Hello, everyone! At the surprising request of a few of you lovely viewers, I have started another Patreon page! This is a rewardless Patreon just meant as an option for anyone looking to further support me. Cancel any time! ❤ www.patreon.com/PlaguedbyVisions989
You are a wonderful intellectual who has taught me, a PhD ex-English professor, some wonderful insights. Bless you for that brain. Thick or thin, that has never changed.
See, these are the comments that are truly and will always truly be meaningful to me. Thank you so much for such flattering and kind words. Keeping the conversation going is my goal in life. ❤
Complicated social implications aside, losing that much weight is a huge accomplishment. Losing a third of that weight myself took a lot of mental effort. Congrats!
"Less weight = less health issues. Fact." I mean, I think that's fairly obvious, totally agree. Juan even said he lost weight specifically for health reasons. But that isn't a social issue, that's a biological one. Juan himself brought up all the social baggage involved in being a heavy person in public, which I wasn't trying to address in my congratulations.
@@destroyhobbits Thank you for saying it. Having someone else assert that my video made sense and someone is just being purposely incendiary always helps my mental health. ❤️
Thanks for the honest (and kind) thoughts about fatphobia. As someone who was heavier, then thin, then heavier again, it's annoying to deal with. We're all out here trying to do our best!
I'm always inspired by your nuanced take on things like extreme literature, and this is no exception. Thanks for your insight on all this, and congrats on all your hard work!
As a big old bear myself, I really appreciate your thoughtful take on fatphobia. Your kindness and consideration is truly handsome. Wishing you all the best. Big bear hugs to you!
Thank you so much, and I’m glad I didn’t absolutely fumble this subject. It really is very important to me! Sending hugs back, and thank you again for watching! ❤️
When in my mid-twenties, over 1.5 years, I lost over 130 lbs. It was like going through puberty again. I got involved in martial arts, and in engaged in some behavior I am now ashamed of. But one thing I learned, and it was devastating, people, especially the opposite sex, treated me so differently, I felt like I was in a Twilight Zone episode. As a result, I became very mistrustful of people. I wanted so badly to believe the world judged me interiorly. (I now understand it's one of the reason's I'm obsessed with what's called body horror.) I will say this: I am now so much more empathetic not just to people who are overweight but anyone who suffers with any kind of negative self-image. The sad thing is people really have no idea how beautiful they really are. Illness, age eventually takes away everything. As cheesy as it sounds, love--genuine desire for another's well being--is the only thing that last forever. God bless you on your journey.
The human mistrust that can stem from weight loss is very real! I am happy to have the help of therapy on my side, and it has really been crucial at navigating some of these complex patterns of thinking. Your story resonated with me because I identified with so much of it, and 100% had this weight loss happened at a younger age… I’d probably be incredibly unhinged right now. 😂 And I 100% agree with your message and I hate that we always have to preface statements like that as “being cheesy.” Sure, it’s cheesy haha, but it’s also the truth! There is nothing significant that I’ve gained through losing weight that I can’t gain out of simple, genuine human connection. ❤️
@@PlaguedbyVisions Yes, very true. When people treat you like you're a different person (better) because you have lost weight, I would say it was more painful than feeling rejection when overweight. Because, to me, it meant their love/desire for me was still based on my outward appearance. If I may be bold, I think men have a tougher time with this harsh before/after reality, especially when it comes to dating. And then if you add money to the mix--a better car, etc., oh boy. Losing weight is hard, but there's a whole other battle/reality that comes with it. Don't get me wrong. I don't advocate being unhealthy at all. I'm just saying, people who were never overweight cannot understand the interior struggle. It's funny, in one of your older videos I was watching, you mentioned Dorian Gray. (I watched it the other day.) And immediately it reminded me of my weight loss, and then you post this video. Anyway, sorry for going on about this. Suerte, Juan.
I have had a similar experience with mental health rather than weight. I had been refusing meds of any kind to treat my suicidal depression and anxiety for years. I was to the point where I had intricately plotted out my own death and was faking every interaction because I just felt numb all the time. Eventually, during a breakdown, I was brutally honest with my brother about how I was feeling, so he and our mother finally forced me to take meds. Let me preface this next bit by saying that I am much happier, more comfortable with myself and am actually functional now. But when I first went on the meds and people started seeing the way my mood was changing and I started getting compliments about how much more pleasant and such that I was, I had this little bit of doubt in the back of my mind saying "What if it's the pills they like and not actually me?" At that point I was still having difficulty with the idea that I am not my mental illness, so it felt like a weird compliment at the time.
You know, you’ve really touched upon something that I find myself currently experiencing a lot: This sense of bifurcation. I even did it a bit on this video! Society and its judgment of you at various stages of life can really make you even start believing a bit that you are many people, and all of them are judged or valued in different ways. What is really helping me in therapy currently is fighting against this notion, and celebrating my integrity and the fact that so many varied experiences make a single human. Thank you so much for sharing your comment with me. ❤
I really appreciate your approach to this. I lost 90 lbs due to illness, and while I needed to lose 50-70 lbs, it hit me so hard emotionally and continues to be a major health issue. I hate discussing my weight loss story too, there's nothing inspiring about getting sick. And totally agree about how hard the compliments can be, esp realizing what people thought of me before.
“There’s nothing inspiring about getting sick.” Thank you for putting it in those words! To me, congratulating me on my weight loss is akin to being congratulated on an amputated arm or a liver transplant. Yes, happy it worked out and all, but does it really have ANY bearing on my character, other than what is socially conditioned? And yes, I’ve felt the same about even lifelong friends who have started treating me very differently! “People are strange.”
