Brad's weight loss story

212

2010-09-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

I like to accomplish what I set out to do. Who doesn't? Who wants to do something half way? or Half hearted? Not me. Honestly I find it very, hmm, exciting, even "sexy" about setting a goal and acheiving it. Twealve pounds. I know there where days in my past where I likely could have fluctuated nearly that much in a day.... nearly. Twealve pounds stands between me and the goal.

I am starting to foget what it was like to carry the burden of extra weight. My mind and body are rebuilding in ways that before this process I didn't even notice. Didn't notice because I could NOT see my body. I was blind from the self-destructive actions of abusing myself.

Mind, Body, Spirit. They are interwoven and when one is out of balance how can it not affect the others?

Here is a photo from last Friday, Kara and I attended the Shinedown concert at the Alaska State Fair. It was an Amazing day, what likely was the last day of Summer in many ways... Before Kara arrived in Alaska, she too had been on a weight loss journey losing 100lbs herself, so we are both very happy to be looking fine, hanging with the band.

When your not living what you dream, if your not full of everything you desire, set a goal to change it. Whatever that is, its not weight for everyone, so whatever your area in life you wish to improve or radically change, the power to do so is inside you. I believe it, and I am living it.

The Final Countdown

2010-08-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

down to less than 25 lbs to reach the goal, a busy summer, here is the latest.

103 video blog

2010-07-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

100

2010-06-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

So today we celebrate 100lbs gone from my life. I am so thankful for this change in every aspect of my life and how for the first time in many years I can truly say that I am again Alive.

Just over 4 months ago, February 16, 2010 I started this journey weighing in at 340lbs, fully diabetic, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, bad health readings of every kind. I was immediately put on prescription medication and realized just how far down a slippery sloop my health had slide. I won't kid you, I was in bad shape. Really bad.

Today, its a new reality. I am no longer on any persciption medication, all blood tests show a Strong Healthy person with great levels. I am energized about life, excited about possiblities and egar to join in and get involved, not let life slip by.

The biggest lessons for me in this journey has been to quiet the self doubt, take time for me everyday and to honor my physical temple as much as I honor my emotional and spiritual temples. OK, the Alaska sumer calls, I'll be back with a video blog very soon. Thank you for your continued interest and support.

Brad

252

2010-06-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I am sorry for the delay in posting. Life is going better than ever and also very busy. Last week a new video blog was recorded with some great stuff, unfortunatly due to technical difficulties the footage is not usable. I am working on a new video blog and will have it up soon.

I am happy to report that I am no longer taking any medication, including the small diet pill that I was on at the begining of the process. My numbers continue to get lower or stay at a Healthy level and the way I look? Wow people really notice.

The best thing for me is how I feel. Every part of life and movement is better than in 20years. Other great things are happening, like spending time with my HS sweetheart Kara.

Again thank you for your continued interest and support. For those that are also on the path to better health, keep up the great work! I have talked to many people that have been inspired by my story and it really moves me to know that none of us are alone, we have each others support to guide us through the rough waters in life and cheer us on at our triumphs.

Take some time today to do something special for your body, love it by feeding it well, exercising it and telling yourself just how AWESOME you truly are. I am excited to show you the new video blog, I think some of you will be shocked... :-) Oh yeah, weigh in this week, 252.

Get Physical

2010-06-08T00:21:00.000-07:00

OK a short blog highlighting a typical workout...

The half way point

2010-05-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

Well the long awaited VideoBlog is done, enjoy.

the film will begin shortly

2010-05-20T23:52:00.000-07:00

I appologize for the delay in posting the new video blog. It is nearly completed and should be online sometime Saturday morning. For now enjoy this new photo from last weekends performance. We play again on Sunday at Chilkook Charlie's.

42, the answer to the universe and everything...

2010-05-14T00:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a new pic taken tonight in brand new size 42 waist jeans. When was the last time I wore 42? Honestly no clue. Its been a while for sure. These pants are also purchased from a new place for me, the regular men Section. Not big and tall. Hopefully tomorrow (with rebuttals gig at Humpy's 9-1, shameless plug) a new video blog will be posted with MAJOR News about my health. If not posted tomorrow, I will have it up by Saturday.

Have a great weekend.

Who are you?

