About
[This was written before the blog started.]
My name is Tyler, I’m 23 years old, 6 feet and 2 inches tall, and I don’t know how much I weigh; I don’t own a scale that has the structural integrity to weigh me (most scales have a 300lb limit). I am considered by the American government’s health standards to be morbidly obese.
My weight is literally off any Body Mass Index (BMI) chart I can find.
I started my new healthy lifestyle today. A life where I can take my shirt off at the beach. A life where I’m free to sit in a normal chair without it squeaking for its poor little life. A life where I can walk down my driveway without being winded. A life where I can see my daughter marry her high school sweetheart.
A life where I’m not extremely obese.
I don’t know what this new life will bring but I’m hopeful and willing. At the same time, I’m extremely afraid; afraid of failing yet another attempt to lose these extra 100+ pounds that are pressing against my overworked heart. With this much weight, I already know my cause of death will be a heart attack.
That’s a guarantee.
That leads us here, 344pounds.com. I want this blog to do three things. For starters, I want to use it to keep track of my weight loss journey; one day, when she’s old enough, I’ll show it to my daughter and tell her that “this saved daddy.” Secondly, I want to help others who are trying to lose weight; I want people to learn from my successes, as well as my failures.
Lastly, 344pounds.com is a way to keep myself personally accountable to my friends and family (who know about this blog), as well as complete strangers. I know I have people counting on me this time and watching my every move; and even though I’ve let myself down with multiple diets before, I won’t let everyone who knows me, cares for me, and loves me down.
And that’s a guarantee.
{ 33 comments }
I just want to give you major kudos. I too have been losing weight on my own (well, with the help of Weight Watchers), so it’s always encouraging to learn about other people who are just depending on themselves for lifelong success and not some fad diet. Best of luck in your journey and I look forward to reading future posts!
This is such a cliche thing to say but you are very inspirational. Both my husband and I are losing weight, I’ve lost 14 since Jan 1, my husband has lost 26. There comes a point in life where you just have to take responsibility for what you put in your body and do what it takes to be healthy. You should be proud of yourself for doing this at such a young age.
Good luck to you! I’m sure you will reach your goal before you know it.
Tyler,
I just came across your blog and see what all of your hard work is
amounting to. I just wanted to say “Great Job” man and keep it up. I bet you
are feeling better and better as every day goes by and just think, it’s
going to get even better!
I have had an issue with my weight since I was like 16 or so. Never over
250 lbs, or where you have been, but man is it hard getting it off. My wife
and I have been eating healthier over the last couple of months and I am
definitely seeing a result of that.
Okay, keep doing what you’re doing. You’re awesome dude!!!!!
Jamie Race
Chicago, IL
Hi there!
Just wanted to tell you that you’re not alone!! I made a decision to change my life and started living and eating differently January 8, 2009. I weighed in at 335lbs. I’m now at 299lbs and I feel FANTASTIC! I’m doing cardio 6 days a week and mixing in weight training every 2 to 3 days. I can feel a transformation in my body and all my clothes hang off me now.
You’re doing great! and thanks for sharing your journey…
Stay encouraged brother.
hi S.Tyler..this is kitten your moms cousin in maine..i dont know if you remember me or not..its been years since ive seen you..your mom sent me your blog..Ive been overweight all my life and staying motivated is one of the hardest things ive encountered…I:m so proud of you..Dont ever give up..Im sending your blog onto my friends who are also trying to lose weight..congrats on your baby..You are a GREAT inspiration..Thanks for your blog..ill be checking in again..
I saw your gym picks look like planet fitness. What region of the country do you live in?
Southeast. It’s a small gym, not a chain.
Tyler,
I want to say what a great job you have been doing and let you know that you should be very proud of the steps you have taken to a healthy lifestyle, I wish you the best and know that it will be a long but worthwhile journey for you! God Bless you and Good luck!
way to go you look great. we are so proud of you.
love aunt sylvian
Great work.. great concept using the blog. Good luck to you .. very very cool
Keep up the great work, brother! I’m also losing weight – 43 lbs so far since Dec 1. I feel you pain, but better yet, I share your triumphs.
Nothing tastes as good as being healthy.
Hey there Tyler,
Just wanted to let you know that you are an inspiration. I have a niece 22 that weighs what you used to weigh and we have found it hard to convince her of the medical reasons to loose. I think your blog will be a great tool.
Good luck and do not give up! Do this for yourself and your family
Hey man all I can say is keep up the great work pal. I started my new lifestyle the exact day you did…which is really ironic in my opinion. I started out at 281 and am down to 256. You really are champ…keep up the good work.
Hey my little nephew, I’m damn proud of you! You are giving me inspiration to get my ass back in the gym! I have gained about 30 pounds since I stopped back in August. You are damn near my size now and that has not happened since you were in 6th grade. I love you, keep it up!
I am going to donate dollar for dollar with you! I am also going donate one dollar per pound for my new goals. I am currently at 233 and I have lectured you for a long time. IT is time for me to put up or shut up! Call me later this week!
