[Kahled]

Today was quite simply an amazing day.

From my efforts of the last year I had earned a place in the semi-finals of the Slimmer of the Year (male) awards at their head-office today. I will honestly say I was bricking it big time about going, almost to the point of not going, since it meant you would be in front of a whole heap of strangers and having to talk about what you have done, why, what difference it has made, etc. No doubt on reading something about male slimmers a good many people will immediately be thinking of glib remarks, or downright insulting ones, which unfortunately all goes towards making it very hard as a slimmer to actually go through with it in the first place. Tell your mates you are thinking of going to diet/'fat club'/losers united/etc and generally you might eventually get some positive support but only after all the amusing (and not so amusing) comments have been exausted. It's incredibly hard to even start never mind commit. Now in my group I am the only man (scary!) who has stuck with it for the last year and so with five stone eight and a half pounds lost I got invited to the semi-finals.

As the only man in my week by week group it was great to actually be around so many other guys who have committed themselves to improving their lives through the loss of weight and the reasons you hear from all these different people are amazing to hear.

The day started with a general introduction from the MD and then off to do some photographs. They had a female celebrity there for the photos and you had to stand with her and have your photo taken, right until going through the door after queing a while I did not know who it was. God verdomme!!! My consultant had said it was usually someone from a soap or such like so I was a bit worried about not having any idea who it was (I loathe soaps)... but whilst she was from a soap there was certainly no problems with identification. It was LINDA LUSARDI!!!!! O M F G !!!!! A woman who I had had a crush on since the early days of Page Three models and there she was in person and before you could say 'ah flurble mnahammmana' (did I mention I had a huge crush on her) her arm wrapped around me for the photo. Just have to say that in the flesh she is absolutely jaw droppingly stunning. All too soon that moment was over and I did all tongue-tied flustered men proud with turning to her and thanking her in was can only be assumed to be some long forgotten ancient Babylonian language *rotf*

Well my day was off to a flyer then and I didn't think it could get better.

We were split up into groups of 11-12 people and then had to take turns to recount our stories for five minutes. I have never known five minutes go so damn fast and I covered about 25% of what I had wanted to ... doh!!! Weight losses varied from about three stone to over twelve stone lost and the various stories just astounded me... so often weight loss is seen as a vanity thing (and I am told this is much more a norm in the womens side of things) but in my group there was only one guy that was there because he had not wanted to lose weight for health reasons. From transplant patients, to heart attacks, to accident victims who need to lose weight to try and get an operation that will prolonge their lives. I could do the 'guy thing' and try and brush it off but I swear some of those stories had a lump in my throat. To hear the way that people were and what they weighed when starting then you would be hard pushed not to think the whole lot should be scrapped (including me) but all the weight lost has had such an amazing effect.

Well then we had lunch (courtesy of Geoff the Chef and his team)... excellent food and very tasty (yes healthy eating can taste excellent when done well).

There were 67 semi-finalists at the event and between us all over 450 stone had been lost... that's like what 35 - 45 people ?!? There was another set of speeches and onto the presentations. Everyone attending received a certificate for their efforts and the guys also got a bottle of champagne with an engraved neck badge showing their name and the event. They then names the twelve who would be in the finals, I had never really expected to get through to that (especially with the lack of content in my presentation) and so was not disappointed when not chosen amongst the twelve. There was a moment though when I did get a bit of tension as they were done in alphabetical order and they were getting close to my surname and no-one from my group had yet been named heh.

So then the twelve gave their stories to everyone there, after earning £500 award for reaching the final, and while I had heard two already the other ten were an incredible experience to see and hear. Some of the presentations were extremely amusing and these guys pulled a cracker of a time, two were from Scotland and they had people practically rolling in the aisles with their comments. Sheer class. And again in amongst the highs of the humour there was the tragedy of some of the finalists and what circumstances they had been forced into losing weight or literally facing the alternative of death. Simply can't describe the feeling you get hearing those sorts of things. One thought I certainly held was almost a shame at how depressed and self-consumed you can be about your own health circumstances in the light of such adversity.

After a break they announced the winner, one of the guys from my initial group, who collected his award with having to walk up there on crutches. I'm sure his story will be in the media in the next few weeks and so I will not leave it to my flakey memory to distort his achievements, if you see it then very much worth a read and then imagine what it is like to see and hear that first hand. Very emotive and right from first hearing it I thought it would be him that would win the title, just an incredible story and achievement. He needs an operation to restore some of the nerve damage and will find out if its possible in September now with his weight loss... all I can say is I really do wish it is possible because this guy and his wife were a real gem of a couple to meet. I hope that his achievement with the award may help swing that somewhat should it be borderline. Truly a great choice and one I agree with whole-heartedly... I fear that some may think it a sympathy issue especially if they could not fully hear his story (big room, no microphones so difficult to hear at times) but this guy deserves the titles and reward that comes with it.

