Bio

This Greek-god-like physique that you see to your left is that of Ryan Sullivan. I’ve grown up in Utah and lived here my entire life (save 2 years to serve a mission for the LDS church; then I lived in Boston). I have had what I consider to be a great life. I grew up in a loving family with lots of friends and I even earned the Hope of America award in the sixth grade (the pinnacle of my academic achievements). I love sports (more as a fan than as a participant at the moment). I would probably have to say that football is my sport of choice, but golf comes in a VERY close second. I love to play golf; something about the frustration is so relaxing.

During high school I had some struggles with my health. They resulted in a number of surgical procedures and a number of missed classes (besides the classes that I “forgot” to attend). They also resulted in a great deal of weight loss. I remember going to get my photo taken for my Senior ID card and weighing in at about 180 lbs. 180 lbs. for a guy with my build and height (about 6’2″ at the time) was what I consider scrawny. I was not healthy at all at felt very weak all the time. I lived in Boston for a couple of years and came home weighing about 250-260. I had gained about 70 lbs. in 3 years, but I felt “healthier” than I did before I left (even though I was clearly out of shape). Instead of the Freshman 15 I put on the Freshman 50.

I weighed about 320 when I started dating the girl of my dreams. I was a big dude but somehow I hide my weight fairly well and I don’t look like a huge whale when I weigh 320. We got married, had some kids, and during Jackie’s pregnancies I seemed to gain weight right along with her. I found that the stresses of being a parent and husband were driving me to the fast food counter. Food became an addiction and a VERY temporary stress reliever. Nothing said “It’ll be alright” like a Beto’s Carne Asada.

In July I finally decided that enough is enough. I was sick of being fat and was very close to passing the 400 pound mark (this is where I started looking whale-like. I think I weighed about 390 at my biggest). There were obviously a number of health concerns that go right along with my weight gain; high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc. I have a family that needs me and I wasn’t about to let my own negligence jeopardize their future.

All of this led up to this blog. I’m going to give all of you the first person account of a guy who will succeed at changing his life for the better. I want to show the world and anyone else that is struggling with any aspect of their life, that change is possible. I’m going to show all of you that I can be healthy. Trust me, if I can do this, anyone can.