@@PlaguedbyVisions oh yeah, it can be tough with your nearest and dearest. You realize how truly messed up our society has become when they gush over you, but it can be too overwhelming to address. And so many people truly believe their lives would completely transform if rapid weight loss happened, which I understand is social conditioning, but it's so untrue! I've found many folks simply cannot hear what I'm saying, it is too much to readjust their whole thinking on weight. I lost a friend (from my life, she's alive) who could not grasp that uncontrolled weight loss is not the "best thing that ever happened to me," esp when i had to start discussing feeding tubes with my doctor & was facing a much earlier life expectancy. I've got things relatively under control now, it's no longer life limiting, and thankfully have a few close friends and a great set of coworkers who respect my feelings and understand that when I lose 20 lbs out of nowhere, concern is the appropriate reaction, not congrats. I always want to speak up publicly but it's so hard not to offend or upset everybody lol. when your body has been perceived in many different ways in just a short time, you get a unique perspective but few want to hear it. The funny thing is that you see it's just a health thing, our bodies seem to like a certain balanced range, and it's not very exciting to maintain balance lol. I don't know if you can eat "normally" but if you use ensure/boost, if someone is trying to inappropriately hype up your hotness, just agree and whip out your nutritional supplement drink 😂 that tends to slow down the people who get too obsessed with other people's bodies...kinda removes the glamour for them 😉
My guy, I found you when I was looking for book recommendations. I stayed because of your insightful opinions on the books. I appreciate that you are always respectful to other’s opinions. Thank you for the videos. :)
Sometimes it takes a kick in the butt to make the changes we need to for our health. For me it was when my husband had a heart attack a year and a half ago so we have both made some significant changes with good and movement. And yeah-it’s so strange going through body transitions and having people comment. I just don’t know how to react when someone says I look nice because, like you, I’m like-what I was a piece of crap before?? Anyway-I appreciate you making this video and I’m glad you’re feeling good. ❤❤
I had a very similar experience myself with a health scare, and I can truly say FEW things would have made me make as big a change! And yes, it’s always so difficult negotiating these “compliments” in your head! I’ve decided, for now at least, that I will accept them, but will call attention to any comments that feel off, because I do think more people should be confronted about stuff like this!
Looking good bro, I'm in the IT industry and also long time reader, its hard to get motivated to workout and diet. I do both to stay "healthy" and keep my weight down as I grow older. I hate it TBH but I feel its a necessary evil 🙂 Good stuff.
Losing weight is horrific but was absolutely a “necessary evil” in my case as well. I really do like addressing weight loss as the horrible thing it is for the most part, though! I feel like that opens up more useful conversations than sugar coating it does.
Holy crap, I'm commenting early, but my man you're looking amazing! You look super healthy. Good for you dude. I'm one of those sporadic viewers so this quite a change!
I’m glad to hear of your progress. I managed to lose 120 lbs a couple years ago, but only by massive depression and a massive diabetic complication that led directly to even more vascular and autonomic nervous trouble. Executive summary: “weight loss the bad way”. Looks like you’re doing it and managing the changes a lot better. 👍🏼 Looking forward to your next collection, Poking Pounds. :)
Thank you so much! My weight loss stemmed from potential heart disease and being prediabetic, so it was certainly scary, but not as scary as it could have been. I really appreciate all the kind words. ❤
Congratulations on your weight loss. More importantly, I’m glad you’re healthier than you were a year ago. Keep it up. The world needs you, man. Be well.
What, man. I'm ausent of your videos like for six months. And I came back today, you just got in fit. I mean, congratulations, you made great progress. Trully love your channel. Hugs from Brazil!
Looking good, its a process for sure. I spent 22 years skinny, and became overweight about 11 years ago and the way people treat just your intelligence is night and day. People assume I am dumb because im overweight and are shocked when im not.
OH MY GOD. My intelligence was insulted ON THE DAILY, and not just that, but also people tend see you as generally worthless when you are bigger. They just tend to have zero faith that you can bring anything of interest to the table.
Beautifully said, Juan. Thank you. Wonderful to see you working on your health. As a large and very intelligent person, like you, I have experienced all the same things you are talking of, and people just don't get it. Well done, you.
Such a great video. I can't believe I haven't watched your channel before today. I lost 150 pounds a couple of years ago, but I've gained it back since breaking my arm and being diagnosed with cancer. I'm looking forward to digging into more of your videos!
@PlaguedbyVisions For someone with my issues, weight is almost directly tied to wellness. I understand the sentiment, though, for sure, and you're absolutely right m
@@LiterateTexan my sincerest apologies for how I worded that-what I meant to say is, even with such a struggle, you can still find happiness, which you deserve, and I hope you at least find entertainment in this channel. 💖
That is an incredible accomplishment. Congratulations! I was impressed by your wonderful insightful book reviews but I am even more impressed by your character. To most people, physical appearance is EVERYTHING and as a fat person all my life, constantly struggling to lose the weight, I am one of those people who despite my size is invisible to the majority of society, have been bullied and abused and left with a general disdain for the human race. People like you are so rare and what we need so much more of in this world.
Trust me: I feel you. Being thinner now only reminds me more and more of how superficial and hollow people are. Just from this comment I know you are intelligent, compassionate, and a good person. Keep THAT up-it’s what most people don’t have. 💖💖💖
People treating you differently when you´re fat versus when you´re a "normal" weight is real. I´ve been yo-yoing with my weight my whole life and the different way people treat you when you´re slim versus when you´re fat is totally real. At the moment I´m very overweight and I´ve just begun to realize that people are treating me like shit again - shop assistants, when you go to do official paperwork, my driving instructor! People not wanting to make eye contact. I thought it was me being overly sensitive, but you´ve just made me realize the reason. Yet again.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, and I want to reiterate that it is something I’ve gone through as well. ❤ However, I do want to say that, THANKS TO THE HELP OF THERAPY OF COURSE, I’ve as of late been working on turning this into a point of… even almost empowerment, you know? Basically, realizing that most people essentially just flaunt their shallowness and ignorance and engage in damaging behaviors completely unquestioned, then are we, who are aware of all this artifice, not much better than them because of it? Things that people measure our worth with are so arbitrary. We know what’s truly important and valuable in us.❤
Weightism is a prevalent issue. You never know what someone is going through so it's safest to just compliment people on their personal choices rather than appearances. So glad you started a patreon again!
You look great! I appreciated a few comments you made here and there that indicated this was a deliberate choice so I could be assured you weren’t wasting away. Other than that, I come here for the smartest analysis of literature I have ever found. I have yet to finish a book I’ve heard about on this channel but I will always enjoy listening to you discuss why they are so good.
