After graduating high school in 1979 and out on my own, I felt I had obtained a license to eat whatever I wanted, when I wanted, and as much as I wanted. While I got away with it for a time, it eventually caught up with me. I'm ashamed to admit it, but over the years I eventually reached a peak of 488lbs. Over the years I tried and had success with various strategies, but the weight always came back and brought more with it. I developed diabetes which I couldn't control. I was also suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnea among other issues.
This picture was taken on July 19th, 2007, and I weighed in at 440lbs. I knew I was a big man, but I never thought of myself as "huge." I was huge, and I needed help.
On July 20th, 2007, I had gastric bypass surgery as a final resort to not only get the weight off, but keep it off. I entered this knowing that it was only a "tool" that was going to be provided to me and I would still be ultimately responsible on using this tool properly and effectively. It isn't a magic fix or a walk in the park with the roses, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. Actually, I regret the many years I resisted my doctor's advice and not doing this sooner. Below is a general chronical of my progress.
This picture is at 11-weeks post surgery. I
weighed in at 330lbs, coming off at a rate
about 10lbs per week.
I began working out about two weeks out
of surgery, mainly just walking.
No weight lifting for two months.
After two months I was free from all diabetes
medications. I had been taking several oral
medications as well as two types
of insulin.
This picture is from October 2007.
Weight approx. 315lbs.
about 19-weeks post surgery. I was
on a "plateau" and was stuck around
300lbs for about 3-weeks. I was told to
expect it as it is how the body adjusts
to the rapid changes.
and down to about 283lbs. Whew!
"anniversary" and I weighed in about 270lbs,
so only 13 lbs the past month. The rate it's coming
off is slowing down significantly, but I guess that's
to be expected.
accomplishing some goals from my "bucket list" that I've mentally pondered. The first was getting this bike. I've been riding all over Waxahachie and was so excited I almost got ran over three times the first week I was on it. Now I'm ready to take it camping and enjoy more scenic views. Weighed in here at 252lbs so the rate at getting it off has slowed down significantly. Still have some
work to do to hit (and stay) at my 220lb goal.
I can finally fit in it again, and am determined to
always remain in it. I only wish both of them
were still around to see these.
July '08...this picture is my one year anniversary
since the date of surgery. I've dropped over 200lbs
and still weight about 250lbs. The doc says only 20
or 30 lbs and I should be at ideal weight for my build
and height. Some people think that surgery is taking
the "easy" way out but I'm here to say it's not. I still
have to watch what I eat and exercise regularly and
vigorously. It has also been an incredibly challenging
year in dealing with my emotions, and Mackie has
also had her own unique issues to deal with as my spouse throughout this time. We both have been learning a great deal during this process.
Oh...yes...I did shave but I'm thinking about growing
it back. Most say I look "younger" without it, but
I'm thinking I would prefer it back to cover up
my new turkey neck! Yuck!
Yes...whiskers again! May 2009, and while this picture is a few months old, I'm still pretty much at the same weight as the last picture. I've been fluctuating between 255-265 and have remained at this for months now. While I want the "numbers" to be lower, I'm assured that I'm doing okay. I continue to do my cardio exercising, but I've increased my weight lifting, am able to eat meat better now, so I'm adding muscle mass which is a good thing. I feel stronger and muscle is better for burning fat and calories. Click on the links below to view a magazine article that was recently done on me as well as a video.
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