In October 2010 I weighed 404 pounds. I could no longer participate in my favorite activities, such as bicycle riding, snow skiing, or playing soccer. My cholesterol was above normal, and like many over-sized people, I couldn’t fit into theater, restaurant, or airplane seats. I had tried medically supervised diet programs, started (and stopped) many exercise programs, and attempted to follow dozens of fad diets, all to no success.
On October 4, 2010, I underwent gastric bypass surgery, with Dr. Sabir performing the Roux-en-Y procedure at St. John’s Weight Loss Center of Excellence in Madison Heights, Michigan.
One year later, on October 3, 2011, I spoke at the St John’s ‘Homecoming’ event. At this event, people who have previously undergone gastric bypass surgery and others who are considering the procedure meet to share stories. I weighed 202 pounds – exactly half my former weight. My cholesterol was well within normal levels, I was training for a 500 mile bike ride. I ran my first 5k in 10 years, and best of all in my mind, I fit into theater, restaurant, and airplane seats without any issues.
Today (May 2014) I weigh 205 pounds. My blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels are all perfect. I maintain my weight and stay very physically active. I take aerobic and weight training exercise classes five days a week. I study Tai Chi, ride my bike and snow skis whenever possible. I also carefully manage my diet and nutritional needs, using my gastric bypass tool to help me every single day.
But more than simply losing weight – a GREAT accomplishment in and of itself – my three and a half year journey has brought me tremendous improvement in health and fitness, in frame of mind and perspective on life, in my energy levels and ability to focus, in the way I use my time, in my relationships with others. In fact, every single aspect of my life has changed. This three and a half year journey has been a blessing, except for the birth of my children it’s the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I’ve been born into a New Life… and I intend to ride it for everything it’s got.
Unfortunately not everyone that undergoes GB surgery has this same level of success, and I worry, my same level of fulfillment from that success.
I believe there are several reasons why I have successfully utilized GB surgery to lose weight– and maintain that weight loss, when many others have not. Specifically, there are four rules I followed that increased my odds of long-term success. While I am not a doctor, a dietitian, or a physical trainer, using these rules as a guide might help someone else in their journey to a New Life, regardless if they utilize gastric bypass or not. The four rules and how I used them will be detailed within this website.
I am happy to speak with prospective or current gastric bypass patients and share success stories, challenges overcome, issues resolved, and other trials of weight loss, weight management, nutrition, exercise, and successful, healthy living after gastric bypass. Participate in my Blog and engage in dialog with others, or share your story directly with me at share@whs-newlife.com.