Here we go.

Okay, enough is enough... I've been struggling with my weight for far too long, and I always do a great job of getting myself pumped up every so often about doing something about it, but I rarely stick to it. The time has come to make a stand, and my most recent hairbrained idea on how to make that happen is to keep a public account of the struggle... at a minimum, I can keep myself paying attention to it, and at a maximum, any notes of support or ruthless heckling that is posted as comments here might urge me on further.

Goals

First, I know it makes an awful lot of sense to head into something this large with some tangible goals. I also know that having several of varying degrees helps to keep progress feeling good, rather than sooooo slow. So, here are some goals:

1. Maintain my current starting weight or lower, permanently. It's the lightest (pun! haha!) goal of the bunch, but it is an important one... if nothing else, I want to never deteriorate further than where I am today.
2. Establish and maintain a consistent schedule of exercize. I've got a membership to Bally's with my wife that has done a great job of eating money without being used for quite some time... it's time to make visits at least once a week regardless of what else comes up in life, and preferrably twice a week, for a minimum of a half hour workout each time.
3. Meet and maintain a reasonable eating habit. This does NOT mean cutting out loaded fries or soda - they are my treats and vices, and I'm not willing to part with them. It does mean eating reasonable portions regularly, and saving treats for occasional indulgence, rather than everyday diet.
4. Adhere to my health needs as a Type II Diabetic. I've met this goal if I do three things:
   (a) take my medications without fail
   (b) eat several small times per day (rather than twice in large portions, as is my common failing), and
   (c) drink water every day (not just soda)
5. Lose a tangible amount of weight greater than 10 lbs. I consider single digit changes to be random fluctuation; I need to see a double digit change before I will attribute it to real progress from my effort.
6. Fit back into my favorite wardrobe. In the past couple months, I've lost use of my favorite clothing, because I've gained one more size. I want that clothing back in my usable closet.
7. Lose 50 lbs. This is a milestone because it will bring me below an important psychological numerical marker.
8. Become capable of engaging in physical activity without discomfort. Currently, I am embarrassed to go camping with friends and be unable to pound in tent stakes because I cannot kneel or sit on the ground. I want to be able to engage in regular activities without my weight and health limiting me.
9. Fit comfortably into theater and stadium seats. Currently, I cannot attend events without constant discomfort in tight seats. I want to be able to go to a movie or a play or a sporting event without even thinking about the seats.
10. Weigh under 220 lbs. This is my most challenging and optimistic goal, based on my current weight. However, having researched the ideal weight of a man of my height, this goal is still generously above (60 lbs. overweight, in fact). I recognize that, even in my most ideal situation, I do not want to make the final concessions to reach that ideal weight of 160 lbs.: specifically, giving up my soda and occasional loaded fries; therefore, I set as my final goal a weight that I feel could be realistically maintained within the final lifestyle limits I will concede to the situation.

Initial Steps

I will begin by focusing on three specific strategies:

1. Medications and Water Products - As Goal Four might be the most presently crucial, I will concentrate on better solidifying my medication regimen (I remain good about my evening medications, but often miss my morning ones), and selecting water and primarily water drinks instead of sodas as regular beverages (a soda each day is still permitted)
2. Establish an Exercize Routine - I will finally begin visiting the gym with weekly regularity, and make it a priority that I must meet even when busy with other parts of life.
3. Take a Step in Eating Habits - I will consciously decrease the amount of food I eat in each sitting, specifically in the evening dinner meal (the only full sized meal I regularly eat).

Weigh In

Today, on November 7, 2005, I weigh exactly 350 lbs. This makes my 50 lbs. loss goal significant because it brings me into the 2XX range again, and places my overall weight loss goal at 130 lbs.

Please don't hesitate to post comments, or to be active in reminding me about my struggle. Thanks.