Well, welcome back everyone! First of all, I would like to set the record straight about my diet. I mentioned in previous blogs that I eat at TacoBell. I would like to clarify some misunderstandings, in that I only eat the beans from TacoBell; they are boiled in water and therefore a good source of protein. At home, I add some chicken, onions and hot sauce to the beans. Furthermore, I don’t make a habit of going to fast food places for every meal. As for the oatmeal cookies, the ones I eat are made with all natural ingredients, with honey instead of processed sugar. As I have mentioned before, I have trouble with eating breakfast foods occasionally, and eating oatmeal helps the food go down better. So, with the usual two eggs I eat, sometimes I eat a cookie with the meal; it simply helps me with digesting the eggs better. One more note with the sugar subject: sugar affects different people in different ways and what works for one may not necessarily work for the next person. It’s all about finding what works for your body in the best way(s) possible. But overall, it’s a good thing to stay away from the carbohydrates in general. I start my day with my vitamins, and supplements, and my Metagenics protein shakes. And, I continue to eat my lentil soup, split pea soup, a little white fish, particularly halibut, and a small portion of red meat, usually fillet mignon, and cottage cheese with berries, either strawberries or blueberries, sprinkled with some Splenda. I also drink plenty of water throughout the day.

I could only imagine what my body would look like or even what would happen to my body if I stopped taking my Metagenics protein shakes. I am sure I would be under 200 pounds, and not healthy at all. Currently I am still at a plateau in my weight and I fluctuate between 220 and 225 pounds. Since I am the first person of my body type to have this surgical procedure, it is interesting to see how my body is healing and taking shape after the gastric bypass. I am shrinking in like a sponge! I have no loose skin at all, as one might expect after having this surgery. Well, I take that back, I had a very small amount of loose skin under my neck and face. But Dr. Vince Afsahi easily fixed it by doing a very simple laser procedure to my face and neck. I have been visiting Dr. Afsahi since post surgery. There were a lot of toxins leaving my body and as a result a lot of dead skin was left behind. Dr. Afsahi has helped my skin become what it is today by doing microdermabrasion. I know it sounds very high maintenance, but as long as I look good, what’s the big deal to be ashamed of, I think more men should get facials. I’m not saying go overboard and do the manicures and all that stuff, but you have to take care of your face.

Moving on, during the week of June 26th I will be in San Francisco at the ASBS convention. This is a medical convention, held by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. I will be interfacing with all these companies discussing my surgical procedure and my healing process. It should be very interesting for me because it is the first time I will have ever been involved with this type of convention. I am certain I will enjoy learning the different material out there while letting others know my story, and sharing what I have experienced with this life altering surgery. After the conference I will report back to all the people who have left me comments, especially for the people who are afraid to reveal themselves. I will let them know how the exciting weekend went and what it was all about. One thrilling thing I already know a little bit about an initiative both Lite and Hope along with Carecredit, a division of GE Consumer Financing have been working on. It is a finance plan to help those who need the surgery, yet might not have the finances to afford the procedure. And this is a great thing in deed, for people in need. It is an immense stepping-stone in leading to a healthier America. Lite and Hope, Carnie Wilson and I are committed to raising awareness about the disease of Morbid Obesity and the surgical option to deal with it. It took a lot of courage for Carnie to be the first well-known celebrity to come out and publicly admit we have a major problem with obesity in this country. She was also a catalyst in me having the surgery. For those out there afraid of admitting the problem or coming to terms with the reality that we Americans do have a problem: don’t be afraid, you shouldn’t be. It is one thing for obesity to affect our adults, but now it’s affecting our kids, and that’s critical. Therefore, I want to be a strong role model with this issue and be on the positive side in correcting this problem.

Some last thoughts about my diet. It’s really all about portion control and being disciplined enough to say enough, when it’s enough. Fast foods are not good for anyone really, but really not good for gastric bypass patients. I have always prided myself on being very disciplined. But, being human, I let my guard down over the past ten years. I was not aware of the dangers of not being disciplined about food and my weight. That was then, this is now. Having now had the surgery, my sleep apnea and my obesity are under control. I have every intention of keeping it that way. I will not take advantage of this procedure and spoil it by gorging my face. I am well aware of what I eat, and I will not fall off of this wagon. I will be a good example. Just remember, I could not have run that football in college nor professionally, if I had been a fat man.