Wow. Such a stunning photo. Looking amazing. Much power to you at this weight or any weight. You should be proud of doing this for your health. You looked great before and you look great now
I did a search to see how much that was in proper units. Holy fucking shit, that is a huge accomplishment! Excellent work, I'm very proud of you and deeply love your channel. Heaps of love from an overweight Kiwi in Aotearoa
Haha, sorry that I didn’t include the proper units! I really appreciate all the kindness and support, and happy to hear my channel has been of some value to you. ❤ Thank you so much, and sending all my greetings back to Aotearoa! 🇳🇿❤️
Wow. My point of view is that I just discovered your channel when my recommends randomly came up with your "list of most disturbing books part 1" video - what a great first video, btw. After completing watching that video, I came to this one. Congratulations on the fantastic result of your tough journey of weight loss. I am really impressed, Sir! Proud of you.
I really wish more people could see being overweight as a medical issue. Mainly people who are overweight, because even if they lose a ton of weight or get fit, if their self-confidence isn't based on their actual self but instead their visual appearance, they can get into a toxic cycle of never being good enough or achieving the appearance they think is what makes them who they are instead of focusing on who they actually are.
Isn’t that the truth! I really do think that if I had pursued weight loss as a journey of self-fulfillment, it would have only led to more, potentially severer issues.
You look great bro, what can I say. It's been a while since I last watched one of your videos, so I'm blown away by your change of appearance. I'm a big guy myself and have had my fair share of health related issues to deal with and have also had to lose weight, not as much as I would like. Have you had to change your wardrobe? It's great to be back, and I hope to hang around and watch more of your videos. I just finished reading The Abuse of Ashley Collins by Jon Nathan, and it was really fucked-up, which I really like, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Ketchum's The Girl Next Door. I also read White Trash Gothic by Edward Lee which was a fantastic bit of light reading, very highbrow sort of stuff. People should read The Bighead and The Minotauress before reading White Trash Gothic. If you are into Extreme Horror, and Splatterpunk, then I seriously recommend these books. How fucking crazy would it be to have a Minotauress pop-up book, if you know one of the specific monsters, you'll know what I mean. Imagine turning the page and having that thing jump out at you, lol.
I think you look fantastic, but you were just as fantastic before x x x its all about YOU Juan - not the weight you was or now - Great video , thoughtful and well said … ❤ ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 xx Now get those horror book videos up xx 😘😂 Lots of love xx
Thank you so much!!! ❤️❤️❤️ That has truly been something invaluable I’ve learned through all this (with the help of therapy of course lol): It’s all very different versions and journeys, but all of it is me, and I should learn to embrace it as such. ☺️
Absolutely no h8, but I can't watch things like this because my ED gremlins don't play nice with it. But gave it a like because I support you in all parts of your journey and want all the best for you because you are the best!
My darling sister who practically raised me passed away from weight related medical complications at a young age. When I encourage people to eat well, get healthy & fit, they always assume I’m just fat phobic. I just do not want that heartbreak to affect them and their loved ones. 🤷🏼♀️ You’re doing great, you look healthy and I hope you feel wonderful! Long life and health! ✌🏼🕊☮️
Thank you for your comment. I think if you are ever truly concerned for somebody’s health, the best thing you can do is just have an honest chat with them and help connect them to a medical professional. You can't just tell people to “get fit” and “eat healthy,” because 1) most likely they’ve heard this before, and often in hostile and traumatic ways, so it could be more detrimental than helpful, and 2) as I said, a nutritionist and a doctor NEEDS to be consulted to ensure it's done safely. The person also has to want to change, and they don't have to if they don't want to. Ultimately, it’s their lives to live.
You look great! Although I hope I can speak for everyone in saying that you are a joy to watch regardless (and no, I don’t mean regardless if you look “good” or “bad”. Your fabulous) Congrats on being so successful in working towards your health! It is sad to me that people treat bigger people differently.. such is the way of this mental world.
Thank you so much! I completely understand what you meant by your compliment and it really means a lot. ❤️ And yes, fatphobic behavior can be especially sinister because so much of it is masked as “a genuine concern for someone’s health.” 🙄 I am happy that I feel empowered enough to speak on this to you all.
Isnt it crazy? I was chunky my whole life but around the age 19 i got sick with lyme disease and lost a lot of weight. People treated me so different, so much better. Then i got "well" and put the weight back on and im back to being chunky snd currently trying to lose weight for health reasons at 35. I loved the way i felt being smaller and getting treated more nicely, but im sad, for myself and others, who are bigger and treated like "less than" because of it
One of my best buddies weighs 68 KG, i checked and that is EXACTLY 150 lbs, which means you have lost an entire human in weight huge respect to you! Keep on!
Wow, thank you so much, sincerely! I cannot believe my channel could be “therapy” for someone, but however that works, I hope it can continue to be useful for you. ❤️☺️ Empathy is the reason to be!
You mean currently as I lift? I quite literally just seek protein-rich foods (I’m vegan so protein supplements have been a MUST) throughout the day haha, and then my lifting routine throughout the week: 1. Leg day (squats, lunges, any leg workout machines at the gym really, etc.) 2. Chest day (bench press (regular, incline, decline), dumbbell presses, push-ups) 3. Arm day (dumbbell curls, hammer curls, and working out your forearms is CRUCIAL!) 4. Back and shoulder day (deadlift and military overhead press mainly!) And the rest of the week’s days I do some cardio or concentrate on specific muscle groups that I notice need work. Sorry for the very rough laying out of info here!
Congratulations on the weight loss, I hope it'll fix your medical problems. Though I'm not "fat" I think I could improve some things in my health a lot by shedding 15 pounds or so. If you lost 10 times that much I have no excuse for not doing it, so... think I may go for it. Nobody should have a different attitude toward you just because you're thinner, though. Fatter people are still great people and should be treated as such.
@@PlaguedbyVisions I’m sure it’s been asked but you ever wanna do a music video. Like disturbing music or something? Might be nothing special (I mean as in saying things already said - I hope you know what I mean - not denigrating you at all) but I’d be interested to hear what you have to say on disturbing music. If you’re into any.
Congratulations on accomplishing your goals! I've been going to the gym for a little under a decade, and it helped a lot with depression. When I originally went I lost a lot of weight, but it's been bouncing since the pandemic. I really need to get it down because now some of my shirts are getting tight. I feel what you mean about fitness channels and sites. Most of them are incredibly full of it. Even ones with decent advice eventually get unbearable. The only ones I follow now are BroScienceLife and Buff Dudes, both of which are more comedy than anything else.
