after getting up to near 300 after moving here and doing nothing for months except being cold and drinking too much beer, my blood pressure got up to 155/115. I'd been active and athletic throughout high school and undergrad, but once I moved here - it all stopped.
Doctor said I needed to get my diet right if I wanted to avoid medication. I dropped 75 lbs and got back to my HS weight of 215. At 6'6" I have more room to put on weight before it really shows, but that blood pressure tells no lies.
Been able to pretty much keep it off ever since. Definitely worth it. Props on doing the same.
I will say that I'm not a big carbonated drink fan, either. Aside from Dr. Pepper, an occasional ginger ale if the stomach is upset. But Dr. Pepper is the exception. Old school Mr. Pibb (not that Pibb Xtra bullshirt) was also pretty good.