So all in all a magnificent day and something that I am so glad to have been invited along to. Everyone was so friendly and there was just this whole buzz in the air because, as cliched as it sounds, everyone there has achieved a lot just to be there so there are no losers (well other than waist lines and on the scales).

So if anyone is thinking about wanting to lose weight but scared about what others think etc then all I can say is go for it, different programs work in different ways and suit some more than others. Slimmers World really works for me and even though I was damn near shaking with nerves walking into the majorly female dominant arena of the slimmers group each week it has become one of the high points of my week... and believe me the support you eventually get from all the people around you (friends, family, group members, and even such unlikely sources as people who work in shops you regularly frequent) really makes it worth that initial fear.

Sorry for a mega-journal type entry but just really wanted to write down exactly how great an experience today was and grant kudos to everyone there today (and hey come on.... Linda Lusardi *sighs dreamily*)

[Pat_C]

Originally Posted by Kahled

It was LINDA LUSARDI!!!!!

Worth all the effort by the sound of it. Congratulations!

[TeenSpirit]

Well done you You must be so proud

[Gadget Daddy]

come on then give us some before and after pics

Pete

[IronGiant]

Originally Posted by PeteB_2000

come on then give us some before and after pics

Pete

Before asking this sort of question anyone who posts this in any thread should post a genuine photo of themselves.

[shodan]

Fantastic stuff mate, I reckon you are allowed to feel proud of yourself for this!
One thing that really stood out for me in your post is that you wrote it about other people! I would've expected it to be about you and what and how you've done etc but it wasn't at all. It was really nice to read, you seem like a lovely bloke!

[Kahled]

Originally Posted by PeteB_2000

come on then give us some before and after pics

Pete

Eep!

Well one of the things that is always difficult when you are as big as I was is a fundamental lack of confidence in yourself and your image.. nightmare trying to find before photos as you would generally go to great lengths to avoid being in front of a camera/mirror. Humorous and amazing to hear such a similar comments echoed from the length and breadth of the country from the various people there. Had to resort to the pics of when I was best man at my brothers wedding as such events unfortunately you cannot avoid being photographed at. And honest to God there is no way a year ago I would be posting a pic on a public forum or letting even online friends see me... still not that easy as confidence does not just magically appear but anyway.... picture attached with before and after.

Compared to some of the other guys there today though I still look HUGE!!! All credit to them and their successes and would be nice to see more of them with their before and after... such a variety of effects as well, e.g. I have taken with 5 1/2 stone eight inches off my waist size and gone from an XXXL to M shirt (I bought a new suit/shirt yesterday and actually whooped out loud in M&S to find I was wearing a medium for the first time since I was a kid - had nearly bought the L size until I tried on) yet some guys there had lost 12-14" off their waist with lesser weight loss in total (we be funny old bags of bones really *rotf*) There is no way you would look at the people there and recognise their before pictures... sorry but I am still on a major high about it all and just loved being there and meeting all these people. Please try and look out for the winners story and pictures because ... ah can't say it but read it and you might understand why I am having trouble finding words to describe the effect on top of all the other outstanding achievements there today.

So yeah, a lot of far more dramtic before and afters seen there today (excellent!!) but here be mine...

[TeenSpirit]

Originally Posted by IronGiant

Before asking this sort of question anyone who posts this in any thread should post a genuine photo of themselves.

my before

( I wish)

and my after

Well done again, your pictures are amazing Kahled

[andyr300]

^ lol to that

well done OP, u must be feeling a lot better energy-wise aswel,i hear that being overweight really makes u tired all the time.

[Adrenochrome]

Originally Posted by MrsSigns

my after

( Signs wishes )

[Kahled]

Originally Posted by MrsSigns

my before

( I wish)

and my after

Well done again, your pictures are amazing Kahled

LMAO!!!!!

Cracker... and I know it may sound daft but there were people there today where the difference between their before and after was almost that dramatic. One guy had gone from having the nickname "shrek" to "skeletor" by all his mates... and the way he delivered that line in telling his story was sheer comic genius worthy of the stand-up masters.

Just amazing!! One comment made by last years winner, which was very true, is that looking around it was just a room full of ordinary blokes that wouldn't even be thought about if you did not see their past selves ... weird but so very true.

[Mep]

Originally Posted by shodan

Fantastic stuff mate, I reckon you are allowed to feel proud of yourself for this!
One thing that really stood out for me in your post is that you wrote it about other people! I would've expected it to be about you and what and how you've done etc but it wasn't at all. It was really nice to read, you seem like a lovely bloke!

well said!

[Dave]

Well done Kahled, that really is an amazing achievement. You must be so pleased.

Losing weight is an absolute nightmare and requires some real commitment so well done again.

