
John Jorgensen Drops 217 Pounds and Several Medications!
- Name: John Jorgensen
- Age: 48
- Starting Weight: 407
- Ending Weight: 190
- Transformation Starting Date: 7/3/17
- Transformation Ending Date: 7/3/19
- Instagram: @john_c_jorgensen
Before John's Transformation
I was on high blood pressure, cholesterol, and anti-depressant medications. I suffered from frequent seizures and never slept more than two hours at a time due to sleep apnea. It hurt to move or do anything.
Related - Sleep Aids for Maximum Recovery
If I was at the grocery store and needed something on the bottom shelf I had to come back if I didn't have my kids with me.
The Moment John's Life Changed
There were two things.
I was out with an ex-girlfriend and my shoe came untied. I was looking for somewhere to prop my foot up so that I could do the contortion act that was required to tie it. She squatted down in heels and a mini skirt and tied it.
Most embarrassing moment of my life; 45 and couldn't tie my own shoe.
Next day I was at the mall with my oldest son. He was shopping for clothes. Standing next to him I noticed the difference in size between us. The decision was made. I changed everything that day.
John's Diet and Workout Approach
My initial diet was really bad. I was not eating nearly enough and almost quit because of it.
Three eggs and four pieces of turkey bacon for breakfast, a pouch of tuna and a protein shake for lunch, and baked chicken breast, brown rice, and broccoli for dinner. Over time I started to figure out how to make things I liked healthier, and I started eating more.
Initial workouts were very simple. I lifted weights three times a week (machines only) and walked on the treadmill for 20-30 minutes.
Three days turned into five. About a year and a half into my weight loss I started to use four-day-a-week resistance/cardio while the other three days were bodyweight/cardio.
John's Struggles
Broke up with my girlfriend when I hit about 320 pounds. She didn't like that I was getting smaller, hated that I went to the gym every day, and I was no fun because I "ate funny."
Lost most of my friends for the same reasons.
Most Important Thing You Learned?
Have patience and let the process work. I learned that I am capable of much more than I thought. Most importantly I learned how to eat properly.
Biggest Mistake?
Impatience. I tried to go too far too fast. Listened to a lot of bad advice.
A Typical Day of Eating
- Meal 1: Proats.
- Meal 2: Eggs, beans, rice, and salsa.
- Meal 3: Rice, vegetables, chicken with some hot sauce.
- Meal 4: A protein source, potatoes, bag of frozen vegetables.
- Snack: If I have a snack it's usually plain air-popped popcorn.
Words of Encouragement
Don't give up; it takes time. Figure out what is going to work for you. Do a lot of research because there is so much bad information out there. Be consistent and trust the process. Oh, and have fun with it.