Until next time!

 

Replies: 1 Comment

on Saturday, July 1st, Sheri Epperson said

Hi Anthony!
My husband will be having gastric bypass next month with Dr. Wittgrove. He is a good friend of someone you know, G. Anderson. He would love to talk to you sometime on the phone. My husband is 5-9 and 285lbs. Has 110lbs to lose. We watched your surgery on the internet. Dr. Wittgrove was extremely efficient and calm during the surgery. How did you feel about complications etc. going into this? Are you really glad you did this? Any encouragement would be appreciated. We are excited but also nervous about the surgery. Thanks!

So, I received many interesting comments after my last blog. One in particular was from Jordan and it caught my attention. First off, I would like to thank you for the comments about me “kicking the Irish all over the field.” I know that to this day, those Fighting Irish still approach me in disbelief, like, how did I run eleven touchdowns against them? But secondly, and more importantly, I have some good news for you and for the many people out there in similar situations. Lite and Hope has used the success of my surgery and recovery, as an inspiration and are formulating a plan to assist those in need with financing for the procedure. To receive more information, log onto www.liteandhope.com or call 1-877-LITE4HOPE (548-3446) and let them know you are interested.

The next comment I would like to address is the one from the gentleman in the Mid-West, who is 6'3”, thirty-eight years old, and 400+ pounds. My man, I would like to thank both you and your father for your humbling complements about me being better than OJ, Mike Garret, and Marcus Allen, but that aside, your health is concerning. My suggestion is to talk with Dr. Alan Wittgrove with regards to the qualifications of Dr. Steven Clark in Indiana. I would ask if Dr. Clark is within the network of surgeons with whom Dr. Wittgrove is familiar. Further note that Dr. Clark is one of the Sugeons affiliated with Lite and Hope and you can read a short BIO along with an archived LIVE CHAT he hosted on 02/01/06. To read Q&A from that archive, please

Click here http://liteandhope.com/livechat_archive020106.html

Finally, the last comments I would like to address are the ones about new photos and watching my gastric bypass surgery procedure. There have been photos published of me showing how I looked two months after surgery. The 2006 Issue 3 of Obesity Help Magazine (www.obesityhelp.com/magazine) has photos as well. And I have no intensions of watching Dr. Wittgrove poke holes into my stomach! I would much rather see a 240-pound linebacker tackle me in slow motion, than watch someone probe holes into my body. But thanks for asking.

On the topic of my weight loss, I am still at a plateau, although I am continuing to loose inches. My waist is smaller (and it is great being able to buy new pants), my jaw line and cheekbones are more defined, and I generally feel better. My diet has increased and now I am eating ground meat on a regular basis and a small med-rare steak once a week. (This is a great source of protein!) And although they generally don't like me eating sugar, I have to confess one of my greatest pleasures at this time: oatmeal cookies. I get them here from the local Corner Bakery in Irvine, and I love them. Maggiano's restaurant, TacoBell, and Corner Bakery are my best friends right now.

My body is very deceiving in that when people see me, they don't believe my current weight, which fluctuates between 223 and 228 pounds. They think I am much smaller than that, but I have to remind them, muscle mass weighs more than fat; it has a higher density. My body has always been misleading though, I guess. I remember, one time while on the field, a player from the opposite team and I collided, and he asked me later, how much I weighed. He figured I only weighed, at most, 180 pounds. In reality I was more between 200-205 pounds. When I told him my weight, he said it was no wonder why he got dizzy. I realize that as we get older, the ways in which fat and muscle are deposited throughout our bodies change. But I am noticing my body returning to more of the way I looked as a young man. This body was hidden under pounds of unnecessary and unhealthy fat. People who have followed my journey with the surgery and my changes in eating habits are aware of how I look, and some of them even feel I don't need to loose any more weight. They don't believe I am slightly still over 200 pounds. On the other hand, those who haven't seen me in a while think I am sick. I was at the car wash, Checkered Flag here in Irvine, and a lady thought my weight loss was due to an illness. I calmed her fears and reassured her I am healthier than ever before and plan to continue this new healthy way of living. Please realize I have a particular schedule of supplements. If I don't continue to take my Metagenics, vitamins and my supplements then I will have serious muscle mass loss, and then I would really look sickly!

