Well, it’s a new year and I’m back again!

I sincerely hope everyone’s holiday and New Year were happy and a time well spent with family and friends. I know mine were a time of enjoyment and appreciation. We live in such a fast-paced world nowadays that we tend to take the details for granted. I hope everyone who has had the gastric bypass surgery, or is thinking about it as a new year’s resolution, will understand that it is out of a desire for a healthy long life that we have this surgical procedure. To see our children succeed, or smiles on our friends’ faces; at least that is why I had the surgery.

Just to think, almost a year ago I was 300 pounds, and had major side affects that were going to kill me. Now, I have my family, and they have me. If I had decided differently who knows what the outcome might have been. I might not have missed this Christmas just past, but certainly I would not be around for too many more.

Gastric Bypass was yet another turning point in my life. Others may call it a new chapter in my life, another journey to travel; whatever you choose to call it I have a gift…Life. Not to mention that I wore a coat recently, which I hadn’t been able to wear in a while. This coat is vintage! Over thirty years old, they just don’t make coats like that any more.

And I mentioned new year’s resolutions briefly before, if you are thinking about the gastric bypass procedure as a means to a healthier life style, please contact the people at Lite and Hope. They are here to help you. They are here to help make this New Year’s resolution one that you keep, and not discard when February 1st rolls around. There are supplements to help you physically, blog messages like this to keep you motivated, chats with first rate medical professionals to answer any questions you might have, and much more all waiting for you to discover!

Good luck with the New Year!
Until next time…

AD
At least my Trojans beat Michigan, Fight On!

Anthony on 02.06.07 @ 08:10 AM PST

I’m back once again!

I’m going to get straight into it today. Fear is something we all encounter in out lives. But let me ask you a question… Why have fear of dying from the surgery, when every day the consequences of your weight are killing you?

Complications from obesity will end your life quickly or it could end your life slowly but surly by attacking all of your vital organs, killing you over a period of time. Like I have said before, I am not a doctor so I am not going to give anyone out there medical advice. I can however give my own opinions and share my experiences, and lead by my example.

Gastric bypass surgery has changed my life, in that it has given me a chance to live my life. We all know the bright side of things: looking good in your clothes, not being the fatty in pictures, being able to succeed at daily life activities, etc. But it’s the moments that aren’t so obvious that are worth living for: family, friends, good conversation, laughter, freedom. All these things we tend to take for granted come into perspective when life/death is knocking at our door.

If you would have told me even two years ago that I would be wearing size 32” pants, I would have looked at you like an idiot. But here I am. I enjoy the details so much more now. Of course I was nervous about the surgery. I mean it’s knives and tubes, anesthesia and meds; there are so many possibilities for human error. That is why I choose Dr. Alan Wittgrove to perform my surgery. And each of you need surgeons that know this procedure forward, backward, inside, outside, everything is emblazoned in their minds. You also have to analyze the situation. I could die trying, though the chances were slim, or I could die blindly hoping that one-day a diet and exercise regimen would work for me.

That’s it from me. I just want to let everyone out there know, gastric bypass has been a blessing in my life. Talk it over with your doctors, because they know you each better than I do, and they know your medical history etc.

So, my Trojans lost to UCLA. What universe am I in?

Until next time! PS happy holidays and watch those winter pounds…

Anthony on 12.21.06 @ 11:18 AM PST

I’m back again!

Not much has changed with me. I feel great and have a tremendous amount of energy still. I have been busy; it is football season after all, so I apologize for less blogs.

To get straight down to business, I am proud of those of you who have made the commitment to live better lives. Gastric Bypass surgery is not the answer, but a tool to use to loose the weight, and I am happy for those of you who are doing well. Roger I am glad to hear your surgery was a success and even happier to hear Dr. Alan Whittgrove was the man to make it happen. I wish you nothing but the best my man in the near future.

And to Michael, wow man; please give your sister my well wishes. It’s so interesting how the human body can be so alike and so different at the same time. Everyone’s body reacts differently to the surgery, but nonetheless I am glad to hear she is doing well now. And major props to you for doing your own research about the procedure. Lite and Hope’s website is a wonderful and useful tool to find information about gastric bypass. Yeah, I just saw Briscoe at the funeral services for Marlin McKeever. Such a small world this is. And I hope your son wasn’t too taken back from the stories of our glory times. Those were some times though.

