This is my journey

[bighoppy1 4]

Hi my name is Jason. My journey has been a long one. I have struggled with my weight most of my life. I am tall, 6'5", so the weight seemed to slowly distribute itself all over. I have had high blood pressure since I was 15 and in the past 2 years was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. I guess I was also a bit depressed at times, that I had let my life get this far out of control. Difficulty finding clothes, breaking chairs. Before I knew it, I had hit an all time high (or low, depending on how you look at it). My weight reached 412 lbs this past February. That was when I had decided I had had enough. Things needed to change. My father had passed a year before of heart attack and with the all of the problems I was developing, I needed to. Not just for myself, but for my family (beautiful wife and two adorable daughters). I have a couple of relatives who did the gastric bypass surgery and had good results so I looked into it. Going in to the decision, I was going to try to do the lap-band. The RNY seemed too drastic and to me didn't look like the thing for me to do. Not saying that it doesn't work for some people, just needed to find out more. I connected with the Memorial Weight Loss and Wellness Center in Springfield, IL. They are a multi-level support group based program. They have many different physicians, dietitians, psychiatrists, and physical therapists working together to ensure that you are well educated and are able to be successful in your journey. They showed me the different surgeries available to me, and got me pointed toward the gastric sleeve bypass. After about 4 months of preparing my mind for the lifestyle changes and my body for the eating changes, I was ready for surgery. On July 21, I was reborn. Surgery was a success. Recovery room experience was rough, but only because I had a bad pain med pump. Once they got that worked out, everything smoothed out. I was up and walking the same day as my surgery and checked out of the hospital in 3 days.

It has now been 4 months since my surgery. It has been quite the journey. My sleeve is holding out. It is taking food and drink well. Not usually very well together. I am down to 307 lbs.. I am off of my blood pressure medicines and my cpap machine. I have more energy than I know what to do with. I feel great and I am beginning to look at myself in a more positive way. My body is starting to look more like a healthy persons. Anyway, that is my journey so far.

[JenWith 96]

Welcome! What a great start to your journey. I'm only 3 weeks post op but excited for my journey as well.

[mz.newlife54 103]

Congratulations. Thank u for sharing your journey with us. Wish u good luck on your continued success.

[Katcloudshepherd 630]

Congratulations on your successful surgery and new life!

Very happy for you and hope you continue to find increased energy and better health.

Blessings,

Kathleen

[4everbeautiful 61]

Hi Jason,

Thank you for sharing your inspirational story. CONGRATULATIONS!! You are on a great path of a "new" healthy life. Best to you

[Elode 8,093]

Congratulations! I'm glad you are healthy and feeling good!

[athena3127 199]

Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on your successful journey thus far.

[kikicoates78 220]

That's awesome!!! And I am 4'11" ???? u would be a giant next to me!! Lol good luck on your continued success!!