Weight Loss Stories – Ryand Lost 301 Pounds and 30 Sizes

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

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 Loss Interview!

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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