Well, since June 6th I've started a new lifestyle change, kinda been a project that I haven't really told many people about.

So far I've lost over 50 pounds, trying to last until the end without buying new clothes, but they're so huge on me now! When your pants are like 8 sizes too big, there's only so much a belt can do... especially a belt that's also 8 sizes to big!

I feel that although this isn't the end yet, it is a pretty big milestone accomplishment, and I've gotten positive feedback from both friends and co-workers who've noticed.

I feel a lot better, and look forward to reaching my goal. At this rate, I might be at my goal or very close to it by MFF.

What made me decide to do it? A couple of reasons.

- A very strong family history of diabetes type II which is mostly caused by being overweight and eating crap food. (Yes, some genes are involved, but that's like 15% of the problem, 85% is eating habits).

- Feeling tired all the time

-A desire to be more healthy

-Some negative experiences at previous conventions in which I was in suit and singled out due to my weight.

The last reason I've never really talked to anyone about, and one of the reasons I decided to make this journal. I would challenge anyone to THINK before they make judgement or comments on someone due to their weight, whether in public or in private. Fact is, unless you've struggled with weight issues yourself, you have no right or reason to make douchebaggery comments about or to others in a public or private medium.

I can say after 20 some years of being overweight, both as a child and adult, it isn't easy.
For those who are blessed and have never had this problem, or for those who feel it's okay to make douchebaggery comments about others, let me put it in perspective for you.

Watch an episode of Drugs, Inc. or similar drug use documentary and while watching, replace all the needles & syringes with fast-food, junk-food, hell, just food in general; REPLACE the blood-born illnesses suffered with diabetes, hypertension, colon cancer; KEEP all the health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, and limb amputation.

Would you make light or fun of someone with an alcohol or illicit drug addiction, what about a friend, colleague, coworker or loved one you care about?

How would you know what it is like unless you were in that situation at some point in your life?

What about food addiction?

Anyone who has ever lost a substantial amount of weight or struggled with weight will tell you, all it can take is one relapse to ruin everything you've worked hard to accomplish, one relapse to return to old habits and gain all the weight back, one time.

"So.. MrWolf, you're saying that the comments of some people made you do this? Why do you care what some douchebag has to say? Isn't that letting them win, letting them get to you?"

No... not what I'm saying. The negative experiences I've had were few and far between, and it was the last reason on my list, certainly not the first, nor the main reason whatsoever.

I did it for ME, not for THEM.

That being said, I do remember those people and never forget. Not that I have a shit list or anything, but I do believe I'm a pretty good judge of character, and my time is best spent hanging out with those who I feel got my back; regardless of my waist size.

So all in all, this journal is not really about my weight loss, or about me. It's about awareness.

Awareness. Awareness to speak up. Awareness in numbers.

Speak up when you are witness or victim to snide or inappropriate comments.

Speak up if you struggle with weight or food addiction. There is help out there.

Speak up and let other's know that you will not accept douchebaggery comments towards you or others.

If we all accept that something isn't appropriate, then those who feel it's okay to make such derogatory comments, public or private, will be the minority. They will realize we will not accept it, and that they better step up, or step out.

TLDR: 50+ lbs lost woohoo; don't be an asshat at cons or in life in general.