice
thanks for the kind words. I see you are off to a great start. Stay focused.


Bellarnya,
Thanks for the post. You are doing an awesome job. Keep it up Something will click with your husband and he will do this. It is so worth it. I'm sure you will give him all the support he needs.

Carrina,
Checked out your sight. You are doing amazing. Great pics.

Matt

congratulations and i know what yah mean about the battle never being over. i have pretty much got to be were i want to be and am very uncomfortable thinking its over and were do i go know.

What an awesome success story! Fantastic!

I feel the same way usedtobefatmatt and yjtj. You two both lost more than I did, but I too feel like if I let my guard down, I'll gain the weight back. I know it's going to be a battle for the rest of my life.

were do i go know- YJTJ

So true, this is one emotion i have been feeling since i started maintaining. For 16 months i was successful but now maintainance is another unknown. Just something i have to get past.


Matt

GREAT JOB!!!! It is like you knocked off YEARS of your age! I'm sure everyone around you is proud that you achieved such a goal.

As for the battle, ALTHOUGH I'M NOT EVEN CLOSE TO WHERE U ARE in terms of weight loss, I just believe that when you get to your goal weight, you have to condition your self to THINK AND FEEL like a thin person does, because you are no longer an overweight person. And in time, if you continue eating the same quantities you eat now, you'll feel yourself comfortable and not worried. Besides, if the inspiring articles and tapes I read and listen to are any true, you already trained your metabolism to burn fat FASTER than it used to.

I trust the power of autosuggestion, and I advise you to LET YOUR BODY program itself that it is NOT an option to return to the past.
And in terms of movement an activity level to keep the weight off, just make sure that you LIVE! LIVING is a great way to lose weight and MAINTAIN IT. I'm talking from a personal experience, as an OBESE person, I do NOT live properly. But I intend to once I'm done with the weight loss.
I guess weight loss starts and ends inside the MIND FIRST.

Ok! OK! Fine, I'll stop now, I guess those tapes are REALLY Getting into my head! LOL!

Anyhow, CONGRATULATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

holy crap dude!!!! nice work. Thanks for the inspiration.

:eek2::eek2: that is immense

Wow..you dont even look like the same person!!!!
Congrats!!!

Thanks for all the kind words. I feel good today, had a good day at the gym and ate pretty clean.



you dont even look like the same person!!!!


People that i have known for years but havent seen my in a while walk right past me.


Matt

Wow thats fantastic gr8t job

P.H.A.T.
Thank you. I see you are having some GREAT success as well. Feels great doesn't it?


Matt

Wow! What a transformation! Congrats!

People that i have known for years but havent seen my in a while walk right past me.


Matt

Isn't that sweet?! It's worked out to my advantage for those people that I don't wanna talk to ;)

Isn't that sweet?! It's worked out to my advantage for those people that I don't wanna talk to ;)

That sounds so sweet! I can't wait until people dont know me. LOL Like my 5 yr highschool reunion thats in 2010 lol I hope so one knows who I am. I would love for the jerky guys who didn't date me to almost break their necks while they turn their heads so fast to take a second look... sweet sweet awesomeness that will be... haha

thats a realllllllyyyyy big transformation! Congrats on all the hard work you look great!

Isn't that sweet?! It's worked out to my advantage for those people that I don't wanna talk to ;)

I'll have to rememeber this when i see someone i dont want to talk to.

That sounds so sweet! I can't wait until people dont know me. LOL Like my 5 yr highschool reunion thats in 2010 lol I hope so one knows who I am. I would love for the jerky guys who didn't date me to almost break their necks while they turn their heads so fast to take a second look... sweet sweet awesomeness that will be... haha

Keep up the good work and you will be there in no time.


Matt

thats a realllllllyyyyy big transformation! Congrats on all the hard work you look great!

Your weight loss is as impressive. Good job!!


Matt

Congrats man, you inspire me alot. Good Job!

