It's not about me...

[Perry]

I was encouraged to post my story here as a possible inspiration to others undertaking this WOE.

Let me just say that there is NO way my success can be considered inspiring. I look in awe at all the people here (and in my own family) who have battled weight their whole lives and YOU are the people who have inspired ME. You all have wonderful personalities and warm hearts and I feel so welcome on this board. It is this sense of community that is my secret inspiration.

My goals were very modest. I wanted to drop 27lbs and get back to the weight I was at when I met my wife 22 years ago. I tried my own methods over the years.. not any particular plans, per se... just the Perry plan. I would drop a couple and then put on a couple, plus a couple more! Before I new it I was in the worst shape of my life. Walking on my treadmill hurt my legs. Doing chores around the house hurt my back. The last straw was having to leave the golf course after 13 holes after a searing pain shot up my back after a swing. I was laid up for several weeks with a slipped disk.

After 2 months of therapy I took a good look at myself and decided that I need to do something... but what? My answer came from my baby brother. He had open heart surgery to replace 3 of the 4 arteries in his heart because of blockage. I took it hard, looked at my 2 daughters and wife and thought "Am I ready to leave them?". Then not a few days later, my brother called me out of the blue and said "Bro, you gotta try this Atkins. My cardiologist recommended it and I'm down 30 lbs and feeling like a new person". I thought the cleaned up heart made him feel better but he never got rid of the weight after the operation and it was becoming a burden to him.

The rest is history. I took 2 weeks off work in Dec 2003...did the strictest of inductions... exercised daily...drank my water... etc... Now, 7 weeks later I'm at my married weight of 180 and feeling like a 30 year old. My back is well... back! I have returned to golf (indoor practice) and work around the house without pain. I don't even wake up at night or have to down 8 advil every night! Well, I do wake up at night but that's only to do my business.

Thanks to those who've read this far. I appreciate knowing all of you. I hope to stick around and tackle new challenges and meet some new friends.

Regards.

[healthandharmony]

Thankyou for sharing your story. It really does help to motivate others. you have done very well. You should be so proud of yourself.

[JackiG]

Thanks for sharing your story with us Perry! It was very heart touching. I am so happy you and everyone else here have decided to change their lives around. There is nothing better you can give yourself. This WOE/WOL will give you a longer healthier life. Your story and everyone elses stories are so motivating to me and everyone else. I am so happy I decided to do this WOE/WOL I could not imagine living life anyother way.

Jacki

[Janice]

Thanks for your story, Bobby. I enjoyed reading it.

I'm so thankful your brother is okay now and that you will not have to endure what he did.

Good luck to you and your brother!!

[Perry]

I never kept a journal - either on this site or fitday.com. My mistake because I have no where to post updates on my progress. I guess I'll have to use this forum.

It's now 18 days past the day I hit my goal. I hit goal so quickly that I am wondering if my goal wasn't low enough. I hovered at 180lbs for most of those 18 days - increasing the good carbs in my menu every few days. I found that while I wasn't losing any more, more importantly I wasn't gaining!

I continued adding new foods - mainly stuff on the OWL ladders. I also continued to exercise and drink plenty of water. I felt 'great' but I still felt I had more to go. Why? I don't know. Then, earlier this week I stepped on the scale and discovered that I dropped another 4 lbs literally overnight. I know it was overnight because I weigh every day. I thought "Water weight whoosh" but the weight has not come back on.

So, now what do I do? I met goal and went below. I'm eating great meals. I'm never hungry. I have plenty of energy and continue to work out. Do I maintain? Do I just let things fall where they may? What do I add to my menu?

I've decided to invest in a Home Gym and begin a weight training program. The home gym arrives tomorrow. It has 2 stations and 21 exercises and lets my wife and I work out together. I will also continue to stay away from starches/sugar etc... but allow my self little treats such as a plate of pasta or a slice of pizza.

I also plan on making an appt. with my Dr. to get new blood work done. Last time I was there my total Chol was in the 210's! If I can get this number down dramatically it will reduce my level of worry about my heart dramtically. You see, my father and younger brother both had major heart surgery in their 40's to clear blockage of the arteries.

I'd like to thank the Dr. (I'm sure he can read this) for giving me the information I needed to totally reshape my life!

Thanks again to the board members here. I wish you all success.

[Happyme]

Thanks Perry for sharing your story. I really like the part that a cardiologist suggested that your brother do Atkins!! :ThumbsUp I always enjoy reading your posts. Let us know how you like your new home gym. We just got one a few weeks ago.

Happyme :wave

[LoveSong]

Congrats to you Perry, for making your goal and now maintaining Your posts are always fun to read !

And how is your brother? Has he reached his goal? Awesome that his cardio doctor recommended Atkins!

Continued good health to you both!

~Debbie~LoveSong~

[SportyDiva]

Congrats 2 your brother & u Perry :yes !! I always enjoy reading your comments b/c u know what your talking about. U helped answer alot of my questions when I first started Atkin's & I thank u for that!! :joy

[Lavender]

Hi Bobby, I am sorry I havent gotten to this forum untill today.

You did awesome. Your story touched me and made me think about my family just a little bit more.

Do you have a picture, or was it posted and I missed it?

Thanks for everything you do here at ADBB!! We need you here :yes

Lavender*