Adam

Age: 40

Lost: 58 pounds

Completed Program: October 2007

Prior to joining the 20/20 program, my health was not good. I was overweight, out of shape, ate all of the wrong kinds of food, and had sleep apnea.

There was a stark realization when I had a physical with my doctor and he relayed to me that my body's age was 56. My true age was only 38! My wife and I were getting ready to expand our family and being that unhealthy did not bode well for the future.

I tried a number of other weight-loss programs prior to 20/20 and they all turned out to be a waste of time and money. All they do is limit your food choices and hold some "rah-rah" meetings; this is not the way to effectively change your eating habits. I mean, I had three food groups - sugar, grease, and red meat. Getting completely out of that mentality is extremely difficult and requires a great deal of support from all angles.

The most difficult part of the program was the time commitment. My wife and I went through the program at the same time, so there was definitely some fancy readjusting of schedules to accommodate everyone and still be good parents. We made it work though.

Overall, it was easier to be going through this experience together and having that additional support structure at home was very helpful. By the time I completed the program I lost 53 pounds, 20% body fat, reduced my cholesterol, and eliminated my sleep apnea condition!

My primary goal is to maintain this weight loss. I am keenly aware that I can revert back to my old unhealthy patterns easily. I know that in order to stay successful I need to continue to track each meal, otherwise I will misjudge or "conveniently forget" what I have eaten.

I also know that I need to stay consistent with my physical exercise. Exercise is not fun for me. I know other people enjoy it and I am not one of those people. I do it so that I don't pay a terrible price down the road.

Overall, this experience has been incredible. I am happier at work and more resilient to the constant changes that come my way. I am a better father and husband too. I know that I will be around for the long term. Plus, my wife says she sees women checking me out now when we are out! I can't lie, that feels pretty good.