Mike I am so proud of you!
Losing weight and keeping a routine like that can be very hard but it is doable. Keep up the good work!
As for my story... In 2007 I started dieting with failed attempts and in the beginning of 2008 I found a method that worked for me. I started using fiber to help cleanse my digestive system but didn't like it much and so I started serving myself what I would normally eat at meal time and scoop 1 spoonful off of my plate the first week and increased to 2 spoonfuls the next week adding 1 more spoonful every week. This was a huge success for me!
I had a hard time exercising because of my weight and a muscle condition that causes me pain, so this was very helpful until I could get to a weight where exercising was possible. When I started "exercising" it was with the help of my kids, I would bench press them and do leg lifts with them sitting on my legs and have them hold my feet while I did sit-ups. This was a great bonding experience with them, and I got in better shape.
When I started my diet I was 198lbs. and a size 18-20. Today I am 129lbs. and a size 8. I have dropped 69lbs.! I am so happy with my weight now and hope to start toning up soon.
Here is the before Pics...
And here is the most recent...