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Bill Laas (Lost 50+ Pounds!)
List of posts in Fat Loss Stories of Inspiration
- Fat Loss Stories of Inspiration: Series Introduction
- Mike Boyd (440lbs – 187lbs)
- Dr. Kal Chinyere (Lost 130+ Pounds!)
- Kenneth Lapins (Lost 50+ Pounds!)
- Christopher Stiegemeyer (Lost 55+ Pounds!)
- Tony Posnanski (Lost 195+ Pounds!)
- Bill Laas (Lost 50+ Pounds!)
- The 650 lb. Virgin – David Smith
- The 650 lb. Virgin – David Smith (Video Update)
- Kirby Fields (Lost 75 Pounds!)
Guys, I wrote my first blog post in August of 2007, and I’ve learned a lot since then. One thing that I’ve learned about maintaining a blog is that you need interesting topics to keep your readers happy and satisfied. Well, I had no idea that my Fat Loss Stories of Inspiration Series would have such an impact!
Posting stories from average Joes out there who have lost weight has not only been very gratifying for me, but I’ve been overwhelmed by the response to each unique fat loss story. If you have a fat loss story that you’d like for me to highlight on my blog, please don’t hesitate to shoot me an email. Even if you’ve lost less than my friend Bill, who I’m spotlighting today, don’t think that no one wants to read about your story. I don’t care if you’ve lost 20 or 30 pounds, I want you to tell your story of success and what’s been working for you.
OK, enough with the pitch to get new stories; let’s move on to today’s fat loss story of inspiration: Bill Lass. Bill and I have been emailing each other on and off for a couple of months now. What I’ve always enjoyed about our emails is that he usually refers to himself as simply a Cowboy from Texas.
Well, before he started his fat loss journey, Bill was a 300+ pound Cowboy from Texas, but all that was soon to change! Please read on to find out what caused him to start his journey, what keeps him motivated, and some great before and after shots of my 10 gallon hat wearing bud from the Lone Star state!
Please do me a favor and leave a comment for Bill. Also, I want to personally thank Bill’s lovely wife for convincing him to allow me to spotlight his story. Thanks Janet 
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WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN YOUR FAT-LOSS JOURNEY?Two things stand out as the most important . #1 I have always been active outdoors and worked hard (physical) all my life. I had gotten to the point that I felt I would no longer be able to take care of my ranching operation or do any outdoor activity because I felt so bad and knees hurt so much. I was depressed over the way I felt. #2 I had been reading weight loss success stories for 2-3 years and would always say WOW that is great but I just can’t relate.Then early in 2008, I came across a REGULAR guy that had great success. I related to him and his story. He was not a pro ball player, not a movie star, wasn’t selling anything and best of all he made sense. He was Mr. Low Body Fat and the inspiration felt real.
DO YOU FOLLOW A PARTICULAR WAY OF EATING?I started off cutting calories from 3600 average a day down to 1600 a day for 3 weeks with hardly any carbs. At that point I adjusted my calories up to an average of 2000 a day each week. That is I try to average everything for a week period. I cut out eating processed food by 90% and try to eat around 100-120 grams of carbs a day. I am at the point know where I am trying to put plenty of fiber in my diet without getting too my carbs.
DID YOU SET A GOAL FOR YOURSELF? IF SO, WHAT WAS IT?When I started on July 1,2008 I weighed 305 and I am 5’9″ tall, so I was right square in the Morbidly Obese category. I wanted to try and get down to 220. I did not, however, write that down so I now will tell you that was not my goal. I did write down I wanted to get below 250, I wrote that down. That would be my “can I make it?” goal.
Bill "Before"
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF ACTUALLY STARTING YOUR JOURNEY?The hardest part for me was not starting the journey. I have done Nutrisystem 25 years ago and lost 48 pounds, I have done Atkins 10 years ago and lost 46 ponds . I could lose 20 pounds any month I tried , none of the things I tried were sustainable. The hardest part was educating my self with the facts that I COULD succeed and I could sustain this life style enough to lose the last 20 pounds.
