Size Realization...

Just had to share this as I still can't get over it. This time last year, I could barely walk after recovering from very bad sciatica and back pain. Missed work for six weeks because I couldn't sit in a chair due to the pain and couldn't walk. I had an emergency room doctor tell me that he wouldn't admit me in the hospital because if he did that I would DIE. Even then, I didn't really get what he was saying and thought that he was crazy. I was over 500 pounds and I was wearing a 7X shirt and Pants which I had to buy online at King Size for men because I couldn't buy clothes in a store. I don't even know what waist size that corresponds to but it is somewhere around 70+. Yikes. I was 43 years old and not getting any younger. My two girls (then 6 & 8) wouldn't have their daddy in 15 years if I didn't get off of my duff and do something. Then, something went off in my head and I made the call to Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Scheduled my appointment at Tufts for end of September. Faithfully attended weekly and monthly group meetings in Boston (almost two hours round trip by car****il my RNY surgery on February 7, 2011. Had a rough first week with some complications that were handled amazingly by Tufts and haven't looked back since.

Fast Forward 7 months from surgery and almost a year from starting the trip. I can now buy clothes off the rack. In fact I bought some nice new 3X polo shirts this past weekend at JC Penney's that fit wonderfully and a pair of size 52 dress pants. That is a loss of 4X in shirts and probably about 20 waist sizes. I have more energy than I ever have and am thankful to my wife and family every day for sticking by me and offering me endless encouragement on this journey. I am far from done now but can actually see the finish line. I am going to run a 5K in the spring with some friends just because I never, ever, ever thought that I would be able to do something like that.

Who knows what lies ahead but this surgery is one of the best things that I've ever done in my life! Just had to share some random thoughts today.

Have a great Tuesday!

Outstanding Mike!  Just a word of warning, don't buy too many of the 3xl shirts...you're going to be shrinking out of them very soon.  I recently have been able to buy XL shirts for the first time in at least 20 years.....unfreaking believable.  You're going to be buying that same size too.  Congratulations!

 Thanks Paul.  Great point and I could never even imagine wearing a 3XL shirt again.   Funny thing is that over the years I've amassed a pretty good collection of miscellaneous golf tournament, company, etc... shirts in sizes from XL - 3XL (the biggest that they usually go and which are rare) that I am now able to fit in.  What a crazy trip this is and I am so excited.  Congrats to you, too on your journey what an incredible accomplishment.  Thanks and have a good one!!

Mike,
Great accomplishments and an excellent post. Newbies should take a look at this post ... And for that matter so should those who are having issues after surgery during that period that so many of us had wondering what we had done to ourselves. It ain't easy, but the rewards are worth it.
See you outside of the big and tall department...
Ken

 Thanks Ken and I agree 100% that it ain't always easy but the rewards far outweigh any complications that may arise.  And yes, I will meet you there outside the B&T department.  Hopefully in the "Normal" men's department before too long!!  

Way to go Mike! You inspire us all!

 Thank you.  Every one on this board inspires me!!  Good Day to All! 

I have my belt for my jeans and just kee drilling holes in it.  I will not change it or get a smaller one.  It is my tool to keep moving forward.  every two weeks a new hole.  I mamanged to get the end into the next belt loop to the left.  by the time im done it should be almost twice around me.  Great job and you are the one motivating me, so I thank you.

 

Lammy

 

 Hey Lammy, That Rocks!!  Keep up the good work and you'll have to frame that belt when you are done!!