200 Pounds of Fat

This last Friday I celebrated my 10 month “Surgiversary”. I am quickly approaching 200 pounds lost from my highest weight. 200 Pounds. Think about that. My knees and back supported two hundred pounds more just 10 months ago. I can’t even lift 200 pounds today, and my body supported that much extra weight ever second of every day of the year. I feel really good. Lets look at the stats;

200 Pounds of weight equals 6 shirt sizes. (Was 5X now a L/XL)

200 Pounds of fat equals a 22 inch smaller waist (Really almost 24 inches - Was 62 and now a 38/40)

200 Pounds devided by 40 equals an extra 5. (For those of you that know me well - know what that means hehehe)

200 Pounds of fat equals more confidence, more confidence equals more sales, which equals a happier boss, which equals more money.

As per my buddy Jerry - 200 pounds of fat gone, now means that I am not only hot, but also Gay Hot - I am really cool with that. I like being “Hot” again. It has been a really long time.

This really is an incredible journey and I cannot believe that there are people that still talk down this procedure and the health benefits that go along with it. Sure there are risks, sure some have problems. But, the reality is 75-80% of us have zero issues with this procedure. the other 15-20% have some minor problems. I feel horrible for the other 5%, who have issues and problems with the surgery ranging from minor to very major. I have empathy and concern and have counseled several. But the harsh reality is that this is a successful procedure (combined with our very hard work) that has saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and more than 50% of us keep the weight off long term. Much better odds that the 5% long term success and the results not typical Jenny Craig crowd.

The medical facts for me are undeniable.

200 pounds of fat gone equals no more high blood pressure (170/140 uncorrected pre-op and 100/70 post op.

200 pounds of fat gone equals no more sleep apnea and no more effin CPAP.

200 Pounds of fat devided by 40 equals 5. Oh Crap - I said that one earlier. I love that one (and so does SWMBO) (Sorry John - I know - NO SEX TALK) LOL

Everyone ignore my last sentence especially if you are under 18!

Really - don’t read that sentence.

I implore you to ignore that sentence!

Ok - 200 pounds of fat means back pain and knee pain all but gone!

To those that are contemplating this surgery - do your homework, find a great surgeon, change your life, move and “Dare to Live”.

Be Well! It really is “All Good”!

September 22nd, 2008 - Posted in Uncategorized | | 1 Comments

Nov 12, 2007 - Seven Days Pre-op

I am seven days away from my surgery. 3 days into the liquid diet again, It has really helped me not think about food. I am ready paperwork wise. I have a physical on Thursday. I always associate a physical with the words “Turn your head and cough”. Why did they do that when we were in school. I never understood what the Doctors were looking for when they did that. It is not worse than a prostate exam. That is definitely worse.I am trying to assess where I am mentally with this surgery. I have been edgy this week. As one who has never experienced the joys of anesthesia or flesh parting as a scalpel finds its mark, that still seems to bother me. Also dealing with my own mortality has been a bit of a strain. Think about this, I mean really ponder it. What would you be doing if you chose to have a surgery, that you could die from. Nationally - 1 in 100 die from this surgery. What would you do? What plans would you make? Who would you talk to? Whom would you reach out to?I called a good friend today. Dave and his wife Sherry are like family. In fact, if I could choose a brother, it would be Dave. We are already Brothers in Christ. Somehow, if I had the option, I would select Dave to be my brother. He promised to help my wife, OK, let us just say it, if I die. I asked him to. I don’t think I had to ask, he would have any way. But I needed to know that someone would be there to help Sandy if something stupid happens next Monday. We are going to talk tomorrow. He is going to take notes to ensure he knows what I want for my wife, if I am not here in a month. We agreed that Sandy and I would go to Alaska next year so Dave and I can burn those notes while fly fishing for monster trout, but I am glad he and I can talk about these things.I am going to post my picture today. It will be the last photo taken prior to my surgery. One last reminder of myself in all my largeness. Let the shedding of pounds begin. I have many friends and acquaintances that I know are Praying for me. That is the most important thing to me. That will help me the most. I have a beautiful wife and am living an incredible blessed life. I am one lucky man.

March 31st, 2008 - Posted in Uncategorized | | 1 Comments

Omaha Gastric Bypass Pre-Surgery Seminar

Monday evening my wife and I attended the Pre- Surgery Seminar. Two hours spent with Beth the Nutritionist and Roxi the Coordinator of the Program. I really like Roxi alot. The first hour was nutrition and what we will get to eat ( for the rest of our life) and more importantly preand post surgery.Ten Days prior to the surgery and 20 days post this will be my diet. Fasten your seat belts.

• Cream Soups (reduced fat, thinned)
• Tomato Soup (reduced fat, thinned)
• Broth (chicken or beef), Consumme or bouillon ( fancy words for broth)
• No sugar added Carnation Instant Breakfast
• Slimfast 2g Net Carbs (avoid Ensure or Boost)
• Tea or Coffee (limit amounts and decaf is best) (Not)
• Sugar Free Jello
• Diet Custard, sugar free low-fat puddings ( Now I am pretty much a custard expert. My All time favorite dessert is Creme Brulee. Is “Diet Custard” even custard. This one is just plain scary.)
• Low-fat sugar free Yogurt (without nuts, fruits or preserves) ( Probably really means without taste)
• Sugar free Popsicles
• Unsweetened fruit or vegetable juice (best to dilute half and half with water)
• Cream of wheat (thinned) ( Yummo!)
• Crystal Light, Sugar free Kool-aid
• AVOID Chocolate Milk and puddings made with whole milk
• AVOID carbonated beverages such as soda pop, club soda, sparkling water; caffeinatedbeverages, or alcoholic beverages.

That is one exciting menu. 30 days on liquids. Is diet custard even possible?Roxi was next with the discussion of the surgery, schedules and what to expect. The surgery will be laproscopic so I will have 6 holes in me, one of which will be left open for a couple of days with a drain coming out to ensure no leakage from the staple sites. I should be home in three days with a one to three weeks recovery time. I was told to expect to be very tired and feel weak for a few days after surgery. Duh!I actually was a very good meeting and I appreciate Beth and Roxi and their commitment to helping us.

March 31st, 2008 - Posted in Uncategorized | | 1 Comments