DID YOUR FRIENDS/FAMILY OFFER YOU SUPPORT?My wife Janet was very supportive, as one of the things I quit doing , when I started, was going to lunch with her in town.I told no one else what I was doing for 2-3 months.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR NEW MORE HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES YOU NOW MAKE? FAVORITES?Before I could eat a dozen glazed doughnuts a day, I can look at the box all day now.I eat more fruit–pears , grapes, apples. I think my favorite meal is breakfast five days a week–3 slices of bacon, one egg,one piece 12 grain toast.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT WEIGHT? HOW ARE YOU KEEPING THE FAT OFF?Feb.27,2009 I weighed 245. I was thrilled, I broke below 250 on Feb.2. I keep a food diary, I track my calorie expended with a Caltak. I walk 4 days a week, 2 1/2 miles carrying a 20 pound pack, do some Turbulence Exercises, and walk 4 times a week just before bed for 30 minutes on a treadmill.
BESIDES OBVIOUSLY FEELING HEALTHIER, WHAT KIND OF CHANGES HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED BOTH EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY AFTER YOUR FAT-LOSS?Physically- I have gone from taking 800-1000mg Ibuprofen a day to ZERO since 1-25-09. Knees are not great but much much better.Emotionally is the thing–I have lost 60 pounds of fat but gained 1000 pounds of confidence. I now know I am in control, not my genetics, not my build, ME. I can fail or succeed, ME.
WHAT KIND OF REACTIONS DO YOU GET FROM PEOPLE NOW?I had lots of people at work ask me what I weighed and what I was doing. I had made a decision I would not share this info until after (if & when) I got below 250. At that point my wife encouraged me to start a blog ( a year ago I did not know what one was). Now I tell them my whole story. Some don’t believe I didn’t have surgery.
ANY TIPS/ WORDS OF ADVICE YOU WOULD OFFER FOR FOLKS TRYING TO LOSE FAT?Three#1 Educate yourself, read some good info. Go to Mr.lowbody fat and read the beginning. If nothing else learn the ENERGY EQUATION.#2 We all put the fat on one pound at a time. That is the only way to get it off.#3 Have confidence-not guilt-not depression-not ignorance–CONFIDENCE
March 11th, 2009 at 7:22 am
What a great inspiration. Congratulations to Bill on shedding the pounds!
Thanks for sharing Muata.
Cheers,
Glen
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Muata Reply:
March 11th, 2009 at 8:00 am
No problem Glen, and thanks for leaving your comment, as I know that Bill appreciates it
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March 11th, 2009 at 8:17 am
While I find the stories encouraging, I need help with education where diet/excercise is concerned. Specifically, a meal plan/plans to follow daily.
I struggle with diabetes and I need to lose 50 pounds in order to be able to cut back on all or part of the meds I take on a daily basis. Can someone help me with these requests.
Frank White
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Muata Reply:
March 11th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Frank thanks for your comment and sharing. The one book that I’m now recommending to folks who need good, solid information that will teach them how to design their own program is Tom Venuto’s latest book, The Body Fat Solution. I’ve read more diet books than I care to remember; however, this is one of the only that I’ve come across that explains all aspects of the fat loss process is clear and easy to understand terms. Honestly, I can’t say enough about this book, but that’s it’s truly a breath of fresh air in an industry filled with BS, gimmick filled books that use large font sizes and recipes as fluff. Frank, get this book and start educating yourself about how to create your own “diet” plan to lose the 50 lbs!
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March 11th, 2009 at 8:38 am
Job well done Bill! Keep pressing…and blogging.
Working with you and seeing you daily is one thing but reading your story is truly an inspiration!
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Muata Reply:
March 11th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Thanks for leaving a comment D; I’m sure that Bill appreciates it …
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March 11th, 2009 at 8:56 am
Muata, thanks for the spotlight.
Glen, thanks for the compliment, it makes me feel great.
