Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition - Tony

Hello there Bleeps,

Do you find yourself lost and confused on Tuesdays?  Is there a void that you cannot fill?  You may be suffering from Biggest Loser Withdrawal.  It's okay though.  You are not alone.  I am with you!

The good news is that ABC has brought back Extreme Makeover Weight Loss edition.  Ahhh...The only person that can make me as happy as Bob Harper is Chris Powell.  He gets it!

So if you didn't watch last season let me tell you how this works.  The show follows a person's progress over a full year.   Chris gives them the tools they need to make the changes (exercise equipment, kitchenware, support, training) and then gives them 3 month goals.  If they make their goals they are rewarded, including the opportunity to win skin removal surgery. 

Last night was the first episode of the season (Sunday nights at 9 on ABC).  And I CRIED!  We met Tony, and quite frankly fell in love with him.

Tony tipped the scales at 398.  He is 49 and has worked in the food industry for 30 years.  He is newly engaged and has two children from a former marriage.  One son is 28 and has been sick his whole life.  He was not expected to live past three months when he was born and has defied all expectations (Marcus' smile just lit me up...what a sweet sweet boy).

Before Chris got started with Tony, he sat down with the fiance.  If Tony was going to be successful, she needed to be on board.  She needed to be supportive and quite frankly, she needed to follow the program too. 

She was overweight and not quite taking responsibility for herself.  Instead, she blamed Tony for her situation.  This was not going to go well.

Tony's goal for the first three months was 100lbs.  The reward would be a dream honeymoon.  Done!  He did it!  YEAH! But, we had seen video over Christmas that was alarming.  The fiance was definitely not supportive and almost being mean to Tony for following the program.

Chris wasn't hearing from Tony and eventually learned that they were breaking up.  He offered to help Tony move out.  At the six month weigh in we learn that Tony is basically homeless.  He has left his home and his job.  Both were toxic to him. 

He was in a relationship that was not supportive of his new lifestyle.  And he was in an occupation that was dangerous to his health.  So he started up a body guard business.  Chris offered to help him with this and got him involved in a bodyguard academy.

Soon after his son passes away.  It is so heartbreaking.  At the memorial service he tells his family that he is homeless and finally opens up.

After his son's death, Chris is very worried about him.  How can you focus when you need to mourn?  A few weeks later Tony accepts the offer for therapy and finally has a break through double digit week.  He is feeling free again.

The 9 month weigh in is important.  He missed his goal at the 6 month mark (but who can blame him).  He still lost 28 lbs though.  If he meets this goal he gets the skin removal surgery. 

When he walks in my jaw dropped.  Look at those dimples!  He's been working hard and you can tell.  He's sleeping on friends couches and finding body guarding jobs.  He's in a new relationship too.  Chris took back the honeymoon offer and gave him the money to help him find a place to live.

Did he make his goal? You're damn right he did!  GO TONY!

The goal is for him to lose 199lbs in one year. That leaves a lot of skin.  As skinny as he is getting, he has pounds and pounds of flesh just hanging off.  So the good news is that he gets the surgery.  The bad news is that it takes 2 months to recover.   He will only have one month to loose the final 30lbs.

So his final reveal one year later is at his 50th birthday party.  Seriously, he looks fantastic!  And he met his goal!  He lost over half of his body weight in one year.  He gained his life back.

There were so many things to get from this episode.  Seriously, don't even think about making excuses about why you can't lose the weight.  This man was homeless, started a new business, and lost his son.  AND he lost 200lbs.

Second, it's all about the environment you create for yourself.  Toxic relationships and temptations are not your friend.

When people see you succeeding you would like to think that they will be happy for you, but that's not always the case.  Often it makes them look in the mirror and not like what they see.  That's not your fault!  Be strong!  Be like Tony!

Can't wait for next week!

****Please note****
  
If you feel like you are alone on your journey and you just need some encouragement I am here for you!  Shoot me an email and I will do my best to check in on you or give you the words of support you need several times a week.  The journey is so much easier if you have support.


jhendersonfit@gmail.com

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