Hey Jeremy, I am sure there are highly qualified doctors in Ohio trained to do the skin tightening procedures. Off the top of my head I don’t have any names, but I am sure the people at Lite and Hope would be able to find out. Their network of doctors spans the nation. Furthermore, my tolerance for pain is elevated, so although I did not experience any pain after my treatments, it might be different for others. And just a note to add to that, the laser treatments might affect your hair growth, so ask your doctor if you have any questions regarding this.

And finally to Lyana, I am glad to hear you are enjoying your new body. One word of advice or caution, don’t over do it. The best way to loose weight and build muscle is to work out and then let your body rest to recover. The average person needs a work out three times a week. Some researchers say gastric bypass patients swap one addiction for another (now that consuming too much food is less of an option), I hope for your health you are not going down this path. But I am sure your doctor would know more about what you need and the specific limitations of your body. Make sure to include a trainer or doctor in on your work out regimen. You all are doing a great job! Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing your stories.

Well, that’s all from me for now. I told you I would keep you all updated on any speaking engagements that come up for me. Well, on November 29th, I will be speaking at St. Joseph’s Hospital about men’s health and obesity related issues along with my personal story with obesity.

I understand it might be difficult for post gastric bypass patients with the holiday seasons near; but remember: there are consequences for everything, and that one slice of pie or second helping of stuffing may be all it takes for your body to… dump.
Happy Thanksgiving! Until next time, Fight on!

Anthony on 11.22.06 @ 02:03 PM PST

 

I am back, again!

I think the Live Web Chat with Dr. Vince Afsahi and myself went well. The participants had some really good questions and it was nice to speak to the Lite and Hope visitors in real time. If you missed the Web Chat session, you can view the transcript on the Lite and Hope website. You know, this Internet thing is relatively new to me, I understand the basics, but not much beyond that; so I am glad Dr. Afsahi felt comfortable with the set-up and etc. Nonetheless, it was an experience I will not soon forget. Maybe we will try it again.

And I want to thank all of you who left comments for my last blog. I truly enjoy reading them. You want to know something; I like having comments from the readers available because I think it’s good for others to read them as well. You have all heard my story. But what you haven’t heard is what others, just like you, are experiencing. Our reasons for having the surgery might be different: sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or a desire to see our children grow up and accomplish things, or even for a personal desire to better ones self.

For Jason, I don’t run at the moment, but I plan to slowly begin conditioning myself to start up again. I do some walking. And over the next couple of weeks I will alter my routine to include jogging and hopefully some running later. You’re right my man, after 50, people start slowing down. But that is no excuse not to be active. I am constantly moving around, though. If it is possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park the car away from the entrance, and that way making small adjustments to everyday life, you can see some difference and still get in more of a work out then before.
For Mark and Roger, I hope both of your surgeries went well, and your new lives are now beginning. Congratulations! I hope both of you reach your desired weight loss goals and take advantage of this new lease on life you both have been given. It is an amazing journey you have both started in your own individual ways. Just remember post-op affects us all differently. In no way is gastric bypass or any other bariatric surgery an easy way out of weight loss. It takes commitment and you both will learn what foods work for your body. Enjoy.
To Helen, Liana, and Mary, I hope you all keep up the good work and congratulations on your weight loss. Together you all have lost over 200 pounds, that’s almost me! Don’t be afraid to live your lives because you have new bodies. Enjoy the new lives you all have worked so hard to achieve. It is awkward sometimes. I must admit when I put on my size 32 pants, I was a little baffled, but I sure got over that quickly. Because you have to realize you look good, so there is no need to be scared of this new body.
And now to Ronald, thank you for your complements. I appreciate them. I agree with you, that I am qualified to commentate on football games but let’s be real, it’s all politics, and it is tough to break into that industry. I would definitely entertain any offers to become a commentator, but only time will tell.

Anyway, I am still 213. I am still loosing inches, instead of pounds, but I am a lot healthier then I was before, and I am completely happy with the progress I am making. I sleep well at night, and I have more energy during the day.

My Trojans are ranked No. 2, and they are still a young team so I am excited to see what they will achieve in the games to come. I am still finalizing my plans for the USC vs. Notre Dame game, but I will keep you all up to date.

Until next time!

Anthony on 10.13.06 @ 08:50 AM PST