6 months out

So today is 6 months since I had the surgery.

To celebrate me "going under" I am going today and "getting under".

To date, I have had absolutely ZERO surgical complications. I have had a few bumps along the way while learning to eat properly, but most of those oops moments were excellent learning experiences which I did not repeat.

I am now able to do things I couldn't do 6 months ago such as:
- Sleep without CPAP
- Maintain a normal blood pressure without medication
- Control my blood sugar without medication
- Walk 2 miles at a casual pace and NOT get winded
- RUN! JUMP! SWIM!
- Play outside with my son
- Go down a slide
- Swing on a swingset
- Get off the couch without help
- Stand an inch and a half taller
- Tie my own shoes
- Buy clothes at places other than Omar's
- Be more intimate with my wife

I know these may seem strange or somewhat trivial to some folks, but to me and my family they are HUGE milestones. When I embarked on this journey, my initial goal was just to lose some weight. I never really gave a lot of thought to all the things I was missing out on just because I was so big. I assure you all that this surgery has been the catalyst for a complete and total lifestyle change.

I want to thank each of you who have been so supportive along the way. Many many thanks to all of you. I still have a little more weight to go to reach my goal of being a real "fly" guy but those last few will be gone soon.

For those of you keeping track of things by the numbers, let me tell you that I have learned that life is not calculated by numbers only. Yes, I still watch the scale closely but I am much more concerned about how I feel each day when I wake up. Nonetheless......numbers do paint an easy to understand picture so heeeeeeeeeere we go:

At my heaviest:
5' 9.5" and 431 #
BMI 63.6
Life expectancy: 38.6 years

Today:
5' 11" and 265#
BMI 36.9
Life expectancy: 68.2 years

So I have lost:

166 pounds
18 inches off my waist
12 inches off my chest

I have gained almost 30 years to spend with those I love.

I think that's a fair trade.

Holey-moley! You not only lost weight, you grew an inch and a half! (No, I'm not talking about THAT inch . . .) Congrats.

Thanks for posting this.  It's great to see someone gain so much in such a short time, and also have such a firm handle on what's important. I too am curious about the height gain.  Do you think this is because of how you were standing before (posture or curved spine) or do you think your joints and spine are actually decompressing/expanding?  Had you ever been taller than 5' 9.5" before and shrunk, or is this height completely new for you?

Hey ARD.... DAn has don a great job....he has a great support system....his sis is savy, and smart...and hard headed...but dan is hard headed too...and that makes this journey easier... I Gained 1/2 "...I think if was from decompression Russ

CONGRATS - the things you listed are NOT trivial to those of us seriously impacted by obesity, nor are they trivial to those around us.   Our family and friends are also benefiting from our weight loss, because they have us back LIVING life with them.   Continue enjoying all those wonderful activities with your family - and keep up the great work.......

Excellent post.  Enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing your joy and success. May the FARTS continue to be with you!!

Rock on my south houston brother...we have to corral Sean, and help him through this...did you see his hard boild egg post....we need to fire him up.... you name a date, and you me and kelly will meet for coffee and protein... you are rocking Russ ps...how is the dream job???

Danny, Your ‘success story’ is all the better considering the obstacles you faced in getting your surgery to begin with. You are a living example of the pay-off That comes with- "Hanging in There!" Amazing! Keep it Up! Best Wishes- Dx

That just rocks!  Keep it up!