Greetings, all.

I've been obese most of my life. I hit 250 pounds when I was 12 years old and kept on going. I graduated high school at about 350 pounds, and briefly topped out at 380 pounds a couple years later. I went on a serious, SERIOUS, exercise program when I was 21. I worked as hard as I could 4 or 5 days a week for about a year and a half, but I never changed my eating pattern. I wound up getting my weight down to about 290, and I was as strong as a bull, but as soon as I stopped working out I regained all the weight. Plus some.

So, here I am today, 30 years old and well over 400 pounds. I am a full-time student and married to a wonderful woman. I'm taking control of my professional life, getting a degree and eventually having a career rather than a job, and now I feel ready to take control of my health as well. Once I finish school (May 2012 ) my wife and I plan to start a family. I don't want to pass these habits on to a child. I WILL change now.

My plan is to count calories and start walking every day. I'm hoping that, long term, I can walk across the stage for graduation at my goal weight of 215 pounds.

~Iron Turtle

Hi and congrats on your decision to eat better. I count calories as well (and it becomes obsessive). Good luck!

Welcome new guy! so glad to meet you... You've come to the right place for support and some really great ideas, I wish you the best on your journey, You can do it! If/when you get discouraged this is the best place to go.

Welcome to 3fcs! There aren't that many guys around here so I really hope you stay and keep posting.

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone.

Matt, holy smokes. I've gotta read your blog, brother, that's an amazing weight loss! Good job!

~Iron Turtle

to 3FC!
Hugs and support on your weight loss journey

Judy

Hi and welcome to 3FC.

Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

Welcome to 3FC!!! I'm SURE you can reach your goals and you will be a new and better person for your growing family! I think it's a great idea to get in shape now, your kids will have a happier, healthier father and you will be around to watch them grow for a very long time!! Good luck =) hop on some challenges to help keep yourself motivated!

Welcome!

Thanks! I'm not very good at keeping up with the 3fcs blog. I more just hang out here in the forums (usually the 100 pound club).

Best of luck, we are all here if you need support/suggestions/ranting/raving!

Thanks again for the warm welcome, everyone.

I just wanted to say that the changes that you all have made, and are making, is really inspirational to me. I've never been among a large number of people who are actively trying to lose weight and live a healthier life. I felt upbeat and positive and ready to lose weight before I posted my introduction on here, but I feel ten times better now and can't wait to start posting about my weight loss and maybe inspire someone myself.

~Iron Turtle

Welcome to 3FC, we are glad you are here and hope you stick around. There is a lot of support around these parts!

Welcome and good luck!

Dhani