2010-05-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

So the other day I was talking to someone I had not seen since this process started. After a few minutes of talking the person goes, "Brad,??" and I was like, "Yeah, who did you think it was" he did not recognized me. So how does that feel? Might Fine.

Yesterday at Weigh in, the lossing keeps on truck'n down, 283. I keep thinking that I'll do some big celebration or change on this site, and I am working on it. However I have also realized that any target other than the final 200 is silly cause everyday I weigh less than the day before. Everyday.

There are times when it is a bit overwhelming. Those are the times when I just breath, relax into what I am feeling and remember that it will pass. The bottom line, like in all these blogs, I feel great, I look better, my health is improving in every area of life. Why would someone not want to feel better? Why? I look forward to hearing your thoughts on that.

This weeks Weigh in

2010-04-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I'm working on a redesign of the blog and a new video as well. I hope to have these changes completed this week on the Eve of the first of many "39th" birthday(s).

Today at weigh in the scales topped out at 288lbs! That is down 52lbs since starting.

Here is the hard data:
Start, Feb 16 --- Today, April 27
weight: 34olbs --- 288
Blood: 142/96 --- 120/70
Pants: 54w --- 44w
Shirts: 4XLT --- XLT

Add all that hard data with the fact that I feel Amazing, I am a new man today. You can have the same results, exact same. If you wish to loss weight or improve fitness, start now. Get up, walk, move, dance, eat less, eat healthier, do it now, finish it fully.

Spring Fever

2010-04-20T01:03:00.000-07:00

Check it out...

Monday Morning

2010-04-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, hope you had a great weekend. I had some technical challenges over the weekend and lost a finished blog. So I will be fixing it and re-publishing it this evening. Apologies for the delay.

Beyond that, I am doing great and feel wonderful. Last week I competed a video that in the end required me to stay up for aprox 40hrs without sleep. This is something that I used to do often and without much difficulty. However the last 5 or so years this has been harder and harder. Additionally hard to staying awake is the amount of food, bad food, that I would tell myself was needed to stay up and "keep the fires burning," I am proud to announce that not only did I make the deadline but I did it without any Junk food, nor even going off my specific plan from Alaska Premier Health.

That is success, measured in real world results.

Due to this extreme work schedule I ended up missing two workouts with Michele at Body ReNew. However, thanks to Michele and her willingness to be flexible and her eagerness to see me keep going, we did a DOUBLE workout on Sunday. Yes Double.

We meet Sunday morning at 8am for a one hour upper body workout and then back at 6pm for a one hour lower body workout. Let me tell you, 8weeks ago I was as Sedentary as I could get away with, now I did a DOUBLE workout in one day. Yes I did, and so can YOU!

I want to over state, to the edge of annoying you, that this story could say "Your name here Weight loss story" that is what this page said before I started. Realizing that this might sound cliche, It starts with ONE step. That is all, One Step. If you are wondering right now, go ahead, take a step, take one step. Tomorrow take two steps, if you want, I will take a step or two with you. None of us are in this alone. Recruit your team, live your dream.

first day of the rest of my life.

2010-04-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

and its going to be a LONG wonderful life. Yesterday at weigh in, 297, !!!! Can I get YYYYEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

looks like I can.

I am on cloud nine, or ten, right now, feeling great, motivated and on track. New video blog is in production and some new and old pic for motivation. The blog will also be going through a remodel as we celebrate hitting this major milestone of now being under 300, when someone asks my weight, it starts with 2, not 3.

that is Huge.

Yard Sale

2010-04-06T02:36:00.000-07:00

For Sale: Old clothes, they no longer fit and are in need of a new home.

T O D A Y

2010-03-30T23:10:00.001-07:00

Today was weigh in, six weeks since day one. On day one I weighed in at 340, I was morbidly obese, had blood pressure of 142 over 92, in every way physically unfit. My energy was low, I had mood swings depending on when I ate, I hid from the world more than I participated in it because moving in the world was uncomfortable.

That was then, today is a completely different world for me. Today I weigh 307. Today my blood pressure was 126 over 72, today at my workout at Body ReNew I did 3 sets of each exercise instead of 2. Today my energy is high and getting higher. Today I love to go into the world, to see people and already know that they see me differently then just a few weeks ago and for the last many, many years.