Well, so much for the lecture. I think this blog has been more direct about tackling (no pun intended) this major issue within our society, and I just want to say to people who are suffering from obesity and obesity related issues, please watch what you eat and try to get it under control. If not, then contact your local physician and talk with them about the different options you could take to get healthy, and if that doesn't work, contact www.liteandhope.com and they can give you some great guidance. In the meantime, I will continue to eat my eggs and beans, my steak once a week, my Metagenics, my vitamins, my supplements, and most importantly drinking my water (you have to drink your water) and of coarse loose my inches.

Until next time!

 

Replies: 2 Comments

on Saturday, June 24th, stuntms@sbcglobal.net">Crystal Robinson said

Hello Anthony,
First, I want to congratulate you on the success of your surgery and weight loss. What a story to share! I was enlisted by my sister-in-law to help her investigate her options for surgical proceedures. In my quest, I found the Lite and Hope website and stumbled upon your story. I am not sure if you remember me but I met you in 1982 at the Del Amo Mall. I believe you were with the LA Express football team at the time. We kept in touch for a while...if you remember, I used to work in a bank and had a VW Bug at the time. I wish you continued success. God Bless.

on Friday, June 23rd, Jeff Miller said

A.D., I don't know if you remember me. I played on the 1966 San Fernando team that lost to Carson in the city finals. I was also an assistant coach during the time you were on the team. I followed your entire career and am very proud of all your accomplishments. You look great in the most recent photo, keep it up. I look forward to watching your Hall of fame induction. I would love to hear back from you. Take care from an old Pacoima boy, Jeff Miller

I’m back! I said in my last blog, I was 228 lbs, and since then I have lost 4 pounds making me 224. However, I am finding I have reached a plateau, and I am staying between the two weights. The doctors said it would slow up eventually, and to be frank, I am glad it has. You look at 60 lbs lost in two months, that’s a significant weight loss. One of the main concerns Dr. Alan Wittgrove and Dr. Lee Trotter of Metagenics had was the amount of muscle mass that would be lost associated with the weight loss, and that is why I concentrate on getting as much protein a day through meals, the Metagenics, and the vitamin and supplement. Because of the amount of blood lost during the procedure (which is common) I had to take an iron supplement everyday for the first month. Then the dosage lowered to every other day.

My diet is increasing since Dr. Wittgrove has allowed me to start eating meat. I don’t eat steak or anything like that, but lean ground beef instead. Of course you know I have been going to taco bell, and created a rapport with the women that work there. They began adding sauce and meat to the beans for me. This meat is fairly well chopped and I find I really like it. Like I have mentioned before, breakfast is still a difficult meal for me. I usually eat ground beef or ground turkey (and I can only eat up to a ½ of the patty) with two eggs, scrabbled softly. Of course I can always eat beans and eggs, I like to add a lot of onions to it, I know a lot of people don’t like that, but I do. By the way, I think I will eat that next, it sounds good right now. On the subject of my diet, I wanted to tell everyone about my first episode of “dumping,” which was horrible. “Dumping” is the polite way to say “throwing up.” Dumping is common for post surgery patients to experience, either from eating too fast, not chewing properly, or bad food. I dumped because I had eaten some bad meat. You have to make sure it’s a good place you are eating at, or just eat at home. I believe eating at home is really the best place to eat, in my case at least. I went to dinner at a restaurant one night, and I ordered a ground beef patty, med-rare, with a side of tomatoes. The food went down great and the meat tasted great. There were no problems or complications at all.