Wow! The pictures are absolutely amazing, and rather inspirational as well. I'm attempting to lose an equal amount of weight, so it's absolutely great to see somebody who has actually managed it. Congratulations!!!

Wow! The pictures are absolutely amazing, and rather inspirational as well. I'm attempting to lose an equal amount of weight, so it's absolutely great to see somebody who has actually managed it. Congratulations!!!

San,
you are off to a great start. Rememeber to stay motivated and focused. Small losses lead to big results.

Matt

WELL DONE!!!

You have done a simply smashing job! Best wishes to you as you enter this next phase of your journey. Remember, discipline weighs ounces - but regret weighs tons! You can do it.

Cheers
ABBA

Thanks ABBA!!!

You're doing an amazing job as well.

matt

I checked your diary before asking this but didn't see any info, do you mind sharing what you did and any tips that kept you on track? That's an amazing accomplishment. Was there a magical point where you realized "hey I'm actually going to successfully do this!"? You must feel like after doing that you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to. Gratz on getting to maintenance :) I'm sure you hear this alot but seeing your success is an inspiration. ~Lisa

Lisa,
thanks for the post. I'd happy to help you with any questions i can answer. I wish/hope everyone can feel this good about losing weight.

I was diagnosed as a pre diabetic at a physical and it scared the sh*t out of me. After breaking down and crying like a baby, because i was scared, embaressed (SP?), nervous, i decided it was time. I never looked back.

I started walking whenever i could. My two 15 minutes breaks at work, my hour lunch break, with my daughter in the back yard, taking stairs instead of elevators etc. Plus i attended a Dr's ordered exercise program twice a week. If it rained i drove to the local mall and walked inside.

I changed my eating habits. Measured and journaled everything. Bought measuring cups and spoons for my desk at work. Tried new foods. Got used to a lot of foods i swore i never would eat, asparagus, veggie burgers, cottage cheese, oatmeal etc. Believe me you get used to them. LOTS and LOTS of veggies. It wouldnt be out of the question to eat a whole bag of frozen veggies at dinner.

Weight loss was like a drug, the more it happened the more i wanted. I volunteer at the hospital where i started my journey, to help other people that were in my situation. I always tell people to focus on the next five lbs. I could never focus on 150 lbs, it would have seemed like i was spinning my wheels and going nowhere. This way i was always reaching small goals.

Does it ever get easy? No. Will it get easier? Absolutely.

Sorry so long. Hope this helps, let me know if you need anything, questions answered, motivation or the weather (JK). Leave me a message whenever.

Matt

^^ Such great advice Matt. I love
Weight loss was like a drug, the more it happened the more i wanted.
I 100% feel that way too. Im always after the next 3-6 pounds, And it helps remind me that theres always something that Im working towards. And once you get into that mindframe and your body follows, it get soo much easier!! Exercise will still 'hurt' and take it out of you as you work harder, but the difference from when you first started is now you WANT to do it!!loll

Amazing transformation, well done =)

wow - well done you!

Thats great... you're hot lol! :party:

Thanks Louise...that's very sweet.

:beating:

matt

Lisa,
thanks for the post. I'd happy to help you with any questions i can answer. I wish/hope everyone can feel this good about losing weight.

I was diagnosed as a pre diabetic at a physical and it scared the sh*t out of me. After breaking down and crying like a baby, because i was scared, embaressed (SP?), nervous, i decided it was time. I never looked back.

I started walking whenever i could. My two 15 minutes breaks at work, my hour lunch break, with my daughter in the back yard, taking stairs instead of elevators etc. Plus i attended a Dr's ordered exercise program twice a week. If it rained i drove to the local mall and walked inside.

I changed my eating habits. Measured and journaled everything. Bought measuring cups and spoons for my desk at work. Tried new foods. Got used to a lot of foods i swore i never would eat, asparagus, veggie burgers, cottage cheese, oatmeal etc. Believe me you get used to them. LOTS and LOTS of veggies. It wouldnt be out of the question to eat a whole bag of frozen veggies at dinner.

