David S. Hopewell, Va.
Occupation:
Quality control software technician
Height:
6 ft. 2 in.
Starting weight:
292 lbs.
Lowest weight:
186 lbs.
Current weight:
195 lbs.
Began weight-loss program:
May 2005
Length at current weight:
6 months
Weight and Me

In third grade I started to put on weight consistently. I kept making bad eating choices through my teenage years and into my twenties. I was active and played football in high school and with friends, but I was eating the wrong foods. I would skip breakfast, eat a big lunch that consisted of foods like steak and cheese, burgers, fries, pizza…all the good tasting stuff that is absolutely bad for me. I would also snack throughout the day. After years of eating like this, I weighed 292 pounds.
The Last Straw

As a Christian, I believe that God has given me everything I have. He gave me my body and he made it perfectly. It was time to honor Him by being a good steward of what He gave me. So I first humbled myself and prayed. I sought forgiveness for the way I treated my body and asked Him for help to be the healthy person He desires me to be. I was 27 at the time and I set as a goal to be in shape and healthy by the time I turned 30.
How I Did It

After I had asked the Lord to help me, I came down with a sinus infection. At the doctor’s office, a nurse suggested I’d talk to the doctor about wellness. My doctor recommended that I’d eat three meals a day and consume fewer than 1800 calories. I was basically following a diet for people with diabetes: little to no sugar, and a balanced diet of protein, carbs and fats. After consistently eating healthier foods, God changed my appetite. I no longer crave the junk I was feeding my body. I lost about 105 pounds without setting foot in a gym. It was all based on my consistent eating habits.
The Key To Success

God, first and foremost. He blesses us when we are obedient to Him. He placed the right people in my life to help me lose 105 pounds.
Derailers and Strategies

When I first started eating right, people started bringing in donuts and snacks to work. I stayed obedient and resisted the cravings and they went away. As I was losing weight, I would say, "When I get down to 225 pounds, I am going to have a pizza." But that is like saying after I quit smoking for 6 months, I am going to light one up to celebrate. That does not make sense. The reward is being healthy. Right now, nothing derails me, it’s a new lifestyle.
When I Slip ...

I haven't had any setbacks. All I can say is to press on towards your goals and do not give up.
When I Soar ...

I love it when I haven't seen someone in a while and they don't even recognize me. I love sharing what God has done and hope I can minister to help others and help achieve their weight-loss goals.

<sniffle> 290's my first goal... :sighs:

-=Mike

And you will get there, buddy. You can do it. We can help. Oh, isn't that Home Depot's slogan? Well, it applies here as well. :lol: