The first picture is one of the very first before shots I ever posted. It was at a cousin’s wedding in December of 2008, right before I started my journey.
I remember the day this picture was taken.
It took me hours to find a decent dress shirt and pants — I couldn’t make a trip to my beloved Big & Tall store due to a lack of time, I had to rely on the mall. I finally found a 4XL shirt at Dillard’s and a pair of khakis (48 or 50 w) to accompany it.
My wife and I drove separately to the church as I had to stay late for work. Walking into the church and meeting her before the ceremony I remember telling her how horrible I looked. I was sweating profusely (like always), my shirt was constantly becoming untucked, and I was just generally uncomfortable around all of these beautiful people dressed up in their Sunday best.
Bluntly, and truthfully, I felt like a big fat slob.
Fast forward a wedding. This time I watched my sister get married. It was an outdoor wedding, yet I didn’t have a drop of sweat on me. I wore shirts and pants that were teetering between a medium and a large. I must have received at least 20 comments about my looks from family and folks who haven’t seen me in the last several months. People were pointing.
I walked up to two different family members at the wedding, shook their hands and stared right into their faces, and they just didn’t recognize me…
I had to tell them my name.
{ 45 comments… read them below or add one }
That must feel vastly wonderful! I remember feeling that way after losing 100 pounds long ago when I went to a family funeral. Nobody knew me!
Just a bit curious. You mentioned you did not have a drop of sweat. Is this only because of your weight or do you have any other methods?
It’s the weight loss. When I started last July, after a 30 minute walk I’d be sweating for 30-60 minutes after I was done. I’d be sitting on a towel with a fan blowing on me to help me cool down.
Now, I’ve lost 140lbs and I stop sweating as soon as I stop exercising. I can be out and about and not sweat at the drop of a hat. It’s something that I didn’t think about at all, but has turned out to be an amazing benefit.
Only because of my weight. I hardly sweat anymore these days, even at the gym.
Ah-mazing. :)
Wow, if I ever get to the point where a large starts feeling too big – holy crap!
Wow, what a difference. You’ve done so well.
I can relate to the feeling you had walking into the wedding a few years ago. I have felt like that, especially with the Florida heat which at times would practically incapacitate me just from the sweat alone. I’m happy to say that I just cleaned out of my closet a ton of clothes – some that were 5 sizes too big. I’m on my way to becoming a comfortable person. You’re an inspiration. I can’t wait to read your book.
Good for you tyler! I lost 6 pounds this past week and now weigh 202. Im hoping to be under 200 this weekend. You look great btw!
You had to tell them your name? Brilliant.
I remember at my own wedding I was sweating horribly, and I had the squared up paper towel in the pocket of my jacket and had to wipe my forehead so many times that that paper towel started shredding it was so wet and nasty.
That’s another memory I need to use to drive me to continue this weight-loss adventure of mine.
That must be an awesome feeling!! I am in awe.
I’m usually the fat person at the wedding. I am getting married in June and I will still be the fattest person there, but I am already 32 lbs lighter than I was and I am going to continue this journey. Next year this time I hope to have lost 100+ pounds.
Holy cow! You had to tell them your name? That’s all sorts of awesome! YAY YOU!
Holy cow you’re hot!
I haven’t lost enough weight to be unrecognizable, but I do get comments on my weight loss from friends and family who haven’t seen me in a while. And, while I like that I’m more fit, it often actually makes me uncomfortable. I know the people commenting on my weight loss mean it as a compliment, so I don’t want to tell them to stop or that I don’t like it… It’s strange for a family member or a co-worker to be looking at my body in that way….. Does anyone else get that feeling?
I know what you mean. My dad always makes comments like that. I just came back from vacation and the first thing my dad said when he saw me was, “You look skinny!” I know he is trying to make me feel good, but it also makes me uncomfortable because I’m always paranoid that people have my weight under a magnifying glass when they really don’t (or do they?). I also have a co-worker who very openly looks me up and down (it is a “she”) when I begin to lose a few pounds, which also makes me feel the same thing again. We eat lunch together every day and every day (except for lately), I get the full-body-checkout. She’s also tried losing weight for some time now, so I don’t know if it makes her feel bad to see my jeans getting loose…. but it’s uncomfortable, to say the least. So I totally understand.
