I've always lifted off and on since high school. Never followed a program or tried to watch my diet until February 2010. Starting in February 2010, I did p90x for roughly 1.5 rounds, before a friend recommended crossfit. Note: I didn't follow the diet plan exactly, but I did drop from about 250lb to 220lbs.
Joined a crossfit gym in June of 2010 and attended religiously 4-5x a week for two years. Followed the paleo diet minus the weekends and cut down to a lean 190lb at my lowest.
This past August 2012, I started getting sick and couldn't continue training. It wasn't until November 2012, almost 4 months later, that the doctors realized I had endocarditis. They weren't sure how I got it, but unfortunately it caused severe leakage on my mitral heart valve.
Jan 29th 2013, I had full blown open heart surgery and they replaced my mitral valve with a mechanical valve.
March 26th 2013, I should be clear to start lifting again. Fortunately BSN is offering a 12 week summer shred contest and enrollment ends April 1, 2013.
Planning on using this contest as motivation to get back in shape. Prior to my sickness, in July 2012, I was in the best shape of my life. Two years of crossfit made my cardio and muscle endurance ridiculously strong. I've had 8 months off and I'm chomping at the bit to get started again.
Plan on using bodyspace during this transformation and updating regularly.
Thanks for reading,
Boyd98