In February 2009, I was miserable. I couldn’t get around very well. My health was going downhill rapidly. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and depression. Every time I would see the doctor, he would tell me, “Stephen, you have to lose some weight, or you’re going to die.” I was at my highest weight of 632 pounds. Yes, I was morbidly obese, and I was ashamed of myself for allowing myself to get so big.

However, at the end of January 2009, I had lunch with my buddy Andy. He suggested that I start a weight loss blog to aid in my weight loss and to help keep me accountable. So, the first of February, I did just that. I started a weight loss blog. I started writing about my new weight loss journey. I started out by cutting my caloric intake and the amount fat grams I was eating. There was no special weight loss plan. There was no pill or surgery. I just basically cut back my eating and started walking regularly. What was amazing is that this was the first time that I actually stuck to a weight loss program. Before this, I had tried numerous diets and bought enough fitness gadgets to fill an entire closet, but I didn’t stick with any of that.

So far, it’s been an amazing journey. I have lost 266 pounds and currently weight 366 pounds. My goal weight is 200 pounds, so I still have more that I need to lose, but I’m over half way to my goal.

I can honestly say that my blog saved my life. I’m thankful for every morning that I get to wake up because at my worst, I didn’t know how much longer I had, but I turned things around. I improved my life, and I know that if I can do it, so can you. Never give up on your goals, and I look forward to sharing my past and future experiences with you.

Stephen Vinson works in information technology, is a weight loss blogger, and is an Anytime Fitness member. He writes about binge eating, running, weight loss, and more on his blog, WhoAteMyBlog?.