Before & After RNY with Jeffrey H., losing 130 pounds!
October 22, 2019Why I Decided to Have WLS
As far as I can remember, I was always a skinny little kid, but after a few surgeries and life itself, my weight started creeping up. After I retired from the Navy in 2012, my weight dramatically changed as I gained over 100 pounds in those short three years.
Overeating was my issue and it controlled me. There was nothing I could do to stop. I was at a point where I couldn’t even walk a block without being out of breath, and my heart rate was through the roof. My own daughter asked if I would be able to walk her down the aisle for her wedding, which really was the last thing I needed to hear and made me want to better myself.
Nothing seemed to work. The more I tried and failed the more I hated myself and dug a deeper hole. I was at such a low point in my life that I did not know what to do. I was in the doctor’s office for another issue and I saw a brochure that talked about WLS. I asked the doctor if I could see a specialist, as I thought I was not “heavy” enough.
At first, I was thinking the lap-band could change my life, it would force me to not overeat. But after I saw Dr. Fernandez, he told me the RNY was the way to go and I did not hesitate. I went all-in from there and began my weight loss surgery journey.
Before & After RNY with Jeffrey H.
OH Username: jeffhowell48
Total Weight Loss: 130 p0unds
Surgery Type: RNY
Date of Surgery: 1-28-2015
Surgeon's Name: Dr. Albert Fernandez
My Surgery and Post-Op Life
I was extremely ready for surgery. I started the process in March of 2014 and attended the monthly support groups to prepare and learn everything I could. When I was finally ready to pull the trigger, all I had to do was call the doctor to schedule my surgery.
Surgery was easy. I did have an issue that kept me in the hospital for a few extra days, but overall, the surgery was pain-free. I took the recommended week off of work, and only did half days the following week. I adjusted to the new strict diet and was amazed as I watched the weight fall off.
I lost 100 pounds in four months, and I reached my goal weight by six months. By nine months, I was close to 20 pounds under my goal weight.
Since, my first year, I have put some of the weight back on and have been a steady 175-183 for the last two years. Today, I could not be happier, I started to run in 2017 and completed my first Half Marathon in December 2017. I was hooked, and in 2018, I completed six more Half Marathons, a few 10Ks, a Sprint Triathlon, and a 10 Miler. This year alone, I have already completed a few 10Ks, the Gasparilla Challenge (15K, 5K, Half, 8K in two days) and two 5Ks.
- I am not going to lie, the TOUGHEST battle I face today is the mental battle of making good choices, portion control and staying focused on my goals.
- I would say the BIGGEST challenge I have today as a Runner, is fueling for my long runs. I am training for the full Chicago Marathon, which is a challenge in itself without having to worry about going into hypoglycemic shock, or just plain bonking out.
- My end goal is to actually qualify and complete the Boston Marathon and to complete an Ironman before I turn 50.
- Today, I am able to do anything I want. I would have never been able to complete what I have accomplished over the last few years, if it was not for the Gastric Bypass surgery. I feel like I am in my 20s (at least I act like it).
A Special Milestone
I truly enjoy going to the support groups every month to help new patients, the best I can, and give them hope that if you work hard at this, the outcome is what you make of it. Also, Dr. Fernandez introduces me in every seminar he teaches to show the people who are thinking about changing their lives with weight loss surgery, that it really does work! It is amazing when they see me walk up with my Before picture on the screen.
How has ObesityHelp.com been a part of your journey?
I have just recently found this website, and the forums are the best! It is great to see, that whatever issue I am facing, someone else has conquered it.
Share Your Before & After Success!
Celebrate your own Before & After WLS Success, milestones, non-scale victories, and inspire others! The OH team wants to hear from you to share your weight loss surgery journey. Visit our Before & After Submission page for details.