The next day, I got up really early for a meeting in Los Angeles. I took my vitamins and supplements, and proceeded to take the 50-mile drive to LA where I was having a breakfast meeting with Joe Navarro. When it was time to order, of course I decide to have a ground beef patty with two eggs, scrambled easy. It took me 20 minutes to eat all the eggs and only a portion of the ground beef patty. 10 minutes after breakfast, my stomach felt different, like the food just wouldn’t go down, and I couldn’t understand why it was happening. They tell you to eat slowly, and chew chew chew, which I did. So Joe and I got into his car, and while riding, I became really uncomfortable, and I started to break into a cold sweat. While approaching the freeway I told Joe I wasn’t feeling well. I had him pull over to the side of the freeway and I proceeded to, well, dump. And all I could think to myself was, “so this is what they call dumping?” Mr. Navarro felt pretty bad because he bragged about this place that he had been eating at for 10 years; then I eat there, and have my first episode of dumping. He said, “We aren’t eating there anymore!” I did everything they told me to do, eat slowly and chew well; therefore, I came to the conclusion that it was just bad meat.

My second episode of dumping was the worst of them all. I figured since I was eating meat, eating fish wouldn’t be a problem. I have been eating fish, light, white fish that is, so I decided that I was going to test the waters, and have a broiled blacked piece of salmon. Man, was that ever a mistake! I ordered salmon, and a side of beans. Of course I did chew chew chew and I ate probably half of the salmon and then I was full. When I got home 15 minutes later, wow, did I get sick! The same thing happened again. I was sick for a good hour and a half: dumping and sweating. Thank goodness I was close to home, because that would have been embarrassing. I realize, this is a gross thing to talk about, but for over a period of an hour and a half, I lived in my bathroom. So I now know, in my particular case, if I eat bad food, I will dump. So I will concentrate on going to restaurants am I familiar with, and am confident they prepare food properly. Or I will just eat at home. But I can tell you something; strawberries and cherries are my best friends! And I chew them really well.

I would like to take this time to respond to some of the postings to my last blog, one in particular. This goes out to “James,” who says we played against each other in High School and eventually when he attended UCLA we played against each other again. First of all, you should never be scared to identify yourself; there is nothing to be ashamed about. This obesity thing is a big issue. And being that you played football, there are other health concerns attached to obesity, (sleep apnea and diabetes for example). If you don’t get the weight off with traditional methods, this procedure is the alternative way of doing it. It will help you maintain you weight for the rest of your life. If your family really cared about you, and had your best interest at heart, they would recognize all sorts of ways for you to reach your target weight and live a good quality of life. For starters, don’t be so concerned with not making it through surgery; you could walk out in front of a car and get hit. Agreed it is a major surgical procedure and there are risks, but if you are really 350 lbs, and 6’, you are risking a lot more on a daily basis within your routine of life. I would contact On-Q PainBuster and talk to them about having this device for the surgery, should you choose to have it. Recommend it to your surgeon, it minimizes the pain during and after surgery, and I believe if you are not focused on the pain, than you can really focus your energies on healing, and living the new life you were just granted a second chance at. Then I would advise you to contact Dr. Lee Trotter of Metagenics, and he is located in San Clemente, California, for both pre and post surgery protein, vitamin and supplement program, (which I have continued to do). But the most important thing is the surgeon himself. I recommend Dr. Alan Wittgrove, the best in the world as far as I am concerned. But if not him, then I’m sure he has plenty of well-qualified surgeons in his network.

In closing, for those of you who have been inquiring about how I look after a 55-60 lbs weight loss, well, you can see me on The Insider with host Pat O’Brien on CBS. They will show pictures of me both before and currently. Also, I would like to mention, I will be featured on the cover of Obesity Help magazine. In that picture, however, I was 10lbs heavier then what I am now, but it should give you a good indicator of how much weight I have lost.
And so until next time!

 

