My story is like that of most men my age.  You finally go to the Doctor’s office after not being there for a very long time.  I was 45, and was at my worst.   I weighed 285 lbs. at my annual physical exam.  My blood pressure was 140/110, I was pre-diabetic and experiencing pre-hypertension symptoms.   This is a curse in my family on the male side.  No male has lived past 55, and I was on that path real quick.   My doctor wanted to prescribe me medication for everything, but I said that I did not want to take meds at all, so he challenged me to lose the weight.  He wanted me to weigh 180 lbs. and to achieve that, he instructed me to eat 500 calories less per day.   I started that plan in March of 2013 with relative success.  On my next annual physical, I was down to 240 lbs.  I had lowered both my blood pressure and glucose levels to normal numbers.  I considered doing DDP YOGA for about 6 months or so, as I have been a fan of wrestling for many years.  I knew who DDP was, and when I watched his video I was hooked on what he was saying and doing.  I asked my doctor if he would allow me to try DDP YOGA under his supervision, and he agreed.  That date was March 24th 2014.   I started on the intermediate program and began a modified version of the phase two/three eating program.  At my first monthly weigh in, I had lost 27 lbs.  

As of June 24th 2014, I am now down to 190 lbs.  I have reset my goal weight to 165-170 lbs., and will   reach this weight on my birthday, which is July 25th.  In the process of losing weight, I have learned so much about the person that I have always wanted to be, and have taken a great amount of pride in reaching the goals that both my doctor and I have set. I have enjoyed the help that everyone at DDP YOGA has given me, both on the TeamDDPYOGA website and the DDP YOGA Facebook page, which I am a member of.  They will push you, or lift you up, whichever one you need.  No questions asked, just positive praise and heartwarming compassion.  Special thanks to my friend Cat Arnett for all that she writes on everyone’s comments, and her attention to making sure that everyone is focused, and staying on track.  I know that she too will be a success.  

I have learned so much that I have challenged myself to study more about eating healthier, and maintaining this lifestyle permanently.  In my process of self discovery, I have decided that I will payback what DDP has given to me.  I am in the process of becoming a Health/Wellness Coach to teach others how to live a healthier lifestyle.  This new journey will be one of great success, and will create many positive memories for the people that I help and myself.  I thank DDP, and DDP YOGA for saving my life from the curse that had been in my family for many years.  I will beat it, and will inspire many more to beat whatever obstacles they face.  

Once again, thank you DDP for saving my life and allowing me to teach others what you have taught me.