18 Months Post Op... What A Journey!!!

DANCBJAMMIN
on 7/11/09 5:33 am - Fort Worth, TX
Hey Guys,

    Let me preface this with a disclaimer of sorts... I am usually pretty modest and don't go flexing muscles or walk around in wife beaters etc... I am attaching some pictures in this post to show where I was and where I am now in 18 short months, not because I think I am "Buff" or "Jacked" or anything like that, because that certainly is NOT the case...

18 Months Ago I:

* Weighed 400 Pounds
* Wore a 56" Pant & 5XL shirt
* Was in a state of misery
* Felt hopeless
* Could not walk up a flight of stairs without panting for air
* Could not walk for 10 minutes without having to stop
* Had High Blood Pressure
* Suffered from Sleep Apnea
* Was a hermit and avoided social situations
* Felt like a burden to my family
* Had no self esteem

Today I:

* Weigh 210 Pounds
* Wear a size 36" Pant
* Wear a size L shirt
* Am full of joy and gratitude
* Know that the future holds incredible things for me because of my efforts
* Have completed 2 x 70.3 Ironman Triathlons, 4 other triathlons, 2 full 26.2 mile marathons, several 5k & 10k races, 10k Swim (6.2 miles), 100K bike race
* Am an ATHLETE!!!
* Have NO health issues!!!
* Do not like being indoors
* Feel like my kids hero
* Know who I am, have good self worth, and am proud of the decision I have made to take CONTROL of MY life...

18 Month's Ago:
























Today:












Dan 18 Months Post-Op












Dan 18 Months Post Op








Dan 18 Months Post Op












Dan 18 Months Post Op


It has been an incredible 18 months for me... There is no doubt in my mind now that I WILL accomplish everything and anything I set my mind to. As always, visit www.trimywill.com and www.swimfromobesity.com to learn more about my journey, and my epic swim from Spain to Africa as a fund raiser to help fight Childhood Obesity. May this be the year that all of our collective goals and dreams become our most cherished accomplishments...
Your Friend In Health & Sport,

Dan Benintendi - OH Support Group Leader
www.trimywill.com 
www.swimfromobesity.com
www.trimywill.blogspot.com
Support Group: www.obesityhelp.com/group/Post_Op_PRs/


Eeyore8
on 7/11/09 12:44 pm - St Louis, MO
You have done awesome.....you should be very proud of yourself.

Suzy
    
Everchanging
on 7/11/09 9:41 pm - NY
VSG on 03/13/12
You look awesome,Congrats on all of your success you are really working your tool.

I'm on a Everchanging journey.       


       

mydear52
on 7/11/09 11:36 pm
wow dan..... wow, wow, wow

what  a wonderful turn around you have made of your life.    the sky is the limit, you are an inspirition & could coach other man, who need help out of the rut of despair.

push on mydear

under 300 lbs on 1/22/09Photobucket
highest weight 430 (100 lbs lost on low carbs & diabetic food plan)
surgery weight 341 (12/15/08)
  

glitterfy184621890D32.gif picture by MYDEAR52
                     7/28/09

current weight  
240,
my goal is 199



 
Bored.jpg image by MYDEAR52 i started physical therapy in july 6, 09  
my goal is get out and walk every day  .........

join the 10,000 steps a day challenge
IT'S NEVER TO LATE TO JOIN, EVERY STEP COUNTS 
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/vsg/3923216/10-000-steps-walking-challenge-Setup-Requirements/ 

 i need a new pedometer

nikkizca
on 7/12/09 12:57 pm - Temecula, CA
I think you have done great and I know it's been a lot of very hard work. My husband has a BMI of 51. I know it will be hard for him I hope he does as great as you have all you friend and family must be so happy for you. Nikkizca
kat08
on 7/12/09 1:46 pm - Matthews, NC
OMGsh!  Thank you for posting this!  I was feeling close to tears when I logged on tonight and yours was the first post I read.  Your post gave me so much hope.  I want to be an athlete, too, but I can't at 355 pounds.  I can't wait to have my surgery!  Thank you so much for sharing!

BTW, even though I don't know you, I'm so proud of you! :)
DANCBJAMMIN
on 7/12/09 2:22 pm - Fort Worth, TX
Thank you for the kind words! You will do anything you put your mind to!!! Best of luck on your journey and keep me posted on your progress....
Your Friend In Health & Sport,

Dan Benintendi - OH Support Group Leader
www.trimywill.com 
www.swimfromobesity.com
www.trimywill.blogspot.com
Support Group: www.obesityhelp.com/group/Post_Op_PRs/


montanadi
on 7/13/09 10:15 am - Sheridan, MT
LOOK AT THOSE GUNS! 

DAN-You are an inspiration!  Wow!  Truly inspiring to see what a difference a year and a half can make in someones life!

You keep going man, you're on a mission!  More power to you! 

Thanks for posting! 

Diane 

Cynthia E.
on 7/13/09 12:05 pm - Cranston, RI
 U are such an inspiration, thank you for sharing your story and progress with us.  I was having a really down day for no reason other than just getting older and wishing i had done something about my weight long ago.  You look awesome!  Congrats on all that you have accomplished!  Thanks again!  
 
ebonyangelgirl
on 7/14/09 11:05 pm - Baltimore, MD
Dan! You look good! But most importantly you sound like you are doing so much better in terms of valuing yourself. I read your story on trimywill and I am just pumped for you! Before surgery I set some goals for myself and one year goal is to learn how to swim and ride a bike. Im still learning but I have been thinking more and more about triathlons. I have never been an athlete but at my heaviest of 485 and today at 299 (and shrinking, fingers crossed) I am feeling another part of me emerge that is screaming for the activity. Thank you for being so open and sharing your journey with us. Keep it sexy! :)

It will be okay in the end. If it's not okay.... it's not the end!

  
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