I just got the March issue of "Energy Times" in the mail (free subscription)
and I thought this article would be of interest.  I can't find where they
have a website that might have the article so I'm typing it in.

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5 minutes with David Caruso

When Davis Caruso of Sugar Notch, Pennsylvania, was surfing the Internet two
years ago, he got some startling news.  After answering a few lifestyle
questions on a website that predicted life expectancy, he read that, because
of his obesity, he could reasonably expect to live only another two or three
years.  At age 32, David weighed an overwhelming 525 pounds.

While digesting the website's disheartening prediction, he also faced the
fact that his health had started to deteriorate.  As the father of two young
boys, he faced a decision:  Continue with his unhealthy lifestyle habits or
attempt what seemed to be just about impossible--lose 300 pounds.

He took a deep breath and plunged into a daunting adventure, the task of
losing more than half of his body weight.  In the year that followed he lost
almost a pound a day, eventually bringing his weight down to 220 pounds.

David insists that his weight-loss secrets are no secret at all:  exercise,
regular medical checkups and a well-rounded, disciplined diet.

(Interview)

Energy Times:  How did you accomplish a weight loss that most people believe
impossible without surgical intervention:

David:  I want to stress there was nothing that I did that no one else
couldn't do.  For instance, I gave up spaghetti and pizza for a year.  I was
willing to do that once I made a commitment to it.  But I didn't do anything
that other people can't do.

ET:  How bad were your eating habits?

David:  I was eating very badly and at all the wrong times.  I ate because I
was bored, even if I wasn't really very hungry.  I just liked the taste of
food, you just name it.  I'd sit down to three or four bowls of spaghetti,
or have a couple of hoagies at one in the morning.  I'd get off work late at
night and eat two large pizzas and a liter of soda.

ET:  What kind of exercise program did you start?

David:  I took a good friend with me to the gym every night.  (I lost 36
pounds the first month.)  At the gym I lifted dumbbells, working every part
of my arms, shoulders, chest, back.  I got on the treadmill, the elliptical
trainer and the bike.  I tried to do sit-ups, calf raises and hit the heavy
bag a lot.  I was there every night for two to two and a half hours.

ET:  How did you change your eating habits?

David:  Since my big problem was the late night eating, I decided to never
eat after 6 PM.  I also wanted to add a protein shake to my diet.  I chose
SPIRU-TEIN since it offered everything I was looking for -- high energy, soy
protein and a broad profile of vitamins and minerals, and it tastes great
without excessive carbs.  Also, for that year of weight loss, I gave up
bread, pasta, pizza and red meat. But I gave up soft drinks forever.

ET:  How has your life improved?

David:  I can do things I could never do before, like just being able to tie
my shoes in the morning.  Now I can do it. I could tie them when I weighed
525 pounds, but it was difficult, like doing Pilates and yoga together to
tie my shoes.  Now I can get in and out of bed without huffing and puffing.
My sleep is better.  I don't snore any more and I have more energy.  I'm not
afraid to go to restaurants any more.  I used to sit on chairs and have them
shatter under me and I'd end up on the floor.  Now I can go wherever I want.

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I wish they'd asked him how he planned to maintain his loss.  But at least
this proves that it *is* doable and those folks with +300 pounds to lose
shouldn't think that it's not.  He looks huge in the before pic and really
good in the after.

Tonia