I’ve lost 186 pounds since my surgery. The differences I’ve experienced since this life changing surgery are night and day. I went from an overweight out-of-shape guy who was depressed, insecure, wouldn’t leave the house if his life depended on it because he hated the way he looked to being a guy who now frequents the gym 4-5 times a week, an active dad who now encourages and exercises with his kids and can now keep up with them, able to confidently hold my own as a single father of two going to ball parks, beaches, water parks, amusement parks/rides, etc.
I can breathe now. I can comfortably lay down on a bed and not hurt or want to just die from being heavy. People with obesity don’t understand how much damage we are doing to our joints and our bodies with all the excess weight and fluid.
So, before the surgery I had a few health problems. I was taking two different pills to combat high blood pressure. I was also taking medication for high cholesterol, acid reflux, used a sleep apnea machine, and suffered with cellulitis on my inner thighs (leaving scarring and deep sores for days at a time).
The day after my surgery I didn’t take another pill for any of my problems. My blood pressure now runs low, my reflux has never come back, my cholesterol is in the normal range, no more problems with sleeping, and my thighs are now healed and back to normal. Everything got better!
Yes, this surgery was a “jumpstart” but it wasn’t an easy fix. Since the surgery I started with dropping all of the negativity that the world throws at us, and picked up a better and more positive personality, and I now seek out the positives in life instead of being the “woe is me” guy. I started running and at first it wasn’t easy, but with the right motivation I learned I don’t need to meet anyone else’s expectation or goals. I have to make my own goals – tiny little goals that will eventually grow into bigger and better ones – but it all starts with moving forward. I was super self-conscious when I first started the process, but what led to me at first being able to just run for 1 minute at a time before I had to walk the rest of the way, led to me completing a half marathon last December. I’m now the guy who goes to the gym every other day, and does at least 60 minutes of cardio or pushing myself past 5 miles each time.
I have learned to have confidence in myself, and learned how and what it takes to push myself to be a healthier, stronger me.
