81 pounds lost so far and working to keep myself on track

Since my bio says most of what I want to say, I'll just say that I am a 43 year old man, who after getting disgusted with my weight, started a weight loss regimen last June.  I started out at 370 pounds and am currently at 289.  Having lost enough weight that I no longer have a lot of joint and back pain, I just entered phase two of my plan and joined a gym this past week.  My eventual goal is to reach 205 pounds and have a body fat percentage of under 15%.  My friends and family all say how much I have changed since starting this quest and even though my wife says she will be happy if I just get down to 250, I am going to keep on this course until I reach my goals or die trying.  Just kidding.  In reality, I am certain that my new eating habits will extend my life.

My favorite activities include cooking and baking, so I am always interested in trying out new and healthy ways to prepare food.

I am always interested in sharing ideas with others and even though I sometimes might come off as cocky or a know-it-all, I can always recognize good advice when I see it and appreciate any advice that people have to offer. 

wow, 81 pounds is amazing. great job and keep it up!

Thanks for the words of encouragement.  What I am finding to be my biggest motivator to keep going is when people who haven't seen me in a while comment on how much better I look or ask if I have lost weight without me having to say that I am on a diet. 

Congrats on a job well done and on your resolve to continue!