Thank you so much, Ben! And congratulations and best of luck on any goals of your own! You know, your last paragraph really reminded me of a funny anecdote: I actually made a “fitness” IG page for a couple of weeks, but eventually deleted it because I realized, “Man, if you’re not BSing or trying to sell a product or bullying others, there really ISN’T much “fitness” content to post!” 😂😂😂
Lifting weights and watching your diet is the fastest way to lose weight and tone at the same time. Been there. You don't need lipo. I hate the gym so i bought weights at Walmart, cheaper and could work out whenever i wanted without the constant stares from people wanting to touch me😂 dirty birdies.
Do you ever wonder where it went ? Are you plagued by visions of a Michilen-man shaped blob of ex-Juan tottering after you and mewling for vengeance ? I have to say you sure are easy on the eyes in this video !! Which ballet are you auditioning for ?
@@PlaguedbyVisions No I don't mean YOU ! I mean the weight you lost ! Do you think it just evaporated into a fine mist ? Certainly not ! It has to go somewhere. That's just common sense. And science. And magic. My theory is it finds a dark corner someplace and accumulates in lumps and eventually comes seeking vengeance against the person who shed it like so much excess weight. At least I think that's what happens but you may want to check on the Wikipedia just to be sure.
Lol right but I don’t wanna think about the fat I lost in that way. What is it saying to people who are fat? That I lost my “monstrosity” by losing my fat? Idk it’s just kinda weird. 😛
@PlaguedbyVisions I haven't heard any rumors. Just my observation. Begging for money. Massive sudden weight loss. Disappearing for long periods of time. No Doctor assisted weight loss plan wants you to lose that percentage of body weight in that period of time. It's hell on your body and heart. I'll say a prayer for you. 🙏
@@reggiereads5989 Exactly! Read your comment back. NO ONE talks about boring nobodies like you this way. I know you commented similarly hateful stuff on my channel MONTHS ago… and you’re STILL doing it! Don’t you know you only help my algorithm? The fact that you’ve come back all these months later is so delicious to me. Hope you return for the next video! 😘
I actually wanted to compliment your Cannibal Corpse and Deftones t shirts but that wasn't book related. On the subject of fat phobia I think this is something that Mo Hayder played with in her novels: one of the birdmen, fat sexual deviants (the troll et al) and in one depressing scene a home bound obese man (in the novel Gone I think). It was something I was going to explore in her writing with the theory of abjection. However, I also like riding my mountain bike and playing guitar and.. I put on weight while at Uni due to all the sitting reading and writing (the lack of movement when studying did get to me). BTW Your gains are the least interesting thing on your channel! ;)
A study on fatphobia as it manifests or is contended in literature is something I’d definitely be interested in reading! Thank you so much for your kind words. ❤
Hello, everyone! At the surprising request of a few of you lovely viewers, I have started another Patreon page! This is a rewardless Patreon just meant as an option for anyone looking to further support me. Cancel any time! ❤
www.patreon.com/PlaguedbyVisions989
You are a wonderful intellectual who has taught me, a PhD ex-English professor, some wonderful insights. Bless you for that brain. Thick or thin, that has never changed.
See, these are the comments that are truly and will always truly be meaningful to me. Thank you so much for such flattering and kind words. Keeping the conversation going is my goal in life. ❤
Complicated social implications aside, losing that much weight is a huge accomplishment. Losing a third of that weight myself took a lot of mental effort. Congrats!
Thank you so much. ❤️
There are no complicated social implications. Less weight = less health issues. Fact.
"Less weight = less health issues. Fact." I mean, I think that's fairly obvious, totally agree. Juan even said he lost weight specifically for health reasons. But that isn't a social issue, that's a biological one. Juan himself brought up all the social baggage involved in being a heavy person in public, which I wasn't trying to address in my congratulations.
@@destroyhobbits Thank you for saying it. Having someone else assert that my video made sense and someone is just being purposely incendiary always helps my mental health. ❤️
You are the absolute king and I feel blessed to know you
KINGS RECOGNIZE KINGS 👑. Thank you, sir. I feel the same. ❤️
@@PlaguedbyVisions that meme with the two spider-mans but they’re both wearing crowns
Thanks for the honest (and kind) thoughts about fatphobia. As someone who was heavier, then thin, then heavier again, it's annoying to deal with. We're all out here trying to do our best!
And weight really is, at the end of the day, just like hair or eye color. It has no real bearing on who we are. ❤
I'm always inspired by your nuanced take on things like extreme literature, and this is no exception. Thanks for your insight on all this, and congrats on all your hard work!
I’m happy to wax poetic about anything, including this! 😅 Thank you so much. ❤
As a big old bear myself, I really appreciate your thoughtful take on fatphobia. Your kindness and consideration is truly handsome. Wishing you all the best. Big bear hugs to you!
Thank you so much, and I’m glad I didn’t absolutely fumble this subject. It really is very important to me! Sending hugs back, and thank you again for watching! ❤️
This was awesome. You are, and always have been, the best.
YOU’RE the best! I’m just here to make the gravy.
When in my mid-twenties, over 1.5 years, I lost over 130 lbs. It was like going through puberty again. I got involved in martial arts, and in engaged in some behavior I am now ashamed of. But one thing I learned, and it was devastating, people, especially the opposite sex, treated me so differently, I felt like I was in a Twilight Zone episode. As a result, I became very mistrustful of people. I wanted so badly to believe the world judged me interiorly. (I now understand it's one of the reason's I'm obsessed with what's called body horror.) I will say this: I am now so much more empathetic not just to people who are overweight but anyone who suffers with any kind of negative self-image. The sad thing is people really have no idea how beautiful they really are. Illness, age eventually takes away everything. As cheesy as it sounds, love--genuine desire for another's well being--is the only thing that last forever. God bless you on your journey.
