Christopher Nelson

My story is one of trial and error, over and over again. When I graduated high school I joined the Marine Corps and was in the best shape of my life. I looked good, felt good, and could run 3 miles in 19 minutes. After I left the Corps, I slowly began to gain weight. I would always say that I was going to do something about it but never really did. Yes, I have tried all the fad diets and read all the books but nothing lasted. I would lose 15-20 pounds but always gain it back and then some. At my heaviest I weighted 330 pounds and my BMI was at 47%. I am now at 315 and hope to get to close to 300 by the time my surgery date arrives.

The decision to have surgery has been a tough one. I have looked for every excuse I could find to avoid it but none out weighted the positives. I was diagnosed with hypertension last year and now take medication for it. I don't want to be diagnosed with anything else. The medical positives out weight the negative aspect of having surgery.

What has made things easier for me is that my wife is going through the surgery (sleeve) before me. I have benefited from seeing her go through all the hurdles and now I have a better understanding of what to expect.

This is a life changing surgery for me and my wife and we look forward to the journey together...where ever it takes us.