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New here - so an introduction.

I will be 42 this Friday. My wife and I have been married 24 years and have three awesome kids. Our two oldest are both girls (22 and 9) and both are special needs. Our youngest is 5 and ALL BOY! I've always been heavy. I know I have an addiction to food. I don't drink, never have done any sort of drugs, don't smoke - I cook and I eat. That's always been how I "medicate" myself. Eat til you regret it.

Three years ago August 6th, I was in a rollover car accident that I should never have survived. I literally walked away with a severe concussion and damage to an already troubling issue with my back. I was laid up for about a month and the weight really started to pile on. I didn't realize how living life was slipping away from me.

The eye opener came when we took the kids on our annual Disney World vacation. We do the Disney Cruise and then about 5 days or so in the parks. This was the first time our son was really going to be able to go on anything and everything he wanted, and it was that awesomeness of seeing the "magic" through his eyes for the first time. Problem was I had hit 450 + pounds and just couldn't do it. I had to rent a scooter to even go to the parks. Even riding that wore me out. I was so upset with myself that guess what - I ate myself sick. When we got to the ports on the cruise I stayed on ship. No way I could walk that far. I stayed back and ordered room service.

About a week after the trip,my son and I were snuggling in the chair, and he asked me "Daddy, are you still going to be on the earth when I'm a daddy?" It broke my heart. I started to look into my options and then with both eyes closed, praying for guidance, I jumped into the deep end.

Started my pre-op diet at the end of May and had surgery June 12. Lost 25 pounds on pre-op and have lost 18 since surgery. I'm very excited about this journey to get healthy and to make sure on next year's trip to see Mickey - nothing's getting in Daddy's way!

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New here - so an introduction.

I will be 42 this Friday. My wife and I have been married 24 years and have three awesome kids. Our two oldest are both girls (22 and 9) and both are special needs. Our youngest is 5 and ALL BOY! I've always been heavy. I know I have an addiction to food. I don't drink, never have done any sort of drugs, don't smoke - I cook and I eat. That's always been how I "medicate" myself. Eat til you regret it.

Three years ago August 6th, I was in a rollover car accident that I should never have survived. I literally walked away with a severe concussion and damage to an already troubling issue with my back. I was laid up for about a month and the weight really started to pile on. I didn't realize how living life was slipping away from me.

The eye opener came when we took the kids on our annual Disney World vacation. We do the Disney Cruise and then about 5 days or so in the parks. This was the first time our son was really going to be able to go on anything and everything he wanted, and it was that awesomeness of seeing the "magic" through his eyes for the first time. Problem was I had hit 450 + pounds and just couldn't do it. I had to rent a scooter to even go to the parks. Even riding that wore me out. I was so upset with myself that guess what - I ate myself sick. When we got to the ports on the cruise I stayed on ship. No way I could walk that far. I stayed back and ordered room service.

About a week after the trip,my son and I were snuggling in the chair, and he asked me "Daddy, are you still going to be on the earth when I'm a daddy?" It broke my heart. I started to look into my options and then with both eyes closed, praying for guidance, I jumped into the deep end.

Started my pre-op diet at the end of May and had surgery June 12. Lost 25 pounds on pre-op and have lost 18 since surgery. I'm very excited about this journey to get healthy and to make sure on next year's trip to see Mickey - nothing's getting in Daddy's way!

by reading what you wrote, i believe Daddy CAN do it..and good for YOU....all the best keep up that positive attitude, it helps :)

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what a story...god bless ya! Sometimes its those big eyes lookin up at us from those tiny faces that wake us up. I am so glad you chose to get healthy. Best of luck on your journey and have fun at Disney next year..because you WILL do this!

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Yay for u!!! U will not regret this!! food addiction stays but thankfully the band keeps u from being able to fall prey to that binging!! Go Disney dad!!

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Wow - it's rare that an introductory post moves me as yours did. I'm so happy that you made the decision to take the bull by the horns, to aggressively manage your weight and your health. You deserve to have a long, happy & healthy life with your family; you are certainly on your way :)

Good luck - please keep us posted on your continuing success.

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God bless you, Daddy! This day after Father's day, you brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing, we will be here for the "ride" this year and whenever you need us! Karen

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Great story... gave me chills! Yes, you can do it! One word of caution though, the band will not help with the "head" hunger, that addiction is powerful and, unlike alcohol, cigarettes or drugs, since you can't give it up completely, you might want to look into some counseling! I'm a firm believer that a good counselor is worth their weight in gold!!

And I look forward to reading your post a year from now after your next Disney trip!! I'm sure you and the kids will have a blast!

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Good for you! Your story touched me. You CAN do it!

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Love this story! You WILL do this!!! I have a 5 year old son too. Like you I don't want to miss seeing him grow up and enjoy life! Plus, I'm pretty sure I'll be a kicka** Grandpa! Kids are great motivation, you WILL succeed! You're doing great already!!

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New here - so an introduction.

I will be 42 this Friday. My wife and I have been married 24 years and have three awesome kids. Our two oldest are both girls (22 and 9) and both are special needs. Our youngest is 5 and ALL BOY! I've always been heavy. I know I have an addiction to food. I don't drink' date=' never have done any sort of drugs, don't smoke - I cook and I eat. That's always been how I "medicate" myself. Eat til you regret it.

Three years ago August 6th, I was in a rollover car accident that I should never have survived. I literally walked away with a severe concussion and damage to an already troubling issue with my back. I was laid up for about a month and the weight really started to pile on. I didn't realize how living life was slipping away from me.

The eye opener came when we took the kids on our annual Disney World vacation. We do the Disney Cruise and then about 5 days or so in the parks. This was the first time our son was really going to be able to go on anything and everything he wanted, and it was that awesomeness of seeing the "magic" through his eyes for the first time. Problem was I had hit 450 + pounds and just couldn't do it. I had to rent a scooter to even go to the parks. Even riding that wore me out. I was so upset with myself that guess what - I ate myself sick. When we got to the ports on the cruise I stayed on ship. No way I could walk that far. I stayed back and ordered room service.

About a week after the trip,my son and I were snuggling in the chair, and he asked me "Daddy, are you still going to be on the earth when I'm a daddy?" It broke my heart. I started to look into my options and then with both eyes closed, praying for guidance, I jumped into the deep end.

Started my pre-op diet at the end of May and had surgery June 12. Lost 25 pounds on pre-op and have lost 18 since surgery. I'm very excited about this journey to get healthy and to make sure on next year's trip to see Mickey - nothing's getting in Daddy's way![/quote']

Kids I think can be our greatest motivators in just what they say and do. Your son is a gem! He wasn't concerned about the fact that daddy couldn't do it. He was more concerned by showing how much he loved you now and in the future. He wants to see you become the grandfather of his future family. Aren't kids great?

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I bet you will one day incorporate the run Disney marathon into your annual vacation. What an inspiration!

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Wow !! That was very touching. Thank you for sharing with us. We are all here for the same reasons to be healthy and to be able to enjoy life especially Disney ! We went there on our honeymoon and many times after. It's the best! You will for back and be able to do so much more with your kids because of the decision you made to lose weight. Good for you ! Keep your eyes on the prize which for you is MICKEY MOUSE :). One day at a time and one pound at a time !!

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Y'all are very kind. It's nice to have the support. Thanks.

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