The human mistrust that can stem from weight loss is very real! I am happy to have the help of therapy on my side, and it has really been crucial at navigating some of these complex patterns of thinking. Your story resonated with me because I identified with so much of it, and 100% had this weight loss happened at a younger age… I’d probably be incredibly unhinged right now. 😂
And I 100% agree with your message and I hate that we always have to preface statements like that as “being cheesy.” Sure, it’s cheesy haha, but it’s also the truth! There is nothing significant that I’ve gained through losing weight that I can’t gain out of simple, genuine human connection. ❤️
@@PlaguedbyVisions Yes, very true. When people treat you like you're a different person (better) because you have lost weight, I would say it was more painful than feeling rejection when overweight. Because, to me, it meant their love/desire for me was still based on my outward appearance. If I may be bold, I think men have a tougher time with this harsh before/after reality, especially when it comes to dating. And then if you add money to the mix--a better car, etc., oh boy. Losing weight is hard, but there's a whole other battle/reality that comes with it. Don't get me wrong. I don't advocate being unhealthy at all. I'm just saying, people who were never overweight cannot understand the interior struggle. It's funny, in one of your older videos I was watching, you mentioned Dorian Gray. (I watched it the other day.) And immediately it reminded me of my weight loss, and then you post this video. Anyway, sorry for going on about this. Suerte, Juan.
You are wonderfully eloquent. A pleasure to listen to.
Oh thank you so much!!! 😭❤️🙏
I have had a similar experience with mental health rather than weight. I had been refusing meds of any kind to treat my suicidal depression and anxiety for years. I was to the point where I had intricately plotted out my own death and was faking every interaction because I just felt numb all the time. Eventually, during a breakdown, I was brutally honest with my brother about how I was feeling, so he and our mother finally forced me to take meds.
Let me preface this next bit by saying that I am much happier, more comfortable with myself and am actually functional now. But when I first went on the meds and people started seeing the way my mood was changing and I started getting compliments about how much more pleasant and such that I was, I had this little bit of doubt in the back of my mind saying "What if it's the pills they like and not actually me?" At that point I was still having difficulty with the idea that I am not my mental illness, so it felt like a weird compliment at the time.
You know, you’ve really touched upon something that I find myself currently experiencing a lot: This sense of bifurcation. I even did it a bit on this video! Society and its judgment of you at various stages of life can really make you even start believing a bit that you are many people, and all of them are judged or valued in different ways. What is really helping me in therapy currently is fighting against this notion, and celebrating my integrity and the fact that so many varied experiences make a single human.
Thank you so much for sharing your comment with me. ❤
I really appreciate your approach to this. I lost 90 lbs due to illness, and while I needed to lose 50-70 lbs, it hit me so hard emotionally and continues to be a major health issue. I hate discussing my weight loss story too, there's nothing inspiring about getting sick. And totally agree about how hard the compliments can be, esp realizing what people thought of me before.
“There’s nothing inspiring about getting sick.” Thank you for putting it in those words! To me, congratulating me on my weight loss is akin to being congratulated on an amputated arm or a liver transplant. Yes, happy it worked out and all, but does it really have ANY bearing on my character, other than what is socially conditioned? And yes, I’ve felt the same about even lifelong friends who have started treating me very differently! “People are strange.”
@@PlaguedbyVisions oh yeah, it can be tough with your nearest and dearest. You realize how truly messed up our society has become when they gush over you, but it can be too overwhelming to address. And so many people truly believe their lives would completely transform if rapid weight loss happened, which I understand is social conditioning, but it's so untrue! I've found many folks simply cannot hear what I'm saying, it is too much to readjust their whole thinking on weight. I lost a friend (from my life, she's alive) who could not grasp that uncontrolled weight loss is not the "best thing that ever happened to me," esp when i had to start discussing feeding tubes with my doctor & was facing a much earlier life expectancy. I've got things relatively under control now, it's no longer life limiting, and thankfully have a few close friends and a great set of coworkers who respect my feelings and understand that when I lose 20 lbs out of nowhere, concern is the appropriate reaction, not congrats. I always want to speak up publicly but it's so hard not to offend or upset everybody lol. when your body has been perceived in many different ways in just a short time, you get a unique perspective but few want to hear it. The funny thing is that you see it's just a health thing, our bodies seem to like a certain balanced range, and it's not very exciting to maintain balance lol.
I don't know if you can eat "normally" but if you use ensure/boost, if someone is trying to inappropriately hype up your hotness, just agree and whip out your nutritional supplement drink 😂 that tends to slow down the people who get too obsessed with other people's bodies...kinda removes the glamour for them 😉
My guy, I found you when I was looking for book recommendations. I stayed because of your insightful opinions on the books. I appreciate that you are always respectful to other’s opinions. Thank you for the videos. :)
Thank YOU so much for watching! I truly appreciate the support, and I’m glad you’ve stuck around!
Sometimes it takes a kick in the butt to make the changes we need to for our health. For me it was when my husband had a heart attack a year and a half ago so we have both made some significant changes with good and movement. And yeah-it’s so strange going through body transitions and having people comment. I just don’t know how to react when someone says I look nice because, like you, I’m like-what I was a piece of crap before?? Anyway-I appreciate you making this video and I’m glad you’re feeling good. ❤❤
I had a very similar experience myself with a health scare, and I can truly say FEW things would have made me make as big a change! And yes, it’s always so difficult negotiating these “compliments” in your head! I’ve decided, for now at least, that I will accept them, but will call attention to any comments that feel off, because I do think more people should be confronted about stuff like this!
@@PlaguedbyVisions Yes I agree. I’m more than my what my body looks like. ♥️
Looking good bro, I'm in the IT industry and also long time reader, its hard to get motivated to workout and diet. I do both to stay "healthy" and keep my weight down as I grow older. I hate it TBH but I feel its a necessary evil 🙂 Good stuff.
Losing weight is horrific but was absolutely a “necessary evil” in my case as well. I really do like addressing weight loss as the horrible thing it is for the most part, though! I feel like that opens up more useful conversations than sugar coating it does.
Holy crap, I'm commenting early, but my man you're looking amazing! You look super healthy. Good for you dude. I'm one of those sporadic viewers so this quite a change!
Haha, I do wonder how many more people have found me through an old video and have clicked on a recent one and been… taken aback 😂
Thank you!
I’m glad to hear of your progress. I managed to lose 120 lbs a couple years ago, but only by massive depression and a massive diabetic complication that led directly to even more vascular and autonomic nervous trouble. Executive summary: “weight loss the bad way”. Looks like you’re doing it and managing the changes a lot better. 👍🏼
Looking forward to your next collection, Poking Pounds. :)
Thank you so much! My weight loss stemmed from potential heart disease and being prediabetic, so it was certainly scary, but not as scary as it could have been. I really appreciate all the kind words. ❤
Of course you're inspiring bro. Both intectually and physically! So props, you're doing great.