I thought I was the only one made uncomfortable by this type of behavior! So glad I saw your post! I’ve even contemplated this for being the reason that I slack on my diet, because of my sub-conscious desire for people to quit looking at me and observing my progress!
Leah and Jill – People are probably either happy for you, curious about how you did it or a little envious. You’re doing great, and you should try not to let it bother you. Enjoy it! Sometimes though, when others are trying unsuccessfully to lose and they see you being successful, they want to know but don’t want to ask – talking about their own failure to lose weight can be uncomfortable. Congrats to both of you, and to Tyler too!
I understand what you mean. By them telling you that they see how much weight you’re losing, it must make you think that they saw you and noticed you when you were so big/gaining as well.
It’s a little sad, but the only thing you can do is leave that place for good and never look back.
Of all the post you have made on your blog, this one by far is the best. It really shows your hard work off!!
You and Tony (over at antijared.com) have put me in tears today. I so needed to see the before and after cause today I hate this life changing journey.
Not so much after reading posts from my two favorite boys.
Thanks Tyler for showing us there is an after when we work for it!
Must have been a killer feeling Tyler, congrats! I used to HATE going to weddings too for the same exact reasons. I’m actually looking forward to the next wedding I’m invited to. I’m going to rent a suit and look forward to my own “I had to tell them my name” moment.
Keep up your awesome work…. you’re getting closer and closer!
When I got to the bottom of the post where you said, “I had to tell them my name,” my eyes teared up. I don’t know why. Such a great moment (though it wasn’t mine, it was yours).
Maybe that should be the title of your book…………….
Great Job! You look pretty “rico suave” in that picture.
You are truly an inspiration…thank you for sharing your journey with us!
Wow Tyler, that must have felt awesome! I’ve lost 29 pounds this year and no one can tell yet. I can’t wait till the day I experience what you have!!! I can’t wait!!!!
AS ALWAYS, you are such an inspiration!
PS: I like that kilt… maybe you should have worn one to show off your legs!
:) xoxo
That’s frickin awesome! I can’t wait ’til its me. :)
You look AWESOME!!! I am so excited to see the weight this week! I just know this will be it :)
Grats :) That truly is amazing.
Oh that made me cry a little (with joy)! That is soooo wonderful and I can’t wait for that to happen to me. Talking my new roomies into going to the gym with me when I get home from work. Thank you for the inspiration…I needed it.
You look awesome in the tux!
That’s awesome. I hope someday that I will have to tell my family members my name. Soon hopefully. I’m at 50lbs lost today!
I can imagine the looks on their faces when you told them your name, Tyler.
You look amazing. So sharp!
Ha, you look like secret service with a rose! Very Handsome. Bet your wife made lovey dovey eyes at you all day.
I totally teared up. So awesome.
Tyler, you do look wonderful. It must have been so nice. Not often does the brother steal the bride’s day :)
I also noticed this. Even with the man in the picture wearing a kilt, (i looked back after it was mentioned in the comments) you blended in with the crowd and didn’t stand out. Standing out of a crowd because you’re heavy is not fun.
You rock…don’t know you and am so proud of you! I am also learning that sometimes eating healthy food can taste just as good as the other stuff I used to eat and love
Smokin’ freakin’ HOT, T! A. may. zing.
I walked up to two different family members at the wedding, shook their hands and stared right into their faces, and they just didn’t recognize me…
I just so love this!
Looking SHARP, Tyler!!! :-D
Wow! And congrats :) I’m about to start my journey – if I can talk myself into the first step… You’re great inspiration.
Amazing transformation. Congratulations!
That’s awesome. I can guess how you felt..
I’m on my way bro.. And i am really happy for you for making it!
That is so cool. I’m starting that trip myself… and look forward to that same thrill. You have done such a great job, and your blog has been great incentive to me. Thanks for sharing your journey with the world. It does make a difference!
Yeah Tyler, you look like CIA operative.
AWESOME! Could totally relate to your previous ‘regrets’ post too…except mine is 35 years of regrets. That’s all changing this year. 22 pounds gone, 108 to go…thank you for reminding all of us still at the beginning that the journey is so worth it!!
Your story really inspired and touched me. I am a fan!
You look AWESOME Tyler… keep it up! And again CONGRATS on your success thus far