Let’s journey together,eat less , move large,be happy, hell if i can do it anyone can.
bill
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Muata Reply:
March 11th, 2009 at 11:55 am
No problem my friend. I’m just glad that you agreed to allow me to spotlight your very inspirational story!
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March 11th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Great story, and thanks for posting it on FB so I knew it was out there to read!
I recently got under 250 myself, so I know the feeling of accomplishment that was for me. Currently at 244 and shooting for more!
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Muata Reply:
March 11th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Rob, that’s great and I’m glad that you saw the link on FB. I remember hitting a plateau at 245 that lasted for months on end because I didn’t want to accept the fact that calories do actually count! Keep it going and come back and let us know how you’re progressing …
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March 11th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Hey Bill – Congratulations man. I liked tip #2 – no quick fix but taking it off the same way it came on. How true!
Muata – I really like to forum you put out there for folks. It makes it easier for people to believe we can succeed. And you know once a person believes something – there is no stopping him.
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Muata Reply:
March 11th, 2009 at 11:58 am
John, I’m just glad that I can use my blog to highlight these stories because each time I read a success story by an average Joe or Jane, it gave me the notion that I can do it to. So, you’re right; once a person believes something, the sky’s the limit
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March 11th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Bill, you are great. Those ole donut habits started with Boy Scouts and having the will power to do that and so much more is what a strong man CAN do when he set his mind to it. I AM PROUD of you. MOM
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Muata Reply:
March 11th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
I know that Bill must feel as if he’s 50 feet tall right now! Thanks so much for leaving your comment Mrs. Laas
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March 11th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Well it’s night and Muata’s right , i feel 50′ tall and bullet proof.Thanks to everyone.Muata and Janet were right–they are why I started Fatlosspearlsofwisdom.blogspot.com.
For anyone out there that does not have enough confidence—40 years ago I heard a speech by a Texas state FFA officer. It was his foavorite word in the English langauge—AMERICAN. The nuts and bolts of his speech was–if you say it a little different it becomes ” A Mer I Can”
From a Cowboy in Texas—if I can YOU can
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March 12th, 2009 at 6:16 am
Bill,
You look GREAT…Congratulations!
You have worked so hard and it is really inspiring. I am going to forward this to Logan. I think actually knowing someone that has had such great success will help motivate us to get healthier.
I am so glad that you are feeling so good.
Bridget
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Muata Reply:
March 12th, 2009 at 7:09 am
Bridget, thanks for your comment. Hey Bill, I told you that you would be an inspiration to many folks . . .
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March 12th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
I’m proud of you Bill, but not surprised. You set goals and then accomplish them just like your mom does. You look great.
Betty P. Jacob
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Muata Reply:
March 12th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Betty thanks for your comment and continued support. I know Bill appreciates it …
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March 12th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic! Congratulations Bill! Losing weight is hard, keeping it off harder. If you gain 5 pounds, don’t sweat it. You KNOW you CAN and WILL lose it and more. Good work!
Dave
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Muata Reply:
March 12th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Excellent advice Dave and thanks for leaving a comment …
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March 13th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Great job Bill and you are right education is the key. I feel that if you know what you should be eating then you can make the right choices!
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Muata Reply:
March 16th, 2009 at 5:31 am
You’re right Freddy; I believe that knowing is more than half the battle. You really need to feed your brain to lose the fat
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March 14th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Great Job. I love these success stories. Stay encouraged and stay away from those folks who don’t encourage you to keep up the good work. Your family needs you around for a long time…..
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Muata Reply:
March 16th, 2009 at 5:30 am
Great advice Delo, and thanks for leaving a comment.
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January 10th, 2010 at 9:34 am
Will this work for a morbidly obese 58 year old woman?
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Muata Reply:
January 10th, 2010 at 9:52 am
Of course it will Kate. Although my blog is geared towards the fellas, any advice or tips on my blog will work for women too. Contrary to popular belief, we’re both from the same planet
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June 7th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
muata can you please adress how to lose chest fat and build pecs thank you
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