🙌!!! Truly appreciate that. Thank you so much. ❤
All I care about is your health, whether mental or physical. You look great! 🖤
That’s all I care about for anyone as well. Thank you. ❤
Congratulations on your weight loss. More importantly, I’m glad you’re healthier than you were a year ago. Keep it up. The world needs you, man. Be well.
Thank you so much! ❤️🙏
Health is wealth! ❤ Thank you for taking yours seriously. This world needs you!
❤️❤️❤️
What, man. I'm ausent of your videos like for six months. And I came back today, you just got in fit. I mean, congratulations, you made great progress. Trully love your channel. Hugs from Brazil!
💖💖💖 Greetings to the beautiful nation of Brazil!
I was just watching videos of yours and decided to hit your channel only to see this progress, legwndary, good on you
Legendary moves ONLY here at Plagued by Visions. Love you!
Congrats Man. love your videoes. you deserve every success you reach in your life.
Thank you so much! All the kindness and love back at you! 🙏
THE TITLE IS INCREDIBLE. HELLLLL YES
Looking good, its a process for sure. I spent 22 years skinny, and became overweight about 11 years ago and the way people treat just your intelligence is night and day. People assume I am dumb because im overweight and are shocked when im not.
OH MY GOD. My intelligence was insulted ON THE DAILY, and not just that, but also people tend see you as generally worthless when you are bigger. They just tend to have zero faith that you can bring anything of interest to the table.
Beautifully said, Juan. Thank you. Wonderful to see you working on your health. As a large and very intelligent person, like you, I have experienced all the same things you are talking of, and people just don't get it. Well done, you.
Thank you so much. 😭😭😭 Beauty and kindness are the most beautiful things in the world and I feel immensely lucky to be so surrounded by them. ❤️❤️❤️
Such a great video. I can't believe I haven't watched your channel before today. I lost 150 pounds a couple of years ago, but I've gained it back since breaking my arm and being diagnosed with cancer. I'm looking forward to digging into more of your videos!
Weight is secondary to being well and happy. Love you. 💖💖💖
@PlaguedbyVisions For someone with my issues, weight is almost directly tied to wellness. I understand the sentiment, though, for sure, and you're absolutely right m
@@LiterateTexan my sincerest apologies for how I worded that-what I meant to say is, even with such a struggle, you can still find happiness, which you deserve, and I hope you at least find entertainment in this channel. 💖
That is an incredible accomplishment. Congratulations! I was impressed by your wonderful insightful book reviews but I am even more impressed by your character. To most people, physical appearance is EVERYTHING and as a fat person all my life, constantly struggling to lose the weight, I am one of those people who despite my size is invisible to the majority of society, have been bullied and abused and left with a general disdain for the human race. People like you are so rare and what we need so much more of in this world.
Trust me: I feel you. Being thinner now only reminds me more and more of how superficial and hollow people are. Just from this comment I know you are intelligent, compassionate, and a good person. Keep THAT up-it’s what most people don’t have. 💖💖💖
People treating you differently when you´re fat versus when you´re a "normal" weight is real. I´ve been yo-yoing with my weight my whole life and the different way people treat you when you´re slim versus when you´re fat is totally real. At the moment I´m very overweight and I´ve just begun to realize that people are treating me like shit again - shop assistants, when you go to do official paperwork, my driving instructor! People not wanting to make eye contact. I thought it was me being overly sensitive, but you´ve just made me realize the reason. Yet again.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, and I want to reiterate that it is something I’ve gone through as well. ❤ However, I do want to say that, THANKS TO THE HELP OF THERAPY OF COURSE, I’ve as of late been working on turning this into a point of… even almost empowerment, you know? Basically, realizing that most people essentially just flaunt their shallowness and ignorance and engage in damaging behaviors completely unquestioned, then are we, who are aware of all this artifice, not much better than them because of it? Things that people measure our worth with are so arbitrary. We know what’s truly important and valuable in us.❤
Hi! I'm new lol. I came across your channel looking for a specific book review. congrats! Adelante mi gente ❤
😍💖💖💖
Amazing Juan! 👏🏻👏🏻
Goddamn dude so happy for you!!! I feel Motivated. Keep it up man!!!!
💖💖💖
Good for you, man! You love to see a player win 🕊️✨
😂💖💖💖
Weightism is a prevalent issue. You never know what someone is going through so it's safest to just compliment people on their personal choices rather than appearances. So glad you started a patreon again!
I an in full agreement with you there. Thank you so much for your support! ❤
@@PlaguedbyVisions Always!
unbelievable transformation congrats!
Isn’t it? Watching old videos can feel surreal sometimes. It really feels like a different person!
@PlaguedbyVisions I hadn't watched your videos so long and I'm just blown away. Happy to be a fan of the channel!
You look great! I appreciated a few comments you made here and there that indicated this was a deliberate choice so I could be assured you weren’t wasting away. Other than that, I come here for the smartest analysis of literature I have ever found. I have yet to finish a book I’ve heard about on this channel but I will always enjoy listening to you discuss why they are so good.
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words! ❤ The literary analysis is here to stay, even if the weight comes and goes. 🫡
Wow. Such a stunning photo. Looking amazing. Much power to you at this weight or any weight. You should be proud of doing this for your health. You looked great before and you look great now
Thank you so much! 🙏❤️☺️
I did a search to see how much that was in proper units. Holy fucking shit, that is a huge accomplishment! Excellent work, I'm very proud of you and deeply love your channel. Heaps of love from an overweight Kiwi in Aotearoa
PS you're very handsome
Haha, sorry that I didn’t include the proper units! I really appreciate all the kindness and support, and happy to hear my channel has been of some value to you. ❤ Thank you so much, and sending all my greetings back to Aotearoa! 🇳🇿❤️
Yet another video making this channel the ultimate safe space on TH-cam!
Haha, aww thank you. 🥲❤️ I do think a humanistic perspective is CRUCIAL when it comes to what we do here on this channel.
Wow. My point of view is that I just discovered your channel when my recommends randomly came up with your "list of most disturbing books part 1" video - what a great first video, btw.
