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Man Shares 'Inspirational' Photos Showing 17st Weight Loss In Three Years

Man Shares 'Inspirational' Photos Showing 17st Weight Loss In Three Years

He's been branded an 'inspiration' since sharing his before and after photos online

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A man has been hailed an 'inspiration' after losing an incredible 240lbs (108kg/17st 2lbs) in three years.

Stephen Vysocky saw his weight creep up to 505lbs (229kg/36st) following the breakdown of a relationship in 2018 - but says he's completely changed his life after joining a gym following encouragement from his pals Daniel and David.

Stephen in 2018.
Stephen Vysocky

Speaking to LADbible, Stephen, 34, said: "It was a few months after the girl I was dating broke up with me in 2018.

"I ended up really going back up in size and not leaving my apartment. I would always have conversations with my roommate Daniel and best friend David about how sad I was because I can't go to the places I want to go and how I feel everyone would look at me as if I was some kind of monster."

His friends used a bit of tough love and dragged Stephen 'kicking and screaming' to the gym, where he initially felt out of place and worried what other gym goers would think of him.

Stephen said: "Once I got there I had to get out of my head that people were looking at me funny.

"I got to a point where I was sitting in my car waiting to go into the gym. I told myself that if I can invest this much time and effort into other people, how come I couldn't do that for myself?"

Stephen before he started his weight loss journey.
Stephen Vysocky

From there, Stephen 'drove straight into training', watching the odd YouTube tutorial for help and guidance.

Fast forward three years, and Stephen has gone from 505lbs to his current weight of 265lbs (120kg/18.9st), losing around 240lbs overall.

As well as reaping the health benefits of slimming down and getting fitter, Stephen says the boost to his confidence has been 'the best part'.

"I don't feel as if people are staring at me any more," he said. "And I feel as if people are seeing my personality more than just my weight."

Now that he's slimmer, he wants to visit every major theme park in the US and ride every roller coaster, explaining: "That is something I was not able to do in my bigger life."

Stephen Vysocky

Stephen is also currently in talks with a surgeon to remove the loose skin left by his dramatic weight loss.

Stephen was recently hailed an inspiration about posting his three-year transformation on Twitter and going viral.

One person commented: "That's really inspiring. Lost a stone and a half since January and this has encouraged me to keep that s*** up."

Another wrote: "You what? You freakin' DID that. You're an inspiration, and I wish you happy and healthy days always from the mind outwards!"

Stephen Vysocky

Offering advice to anyone who is in the position he was in three years ago, Stephen added: "I would say, don't give up.

"Half the battle is getting started. I will tell you I used to be one of the laziest people you would meet, but once you set a goal for yourself and you get started, you will be unstoppable.

"Keep in mind that not everyday is going to be a good day but it's what you do with those bad days that make a difference.

These photos were taken just two years apart.
Stephen Vysocky

"Don't beat yourself up for having an unhealthy meal but also don't make it a habit of eating them all the time.

"Work at your own pace. In the beginning you will be slow but you will notice big changes and use that to fuel your fire and to do better."

Featured Image Credit: Stephen Vysocky

Topics: Inspirational