Prior to starting the program at Alaska Premier Health I did a lot of research about other peoples experience, maybe that is why you are here at this blog, a common thread was many people had strong emotional reactions during the weight loss. So I have been waiting for that to happen, I had visions of waking up at 3am freaking out from hunger and raging into the video camera. Thankfully that NEVER happened. Tonight, something intense did happen and I want to share that.

The day was great, I had accomplished a lot of work and I was off to work out. Suddenly I had this surge of emotion realizing that in 8-10 days I will be under 300lbs. I'll admit that I started to cry. I think deep down doubt had built up that maybe that just wasn't possible. Doubt. Well I'm happy to say goodbye doubt, goodbye fear, hello me weighing less than 300lbs. Very very soon. Heck I'll be going way past 300. Remember the new pants from a few weeks ago? They are starting to be a bit big...that new belt hole?....soon I think we'll add another.

I plan on getting a new video blog up very soon. Thanks for all the comments asking when the new one will be posted. Thank You to everyone of you for supporting me.

In closing tonight, I would like to again express my Sincere Gratitude to Alaska Premier Health and Body ReNew. Each and every one of you has made a direct impact, a measurable difference in my life and well being. As Michele and I like to say at Body ReNew I am a Human Being, so it is only logical and right that I keep my Being Well.

How does it feel?

2010-03-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

How does it feel to weigh 27lbs less then just a month ago? Let me tell you, it feels AWESOME. This morning at the weekly weigh in at Alaska Premier Health my new friend, Mr. Scale, reported a very svelte 313, down from a starting weight of 340. WOW !!!!!

Frankly, it is hard to contain my excitement over the progress and overall easy of doing this. Not to bash myself, yet when I look back and see how simple the right choice toward Health can be I do question what took so long? the Good news is that it does not matter why, what matters is that I am doing it now. I can't change my past actions, or inaction, I can change the present course and am doing this.

Additionally, this week I will take a big step up at Body ReNew. Michele has asked me to arrive 20mins early and complete warm ups on my own, so that the time working with her is focused on weight and core training. It feels so good to get into the Gym and work out. Now that my body is passed the initial soreness that can occur from a long time of inactivity, the workouts are powerful. It feels good to lean into the weights and move them by force. The time has come for me to put the Hurt on the weights, not the other way around.

I have added a picture of me playing at Humpy's last night with the Rebuttals, the band I'm in. For those that know me, you'll see a clear differance. BTW, the shirt that I am wearing in the picture, I have not worn in 10years. Fits now better then it ever did.

Week 4 video blog

2010-03-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the new blog and have a wonderful weekend.

I've got a secret.

2010-03-18T14:45:00.001-07:00

I'll let you in on a secret, I've done this before. As a little kid I was always 'Husky' that's even what my pants used to say 'husky' always big. At 13 my father passed away and a big kid got even bigger, until at 15 I wrestled as 'Heavyweight' I was over 200lbs by 14. Then a family friend that ran a diet company enrolled me in their program and I lost 7olbs. Here is a couple of pics, the one on the left was during the weight loss, we can't find any of me at my biggest back then, the one on the right is at the end of that process, weighing in at a whopping 170lbs.

So why do I bring this up? Sometimes the biggest obsticle we face is the fear of the unknown. I can completely empathize with anyone that might read this blog and say "I can't do this" or whatever. Fortunately I have had the experience of changing my body shape before and I know first had how AWESOME it feels. That is part of the reason why I feel that things are going so well for me now.

The good news is that I am here to tell you that you CAN do it. When a person is ready, when one simply cannot take it any longer, when it just hurts to dang much to have ALL the clothes be tight and uncomfortable, when it hurts to walk or stand or just live. There are so many people right now that want us to be healthy and fit. I can tell you right now that Friends and Family are eager to support a decision that promotes Health! The proof is right in this blog with continued growing support for my decision.

So yesterday was the weigh in...and yes I am down. Going to keep the suspense until the new Video blog is posted in the next 24hrs or so. Life is going great, I am busy, full of energy, a renewed positive attitiude and not sluggish and slow. If you are thinking about addressing your health, if you would rather loss one pound than gain one more...today is your day, today is my day.

Pants on the Ground!

2010-03-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

My pants are falling down and its not cause I'm all into a certain look or type of music. Yep, my pants are on the ground, can't keep'em up. I had to take drastic steps today and buy a new pair of pants, 2 sizes smaller than anything I owned. When I started the journey all my pants were size 54 waist, today I bought 50. 4in, unoffically of course, it feels great to wear smaller clothes. Tomorrow is day 28 weigh in at 7:45, I'll have a new blog up after weigh in with the current results. My goal for tomorrow is to be under what is considered "Morbidly Obese" for my size.

