Dave

Age: 27

Lost 90 pounds

Completed Program April 2007

My health has always been in a state of flux for as long as I can remember – skinny as a kid, gaining weight in adolescence, losing weight when entering college, and finally hitting 274 pounds in the summer of 2006 when I started a new job. I felt out of control. Most of the weight gain came from being consumed by work and driven to do the best, but usually at the cost of my own health.

I kept fooling myself into thinking that I could change anytime, so why bother now. I always fell back on the excuse that I was too busy to worry about how unhealthy I was. But then I discovered a newfound love for the sport of sailboat racing. Like many things I do, I wanted to do the best I could. And my deteriorating physical condition severely affected my performance on the boat. I was cumbersome and slow, and even had some near accidents that would have put me and the crew I raced with in danger. It was one such event that solidified my need to change, and to do it as soon as possible!

When I attended the 20/20 Lifestyles introductory lecture, it made me realize that others were also struggling with the same issues, but that there was hope. I saw how my friends who had been through the program had transformed into thinner, more active people. It was not a weight loss program to hit your target weight and then send you packing. Here was a program that was designed to change your life, and that was what I ultimately needed.

I had tried many diets ranging from modified eating habits to Atkins and South Beach regimens. I’d always seen some weight loss, but usually work or stress derailed my resolve. And I’d quickly return to my previous weight or often surpass it and hit a new maximum.

In addition to the dietary issues, I’d never learned how to exercise. Even when I was skinny, I was always weak and never had any endurance. I was simply out of shape, regardless of my weight, and being heavier only made things a lot worse.

What was most difficult for me was thinking about how things would be when I graduated from 20/20. How would I keep from going back to the old ways? The meal tracking and workouts became second nature during the program, but how would I do when I no longer had my team to watch over me?

The first week, I experienced withdrawal symptoms, suffering from hunger pangs, headaches, and severe agitation. My first few workouts were shaky and weak. I thought to myself, “This is going to be impossible.” Then within a week’s time, the symptoms disappeared.

A month into my routine, it became a motivating challenge to push the bar further and higher. I never thought I would achieve anywhere near the results I’ve seen.

I no longer fear the future of maintaining this new healthy lifestyle. I take every opportunity to push my workouts to the next level by my will alone. My dietitian helped me through the rough spots and made it easy to choose and plan meals wisely. I still use her advice to this day.

The lessons taught during the 20/20 Lifestyles program have made this goal attainable. The changes in my life are incredible. I no longer feel impeded. I look forward to trying new activities. People truly listen to me instead of just trying to get past my appearance. My general level of happiness has increased and this has helped my relationship with my wife by leaps and bounds.

With my improved appearance and increased energy level, I’m able to speak with confidence to important members of my company, as well as other business contacts. I’m able to get more done during the day and rarely have that “3 p.m. slowdown.” I bike ride with co-workers at lunch, which helps with team building and improves our fitness levels. My professional life has turned a complete 180 degrees compared to a year ago.

I feel in control of my health - and my life.