krytenno

Due to some oversight by my insurance carrier, nobody managed my pre-op process, (Nutritionist, Support Groups, weight loss, etc) so I had to lose 60lbs in 2.5 months on my own to make the cut for surgery before my eligibility expired. But once it was done, I have been motivated, diligent, and have never looked back. I immediately donated all of my big clothes (8XL shirts and 6XL pants) so that I could not retreat. At the end of Year One, post-op, I had lost more than 135lbs and had my Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, and High Blood Pressure RESOLVED in my medical chart.... as in GONE.... Yay!!

Now, more than two years since the surgery, I am holding steady at 246lbs. I want to lose another 20-25lbs, but first I need the skin removal surgery. I have estimated the weight of this extra skin and fat at about 20lbs, so that would help. I have had issues with infection in the flap of my pannus, as well as under my chest flaps, but IT IS VERY HARD to get your insurance to cover this follow up surgery. I have had my requests denied twice and am awaiting the determination of a 3rd party review of my service denials. I feel my success because of this, is still incomplete. No matter what I do exercise-wise, I could never work off the remaining excess skin and fat. Spanx for Men have helped me hold it all together so that I could focus on improvement, not the disappointment of feeling disfigured by the loose skin (think of those daredevils in those "flying squirrel" wing suits.)

Now, I do eat junk food occasionally these days (Weight Watchers Low Fat Dark Chocolate Raspberry bars - Delicious, and they are only 80 calories each!!), but I also burn over 1,000 calories 6 days per week in the gym. The way this worked with me was the weight dropped off fast, but I was sagging like a melting candle. But, I found that as soon as my weight had dropped enough to REALLY start exercising, carrying the weight all those years had left me with impressive strength. I went at it as hard as I could, but paced so that I would be consistent and not give up. Here's the thing I've noticed ever since.... The stronger and longer you can work out, you'll find you weight may eventually plateau, but you will continue to appear thinner and more muscular. I will post some pics. Mostly, what I do is a modified treadmill workout, featuring an incline of 15 degrees, at about 4mph for around 38 minutes these days. The leg work is combined with coordinated upper body work (looks kinda like Tae Bo'ish dancing while hiking to a beat), timed to a playlist on my iPod. Beyond that, I use a Body By Jake Tower resistance training door gym for my chest and arms along with doing 150-200 crunches, 3 times per week.

Remember to have a determined attitude toward change, keep in mind the people in your life who are affected by the state of your health, and embrace the changes as they come. If you were already doing fine, you wouldn't be facing this surgical option. Remember these things and you will do great. Have faith in yourself. I am 42 years old and I have never looked or felt this good in my entire life. Good luck. I wish you the best in your efforts to improve your health. Don't let anyone discourage your efforts. Remember you cannot take care of anyone else until you start taking care of yourself.