I am so Thankful for Alaska Premier Health and Body ReNew and all of you for supporting my new life.

Q & A Video Blog

2010-03-11T14:11:00.000-08:00

Week 3 video blog is here, let me answer your questions.

Day 21 weigh in.

2010-03-09T23:09:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those days? Even with a bunch of great news one little thing can make the day mentally challenging. First, how about some really great news:
Day 21, Weight Lost: 18lbs
WOW my goal is to loss 140, now 122!
blood pressure is down
that is just cool.
already down to last hole on belt
will have to make a new one soon.

So, whats the challenge with all this success? Monday morning I woke up with a 'frozen' elbow, a good deal of post work out pain. I talked with Michele at Body ReNew and Ed at Alaska Premier Health and the arm is already healing. Tonight I worked out with Michele focusing on my legs and torso while my arms heal up. It wasn't a great workout. I had eaten to close to workout time and just felt of balance.

Michele was quick to point out how important it is that I listen to my body and that I am not the first person to have a bad workout. What a difference having a personal trainer right there to help me in success and in failure and always keep getting back in the gym. Saturday we snapped a few pictures, hope you enjoy seeing the before and during photographs.

I have to thank some friends that have really supported me the last couple days as my arms where really aching, helping to give me some perspective to the process. And certainly a Big Thanks to all of you who are following and contributing to the blog.

I'll be recording a new Video-Blog tomorrow night, so if you have any questions please send them now.

So how is it going?

2010-03-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

It's Friday! I'm ready for the weekend, its a packed weekend of IDITAROD fun. Before the race the band I play will rehearse tonight, always a good workout, then tomorrow morning downtown Anchorage for the ceremonial start of the race. I'll be shooting the start of the race and will include some in a future video-blog. Saturday afternoon is workout time with Michelle at BodyRenew. After two sessions I can't wait to work out again with her guidance, what a differance a personal trainer makes!

Sunday is the restart, the real start of the race in Willow. I am hoping to ride a snowmanchine out on the trail a ways for a proper sendoff. Followed Sunday night by another Rebuttals rehersal. That's a full weekend!

By far the most frequently asked question is "so how is it going?" and I am so happy to report that it is going really well. Today is day 18, I have accomplished more projects in the last 18 days than I have in a few months. Energy levels are way up, the training sessions with Michelle are making an impact in awakening muscles that have been sleeping for too long.

The 'diet' portion is so easy. The only challenge that I face right now is sticking to the schedule of when to eat with a busy life. Yet there are many tools that help, like the iPod, there are apps that help schedule when to eat and remind me, hey time to eat! I find the meals to be satisfying and filling, plusing eating so many raw vegitables (they could be steamed if I wanted) is just awesome.

It really makes me think why in the past I made the choices I did. Why eat the Junk when good, healthy, incredibly tastey food is so readily available. I won't beat myself up over the past, yet I want to recognize the old habbits and leave them in the past.

I love this oppurtunity, a sincere Thank You to everyone at Alaska Premier Health and Body ReNew.

Go Rick! time for number SIX!
Brad

First weigh in

2010-03-03T10:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the first official weigh in, 14 days into the program. Am I up? Down? Sideways? Watch this video to find out and see what I am eating everyday. Thanks for all of your support and keep sending the questions this way.

Temptation

2010-03-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was incredible, if you like winter and the outdoors it doesn’t get much better. A group of 10 spent the weekend in Willow Alaska snow-going in the great land and enjoying some cabin life.

The physical activity was great, the weather perfect, the gas tanks full and the Temptation of junk food was everywhere. Chips, pop, beer, sausage filled breakfast smothered in cheese, huge pizzas and deli sandwiches and everyone constantly offering me food and then going, “Opps I forgot, sorry” yeah sure.

The great news is that even with all this temptation around me, honestly I was not tempted, much. The plan that Alaska Premier Health has implemented for me is so complete and my desire to succeed is so strong that even the hosts world famous biscuits and Gravy couldn’t shake my drive to be Healthy.

