Bryan Richards

This JYM Army member hopes to inspires others battling obesity by sharing his own journey.

Written By Jim Stoppani, PhD

Updated September 28, 2023

Written by Bryan Richards

I started my fitness journey at 352 pounds and a body-mass index (BMI) of almost 48. I had been obese for almost 20 years. In the past, I had lost 50 pounds five or six times in my life, but I never added any fitness, so the habits always returned along with the lost weight.

I decided to have bariatric surgery to help me to lose weight permanently. Here's where many people who have not walked a mile in my shoes would think I took an easy route out. Although I will admit it's a faster way to start losing weight, the long-term success rate is no better. I knew if I was going to beat the odds and keep the weight off for good I had to change my body composition, especially fat to muscle ratio. I needed to get in the gym.

Like most people, I thought I needed a trainer, but I wasn't ready to be pushed. That's when I found Shortcut to Size. I read the entire program and realized I could do it on my own because it was easy to follow. That night, I printed the program and ordered the JYM System. I followed the program to the letter and took Pre JYM, Post JYM and Pro JYM as designed.

I tracked every lift and improved each week. I focused on form and made sure I did every drop set and took every rest pause. I focused on not cheating myself by lowering my intensity.

The tough part for me was learning how to track my foods and intakes to make sure I was getting the right types of food to promote muscle growth. I learned to eat every two hours, all day long, so I could get the amount of food in that Jim suggests.

Weight-loss surgery helped me to eat less, but it's not what gets me out of bed every day at 4 a.m. Dedication, a belief in fitness, and Jim's videos and articles on JimStoppani.com do that. Over the last two years, Shortcut to Size and Shortcut to Shed have given me the tools to build muscle and a great physique, and disprove the idea that a malnourished, anemic-looking body was all I could have after surgery.

At 38 years old, I am now at 215 pounds and in the best shape of my life. I have had strength gains in every muscle group. I plan over the next few years to help others who have been obese realize that they can beat the odds.

If I could say anything to encourage anyone, it's that if I can do it in just two years, anyone can. Believe in yourself and just follow the doc's advice. I honestly feel like Jim has extended my life and I know it has made me happier and more confident.

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