And 38 lbs. lighter. I have gone from a 52" waist to a 48". I haven't had anything to drink other than Water and feel much healthier without the alcohol. Not that I was an alcoholic, but I did drink too much. I feel as though my taste buds have been reborn. I only eat healthy food and make good food choices. I mourned the loss of carbs, ie pastas, breads pizzas, etc. I do not miss them. I have been riding my exercise bike and running yes running on the treadmill daily. This surgery has changed my life. My coworkers are noticing the change daily and say that my attitude has changed. I feel like I used to.

This is what I looked like back in 2003. I was 290 lbs. with only 12% of body fat. This pic does not show how ripped I actually was. I was just goofing around with my wife when she snapped this. I had a 36" waist in this pic. Unfortunately it was the only pic I had of myself inshape. But there will be others to come.

I "was" a body builder, and will once again be in great shape. This was the best tool I have ever added to my arsenal. I no longer feel like a slave to food. I hope everyone out there who is considering this life changing surgery knows that they are strong willed and in control, and can change their life.

This picture is the reason for my weight gain. Five surgeries in two years, 9 consecutive months in a long arm cast and months of rehab. I had my wrist fused and my ulna shortened. All from bench pressing. Needless to say I was very depressed and food became my drug.

I don't think I'll ever be able to lift weights ever again like I used to. No more 405lb. bench for reps. But I am looking forward to having abs again, running 4 miles a day. Mt biking. I just love life again and it feels good to have the reigns again.

I got this Mt bike back in 2003. I had been riding a Gary Fisher for years that was a hard tail. I treated myself to this bike after taxes.

Due to my injury I have only ridin this bike about a dozen times, its like brand new. I am dying to get this thing out into the Arizona desert moutain trails to really break it in.

YOU WILL DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am about 3 weeks away from surgery, so your thread title really caught my attention

Sounds like you are doing great!

Way to go AZPete! Your success is inspiring. I am 2 weeks post-op, had my surgery with Dr. Orris at Tempe St. Luke's.