Seth_KC

I live in Kansas City. I work from home as a consultant. I often have days were I don't need to leave the house. The common course of my business is done over the phone or email.

I'm involved in a Social organization called the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) that that is focused on history (www.bfs-kc.org if you want more info)  And most of the people in that organization are very open and accepting and support of you, no matter who you are. So I've not experienced a lot of negative pressure about my weight over the years. I tend to "carry it well" in that that I've always been a big guy, but I don't slosh when I walk.

 I've been heavy since my sophomore  year of college. I joking refer to my condition as "Reverse body distorted body image". I look in the mirror and think "It's not that bad". 

So Seth, if it's not that bad, then why are  you doing this, eh? 

Excellent question. There are several reasons. And coming to this conclusion was not a rash decision. It was a slow burn that took a long time. But here are some of the things that lead me to this decision.

• I've been sleeping with a sleep apnea (CPAP) machine for the past few years, and I feel like it puts up a wall of isolation between my wife and I. I'd like to be able to ditch that machine
• My participation in my favorite activity (SCA Armored Combat) is getting harder and harder as I age. My knees hurt, my feet hurt. This isn't something I like to admit. But the big reason is I've grown too fat for my armor and it does not fit. I've tried to play if off as if I'm not really interested in Armored Combat anymore, but that's just a cover.
• I'd like to take my 8  year old daughter to Worlds of Fun. She loves roller coasters. I know from an experience about 10 years ago that I cannot fit in some of  of those rides..
• My Doctor put me on Lipitor for cholesterol, the drug makes me feel greasy and gross all the time. I feel like I have this body odor that I can't escape, no matter how many showers I take.
• The first time I had to ask for a seat belt extender on an airplane sucked.
• The realization that I need to buy clothing in specialty stores or on-line going forward. 
• Realizing I'm constantly the largest person in the room, and always being aware of it.
• I used to enjoy lifting weights, but my knees can't take it anymore.
• I had my doctor do a testosterone test four years ago, I have the testosterone levels of a 98 year old woman. Getting the fat off will help me balance out my hormone levels. 
• I've tried every weightless tactic in existence. I'm rather well read on weight loss theory. but the reality it comes down to eating less. Exercise more. I've gone through phases of excising more. Sometimes I get pretty strong. But the fat never comes off. Then, sooner or later something will disrupt my schedule and it all goes to hell. While I can maintain a work out regiment, eating less has always been difficult. Portion control, even with health food is a challenge.