Turk

Hi my name is Turk. I am a 39 year old married father of 2. I work in IT for a large agricultural company in the Midwest. I am a former Marine. I coach Soccer and basketball. I am a Cub scout leader. I am active in my church. I enjoy watching football, basketball and soccer. I also am an artist. I draw, paint in oils and watercolors. I am also an avid hunter and fisherman.

All of the things mentioned above are more difficult than ever because of my weight. Before I started my journey I weighed 533 lbs although I'm told that I carry it well. There is an athlete under there. I played football and basketball all through high school. After the Marine Corps I stopped working out and eating healthy food. I have Biopolar II disorder and PTSD as well as some chronic back and knee pain from injuries sustained while in the Marine corps and I guess I used those things as an excuse to quit taking care of myself.

About 3 months ago I had gall bladder surgery and I couldn't drive so my mother took me to a post-op checkup for that and informed me that there was a free class about bariatric surgery at a local weight management center. I had looked into WLS before and was pretty close to actually having the surgery when my company of 8 years was sold and all of the US employees terminated. With no insurance I decided to forgo the surgery.

So we went to the weight loss center and I decided to try again. Shortly thereafter I joined a gym, started on the HMR diet and got a personal trainer. I was told that I had to lose 33 lbs in order to have surgery. Well as I said, I am a former Marine so I don't do anything halfway.

I have completed all of the requirements to satisfy my doctor and the insurance company and My surgery is scheduled for September 29th.

I have lost 52 lbs which means as of right now I am 481lbs.

Some thing in my head just snapped and I finally have the determination to do what I need to do to get healthy and stay that way. I am nervous but excited too.

I found Bariatric Pal by just doing an internet search for bariatric forums. I have been lurking for about a week but I finally decided to jump in and introduce myself. I'm looking forward to getting to know you as well as providing and receiving support through this life change that I am committed to.

Take care and God bless

-Turk