Hi there!

I am one of the four brothers in the Naviaux clan.

I am currently a graduate student at Oregon State University studying Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).  Before returning to school in 2004, I ran an engineering consulting business from my home for nearly 20 years.  During that time I raised a wonderful daughter (turning 23 years old today – 8/16/2012).  In 2004, I decided to return to school to complete my undergraduate degree; obtaining my BS ECE degree in 2008.

Like many people in the United States, over the years, I allowed my weight to get out of control.  One night in late November of 2011, I woke up with a severe headache and extremely high blood pressure; at that moment, something triggered in me that has changed my life.  Since then (at 320 lbs.), I have been on a weight loss program that involves watching what eat, swimming, cycling, walking, and running.  With the aid of Weight Watchers, family, and friends, I have been steadily dropping weight as I approx my goal of 205 lbs (90 lbs. lost – only 25 lbs. to go!).

How did I do this?

I have tried to lose weight by dieting many times over the years with only moderate success and each time gained the weight back plus a few pounds.  I knew that for me I needed to do something different.  I have had some success in the past with Weight Watchers and was encourage by my mother to rejoin.  Also, with advice from Bill (one of my brothers) I signed up for a series of 5k and 1/2 marathon races (5 kilometer and 13.1 mile running races).  At the time, the thought of really being able run continuously for even 100 yards seemed impossible.

In September of 2011, I was encouraged by a graduate student swimmer to signup for a lap swimming and stroke instruction class at OSU.  Although the two days per week of swimming was good for me, by itself it had little effect on my weight loss.  The real progress started when I signed up for Weight Watchers in December of 2011 and relearned the importance of eating properly and staying active.

Unlike many, my brothers and I were very athletic as we were growing up; swimming competitively (among other sports) up through our teen years (and beyond for Rob and Jeff).