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 / Brett Ory, 33: From 323 pounds to 192 pounds
Former weight: 323
Current weight: 192
Pounds lost: 131
Height: 6 feet 1 inch
Age: 33
How long he's kept it off: One month. "I started my weight-loss journey on July 4, 2011 and reached my goal of 130 pounds lost on October 5, 2013," says Ory.
Personal life: "I am originally from St. Bernard Parish, La., just outside of New Orleans. I graduated from LSU and went on to work for GE Capital where I still work today as a credit analyst." He lives with his wife, Lindsey, and son, Lucas in Marietta.
Turning point: "I tried Weight Watchers once before, right before we got married, in late 2007 and I lost about 35 pounds so I knew Weight Watchers worked," he says. "However, after the wedding, I didn't stick with it and put back all the weight I had lost and a lot more. In the summer of 2011, I was looking at pictures of myself and my eight-month-old son from our annual family beach trip and was disgusted at what I saw — I was shocked when I realized I was up to 323 pounds … I knew ignoring my weight issues would lead to serious health implications. I had to do it for not only myself, but for my wife and child. Failing was not an option. I set a lofty 100-pound weight-loss goal and got to work."
Diet plan: "I do the online version where I track my daily points online on my smart phone," he says. His day starts with water, fresh fruit and fiber bars. Lunch is a sandwich with carrots and a low-calorie pack of cookies. Dinners include chicken or turkey.
Exercise routine: "I work out at least five days a week for at least 30 minutes," he says. "Having a toddler makes it challenging to find time to myself, so I set the alarm for 5 a.m. and get in 30 minutes before work on our home elliptical."
Biggest challenge: "What I like about Weight Watchers is I still eat the foods I want, but in learning portion control, I learn to eat in moderation. It will be a battle for the rest of my life but I know I can have a slice or two of pizza and be okay. In the old days, I would have four or five slices."
How life has changed: "Within the first 40 pounds lost I noticed a substantial difference. I was able to stop taking my prescription for heartburn all together and haven't taken it since. My joints stopped aching after running. I had tons more energy. And best of all, especially if you asked my wife, I stopped snoring. I had tried Weight Watchers in the past … [but] this time I just set realistic goals and realistic time frames. I did it the hard way with exercise and told myself when I started, I didn't care if it took me two years to lose the weight … I knew I wanted to be there for my son."
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