I put on 100 pounds in one year

In 2008, when I was 19, I began attending military school, and in some ways, I began to thrive. My grades picked up, and I made Sergeant; even my supervisors were impressed with my progress. But I felt alone and my depression was growing worse. Despite the weekly workouts, I kept gaining weight. There were many healthy food options available, but for some reason, I was drawn to Southern comfort foods.

Now, the extra pounds were straining my joints and back-I was in constant misery every day. I dropped out in 2009, partly to try to save a long-distance relationship with my then-girlfriend. It didnt work, though; after the break-up, I turned to food again. I think I put on nearly 100 pounds that year alone.

Doctors told me I was killing myself

In 2016, at age 27, I was living on my own, working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, at a box factory. I ate fast food nearly every day: mainly Whoppers from Burger King and chicken BBQ pizza from a local pizzeria. I didnt have time to cook, and I found comfort in fatty, salty food. I knew my eating habits were unhealthy, I just didnt care. My depression was so bad I just wanted to shut out the world.

Right before my 28 th birthday, I felt so dizzy and dehydrated that I drove myself to the hospital. I was admitted with high blood sugar, and eventually diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I was so dehydrated that the doctors kept me overnight. They told me I was killing myself-and that if I didnt change my eating habits, I would be dead by the time I was 35 years old. On some deep level, I think I knew I was killing myself, and that I truly didnt want to do that.

Losing the weight: From surgery, to dieting, to exercise

After about a year of yo-yo dieting-everything from Weight Watchers to Jenny Craig to counting calories-my mom suggested that I try gastric sleeve surgery. My doctor agreed, and we scheduled the operation for July 17, 2017. In the meantime, I went on a liquid diet that mainly consisted of protein shakes. It wasnt pretty-it was very difficult to get used to-but I lost 50 pounds even before I went under the knife. Afterward, I ate well and exercised, and within four months, I lost 140 pounds.

These days, I try to eat high-protein meals and snacks: I cook breakfast every morning (usually two eggs and a piece of cheese), and for lunch and dinner, Ill have chicken or bison meat, which is super lean. I always liked vegetables, but didnt eat them very often. Now, I have them as a side at lunch and dinner-usually broccoli, spinach or cauliflower. I also go to the gym every day. For a while, I worked with a personal trainer, but now, I work out with my girlfriend. I do a three-day split with free weights: lots of goblet squats and lunges..

It felt great to lose the weight. I dont know how, but afterward, the haze I used to feel when I tried to think lifted, and I started thinking more clearly. I feel like a world has lifted off my shoulders. I have more energy now than I had since 7 th grade.

Im going back to school, too, and am currently studying to take the POWER test (the Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report), which is given to people before entering the police academy. My goal is to be a policeman one day. Ive faced a lot of obstacles in my life; maybe one day, I can help other people, too.