New Guy - 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

Iron Turtle · 10-12-2010, 10:03 PM

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

HLS · 10-12-2010, 10:08 PM

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

ShrinkinSue · 10-12-2010, 10:26 PM

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.

matt_H · 10-12-2010, 10:30 PM

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

Iron Turtle · 10-12-2010, 10:38 PM

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

islandchick1 · 10-12-2010, 10:44 PM

to 3FC!

Hugs and support on your weight loss journey

Judy

Onederchic · 10-12-2010, 10:47 PM

Hi and welcome to 3FC.

Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

Jelbelle · 10-12-2010, 11:35 PM

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!

Summerfawn · 10-13-2010, 12:00 AM

Welcome!

matt_H · 10-13-2010, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron Turtle

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

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).

JillyM · 10-13-2010, 07:20 AM

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

Iron Turtle · 10-13-2010, 03:51 PM

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

Losing It 2010 · 10-13-2010, 10:23 PM

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

DhaniCauldwell · 10-13-2010, 10:44 PM

Welcome and good luck!

Dhani