Notorious BIG's 6 month check-up!!

[Notoriousbig]

I first went to visit the nurses who cared for me after surgery....they asked me to stop by sometime to see the fruits of their labor. When I walked in, there was no recognition until I introduced then explained why I was there. It was an awesome reunion and they were completely shocked by my appearance.

I then went to my appointment to see my surgeon. I first weighed in at 211 pounds...in Feb 2016 at the first seminar I weighed 338 with a 54 inch waist. Today I wore a polo shirt (size large) with Wranglers 34X32. The checkin nurse didn't say I looked thin, she said I looked really fit! She couldn't have said a better thing than that. Doc came in, bloodwork looked great, supplementation seems to be right on (Iron, multivitamin daily... calcium 3 days a week). Doc also asked me to speak at seminars about my journey and exercise regimen.

I hated the first three to four months of this. Still not thrilled that it took such drastic measures to change my lifestyle but so be it. I exercise pretty much daily. It's a habit, not a chore. Binge watching tv series, or movies on the IPad while logging miles on the treadmill or elliptical machine...then 30 mins of weights. I eat constantly, hourly to stay fueled. I pack my meals everyday and rarely ever eat out. I drink water all day long...have a Rehab Monster 20 calories before my workout. I have Muscle Milk 100 and/or Adkins Shake between meals. I have a salad daily with either chicken, turkey, salmon or tuna in my salad. Fit n Free yogurt with KIND granola, cashews, KIND bars are daily staples for me. Homemade soups make me happy also. I don't eat "white shit"...sugar, rice, potatoes, etc. Protein, fresh veggies and fruit...nothing over 12 grams of sugar. Oh yeah, I coach college, HS and club women's soccer every week...and now I run hard at night for 90 mins during practice...love being in shape! The girls....not so much...hahahaha!

Doc says I will plateau around 190 pounds....wow. I cannot see myself that low but I'm not actively trying to lose weight. Scales, dieting and weightloss have nothing to do with me anymore. My lifestyle has changed to healthy clean eating and exercise. I've worked for the City for 33 years, one pissed off moment and I can retire any day/anytime. I want to live long past retirement and be active. My wife is a flight attendant so we fly free anywhere. I no longer am embarrassed to get on a flight without spilling over the seats...however....I had to buy a butt donut cause I have no padding anymore and my buttcheeks get sore on long flights! Damn!!

I feel terrible for those struggling folks that are met with tough challenges from surgery. Except for the first week, my journey has been uneventful. I haven't told anyone...it's none of their business. Folks are shocked when they see me and haven't for awhile. I tuck in my shirts now which drives my wife nuts! She doesn't understand why I do it...she's got an awesome figure so I don't even bother to explain. I rub my stomach constantly at night....it's flat, I have hip bones and I swear I'm gonna wake up one day from surgery and realize this is just a bariatric dream. May God bless you and your families on this journey. Change your food, change your activity but MOST important....change your MIND. I ate shitty for 55 years and it controlled me....for this last 25 or so....IM in control and off to a damn good start. Peace fellow sleevers....until next time...Al

[Leslieann]

Wow!!! Awesome Al! You rock!

[Ann2]

Notorious ... this is one of the most glorious success stories I've ever read. I congratulate you for changing your life's trajectory.

I understand your joy. It's a bloody miracle we're experiencing. Enjoy your long life.

[Luna354]

Amazing story! You did a great job. Thank you for sharing!

[Christie13]

Wow!!! You hit goal in 6 months! That is so impressive! I love all your enthusiasm and all your joy for exercising!

[Sandra3]

Great post! congrats on your success!
You should not feel bad for others who are slower to lose or struggle. I'm a slow loser and I'm very happy for you. It's great to share your story so people who are still on the edge of deciding to do the surgery will see how it can help them.
We all know how to well it feels to be obese, the daily pains and struggle. It' great to know that a fellow sleever is out of the wood!
I do know where you are coming from when you describe your last flight. Because we work overseas for 15 years now, we fly often, sometimes twice a month. I hate flying mostly because I always felt like a big sardine in a really small tiny can. For the past few months my size had reduced and I don't need a belt extension and feel more "normal". But my last flight to Japan (only two hours!) was also painful for my behind...I'm going back to Europe next month (14h) and I will need to find a pillow...

[jamma]

Congratulations on such a wonderful effort! I get what you're saying about afraid you'll "wake up" from your bariatric dream. Every time I step on the scale, I think I'll see that it's all come back! Not going to happen though.

[ghost_ryder]

Amazing story. Keep up the good work.

[Nitasjourney]

Congrats on all of your success. I loved reading this story

[jerzeygirl]

Rock on! It's amazing how wonderful life can be after surgery, makes one wonder why we didn't so it sooner... I try not to live with "regrets" "why didn't I's", etc. but I know my life would have taken another path if I had been of a normal weight when I was younger. One bright spot is that as I age, I'm healthier, happier and life is more amazing than I would have ever imagined it would be at this age

I wish you continued success and prolonged enjoyment!

[kenson]

Congratulations! So happy for you! Keep up the amazing work!

[Andrea Zeeuw]

Great story. Inspiration

[Merry Mary]

Congrats on your progress great work