‘It gets in the way every single day’

Before and after ... Brian Flemming is barely recognisable after losing nearly 180kgs. Picture: Gofundme.com/brianflemming Source: Supplied

AN ALCOHOLIC who tipped the scales at 283kgs has incredibly shed more than half his weight — but now needs help with the final stage of his journey.

Two years ago, Brian Flemming ate up to 5000 calories a day, suffered from depression and could barely walk up a flight of stairs.

But after a chance meeting with a British woman, the 32-year-old turned his life around.

The Michigan resident has lost a staggering 166kgs, but is desperate to shed about 13kgs in excess skin.

Mr Flemming has turned to crowdsourcing website GoFundMe, seeking $22,000 ($28,000) in donations to pay for his surgery.

"It's a constant reminder of my past and it gets in my way every single day," Mr Flemming told Mail Online.

Brian Flemming needs help to lose the weight. Picture: Gofundme.com/brianflemming Source: Supplied

Brian Flemming wants to shed the excess skin. Picture: Gofundme.com/brianflemming Source: Supplied

Mr Flemming's incredible transformation began in 2012, according to his GoFundMe profile.

Depressed and lonely, the then 30-year-old ate was eating double cheeseburger meals with nuggets, washed down with a litre of vodka and soft drink every night.

He also spent most of his time playing video games and watching TV.

But in August of that year, the uni dropout began playing an online game called Draw Something where he met Jackie Eastham, from London.

The two became good friends and Ms Eastham, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, pushed Mr Flemming to change his life.

"Jackie and I had grown to be very good friends. I was expecting sympathy from her, but what I got surprised me. She was angry with me," Mr Flemming said, according to GoFundMe.

"She told me that I was wasting my life and that I should be ashamed that I was throwing it away when there are so many people out there who are fighting to stay alive.

"Jackie has myotonic muscular dystrophy and has to stay very healthy in order to keep her symptoms in check. She seemed to be losing patience with me and I was afraid I was going to lose her. Soon after that, I decided to quit drinking. I quit cold-turkey."

Brian Flemming getting in shape. Picture: Gofundme.com/brianflemming Source: Supplied

Brian Flemming before. Picture: Gofundme.com/brianflemming Source: Supplied

Unhealthy ... Brian Flemming tipped the scales at 283kg. Picture: Gofundme.com/brianflemming Source: Supplied

After getting sober, Mr Flemming began exercising.

He went from walking on the spot in his own home to hitting the pavement outside.

In July 2013, Mr Flemming walked his first half-marathon.

"I was in a good deal of pain, but it didn't matter to me. It was a milestone, and I was determined to hit it," he said.

Not long after that, he dusted off his dad's old mountain bike and used it to travel to work.

When he got down to 136kgs, he started running.

Brian Flemming jogs regularly. Picture: Gofundme.com/brianflemming Source: Supplied

Cycling is part of Brian Flemming's exercise routine. Picture: Gofundme.com/brianflemming Source: Supplied

Today, Mr Flemming is down to 117kg, his depression has "subsided" and he wants to become a therapist specialising in weight loss and anxiety.

"This has been the best year of my life. For once, things are looking up. I used to tell Jackie about how all of this feels like a dream and that it never actually happened. She just says that this is me living my life now and that I need to get used to it," he said.

"I sometimes look in the mirror and don't recognise the guy I see. It has all been a bit overwhelming, in a good way.

"Life is good, and I look forward to living it for much longer now."

New love ... Brian Flemming with his friend, Jackie Eastham. Picture: Gofundme.com/brianflemming Source: Supplied

Read more about Brian Flemming's journey at GoFundMe.

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