Re-posted from a December 2021 Facebook post that many told me was pretty inspiring. So I’m bringing it here…
I have resisted telling this story because it’s personal and kind of embarrassing. But, I figure maybe it can help someone and honestly, I’m kind of proud of my progress.
In March 2021 I was referred to a surgeon to try to take care of my massive back pain problems. The surgeon felt like fusing and decompressing some vertebrae would significantly reduce my back pain. However, he said I was too heavy to be a safe candidate for surgery. I had gotten too fat to operate on. Yikes.
I was 374lbs…Pushing 400lbs. Holy shit, Jeremy. I had considered weight loss surgery in the past but always talked myself out of it. But, this was a real wake up call that it was (past) time to do something drastic. So, after all the pre-work and authorizations, on August 9, 2021 I underwent a duodenal switch weight loss surgery.
Fast forward to today, 9 months from my heaviest weight, and I am now 268lbs. I have lost 106lbs so far and plan to lose about 40 more. My surgeon believes that is perfectly reasonable and likely to happen.
It’s been really hard – I LOVE good food. And now I simply cannot eat very much at one time. That has taken a lot of getting used to. But it is so worth it, my back pain has improved some, and now if I need back surgery I may be a much safer surgical candidate. This is life-changing stuff.
I plan to be around for awhile. I want to be able to dance with my daughters at their weddings. Having made this change, I now firmly believe that is completely possible. I owe a huge thanks to my family and friends who have been very supportive through all of this. You’re the best, y’all.
April 2022 Update
What a difference a year makes…
April 2023 Update
At the 2 year mark, the weight is still gone. Amazing…