Weight loss was like a drug, the more it happened the more i wanted. I volunteer at the hospital where i started my journey, to help other people that were in my situation. I always tell people to focus on the next five lbs. I could never focus on 150 lbs, it would have seemed like i was spinning my wheels and going nowhere. This way i was always reaching small goals.

Does it ever get easy? No. Will it get easier? Absolutely.

Sorry so long. Hope this helps, let me know if you need anything, questions answered, motivation or the weather (JK). Leave me a message whenever.

Matt

I actually got diagnosed last year as borderline diabetic too and lost 50lbs. Unfortunately I took a "day" off that lasted 6 months and gained it all back. This seems to be a reoccuring problem the few successful times I've lost weight...I'm all out determined and excited like you described and then I throw in the towel when I hit a bad plateau or get too stressed in daily life. I'm working on that but glad you said it gets easier. I have a journal so feel free to stop by and offer any advice, I'll take all the help I can get :) ~Lisa

Wow simply awesome. You do totally look like a diff person.

Congrats!

Frosty,
Thanks for the kind words.

Matt

Just something i put together to keep me motivated. Thought i would pass it along. Feel free to add any that you use.


Motivation comes from within.- Author Unknown

Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.-Jim Ryun

People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.-Andrew Carnegie

Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything.-Napoleon Hill

Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.-Robert Collier

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.-Albert Schweitzer

Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.-Francis of Assisi

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.-Anatole France

Choosing a goal and sticking to it changes everything.-Scott Reed

Took an updated photo tonight. I have been trying to add some muscle lately since i obtained my weight loss goal. I still have a lot to learn and trying to really get my nutrion in line.

Matt

Great job Matt, I am in about the same place as you, I'm 37 and I started at 358 (my heaviest was 365) and am now 205 - 210. I am trying to add some muscle also. Keep up the good work you are doing great.

Fenster

Fenster,
Thanks!! Your results are amazing. Feels good doesnt it.


Matt

Wow, my mouth literally dropped open! Amazing job you have done! You're definitely an inspiration.

Just something i put together to keep me motivated. Thought i would pass it along. Feel free to add any that you use.


Motivation comes from within.- Author Unknown

Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.-Jim Ryun

People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.-Andrew Carnegie

Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything.-Napoleon Hill

Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.-Robert Collier

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.-Albert Schweitzer

Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.-Francis of Assisi

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.-Anatole France

Choosing a goal and sticking to it changes everything.-Scott Reed


Matt let me tell you, I love quotes and you just said a mouthful of them!!! Your weight loss is awesome but your outlook and wanting to help other is awe-inspiring. Keep up the good work and helping us keep on keepin' on!

:beating:

Wow nice job!

Just wanted to stop in and say thanks for some of your posts and....AMAZING!!! After reading your posts, I have to say great job! You are literally almost half the person you used to be! And thanks for answering some of my, and lots of other peoples questions...I am determined to have results like yours and as well as you, inspire and enlighten others. It's very cool that you want to share, and help out, the way you do. Again, thanks!!

Unbelievable loss, great job. You're a great inspiration.

What an awesome transformation :) you look good,Cheers to your health and success:beerchug:Well this beer doesn't add your calories ;)

Awesome, Awesome job :)

HUGE CONGRATS!!

:seeya:

Thanks Synyster.

You aren't too far from goal either. Keep it up.


Matt

Thanks Synyster.

You aren't too far from goal either. Keep it up.


Matt

I know!! I can hardly believe it!!

I've still got a bit to go before I'll be happy, but as Im sure you know, its exciting being so close!!

:seeya:

I bet you feel great and light as a bird! You look super healthy! I am so inspired!

wow you look like a different person!!

Oh my goodness! What an amazing job! You should be very proud. Remember, it's ok to indulge a little every now and then, but don't ever forget the long journey you just made!

thanks constantina...i am still learning that it is ok to indugle. Hopefully someday i will be in complete control.


Matt