[TeenSpirit]

Originally Posted by Adrenochrome

It will be Slimming World green days for me in 3 months time when the baby is born

Kahled, you are an inspiration to us all, more men should make an effort to look after themselves, if only to be more healthy

[signs]

Originally Posted by MrsSigns

my before

( I wish)

Originally Posted by MrsSigns

It will be Slimming World green days for me in 3 months time when the baby is born

will it make you look like her

[Kahled]

Originally Posted by MrsSigns

It will be Slimming World green days for me in 3 months time when the baby is born

Hey congratulations on your upcoming bundle of joy

Seems to be quite a common reason for hitting the slimming clubs and one that seems to work well for flustered new mums heh. I personally tend to stick with the red days being a neanderthal throwback stereotypical man...

- man hunt food (I go to Morrisons or Co-op on the way home - hey some of those trolley jockeys make it a life or death safari at times)
- man cook food (by the power of George Foreman)
- man eat food

Just find red days fit so much easier into my general day with the convenience and ease of just cracking open a few packs of ham/steak/checken.

So all the best for the upcoming months and I hope it all goes easily and healthily for you and the little one, then when in green mode it flies off you!

[UrbanT]

Absolutely fantastic story!

I had always been overweight, but a couple of years ago my mum looked at me with a tear in her eye, and said she was worried about my health if I didn't lose some weight. That was the first time in my life I really felt I should do something.

The wife joined Slimming World, and I just followed my own plan of food (because I'm a fussy eater). I lost 5 stone in 6 months (she lost 3.5 stones), and the difference it makes in every day life is fantastic, from buying new clothes to getting into a plane seat.

The only thing is, I didn't get to meet Linda Lusardi

I'd liked to echo everyone elses comments and say a big 'WELL DONE!'

[Ultima]

What a great story!!!! Well done mate, I'm trying to lose weight myself and this story has given me a kick up the backside and motivation that I need.

Martin

[Kahled]

Originally Posted by UrbanT

Absolutely fantastic story!

I had always been overweight, but a couple of years ago my mum looked at me with a tear in her eye, and said she was worried about my health if I didn't lose some weight. That was the first time in my life I really felt I should do something.

The wife joined Slimming World, and I just followed my own plan of food (because I'm a fussy eater). I lost 5 stone in 6 months (she lost 3.5 stones), and the difference it makes in every day life is fantastic, from buying new clothes to getting into a plane seat.

The only thing is, I didn't get to meet Linda Lusardi

I'd liked to echo everyone elses comments and say a big 'WELL DONE!'

Five stone.... six months... by yourself?!? (okay together with the wife but without any group support/paranoia) Absolutely brilliant for your wife as well with a bloody great loss also Congratulations!

WOW!!! That is hellish impressive and kudos to your willpower (or the amount of fear your wife can inflict) because I know for a fact I could not manage that without the constant presence of the weekly weigh in.

Great to hear you feel so much better for it and I know what you mean about the airplane seats... you ever get given the extension connection and the outright humiliation that comes with that?

Well done!

Originally Posted by ashworthacca

What a great story!!!! Well done mate, I'm trying to lose weight myself and this story has given me a kick up the backside and motivation that I need.

Martin

Well best of luck with it because it is worth it, no idea how much you want to lose but even a stone or two can make a big difference to your energy levels and general ability. Like I said earlier if it's motivation you want then look out for some of the stories that will hopefully appear with the finalist... now they are motivational.

I still have another 3/4 stone or so I want to go and even after the 14 months I have been doing it I have been motivated again heh!

Good luck!! If you want to know any more about Slimmers World then please ask away (probably a PM would be better) but reading amazing Urban T's post above shows it can be done without the weekly cost/time investment that such a organisation involves.

[Gadget Daddy]

Originally Posted by Kahled

Eep!

Well one of the things that is always difficult when you are as big as I was is a fundamental lack of confidence in yourself and your image.. nightmare trying to find before photos as you would generally go to great lengths to avoid being in front of a camera/mirror. Humorous and amazing to hear such a similar comments echoed from the length and breadth of the country from the various people there. Had to resort to the pics of when I was best man at my brothers wedding as such events unfortunately you cannot avoid being photographed at. And honest to God there is no way a year ago I would be posting a pic on a public forum or letting even online friends see me... still not that easy as confidence does not just magically appear but anyway.... picture attached with before and after.

Compared to some of the other guys there today though I still look HUGE!!! All credit to them and their successes and would be nice to see more of them with their before and after... such a variety of effects as well, e.g. I have taken with 5 1/2 stone eight inches off my waist size and gone from an XXXL to M shirt (I bought a new suit/shirt yesterday and actually whooped out loud in M&S to find I was wearing a medium for the first time since I was a kid - had nearly bought the L size until I tried on) yet some guys there had lost 12-14" off their waist with lesser weight loss in total (we be funny old bags of bones really *rotf*) There is no way you would look at the people there and recognise their before pictures... sorry but I am still on a major high about it all and just loved being there and meeting all these people. Please try and look out for the winners story and pictures because ... ah can't say it but read it and you might understand why I am having trouble finding words to describe the effect on top of all the other outstanding achievements there today.

So yeah, a lot of far more dramtic before and afters seen there today (excellent!!) but here be mine...

very well done fella you look miles better for getting the weight off you