Today marks the one-year anniversary of the start of my weight loss journey. On January 23, 2010, I met with Richard Simmons, who planted the seed in my mind that I could make a change in my life, and had, a few weeks earlier, generously offered to help me. One year ago today, I began. I began writing down everything that I ate in a food log. I began working out more. I began changing my diet – cutting out soda; cutting back on processed foods; eating more fruits and vegetables, and eating more of them raw.
One year ago today, I stepped on the scale, and held my breath for the few seconds it took before a number appeared. The number was 402. One year ago today, I weighed 402 pounds.
One year ago today, I was skeptical. Maybe all my thoughts from the past couple of years were true: that I was always going to be obese, that I would have to find a way to continue living with this body, that I should continue being resigned to the idea that I would be unhappy, for the most part, for my rest of my life. One year ago today, I started thinking, well, I can give this whole diet thing a whirl, but don’t get any hopes up.
One year ago today, I started working hard. Really hard. I decided I would need to exercise 4 or 5 times a week. I decided I would need to start planning what I was going to eat that day, where that food would come from, and when I would fit in my exercise. One year ago today, I decided it was worth the effort. I was worth the effort.
One year ago today, I knew I was ready. I knew I had an opportunity, wearing a crystal-studded tank top and short shorts, sitting (and dancing, and singing, and laughing) right next to me. One year ago today, I knew I couldn’t let this opportunity pass me by.
One year ago today seems like an eternity ago. One year ago today I weighed 159 pounds more than I do now. That man, one year ago today, seems like a different person, who walked differently, ate differently, moved differently, dressed differently, saw differently, thought differently, felt different, was a different person.
One year ago today, I rarely felt proud of myself. I allowed my shame to collect and build up around me, clouding my vision, affecting my decisions. One year ago today, I didn’t like myself very much.
What a difference one year makes.
Keep it up, David!
Keep It Up, David! 
Happy anniversary!!!!!!!!!! This post made me tear up a bit. I’m so very happy for you!!! Keep it up, David!!!!!!!
Keep it up David! You’re an inspiration to all of us!!!
Happy Anniversary and CONGRATULATIONS on this adventure you’ve been on. Your story inspires so many, me included. I continue my journey and agree that I’m worth it. I’m not alwasy as convinced of that but I won’t give up. It’s a “Keep it up Kelly” kind of reminder that I get when I read your posts. Particularly fond of your produce shopping adventures so keep those coming too.
So fabulous. So inspiring. Love you always and keep doing this for yourself and the rest of us.
Wow! Congratulations is such a small word for such a great accomplishment!! I think it is great! I am on day 6 of my diet and I know, I know, “oohh day 6, such a long way! Not even a week.” But you know what, to lose weight in a year, you have to do it day by day. After I read your blog I was relieved. I see that an ordinary guy could lose weight, then an ordinary girl could lose weight too. Thank you for blogging. I am looking into it! 🙂 Take care!! Best wishes!
Wow,David! You have so much to be proud of. I’m so happy for you, you are quite an inspiration.
What a difference a year makes!! You have inspired me to give it a go! I have been heavy my whole life – I am going to start keeping a calendar and followng your advise. I am so happy that I saw you and read your posts – they are truly inspiring! Keep up the good work, David!
You’ve come so far. Congratulations.
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your journey, and really, your life with us. It’s cheesy, but true – I laugh, I cry, and I’m totally loving being along for the ride {:-)
I’m so glad I found your blog. It’s incredible to look back to the beginning of our weight-loss journeys..remembering how we felt, how we’ve changed…
A year and a half ago I was hopeful and skeptical and excited and scared. And it seems like a different lifetime now.
You took the opportunity to change who you were on the outside, and the inside seems to have changed too.
You’re inspiring, and I look forward to seeing what you do in 2011.
Happy one year “I am worth it” anniversary. You definitely are; We all are. We just need help recognizing it from time to time. I’m glad that someone helped you realize this and I thank you for sharing your story because I’m sure it will help others. Keep up the good (hard) work.
David – Thank you for sharing your inspiring story with the world. As I read the comments here it is so evident you are having a huge impact on others. This is a journey of pure perseverance at times – hang in there and KEEP IT UP DAVID!
Hi David,
One year ago today did you ever dream you would be an inspiration to so many people? Well, you are proof that is is never too late to start loving and taking care of yourself. I admire your success, because I know what it is like to struggle with your weight. Thank God for the man in the crystal-studded tank top, and thank God you listened. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.