Six Hundred Pounds to Lose!

I know, I know, it's been way too long. Once again, I have reasons, but no excuses. In any case, the biggest reason would probably be laziness, but other factors would include disappointment, stress, and the ups and downs of life.

As always, a lot has been going on here since I last wrote. I guess all I can do is just start typing and try to get everything up to speed.

Lee and I decided to go back in July to get weighed. Our results weren't as bad as we thought they would be, but there really wasn't any loss, either. It's was pretty disappointing, but it seemed to add a little more to our motivation. We also added something new to our efforts: we joined a gym! Really! Us! Honestly, I never thought that we would ever join a gym. I used to think that we could do well enough on our own. Don't get me wrong, we have done pretty well. However, we realized that we had hit a wall, or plateau, if you prefer that term. We need some extra help that we can't get on our own.

We experienced the fear that so many overweight people have: that they will be looked down upon by the other patrons at the gym. Trust me, there really are more skinny people at the gym than fat people, but there are also others who like us if you look hard enough. After signing up, on the first day we went, we almost gave up. Psychologically it was quite hard. We actually did leave, but sat in the van in the parking lot and said a prayer and talked things out. Lee decided that we needed to go back, so we gave it another try. When we got inside we ran into a guy who talked to us about his experience (he also used to weigh a lot more, but now looks SO much better) and he gave us some encouragement and advice. He told us to just ignore everyone else and pretend that it's just us and the machines. If we make that our focus, it will be easier. He was right. It made all the difference!

I guess I should say how it started: well, actually, Lee and I just decided on a whim to at least go check out the Sports Academy. After all, it really doesn't hurt to look. We talked with their membership person to get some information, and managed to get a great deal! It was too good to pass up. When we found out how much the normal rates are for two people (over $100 a month!), Lee asked if there were any deals that we could make, such as sponsoring. The nice young man called his manager and when he came back, we were offered a 2-for-1 deal if Lee would agree to be sponsored! That basically means that they will track his progress and Lee has given his permission for them to use his results in advertising.

It's also really cool that we were able to get a deal where we pay basically 2-for-1. Lee and I are a package deal when it comes to this weight loss thing. We do it together. Before we started working together we didn't have any lasting success. Since we finally decided to do it together, we've kept at it much longer than we ever have by ourselves. It also helps going to the gym together.

We have actually met some really great people at the gym! Most of the people we have talked to have been very kind and even helpful! There are still those times where it gets uneasy when people look at us, but overall it's been a great experience.

We get a few free visits with a personal trainer, as well. We got 3 from signing up, and another two as part of our deal. Our trainer also arranged for us to pay for further meetings at a discount. Rob is a good guy. He's been in our situation himself. He was once morbidly obese and has not only lost a lot of weight, but come to enjoy what he was doing and wants to help others, as well. It's nice having someone who has been in our shoes because he can understand, sympathize, and encourage us.

We've started seeing some changes for the good, too. Lee is at his lowest weight in years at 508 lbs, and I'm back down to where I was in November at 288. Not my lowest, but I'm going back down. The biggest positive results we've seen is how we feel. I'm really surprised at how much we enjoy going. We don't go as often as we planned, and some weeks are better than others, but I'm quite surprised at how we've stuck with it! Honestly, I am also quite excited that I can now go swimming more often!!

We took a few pictures but they didn't work out so we'll try again and post them later.

That's it for now. I promise to try to keep up with this more frequently! :-)