ArtDLG

I’m a 40 year old, 20 year U.S. Army Combat Infantryman, with the 101st Airborne Division, 502nd Strike Brigade.  I have been around some of the most BADASS dudes you will ever encounter. I have done so many high speed operation in my military life time that I sometimes gawk of the things I did in the past….Do I consider myself a bad ass, of course!! I do have a machismo type, Alpha Male mentality who love guns, 4x4’s, ranching, hunting, and women (but I make love to only one, my wife! Lol) Now…with all that being said, the only thing at this point in my life that is important is my family, children and living a healthy life style.  
Back in June I had made my mind up that I needed to do something drastic, I tried very hard up until that point to lose the weight, but it wasn’t happening. With my sleep apnea, arthritis, cholesterol over 300! I even exercised hard…but it wasn’t what I was doing in the past, I needed a change.  I tapped out when I nearly reached 250 pounds, by mid-July I was a 249 pounds that’s was when the straw broke the camel’s back.
I made my mind up to have the surgery and aggressively took action with my appointments support groups, begin the fluid diet, etc. By the end of September, a few final pre-op requirements, and on October 30th I was sleeved. Today, just over 3 weeks I am down to 210 pounds and still losing. I have begun my rigorous exercise routine, and I really don’t need fluids for meals, I just eat VERY small portions of well-designed high in protein snacks and meals with my family. My family has been awesome during my “trek, “and I feel great! I have had a few minor issues, but in time I will adjust to the speed and duration it takes to eat a small meal. I’m still working on my hydration, but that to will take its course.
The whole macho thing, HA! I laugh at dudes who use that as the excuse for not getting their life right and health back on track. This is not a fix all solution, it is a lifestyle change that will benefit everyone around you. I’m glad that I had the surgery, and I let everybody know why I did it, I want to live a long life and the only way to do that is live healthy, and this is where it starts.