magneto1138

Thank You

UPDATE!!! I have reached my goal! I am now 220lbs! A lose of 215lbs! I'm still not sure if I want to get under 200, being 6'3" might look a little lanky. I love my new way of life. Eating healthy, working out regularly, I can even run an 8 minute mile! Before starting this change I had a dream one night, I saw myself fit and healthy riding a bike around town, it was one of the most vivid dream I've ever had and still remember it exactly. This dream played a major part in the decision to start my change. I told my mother about that dream before I went into surgery, and it hit her hard. Well, this Christmas as the family was winding down from opening all of the gifts, my mother stands to make an announcement. She begins to explain to everyone the dream I had once told her about and then rolls this out... I was shocked and amazed(a bit teary eyed as well)! An incredible gift! She also included a bunch of bike tools with it. I went to Target the next day and picked up a super awesome Swiss Army backpack, to which I now use as my gym bag/bike bag! I have ridden it almost everyday since I've had it. It's such an amazing and exhilarating feeling. The first time I rode it to my gym, which is about six miles there and back, about halfway there I hear a whistle, look to the other side of the road and see a seasoned bike rider(pro-bike and typical tour riding attire). He looks at me with a big smile on his face and throws out a peace sign followed by a fist pump. I knew exactly what this meant. It was his way of saying "Welcome aboard and way to go!" I almost broke down and started crying. It was the best feeling I've had in a long time. I did it.

Thank you all for the kind words! It truly has been an incredible journey! I had many clients come into my job, whom I haven't seen in almost a year, and they all ask me, "Where is Jordan?" That's always a great feeling, they are in total shock and disbelief Most are curious about how I did it, but feel hesitant to ask, and I always tell them I am happy to inform!

14 months ago I embarked on an incredible journey. I have struggled with severe depression since my early teens and, like most, I took to eating as a coping mechanism. Throughout the years I have tried many diets. All of which were soon abandoned within the first couple of weeks. Towards the end of 2009 I had an injury and knew exactly what the cause was. The gavel in my mind slammed down. It was time to make a change and change for good, even if that meant taking drastic measures. I had always been against any form of weight loss surgery. Thinking, "Why can’t you just lose weight like everyone else on a normal diet?" I finally caught myself in a huge pit of denial. After much research and consoling with my family; I decided to opt for laparoscopic banding. I knew that if I was to be paying for something this drastic, I would do it right and stick with it no matter what. On 8/9/10 my 10 day pre-op liquid diet began, and my weight was 435 pounds! My surgery took place on 8/19/10, with no complications. I remained on my liquid diet for a total of 28 days. After that I was slowly re-introduced to foods. Having cut out all fried food, fast food, and sweets (I have had NO FORM of rice, bread, or Pasta since beginning). I now love my new diet. Fresh and healthy is a lifestyle I have learned to love. Sure, someday I will enjoy what I cut out from my diet, but I will be way smarter and more health-conscious when doing so. After losing a hefty amount of weight, I was ready to hit the gym! I started a membership in January 2011, and have been dedicated to going at least 4 times a week since. Through the months, as the weight has been melting off, I begin to feel superhuman! Things I have not been able to do since my early teens, I now enjoy and love doing! I will stay true and dedicated to this lifestyle, even after my goal is met. Thank you everyone for your support and love. Life is good. Oh, by the way, I have gone from 435lbs to 244lbs. A loss of 191lbs, as of 10/22/11. Before: After(pic is a couple weeks old):