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Weight Loss Success Stories - Ryand Lost 301 Pounds

First Name: Ryand
Age: 28
Family Status: Married
Occupation: Drafter
Hometown: Hanover, Pennsylvania
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost a total of 301 pounds! I went
from size 70 waist to size 40!
Height: 6' 0"
Waist: 40"
Starting Weight: 530 pounds
Current Weight: 229 pounds
       



Ryand's Weight Loss Story!
About 3½ years ago I decided I couldn't take
being overweight anymore. I had trouble moving, breathing, and just
doing simple everyday things. My wife and I wanted kids and were
unable to have them at the time because of being overweight. I went
to my family physician to see where I should begin. He told me right
from the start that if I didn't lose weight, I would not live
to see the age of 35, so I knew something had to be done. He
sent me to see a gastric bypass surgeon to help with the weight
loss. He told me that I was required to complete a 6 month diet
before I was allowed to receive the surgery. When I left the office,
I had an appointment at a weight loss clinic. The weight loss clinic
weighed me in at 530 pounds. They gave me a list of food
that I should and should not eat. I had an appointment to see them
again in exactly one month to get weighed again to check my progress.
When I left the clinic, I had a negative attitude and wanted nothing
to do with a diet. I kept telling myself that it wouldn't work and
that I couldn't do it.

I continued eating the way I normally did and ignored
the diet. It wasn't until the beginning of the 4th week and my wife
told me that I should at least try. Knowing how badly she wanted
kids, I knew that I had to do this not only for her, but also for
my family, friends, and myself. I told her she was right. I started
eating healthy and changed my eating habits. Upon arrival at my
first check up, I felt as though I could breathe better, not thinking
that just 1 week of dieting could have that effect. When I stepped
on the scale it read 505 pounds. I was in total shock that I
lost 25 pounds in one week from changing my eating habits.
After seeing results like that from one week, I thought
to myself, I wonder what would happen if I really try. I changed
from thinking negative to thinking positive. I started exercising
on a regular basis while eating right and I saw positive results
every month. When the 6 months of dieting was completed, the surgeon's
office called to tell me that they were ready for me but I told
them I was not ready for them.
I continued to work hard, eat right, and lose the
weight on my own. So here I am now, no surgery, no weight loss
medicine, no trainers, just motivation, determination, and the
will to live a long and healthy life. My wife and I now have two
boys and love every minute of it. Seeing them everyday makes me
work harder and harder, knowing that it will all pay off in the
end as I add several years to my life. WGAL News 8 did a story on
my weight loss and me in October 2009 and it turned out great. I
was excited to know that they were interested in my story. It was
filmed at the Hanover YMCA.

It just goes to show that positive thinking and
motivation can help a person accomplish anything they set their
mind to. If there is something you want to do, don't hold back,
set your mind to it and believe in yourself. Results might
be achieved easier than you think. I had great support from all
of my family and friends and appreciate their encouragement. I also
could not have accomplished all that I did if it weren't for my
dad. He has been there since day one of this long journey. He has
been to several workouts with me, pushing me harder, encouraging
me, and keeps me thinking positive. He has helped me become the
person that I am today, a stronger, healthier, and more positive
person than I have ever been. I look forward to every single
workout the future brings.

Ryand's Weight Questions & Answers!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I started becoming overweight in my early teens and became unhappy
when I was in high school.
What made you decide to lose weight?
Most importantly, my doctor told me that I would not live to
the age of 35 because of how overweight I was. Second, my wife
and I wanted kids and we knew that we would not be able to care
for them with the condition I was in.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I
started eating healthy, exercising regularly, and started believing
in myself.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
The most challenging part was cutting down on my portion sizes.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
I noticed my breathing was a little easier after the first week.
It took a few months for others to see results. Their compliments
encouraged and motivated me to continue to work hard.
How long did it take to reach your current weight?
It took a total of 3 years and 8 months. I lost 120 pounds in
the first 8 months. I lost 45 pounds in the next 25 months. I
lost 136 pounds In the last 11 months.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do
it?
I have been maintaining my current weight for 2 months now. I
exercise regularly and switched from a diet to a lifelong change
in the way I eat.
How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
My favorite is being able to have fun and play with our two sons.
Also, I can now shop anywhere for clothes as opposed to before
when I had to special order from a catalog. You can't find 8x
shirts in just any store.
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit.com helped by providing me with information about exercise
and eating healthy.


Ryand's Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Exercise regularly.
Weight loss tip #2:
Find an eating plan that you can live with for the rest of your
life.
Weight loss tip #3:
Exercise with a friend.
Weight loss tip #4:
Set goals that will make you work hard to reach them.
Weight loss tip #5:
Let people know what you are doing, they will encourage you along
the way.

Ryand's
Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
Ham, egg, and cheese omelet.
Lunch:
Salad with grilled chicken.
Dinner:
Grilled or broiled meat with steamed vegetables.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Cheese and raw vegetables.

Ryand's Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
2 times per week. Low weight, high reps.
Cardiovascular:
4-5 times per week which includes racquetball, treadmill, and
elliptical.

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