After completing watching that video, I came to this one. Congratulations on the fantastic result of your tough journey of weight loss. I am really impressed, Sir! Proud of you.
❤️❤️❤️ This means a lot. I needed this point of view, I feel. Have a wonderful day, stranger friend.
@@PlaguedbyVisions 🤍🤍🤍🤍
I really wish more people could see being overweight as a medical issue. Mainly people who are overweight, because even if they lose a ton of weight or get fit, if their self-confidence isn't based on their actual self but instead their visual appearance, they can get into a toxic cycle of never being good enough or achieving the appearance they think is what makes them who they are instead of focusing on who they actually are.
Isn’t that the truth! I really do think that if I had pursued weight loss as a journey of self-fulfillment, it would have only led to more, potentially severer issues.
Congratulations man! Absolute beast ;)
Thanks for keepin' it real. Respect. 😀
If there’s something I always strive for it’s to keep it real. 🫡
You look great bro, what can I say. It's been a while since I last watched one of your videos, so I'm blown away by your change of appearance. I'm a big guy myself and have had my fair share of health related issues to deal with and have also had to lose weight, not as much as I would like. Have you had to change your wardrobe? It's great to be back, and I hope to hang around and watch more of your videos.
I just finished reading The Abuse of Ashley Collins by Jon Nathan, and it was really fucked-up, which I really like, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Ketchum's The Girl Next Door. I also read White Trash Gothic by Edward Lee which was a fantastic bit of light reading, very highbrow sort of stuff. People should read The Bighead and The Minotauress before reading White Trash Gothic. If you are into Extreme Horror, and Splatterpunk, then I seriously recommend these books. How fucking crazy would it be to have a Minotauress pop-up book, if you know one of the specific monsters, you'll know what I mean. Imagine turning the page and having that thing jump out at you, lol.
Thank you so much! Yes, shopping for new clothes was fun haha. I really appreciate all of your long-time support, John. 💖💖💖
You look great! Very proud of you!
Thank you so much!
I think you look fantastic, but you were just as fantastic before x x x its all about YOU Juan - not the weight you was or now - Great video , thoughtful and well said … ❤
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 xx
Now get those horror book videos up xx 😘😂 Lots of love xx
Thank you so much!!! ❤️❤️❤️ That has truly been something invaluable I’ve learned through all this (with the help of therapy of course lol): It’s all very different versions and journeys, but all of it is me, and I should learn to embrace it as such. ☺️
soso proud of you bro
Thank you!!!
Absolutely no h8, but I can't watch things like this because my ED gremlins don't play nice with it. But gave it a like because I support you in all parts of your journey and want all the best for you because you are the best!
Thank you so much. Your support is truly cherished. ❤️❤️❤️
As long as your health has improved and you feel more confident in yourself, then fantastic! Good work bud :)
Thank you so much! ❤
My darling sister who practically raised me passed away from weight related medical complications at a young age. When I encourage people to eat well, get healthy & fit, they always assume I’m just fat phobic. I just do not want that heartbreak to affect them and their loved ones. 🤷🏼♀️ You’re doing great, you look healthy and I hope you feel wonderful! Long life and health!
✌🏼🕊☮️
Thank you for your comment. I think if you are ever truly concerned for somebody’s health, the best thing you can do is just have an honest chat with them and help connect them to a medical professional. You can't just tell people to “get fit” and “eat healthy,” because 1) most likely they’ve heard this before, and often in hostile and traumatic ways, so it could be more detrimental than helpful, and 2) as I said, a nutritionist and a doctor NEEDS to be consulted to ensure it's done safely. The person also has to want to change, and they don't have to if they don't want to. Ultimately, it’s their lives to live.
@@PlaguedbyVisions I agree completely. I worded it that way for brevity. 🫶🏼
As a guy that is both into fitness and books who went through the same thing, great to see your progress bro
Thank you!
Juan, you look great anyway. Important is your health . I hope you're enjoying your new life 'cause this is what it is. ❤
Hugs from me 🤗🤗
Thank you so much!!! We get one life and I’m trying my best to enjoy it even if it kills me. 😂 I hope you are well and sending hugs back. ❤️
@@PlaguedbyVisions I am trying to get well😊
You look great! Although I hope I can speak for everyone in saying that you are a joy to watch regardless (and no, I don’t mean regardless if you look “good” or “bad”. Your fabulous) Congrats on being so successful in working towards your health! It is sad to me that people treat bigger people differently.. such is the way of this mental world.
Thank you so much! I completely understand what you meant by your compliment and it really means a lot. ❤️ And yes, fatphobic behavior can be especially sinister because so much of it is masked as “a genuine concern for someone’s health.” 🙄 I am happy that I feel empowered enough to speak on this to you all.
Isnt it crazy? I was chunky my whole life but around the age 19 i got sick with lyme disease and lost a lot of weight. People treated me so different, so much better. Then i got "well" and put the weight back on and im back to being chunky snd currently trying to lose weight for health reasons at 35. I loved the way i felt being smaller and getting treated more nicely, but im sad, for myself and others, who are bigger and treated like "less than" because of it
Beautiful before, beautiful now & one can only assume that you will continue to be beautiful for the rest of your days.
🥺🥺🥺 Thank you so much!!! 😭😭😭❤️
One of my best buddies weighs 68 KG, i checked and that is EXACTLY 150 lbs, which means you have lost an entire human in weight huge respect to you! Keep on!
Your friend is all the fat I shed.
That sounds like one of those new long horror titles!
Damn, that is exactly how much I weigh! Crazy to think about it that way.
Omg! Your transformation!
🐛🦋
While you do look incredible - I'm relieved your humility and empathy remain intact. Your channel is phenomenal and therapy for me. Thank you.
Wow, thank you so much, sincerely! I cannot believe my channel could be “therapy” for someone, but however that works, I hope it can continue to be useful for you. ❤️☺️ Empathy is the reason to be!
Amazing job!
💖💖💖
The transformation is wild.
Wait till I grow a second pair of arms.
Ah viejo mamado!!! Lol I truly admire what you have done because it’s not an easy journey (been there myself)
Best wishes for you always Juan!
Jajajaja, gracias! 😂❤ Truly appreciate the support and encouragement. ❤
Care to give us your diet and routine?