The Baker family in Maine is very proud of you! Keep up the great work! Congratulations on your new daughter.
Hey, I know your Mom, Sue, I work at the Base as a SysAdmin.
I started loosing weight back last September I weighed 296.5. I weight 217 now.
I am exercising mon-fri at the gym on base and I am currently on NutriSystem but I am going to get off of it soon but keep the same eating plan (5 meals a day).
Good luck! It takes alot to put yourself out here. We are all rooting for you!
Just happened to stumble upon your blog here, love it man. been working on it myself, only started a few weeks ago, started at 283 now im down to about 263 i mean its only 20 pounds but the good habits and things you learn when doing something like this really become beneficial in the long run. Thanks for making the blog, much love <3
For those of us who like to read about a journey starting at the beginning, it would be really great if you made a link that clearly pointed to your first blog entry. I found it on the 3rd try but why make people search for it?
Tyler,
First of all….You Rock bro!
I just came across your blog …very moving. You’re very generous Tyler…putting yourself out there like that. I have just started my own journey…for about the 10th time this week…but reading your words has given me the courage to say…Enough already! Get with the program! Someone out there is doing it! And so can you! FYI…were the same height but I’m @ 378lbs.with a longterm goal of releasing at least 160lbs. Anyways, your daughter will be very proud to read your blog one day. Thank you again….from the islands of Samoa!
Tyler,
I want to say keep up the good work. I like see someone who is motivated to do what is necessary to lose weight. You are motivating me as well as any other person out there struggling with weight. I have a massive amount of weight to lose and I know if you are able to have the discipline needed to accomplish this, then hey why can’t I. WAY TO GO!!! Hopefully one day I will catch up or should I say down with you.
I am just starting up my health blog today and ran across yours. What an inspiration. I hope to be held accountable on my journey to lose 100+ pounds as well. Keep it up!
Tyler, i just stumbled across your blog today and I am amazed. I was searching how to keep the motivation to lose weight. You my friend have given me the “umph” to lose weight and get down to my ideal weight. Just reading your story has inspired me. I have been overweight my since I was a pre-teen and could never find what i needed to get it off. You will be my “role model” as you have previously discussed. I know your weight loss journey will be successful.
great job I started my journey on monday. 279.8 I will keep you updated.
Hey there Tyler,
I’m from Iowa and have been viewing your site here since I started my own diet about 3 weeks ago. I’m in the same boat as you, many failed attempts at starting a diet but the day i stepped on a scale and it tipped 365 (I’m 26, 6′3″ with a large muscular frame), I knew that I had to take it into my own hands to save my life. I immediately professed to all my family and closest friends that I need their support during this lifestyle change of mine. I’m on the slimfast plan with a breakfast bar and a shake for lunch with a couple pieces of fruit in between, then a sensible dinner that includes a 6″ Subway sub or a salad with a couple pieces of meat thrown in. So far I’m down to 339 and feeling much better already, but my ultimate goal is 230 so the road ahead will be long. I want to accomplish this by Easter 2010 (April 4th.) I know the first 80 pounds will come off fast but then things will taper a bit. I’m doing cardio 5-6 days a week (elliptical in my basement and outdoor bicycling) and realize that is absolutely essential to keeping my metabolism up.
I appreciate the inspiration that you are offering to your peers who are making this journey with you. I wish you continued luck and success and keep the same positive attitude as a driving force in the coming weeks and months. -Ryan
I have no idea who you are, no idea how I got on your page, but you just changed my life.
hi tyler i am paul from england,i have to say well done to you and what a great web page this is,i truly dont think you see how much you are helping others and me with this weight loss journey we are all on,i have managed to lose 65lbs in 4 months and am now 20lbs from my target,i know you will reach your goal you can tell how determind you are from just from reading your site, good luck my friend not that you need it,oh and by the way what will happen to this site once you reach a weight your happy with?
I just discovered your blog. Fantastic! I weighed about as much as you did back in May 09, and I was miserable, mostly because many of my problems came because of my weight. Personal problems, health problems, etc.
I came to the same realization as you did: I needed to change my life. And I have, today, this morning, I’m now 307 lbs, I still have a long way to go, but I’m going to get there because I will (literally) die if I don’t.
I wish you the best.
Hi Tyler, just wanted to send you congrats on your weight loss…you look awesome! I can also relate to the journey you are on – we’ll get there! ;) Keep it up!
I just wanted to say WAY TO GO!!!! I don’t know you from adam, but wanted to say how proud of you I am. You are inspirational. I have started a weight loss journey myself and it’s a struggle, but you did it and your hard work shows! I hope I too can be as successful as you!!
I am so inspired. I have started my journey and have a long way to go but seeing it can actually be done within a year is incredibly encouraging.
Was looking for some new music for my workouts and ran across your website. My ipod choices are getting a bit stale.
Best of luck and continued success in your weight loss journey!
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