What a difference two years can make. For all of my life my weight has been an issue. By 2009 it was getting out of control. That is when I decided to make a life changing event. I am glad, Thank Full and proud that I did so. Talk about life changing. I decided to undergo weight loss surgery. On Dec 7 2009 I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed my life.



My preop weight was 365lbs. It was out of control. I was healthy, no side issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure etc, just obese. The doc said the decision was a life saving one, as I was heading down a dangerous path. I think he was right. Its been a long road, and one must be dedicated, but, this is one of the best things I have ever done. I can get out and play with my kids now. I can work, and work hard. I can feel good about myself. I am motivated and I am still going, working, learning, and losing.


My last doctors appointment (June 6th) I weighed in officially at 220.5 lbs. I have lost 145lbs. Looking back at myself, I dont know how I let it happen.

But, I dont have to tell you, you can see for yourself.

The first picture was taken around June of 2009. The second one was taken today.


Just wanted to share.

 

You have good reason to be proud Blake. I know a lot of peole that have had that procedure and they're just as large today as they were before they had the surgery. Apparently, they think it gives them license to eat even more than they did before. The surgery is just the start of a lot of will power and dedication and you have done well.

I am pleased and proud to call you my friend... now if we can just wean you off that nasty stick welding addiction you have and get you acclimated to the wonderful world of mig, we'll have REALLY accomplished the impossible!

 

Thanks Scott

I wont hold that MIG welding sissy stuff against ya....

FYI Lil Bro is about to head to PA on his first inspection job and they want me up there when Im done on this one. Maybe If I do get up there and get a long weekend I can make a trip your way.

Thanks again my friend!

 

Well, I guess PA is closer than Loozyanna! You get too far north tho and you're gonna get into snow and mig territory..., you sure you're ready for that?

 

I was gonna say pretty much the same as chaikwa (much as I hate to agree with him). I also know people who had the surgery and wound up eating more and exercising less (one of them is dead because he didnt change his ways).
Way to go!!!!

 

Congratulations Blake!!!

 

Ok, let me guess. In the second picture the difference is the bipod isn't deployed, the scope has a longer sunshade on it (the scope might also be different or you just peeled the sticker off the eyepiece) and you have a magazine inserted in the magwell? Of course the background is different but that's too easy.




Just kidding, talk about a difference. Looks like you made the right choice. It couldn't have been easy but you did it. Health issues would have caught up to you eventually. Great job and keep it off.

 

Wonderful job, Blake. Being from Louisiana I can appreciate how hard it is to lose weight with all the good food we have around here.

 

Yeah, sure. We all know you haven't had an original thought of your own since the lobotomy.

Good food? You guys eat boiled bugs for gawds sake!

 

Wow. Amazing. My wife has done the band about 6 months ago so I know it's no picnic for you to choose to do this. It's been a real mental thing for her. She was never a 2-Ton-Tina to begin with but she's always been aware that shes bigger than other gals. She's not dropping as fast as she wants to and gets discouraged sometimes. However, for the first time I've heard her say that her work clothes are getting too big and she might have to think about getting more so she's getting there. I see a ring so you probably have a spouse. How's that going? As her spouse I put on some cause she would order way too much and I had to finish it, but now we split a plate when we go out. I keep saying that I have to find a way to stop my Dr. Pepper but dang that's some good stuff.

 

Thanks Barkus

Thank You Sir!

*Cough cough* PHOTOSHOP



Thanks Bud!

Kev you are not lying. Its rough, but Ive learned, stick to the proteins. Its hard to avoid it completely, so I watch it so so close. Tonight for supper, its Chicken and Egg Fricassee. Yup, no rice for me, just the chicken and egg part.

You wouldnt know good food if it bit ya in the rear.

Tell your wife to stay the course and it will work out for her. My wife has always been heavy too. When we got together she was down to here goal weight but, two kiddos later its harder and harder for her to return to that weight. She works out 4 to 5 times a week and has lost, but its a struggle for her. She does want to do the same surgery that I did, and we are looking into it for her in the future.

FYI, Dr Pepper was the hardest thing I had to give up. Sugar is the enemy, but man, its the sweetest enemy youll ever meet!

 

Congrats BLAKE. Its a nice feeling to be able to breathe while tying your shoes now hey? Been there and wow did you and I look similar is some ways.
So far so good here...340 down to 269.8 as of Monday.

Hope the melon is better now too.

 

Nice gun!

I can relate. DTR once made me fat. I got up to 350 during my days here. Then I quit and now I'm 250 with about 40 more to go before hitting my goal of 210 (hopefully at about 10-12% body fat). It hasn't been easy. Lots of exercise and lots of changes to my eating habits, but it has been worth it.

 

Dang Scotty! That is awesome! And yup, I can get mah boots on now without and arm extenders....

HOLY CRAP!

The Hoss himself just a postin in my thread!

Im honored!

Thank You for the compliments sir and congrats on your weightloss too!

 

Who you callin' a hoss? You tryin' to say I'm still fat?