Before the weekend I spent some time going over the meal plans, setting up a series of meal reminders on the iPhone and making sure that plenty of water and veggies were with on the trip. Some mindful forethought coupled with the will to succeed trumped any temptation put in my place.

Tonight I start working out at Body ReNew and Tomorrow is the big 2week weigh in, additionally a new video blog is almost complete. Look for a big week of blogs and information on my continued journey to health. Thanks for your comments and questions and feel free to keep sending them my way.

Attitude

2010-02-25T01:05:00.000-08:00

Today is the 8^th full day on the OptiFast plan as supervised by Alaska Premier Health. As of weigh in this morning I am now down a total of 7lbs. This first week the pounds rapidly came off as my body is adjusting to the new level of caloric intake.

I realize that there may be weeks were the loss is not that rapid. This is not about numbers; this is about Health, and Long Term Health.

Speaking of long term health, last night was my first session at Body ReNew, the personal fitness experts here in Anchorage. Michelle, my trainer, gave me a complete fitness assessment and is developing a plan tailored to my goals. Due to an already scheduled weekend, I will start working with Michelle three days a week on Monday.

The bottom line is this, day 8 and I truly feel great. I feel like a completely different person than I was just 1 week ago. How does it feel? Like I am waking up from a LONG nap, like my eyes are open in a new way. There is a fire that burns inside, a good flame of energy and motivation, of positive attitude, of mind over matter.

And that is a beautiful feeling. Thanks again for all of your support, feel free to send questions and comments my way, either posted on the blog or emailed to me at: bswenson@swensonmediagroup.com

First weigh in

2010-02-22T23:28:00.000-08:00

Today I stopped by Alaska Premier Health to pick up food for the new week and have my first weigh in. I was very excited as there was no doubt that I had lost weight, now to find out how much. I am proud to announce 5lbs lost in Six days.

I realize that as the journey continues some weeks will be better than others as my body changes. Yet how can I not be happy with such strong and immediate results.

Attached is the first video blog. I hope you enjoy and let me know what you think of this project, what you want to hear about, what interests you. To make this successful it has to be interactive to lets interact.

First week of journal entries

2010-02-22T21:15:00.000-08:00

OK, learning as I blog :-) here are the posts from last week on Facebook:

Day Zero: blood work in, EKG completed, etc. back to Doc at 2pm for results and hopefully to start the program tomorrow. As Henry Ford said: "If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right"

Day one: feeling great this morning and full of excitement for losing weight!

Day two: I will soon have a blog site up detailing my progress. Great swim last night and finding the food very satisfying.

More great news: Body ReNew is joining me on the health quest. Starting next week I'll be working with a Personal Trainer in addition to the OptiFast program at Alaska Premier Health. With such a powerful team and great support from all of you, I can already see the new me. ROCK'N!

Day Three: perhaps its all in the mind, yet I already feel more energetic than at the start of this week. Health is Wealth.

Day 4: tons of energy, feel good and really awake. Sure I've been hungry, yet its actually been nice to feel and experience hunger. Thank You for all of your support.

Day Five: on the new life plan. So thankful for everyone involved. This week I'll start working with a personal trainer at Body ReNew, waking up feels great.

2010-02-22T21:08:00.000-08:00

As the blog is getting up and running, I post the first weeks entries from Facebook. I will also add some "before" pictures for discussion.

Here is a picture of Jim Thill and me at IBC confernece in Amsterdam 2004. This was about my biggest, way to big...it was hard to move, hard to breath, hard to live and yes I was very unhappy.

Day 7

2010-02-22T10:10:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a week this has been. Already in just 7 days I feel like a different person. Seven days ago I started a medically supervised weight loss program called OptiFast at Alaska Premier Health. They have been inspiring in motivating and encouraging me, assuring me that I will not be alone in this journey.

Not only do I have their amazing support, I also have so many wonderful friends and family members that are supporting me as well. I am so thankful to each of you for the support and encouragement. As this blog grows, I will fill it with the experience of this journey, my story, stories from others that have climbed this mountain, conversations about health with you, all of the journey will be laid out right here for everyone to share in.

So thanks for stopping in, please check back often. I will post journals everyday and video clips at least once per week. Send emails with your thoughts, comments and questions and we will make this an interactive discussion about weight and health.

Sincerely,
Brad J Swenson

Day 7

2010-02-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a week this has been. Already in just 7 days I feel like a different person. Seven days ago I started a medically supervised weight loss