My story, so far...

[SuperDave 1,115]

Hello there. I’m Dave, 44 years old, from Arizona. I will apologize in advance, this might be long!

I am 1 week post-op today, but my weight loss journey started almost 3 years ago. I knew my weight was out of control, but I had no idea how bad since I had long ago exceeded the max weight of a standard scale. I was walking out of work one night, through the warehouse. Nobody was around, so I decided to weigh myself on the shipping scale. (Hopefully I didn’t weigh more than a pallet of goods!) I was 450. I knew it would be bad, but I was shocked at that number. Definitely my “what the @#!*?” moment! I decided that night that I had to make changes, and I did. Bariatric surgery had not entered my mind at that point.

Several months after that, I had emergency surgery for a strangulated hernia. By chance, the surgeon on staff that day was Dr. Podkameni, who also happened to be the head of the bariatric center at the hospital. There were complications that resulted in an 11 day hospital stay, meaning that I saw a lot of Dr. Pod. We talked about bariatric surgery, but I told him I was already working on it and having success, and I didn’t feel like such an extreme measure was needed. The truth is, I feared that I would have to give up food the rest of my life. I was raised in a food centered family. My father was a baker by trade. He owned several cake shops throughout his life. My earliest childhood memories are playing in the back of the shop while Mom baked and Dad decorated cake after cake. Family activities centered around food. It is just how it always was, and still is. I picked up the bug at an early age. I became an excellent cook, and still to this day nothing brings me greater happiness than cooking for family and friends. It is my escape from reality. It is what I love to do.

So, over the next 2 years I worked at it. I had my ups and downs, but I managed to lose 120 pounds. Down to 330. A definite improvement, but not where I needed to be. And then I bottomed out. I hadn’t changed what I was doing, I just got to the point where it was no longer enough. I settled in at that weight, but in the back of my mind I knew I had to do more. The one thing that kept coming back to me was what Dr. Pod said on the day I was released from the hospital. Basically, I knew where to find him when I got to the point that I needed help. I did some research and decided it was time.

I had my initial consult in March of this year. I started my medically supervised weight loss, as required by my insurance. The whole process reinvigorated me. I started losing again while the bariatric center and insurance company fought about payment. After 8 months I was finally approved and scheduled for surgery on November 10th. The morning I checked into the hospital for surgery I was 299.9 pounds. I truly do not remember the last time in my life I weighed under 300 pounds.

Surgery went well, but the next few days were rough. At times I was sure I had made a huge mistake. I had extreme nausea for 3 days, including dry heaves several times a day. My pain level was much worse than I was expecting. I was unable to even come close to taking in the fluids I needed, and I am still struggling with that. But it gets better every day. I am down 12 pounds from surgery and ready to face the challenges ahead. I appreciate the information and support from the people on this site. I have no doubt now that I can finish the journey.

Thanks for reading and for sharing the adventure with me!

[OhSoNique 84]

Awwww Dave thanks for sharing!!! I'm so happy that you are on the road to a healthier self. I wish you the very best!!

[formyfour4 16]

Way to go - you have already came so far- can't wait to read more on your weight loss adventure

[Healthy_life2 8,324]

@@SuperDave

Thanks for opening up about yourself. You are a great inspiration. Keep us updated on how things progress.

Jenn1

[BeagleLover 1,020]

@@SuperDave, losing 150lbs. on your own is a testament to your tenacity! Well done, now and in the future, I'm sure. Thanks for sharing your story!

[Elode 8,093]

Your going to do great! I can just tell

[MrsMike1 34]

Dave, we share the same surgery date but let me tell you this. You are AWESOME already. Great story and keep up the goodwork.

[SuperDave 1,115]

Thanks for the support!

[Shari71 85]

SuperDave. God bless you! Thank you for sharing your life. Good luck????

[sofianoemi 16]

@@SuperDave thanks for sharing great inspiration keep us posted !!!

[mz.newlife54 103]

Congratulations and good luck on your continued success. Welcome to the losers bench.

[Jamie Murray 19]

????

[kealot 136]

Great job

[athena3127 199]

Amazing! And congratulations on the success you have made so far. Ever step of the way we are here to cheer you on and support you in your journey!

[kikicoates78 220]

Thank you for sharing your story! What a great success you have already had! I am excited to follow your journey to see what more u can over come! Congratulations! I promise it gets better!