You mean currently as I lift? I quite literally just seek protein-rich foods (I’m vegan so protein supplements have been a MUST) throughout the day haha, and then my lifting routine throughout the week:
1. Leg day (squats, lunges, any leg workout machines at the gym really, etc.)
2. Chest day (bench press (regular, incline, decline), dumbbell presses, push-ups)
3. Arm day (dumbbell curls, hammer curls, and working out your forearms is CRUCIAL!)
4. Back and shoulder day (deadlift and military overhead press mainly!)
And the rest of the week’s days I do some cardio or concentrate on specific muscle groups that I notice need work.
Sorry for the very rough laying out of info here!
well done brotha
Congratulations on the weight loss, I hope it'll fix your medical problems. Though I'm not "fat" I think I could improve some things in my health a lot by shedding 15 pounds or so. If you lost 10 times that much I have no excuse for not doing it, so... think I may go for it.
Nobody should have a different attitude toward you just because you're thinner, though. Fatter people are still great people and should be treated as such.
Thank you for your support and understanding! Lowkey I find fat people much more attractive as well haha.
Would love to see the tats.
Well, I only have 3 and I think they’re all visible on this video, so… 😅
5:54 u described the halo effect (“pretty privilege” essentially) kind of here. sad how its very much is a real thing
Lookin good bud
Thank you so are you. 👁️👄👁️
@@PlaguedbyVisions I’m sure it’s been asked but you ever wanna do a music video. Like disturbing music or something? Might be nothing special (I mean as in saying things already said - I hope you know what I mean - not denigrating you at all) but I’d be interested to hear what you have to say on disturbing music. If you’re into any.
There’s actually a playlist in my channel called “disturbing music”! I’ll just say: I do have some ideas kicking around. 😉
@@PlaguedbyVisions right on man
Congratulations on accomplishing your goals!
I've been going to the gym for a little under a decade, and it helped a lot with depression. When I originally went I lost a lot of weight, but it's been bouncing since the pandemic. I really need to get it down because now some of my shirts are getting tight.
I feel what you mean about fitness channels and sites. Most of them are incredibly full of it. Even ones with decent advice eventually get unbearable. The only ones I follow now are BroScienceLife and Buff Dudes, both of which are more comedy than anything else.
Thank you so much, Ben! And congratulations and best of luck on any goals of your own!
You know, your last paragraph really reminded me of a funny anecdote: I actually made a “fitness” IG page for a couple of weeks, but eventually deleted it because I realized, “Man, if you’re not BSing or trying to sell a product or bullying others, there really ISN’T much “fitness” content to post!” 😂😂😂
Ok yeah but how’d you do it?
Haha, I said in the video! Calorie counting and exercise (and a strong will cultivated by lots of therapy and meds teehee).
fat people are definitely hot asf! it's ironic that I've gotten more insecure about my body now than back then when I was overweight.
Gio! Long time no see! Hope you are well.
YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!
Me: Holy shit, is this the same dude?
Plagued by Visions: *Does the eyebrow thing repeatedly*
Me: IT IS
What eyebrow thing? 🤨🤨🤨
Haha, thank you for watching! 💖
FUCK YEAH DUDEEEE!!!!!!!!
Lifting weights and watching your diet is the fastest way to lose weight and tone at the same time. Been there. You don't need lipo. I hate the gym so i bought weights at Walmart, cheaper and could work out whenever i wanted without the constant stares from people wanting to touch me😂 dirty birdies.
Constant stares from people who want to touch me are the reason I go to the gym at 3 am. 😂😂😂
@@PlaguedbyVisions oooooh look at you being a thirst trap 🤣
Do you ever wonder where it went ? Are you plagued by visions of a Michilen-man shaped blob of ex-Juan tottering after you and mewling for vengeance ? I have to say you sure are easy on the eyes in this video !! Which ballet are you auditioning for ?
I don’t think of my former self as a Michelin-man-shaped blob, no. ☺️
@@PlaguedbyVisions No I don't mean YOU ! I mean the weight you lost ! Do you think it just evaporated into a fine mist ? Certainly not ! It has to go somewhere. That's just common sense. And science. And magic. My theory is it finds a dark corner someplace and accumulates in lumps and eventually comes seeking vengeance against the person who shed it like so much excess weight. At least I think that's what happens but you may want to check on the Wikipedia just to be sure.
Lol right but I don’t wanna think about the fat I lost in that way. What is it saying to people who are fat? That I lost my “monstrosity” by losing my fat? Idk it’s just kinda weird. 😛
Hahahaha, love it!
All of the sudden huge loss of weight and money problems. Hmmm. Sounds like a drug addiction to me. Meth.....coke.....heroin. Such a shame.
I love that there’s gossip about me now. I’ve made it!
@PlaguedbyVisions I haven't heard any rumors. Just my observation. Begging for money. Massive sudden weight loss. Disappearing for long periods of time. No Doctor assisted weight loss plan wants you to lose that percentage of body weight in that period of time. It's hell on your body and heart. I'll say a prayer for you. 🙏
@@reggiereads5989 Exactly! Read your comment back. NO ONE talks about boring nobodies like you this way. I know you commented similarly hateful stuff on my channel MONTHS ago… and you’re STILL doing it! Don’t you know you only help my algorithm? The fact that you’ve come back all these months later is so delicious to me. Hope you return for the next video! 😘
This man looks dangerous now.
Gotta be the brown skin.
@@PlaguedbyVisions cool!:)
What do you mean by that?
@@detectivebrown6211 investigate it.
nice thumbnail
💪🏽💪🏽
I actually wanted to compliment your Cannibal Corpse and Deftones t shirts but that wasn't book related. On the subject of fat phobia I think this is something that Mo Hayder played with in her novels: one of the birdmen, fat sexual deviants (the troll et al) and in one depressing scene a home bound obese man (in the novel Gone I think). It was something I was going to explore in her writing with the theory of abjection. However, I also like riding my mountain bike and playing guitar and.. I put on weight while at Uni due to all the sitting reading and writing (the lack of movement when studying did get to me). BTW Your gains are the least interesting thing on your channel! ;)
A study on fatphobia as it manifests or is contended in literature is something I’d definitely be interested in reading! Thank you so much for your kind words. ❤
you loook fantastic!!!!!!
sheer respect.
🙏🏽❤️