Lost 80 Pounds and Found Out Who I Actually Am

5d ago1 min read

Started this journey 18 months ago at 285 lbs just trying to keep up with my kids without getting winded. Did a bunch of running, got into meal prep, the whole thing. Now I'm under 210 and honestly it's wild how much of my identity was wrapped up in being the 'heavy dad' or making self deprecating jokes about my body. Lost some friendships too because we always bonded over beers and pizza and that's not really our thing anymore. Gained confidence though that I didn't know was missing. First time in years I don't dread going to the beach with the family.

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Comments(9)

JJayson H.New Dad4d ago

This is incredible man. 80 pounds in 18 months while keeping up with kids is no joke. I'm at that point where I'm just exhausted all the time and can't chase my boys around like I used to. How did you actually stick with it when you've got the constant chaos of parenting?

EEric M.Regular3d ago

Congrats on the weight loss but that title hit different. That realization of finding yourself again is the real victory. You must have way more energy to keep up with the kids now too.

TTom P.Regular5d ago

Dude this is awesome. I'm only 6 months into fatherhood and already realizing I need to get my act together fitness-wise if I want to actually keep up with my son. Did you find meal prep got easier over time or did you have to keep adjusting your approach?

DDavid K.New Dad5d ago

That's a major transformation. My kid and I just got back from Crater Lake and I was thankful to be in decent shape for all the hiking. Finding out who you actually are through the process sounds like you got way more out of this than just the weight loss.

SSteve C.Regular5d ago

That's incredible man, 80 pounds is no joke. I know exactly what you mean about keeping up with the kids - my boys run circles around me and I'm determined not to be that dad huffing and puffing on the playground. How long before you noticed you had way more energy during our custody weekends?

LLuke M.New Dad5d ago

Yo this is awesome. I've been thinking about doing something like this but honestly the time commitment scared me off. You working the whole time too or did you shift things around to make room for the gym?

SScottRegular5d ago

The finding out who you actually are part hits different. Congrats on the physical transformation but I'm curious what you discovered about yourself in the process. Did your priorities shift with the kids or was this more about you?

MMatt B.Regular4d ago

This is incredible work man. Finding out who you are on the other side of something like that has to feel wild. How are the kids reacting to the new you?

SScottRegular4d ago

80 pounds is insane. That's an entire person. What changed for you that finally made it stick after all the years of thinking about it?