"When I was a freshman in high school, I weighed in at 280lbs at the start of football season. I had been overweight my entire life, and didn't think twice about it. I always said, "Yea yea…I'll worry about it later" WELL….it's later.
I graduated college somewhere between 350 and 400 lbs. I'm not sure of the exact number because frankly, I didn't care. I was comfortable with how I looked and felt; I didn't care what anybody else thought; and I liked food. I ate fast food, not-so-fast food, real food, fake food, you name it, I ate it. But never anything healthy. Just delicious. I didn't care. I kept saying, "Yea yea, I'll worry about it later." WELL…it's later.
That attitude continued as I got into my first job out of college. I moved to Pittsburgh, didn't know anybody, and didn't really like the fact that I was living in Pittsburgh. My daily routine consisted of work, eat, sleep. No exercise, at all. I did nothing but GAIN weight. In February of 2011, I had lower back surgery (nothing due to my weight, but more of a hereditary issue). It wasn't until I went back to the doctor, every 3 days, for 6 weeks, that I realized LATER was NOW. I was 380lbs, give or take 5 pounds each time. I made a promise to myself that I would NEVER reach 400lbs. At that point in my life, I was wearing 3XL shirts, 19-1/2" neck dress shirts, and size 54 pants.
Once I was allowed to be "active" again, I did what every morbidly obese, person does. I joined LA Fitness; I went every-day for 2 months, and then I started finding reasons not to go. I continued to pay for it, but never went. In September, I found a Groupon for Pittsburgh Fit Body Bootcamp. $50 for a 6 week program. I thought, "If anything, this will get me into a rhythm." I got in touch with Jesse, and began my 6 week program. Every morning, 6am. Rain, snow, sleet, flu, etc. I was there. For 6 weeks.
When my 6 weeks was up, I had lost about 25 lbs and people began to notice. I liked the attention; this time it was because I was losing weight, not because I was the biggest person in the room. I cancelled my LA Fitness membership, and decided to join PFBC full time. Jesse kicked my butt with constant cardio every day, M-F, at 6am and I cut WAY back on my caloric intake. I didn't stop eating delicious foods; I just taught my body to enjoy healthy foods. Chicken, sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, salad, etc.
I took a job transfer in May 2012 and had to quit Jesse's bootcamp, but not without regret. In just about 7 months, I had lost 80 POUNDS!! Let me say it again…80 POUNDS IN 7 MONTHS!!! I had shrunk out of most of my dress shirts and into ones that never fit to begin with, and my pants were all needing to be taken in, if not replaced. I left Pittsburgh with a 48 waist and weighed less than I had since high school. Long story short, it's worth it. I am forever indebted to Jesse and Don for getting my life on track. If it wasn't for them, there is no telling….I may have been 6ft under at this point (or further, due to my girth).
I have since moved to Columbia, SC and joined the local CrossFit Box (Carolina CrossFit). It has consumed my life, lately, but I LOVE it. It is an amazing way to forge your inner athlete and get in the best shape of your life. That being said, I never could have even began to think about joining a CrossFit Box if it wasn't for my Boot Camp experience. I met a lot of great people in the 6am class and it woke me up. Because of Boot Camp, I became, not only physically, but mentally stronger as well. I was in the best shape of my life, up to that point, and there was no turning back. If I had stayed in Pittsburgh, I would have continued Boot Camp, 100%. It was exercise, yes, but fun and full of results!! Take it from a self-proclaimed "Fat-a$$" who hates exercising. Now, it's a GIGANTIC part of my life.
I am no longer wearing 3XL shirts, I'm closer to XL (depending on the brand), I don't wear a whole lot of dress shirts anymore, but the ones I still have are HUGE, and my pant size…down to a 44. THANK YOU FIT BODY BOOT CAMP/JESSE and DON!!! I couldn't have done it without you."
10/11/2012 - Tyler Gallo
