Sean Byrd

So..I am six weeks out from my post-op surgery, and felt it was time to join a chat room on the subject. Here is my story: I am a 46 years old male and have pretty much struggled with my weight my whole life. I've had periods of my life where I have been "thin": when I turned 15 I went through a growth spurt and became what I would describe as "tall and skinny." Freshman year of college I began to gain weight...and it never really stopped. About 18 years ago I weighed 227 (I am 6'0'') I joined Jenny Craig and got down to the size I was in high school..175lbs. This was a happy time in my life..a real confidence builder. This lasted around 3 years...and then the up and down that so many of us go through started. I remember at one point I got to 260lbs and I was in total shock. I used Jenny Craig numerous times over the years as a crutch. Sometimes it worked..sometimes not. In 2008 I ballooned to 300lbs..went back to Jenny Craig and also started working out at the gym in earnest..I lost around 60lbs in one year..and then I stopped. And that leads me to 2014. I began to have extreme stomach issues, breathing problems, sleeping issues, and coordination problems. I was 340lbs and miserable. Medically, I had high blood pressure, high cholesteral and developed an ulcer and acid reflex. I also developed a hernia..in my belly button (umbilical). My doctor referred me to a surgeon..at a bariatric center. This, of course, confused me. Dr. Lutfi examined me and said he could do the hernia repair..but I would need to lose at least 60lbs..otherwise the surgery would not be successful. He then began to talk to me about different types of bariatric surgeries and asked me if I had ever considered it. I became angry..enraged. I didn't express this anger verbally..but it showed on my face. I told him I would lose the weight on my own..thank you very much..and let him know when that happened. And I pretty much stormed out of his office. The next day I went to Jenny Craig..got my food..set my mind on losing the weight..and it just..didn't happen. So, I began to research the surgery..and Dr. Lutfi. It was probably the longest and most difficult decision I have ever had to make..but I ultimately decided to do this. I didn't tell many people..kept it to myself. My surgery was scheduled for Christmas Eve. I was still so unsure of this..even when I got the approval from my insurance company. Then, the day before my two week pre-surgery liquid diet, I attended my first support group. 30 people..all but one had the sleeve done. As it turns out two of the men were my exact age..and had been my size. It changed my whole perspective. Hearing their stories..I related so much. And to see how healthy and happy they all were was..everything. On December 11 I weighed myself: 343lbs. I then started the liquid diet. On the very early morning of December 24 I was at the hospital weighing in. 323lbs! Very encouraging. And now..here I am 6 weeks out..53lbs lighter then I was December 11. And it has already changed my life. Clothes I haven't worn in almost 8 years. Buying new jeans a waist size down. No more snoring, improved mobility, no more breathing issues. I am happier than I have been in decades! I have a long road..about 80 more pounds (at least) to go..but I know I will get there! Thanks for reading this! Excited to be a part of the group...

Geekmom congratulations! Your life is about to change for the better!