Be an inspiration: If you’ve made positive changes in your diet and/or fitness routine and are happy with the results, please share your success with us. Include your email address, a daytime phone number and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG). Write: Success Stories, c/o Patty Murphy, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
SUCCESS STORY / Erik Bush, 39: From 483 pounds to 180 pounds
Former weight: 483 pounds
Current weight: 180 pounds
Pounds lost: 303 pounds
Height: 5 feet 10 inches
Age: 39 years
How long he's kept it off: He started February 2012. "I plateaued in spring 2014 and I'm still holding strong at the end of 2014," says Bush.
Personal life: "I am a retired computer technician who is now a full-time dad. I have been married for 14 years and have two daughters and a dog … [I've] gotten into mud runs in the past year," said the Kennesaw resident.
Turning point: "I have done every diet anyone has ever heard of," he said. "Having my doctor tell me I would not live to see age 40 at my current weight and lifestyle made me finally decide it was time. I had tried many different diets and had various amounts of success, but always went back to old habits and ended up heavier than when I started." On Feb. 15, 2012, he had gastric sleeve surgery "followed by a complete change in eating habits and diet, and a lot of exercise. I started on my own, and then moved to a trainer — helps keep me honest."
Diet plan: "I eat five to six small meals a day, three hours apart, with water bottles in between. Most of my meals are protein-based, with one dedicated to fresh fruit."
Exercise routine: "I am training three times a week with a local trainer," he said. "We primarily do weight-based exercises."
Biggest challenge: "Fighting the depression that comes along with changing an addiction," he said. "The first week or two were extremely dark for me, but I had a very good therapist who did wonders in working with me … Social eating is very hard for me, seeing people eat the things I want to be eating is tough. I try to avoid it and do other things socially with friends and family, but there are times I simply can't if I want to be included. When that happens, I focus on protein first."
How life has changed: "It's really hard to put into words just how amazing life is when you aren't handicapping yourself with excessive weight," he said. "I am able to do things with my kids … I am active nearly every day now, doing something instead of sitting in a chair miserable and in pain … If you can't keep yourself accountable, find a trainer … If you need it, get a good therapist — it helps a lot … I have done the Merrill 5K mud run the past two years, and I am going to do the tough mudder run next year — I never thought I would get here."
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