In September 2024, I had shoulder surgery, an outpatient elective, but it was still major. My labrum was completely removed in my right shoulder, and my biceps muscle was subsequently reattached. The six‑month recovery period forced me to slow down my physical activity dramatically. Not only was I unable to stay as active during that rehab time, but I also wasn’t able to work on the renovation of my house the way I normally would. Those had always kept me moving over the previous three years. And because of the surgery, I haven’t been able to return to softball yet, which is something I really enjoyed and something that used to help keep my athleticism in check. I will return to playing softball and play more golf starting now…
This reduced activity has added up. I’m not as agile or athletic as I want to feel, and that physical shift has motivated me to take back control and get to 200 pounds. For a while now, I’ve felt a shift in how I move through the world. At 228 pounds, I don’t feel as quick or capable as I know I can be.
My goal is simple but important: Get down to 200 pounds and reclaim the energy and athleticism that feels like “me”, starting on March 1, 2026.
I’ve made attempts in the past, but I didn’t stick with them. I allowed myself to stay stagnant and not eat the best. This time, I’m acknowledging something honestly: the journey is not going to be the fun part. I’m not chasing the process; I’m chasing the outcome. The destination is the reward.
To reach that destination, here are the intentional changes I’m making:
1. Getting outside every day
Once a day, I’m planning on leaving my property even for a short walk around the neighborhood or down the street for a meal. Movement requires momentum, and this will help to keep me from falling back into inactivity.
2. Cutting out easy calories
So much of my weight gain comes from mindlessness and unnecessary addons to meals. These are now gone from my diet as a result of this commitment.
Things I am quitting or changing:
- No addon fake creamer in my coffee
- No candy during a movie at the theatre
- No fake butter (margarine) on my dishes
- Cut the gristle off my steak and save it for my puppy, Harley
- No dessert after each dinner out
- No more french fries as a side dish for any meal
- No nachos, tortilla chips, or potato chips as a treat
- Thin crust pizza only to avoid the extra bread
- And save the crust for my Harley also
- Burrito bowls now, instead of eating the tortilla too
- No fried chicken or chicken strips
- No more blue cheese or Caesar dressing for my salad
These small choices repeated over and over will make a big impact on the number of calories that I consume.
3. Continuing to avoid foods I already don’t like
I’ve never liked or used mayonnaise, cream cheese, cheesecake, sour cream, or ranch dressing. Keeping these off and out of my meals is nearly effortless, and for anyone trying to reduce calories. Cutting out just those items along with those in #2 can easily remove 20% or more from a typical lunch or dinner.
4. Adding new movement
4.1) I’m adopting jumping rope as a new activity since it is inexpensive, portable, intense, and effective. It also does not require that I travel anywhere to do it or have a team around me to complete.
4.2) And I’m committing to playing softball once per week now that my shoulder allows it again. That goal keeps me focused on healing and returning to something I miss.
5. Eliminating milkshakes, shakes, and Frappuccinos
These are high‑calorie indulgences that disappear fast and leave nothing helpful behind. They’re off the menu for me now as I look to slim down.
6. Changing how I eat dinner
I’ll eat earlier in the day versus later. I’ll also stop encouraging (forcing) myself to finish everything on my plate. If it can be leftovers, it will be. If my puppy will want it, then she will get it.
7. Weekly accountability and tracking
7.1) Every Wednesday, right before my shower, I’ll weigh myself. No obsessing or condemning, just consistency in process.
7.2) I will also let others around me know of my vision so they can keep me to my agreements here as well.
8. Staying focused on my “why”
Ultimately, I want to look better and feel better in my body. I wish to be lighter, sexier, more athletic and not burdened by extra weight from inactivity. This is about reclaiming a version of myself I genuinely prefer.
This is the start.
By sharing this publicly, I’m building accountability. I want this to be written down, out loud, and real. And if someone reading this takes just one idea, especially the power of removing unnecessary, high‑calorie add‑ons, then that’s a win too.
Not glamorous. Not exciting. Just honest, intentional changes leading me toward a better, healthier version of myself.
And I’m ready.