1 Year Since Having Surgery - 200 Pounds

Well, it’s been one year since my gastric bypass surgery. All I can say is – WOW. My life has completely changed inside and out. Life is worth living for everyday and it’s amazing how differently I view my life now. OK so let me introduce myself and tell you about my story. My name is Jason Baez I am 23 years old and had gastric bypass surgery August 1^st, 2007 in Brooklyn New York. The year before having surgery I was 6’1 weighing in at 420 pounds. Things were terrible, my knees started to hurt, my ankles were hurting, my back hurt, I was wearing old man big and tall clothes, and all I kept thinking about was FOOD FOOD FOOD! Food was my life, from a whole bag of cheese doodles for a snack while watching TV, or 3 double cheeseburgers before dinner; I was a food addict. I remember that last year before surgery I would eat two dinners. Food from a fast food restaurant in the restaurant parking lot, plus whatever my mom cooked for us. I was just packing the pounds, from a 50 waist to a 52 waist then a 54 waists and holy crap yes a 56 waist. I use to take 6 XL shirts and stretch them on top of my dresser since they didn’t sell 7/8 XL. I had to do something or else I was going to live pass 25. My primary doctor had recommended me to have gastric bypass surgery. Long story short I decided I was going to have surgery and it took me 13 months to finish up seeing all the doctors, taking all the test and having all the correct paper work. Yes I wanted to quit, yes I wanted to not even have the surgery since all these doctors had got me frustrated but I never gave up. So finally on August 1^st, 2007 I had gastric bypass surgery, and man since walking out of Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn New York, my life is so much better. Why better? Well, as of today exactly one year later I lost a total of 198 pounds! I am currently weighing in at 222 pounds! I went from a size 56 waist to a 36 waist. From a 6XL to a L. To everyone who hasn’t had the surgery, I guess you really don’t know how overweight you are in till you had the surgery and lost the weight. You see when I was 420 pounds I would look in the mirror and be like, “I’m not that big”. But now I look at these pictures of me last year, and I am like WOW Jason what in the hell were you doing to yourself!!! Food is no longer on my mind like it was before. Since having the surgery I had moved out on my own, which happened to be the best thing I had ever done for me. Why? Well, for once I was in control of what I cook everyday. Back then my mother would always make these “heavy duty delicious meals”, since moving out I am in control of what I cook. I am more active then I have ever been. Eating right and exercise is on my mind everyday now; I have a complete different outlook on life! My schedule is not wake up and what I’m going to have for breakfast, then lunch, then dinner and let’s not forget 10 snacks. It’s about being active and being healthy! Laughing and smile and just be happy. I was SOOOOO miserable before and the weight was always on my mind. Everyday I would never smile, I was so mean with everyone and it was because of the weight. The weight impacted me in so many different ways. I’m glad to say “Gastric bypass surgery has saved my life”. Anyone who is undecided about having this surgery, you only have one thing to lose by having this, and that is the weight. Well, I can go on and on and on talking about my one year journey but I rather talk to any one individually if they are interested in talking with me about my journey. I’ll be glad to answer anyone’s question! And remember life is all about food! Eat to live! My pictures prove that weight loss surgery + proper eating and exercise will improve your health dramatically. – Jason  

Congratulations - AWESOME job!

Congratulations, Jason, and Happy Surgiversary!  Today is my second re-birthday, and I feel a lot of what you are feeling.  I went into surgery 2 years ago today weighing 300 pounds, and after losing 140 pounds, I really feel blessed to have had this option available to me.

I am so glad you are celebrating and LIVING your life! 

hey  congratulations to you and your great success. you must feel just awesome.  a whole new world out there for you. 

i used to live up your way in e.b., so say  hello to the area for me.

down near toms river now and im two years out and lost 122 lbs.

keep up the great work

hugs, jacki

My god.. you look great!!!!  What a difference.. your before and afters are amazing!  I hope when I get to my year anniversary I have all my excess weight off too!! <3

Jason,

first of you I should sue you for plagiarism because what you wrote was exactly my life!! Except I am 20 years older then you !!

You are truly an inspiration !! Thanks for sharing !! I can't wait to be in the lower 200's !! When that time comes, maybe we get together and cruise for women :) !!

All the best on your continued Journey !!

Tom

Hi Jason,

Congratulations!!!  I know just how you feel.  I had my surgery exactly 2 weeks before you July 16, 2007, and have lost 148 lbs.  I was 301 Lbs, now am 153lbs.  This surgery is so amazing, and yes I only eat to live now.  I am definitely a food attic.  The surgery definitely changed my outer appearance, but it also changed the way I think about food, no diet could ever do that.  I will continue to pray for a healthy and successful journey for you.  Take Care.