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400 pounds later, man prepares for 25k Riverbank Run

Posted at 10:19 PM, May 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-13 22:42:53-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Brian Flemming’s life-changing story of losing nearly 400 pounds is inspiring people all over the world to live a healthier lifestyle.

“I was 625 pounds at my heaviest,” said Flemming. “I was an alcoholic, I drank a fifth of vodka every night.”

Flemming is a Detroit native who consumed nearly 7,000 calories every night.

Flemming told FOX 17 he was depressed with nowhere to go. Brian said he opened up to a friend he’d met while playing online video games, Jackie Eastham, who’s from London.

“We started chatting and she kicked my but, got me to eat healthy, got me to quit drinking,” Flemming said.

Today, Brian’s lost nearly 400 pounds thanks to dieting and exercise.

“I still wake up sometimes and I look in the mirror, and I don’t recognize myself,” Flemming said.

Flemming and Eastham co-founded a Facebook support group called My 383 Pound Weight Loss Story honoring the weight Flemming lost and to inspire anyone else struggling with an unhealthy weight.

“It’s really moving and overwhelming because you build a relationship with people over the internet, and there’s lots of negative things on the internet but this is a really positive thing,” said Eastham.

Eastham flew in from London to cheer on the nearly 30, Team 383 members taking part in the Fifth Third Riverbank Run.

“It means a hell of a lot to me to come and support and inspire people, so yes I’m really looking forward to it,” Eastham said.

Fleming is now getting ready to take on one of his longest runs yet, the Riverbank 25K. This coming after multiple skin graph surgeries to remove the nearly 40 pounds of excess skin left over during his weight loss journey.

“I had 4 skin surgeries over the course of five months,” Flemming said. “My last surgery was in the middle of December so I’m still kind of recovering from my last surgery.”