Today begins what will hopefully be a significant life change for Cassie and I.  We have decided to take the opportunity of the new year to get serious about our health.  For those of you reading this that know me, you know that I am, and always have been, a large man.  To use the medical term, I am morbidly obese.  I was born big, I was a big child, and I’ve gotten positively huge in the last few years.  I’ve never really done anything to get myself into shape with the exception of a few times when I was involved in athletics when I was younger.  It hasn’t been a serious problem for most of my life because I’ve always been able to function normally and haven’t had any serious health problems.  But recently I have begun to notice that my body is starting to fight back against me.  My back hurts if I walk for more than a dozen yards and I can’t lay down on my back without feeling the pressure of my body weight on my spine.

The real turning point came when I saw a couple of people at work who were very overweight.  I looked at one person and thought to myself, “That guy is in serious trouble.  He needs to lose weight or his life is in jeopardy.”  Then I stood next to that person and realized that we were the same size.  It finally clicked in my brain that I need to get serious about getting into shape or my life may be in jeopardy as well.

I was inspired somewhat by watching the finale of the last season of The Biggest Loser on NBC.  Seeing people lose 200 pounds or more by watching what they eat, exercising, and getting support from others showed me that it would be possible for me to get healthy without surgery.  So starting today, January 2nd, 2008, I am beginning the process of losing what hopefully will end up being nearly half my bodyweight.  My main goal is to get to 250 lbs. (which isn’t near half my current weight) and my ideal goal is to get to 215 lbs. (which is almost half my current weight).  I would like to buy my clothes from a regular store.  I would like to be able to sit in a chair without worrying that it may break.  I would like to live to see my daughter graduate high school and walk down the aisle.  I need to get healthy to see that happen.

I’ll be using this blog as a journal of sorts through the coming months to chronicle how I’m doing.  I may post pictures or my weight loss progress or just write about how I am struggling without drinking soda, who knows.  So if you’re interested, keep checking back.  Comments of support and encouragement are always welcome.

I want to wish a happy, and especially healthy New Year to everyone!