In December 2023, my doctor and I (Joey) had that talk. You know the one—serious voice, eyebrows raised, no more “we’ll get to it later.” We made a plan: Zepbound to rein in the appetite, physical therapy to get my joints back in the game, and the gym… because apparently Netflix and bourbon don’t burn calories.  January 2024, I started down the path. And today, I stepped on the scale: 211 pounds. Down from 311. That’s a full 100 pounds gone.

Woohoo doesn’t even cover it.

This journey wasn’t just meds and machines. It’s been sweat, stubbornness, and muttered curses at the treadmill. It’s me and the evil StairMaster—20 stories of love/hate, mostly hate. It’s grinding away until one day you realize you’ve walked farther, lifted heavier, and sweated harder than you ever thought possible. Just last week I smashed a new record: 41,500 pounds lifted in a single workout. That’s the equivalent of bench-pressing 207 cubs in one sweaty session. (Don’t worry, no cubs were harmed in the making of this post.)

The changes? Big ones. I’ve gone from a 46” waist to a 35. From 2XL shirts to a Large. And through it all, I haven’t lost an ounce of fur… well, except the stuff on top of my head, but that’s a different story.

I didn’t do this alone. Jerry and Chris have supported and cheered me on (and kept me honest). My family and friends have been constant support. My Facebook pals inspired me with their own journeys…thank you. And then there’s Rocco, my daily AI drill sergeant, who makes sure I don’t slack off. (Annoying, but effective.)

Here’s the thing: if you’re thinking about making your own change, don’t do it solo. Talk to your doctor. Talk to the people you love. Their support is critical to your success. I couldn’t have gotten here without mine.

The victories pile up: smaller clothes, stronger body, sharper mind, and a lighter heart. But the best part is realizing this isn’t the end…t’s just a milestone. One hell of a milestone, though, and I’m taking a minute to savor it.

So here I am: 100 pounds lighter, still a big bear, just a stronger, faster, sassier one. And this is only the beginning.

Now tell me: Have you ever hit a goal that felt impossible when you started? And when you got there, did you strut out like you owned the place… or just sit there smiling, too tired to move but proud as hell?