Replies: 8 Comments

on Wednesday, June 14th, Anthony Fay (Tony Trojan) said

Anthony you look fantastic! Keep doing exactlly what you are doing. Your right, Dumping SUCK's! but it's like my surgeon told me, he said "I dont wish it on my patients, but Im glad when they experience it for themselves so they know how miserable it really is" He also said that you have to try eating different things, or should I say try eating things that you used to eat. After surgery you might not be able to eat some of the things you once enjoyed. For instance I love eggs, but after surgery they made me very nausiated, so I did'nt eat them for a while then I would try them again in a couple of months, at this point they did'nt make me sick but they still did not go down all that good. I was really bummed because they are a great source of protein. I am happy to say I now eat eggs just about everyday for breakfast. Your new stomach is much like being a baby again, you have to see what it will tolerate, and I can tell you that as time goes by you get back to many of the foods you enjoyed before surgery. Just keep in mind that this surgery is only a "TOOL" and you must eat properly. I e-mailed you once before as I am a huge SC fan and have alway's wanted to meet you in person. I started out at a weight of 451lbs and now weigh 242lbs and have had my first of about 3 or 4 plastic surgeries. I'm 43yrs old and carried most of my weight in my abdominal area, so I have a lot of body sculpting to do with plastic surgery. Please if you get a chance e-mail me back. Your doing great! Keep it up and FIGHT ON!
signed,
Tony Fay (Buena Park,Ca.)

on Monday, June 12th, rugbyjunior@aol.com">Jerry said

Anthony,
I am a few weeks from surgery, was a young kid when you did the 2nd half miracle against ND.
I am a hs coach and pretty successful. I am excited to get the surgery and will this summer before the football season goes in full gear.
I wanted to hear more from you, and know how busy you are but it really helps to hear somewon such as you share your story.
Please continue to do so and I look forward to your hall of fame induction.
Jerry R
San diego

on Wednesday, May 31st, Jordan from the mighty ATL said

Yo AD..........I was just a kid when I saw you on TV kicking the Irish all over the field....I'm just a high school jock and never was good enough to make it in big time division one ball.......I played for a small community college team and wore number 28......well AD, I am now in my mid 40's and am big as a house....the problem is that I don't have no insurance and for sure don't have 25 large for a surgery........do you know of any surgeons that can set up loans....I saw a brother on the cybercast who was a surgeon, I think his name was Duncan ......can he hook me up with a loan? I am living with my girlfriend now and trying to get my life back.......because I wore your number I guess I would like to do what you did when it comes to getting this damn weight off......post some message to me next time.........thank you my brother

on Tuesday, May 30th, Charlie M from Chicago said

I saw your surgery on the web..........you claim that you have not had any pain.......I find that amazing, but I do believe you...the one thing I want to know is how long after the surgery did you feel extremely wiped out....have you returned to your job? I can't take off for a few months.....the most I could take off would be 3 weeks.......do you think this is enough to recover?

on Monday, May 29th, Jamal said

When will you post some recent pictures....you talk about being thinner, you need to show your brothers how you look. When will you be on TV next? Will you be on BEST DAMN SPORTS SHOW soon........I heard you on XTRA sometime ago with Steve Hartman, whcn will you be on radio again?

on Monday, May 29th, ahmad from South Bend said

AD-My dad played for the Irish during your era....to be honest, he spend most of the time on the bench as he was the 7th Dback on the squad........He really brainwashed me into hating SC......in fact, the only backs he ever liked were you, Ricky Bell and Charles White....he says you were better than Garrett, OJ and Marcus.....well, he really has been on my ass to do something about my weight.....I am not a gifted athlete and I think he feels that I will always be a fat guy....I am 38, 6-3 and 400 pounds plus........I am tired of feeling like he is ashamed of me and I am ready to consult a surgeon.....when I clicked on to the doctor locator button on the lite and hope website the name they gave me was Dr Steven Clark in Indy......do you know anything about him? I need to stay close to home and cannot afford to use your Dr witgrove.......who can I call to talk about Dr Clark?

My girlfriend said she saw you on the INSDER before the surgery, when will you be on again so we can see how you look....can you post a recent picture??

on Monday, May 29th, James said

AD: Thanks for your kind words.........I will reveal who I am once I lock in my surgery date....my wife reads your stuff and I want to surprise her.......She is also a bruin and sc hater but is fascinated by what you have done.....are you the first big-time football guy to do this? From what I have seem from my former Bruin team members that have gone to the NFL, they should all consider doing something about their weight...........man, they are ALL big as a blimp...........AD, do you ever play in any senior baseball programs?

Thanks again for the acknowledgement........

on Thursday, May 25th, MJ said

Congratulations on your success. I had by-pass surgery 2 1/2 years ago and to this day, I can't tolerate ground beef (or turkey). I have a better time eating medium rare steak. I'm not sure why, but I've come to the conclusion that an In-n-out burger isn't gonna happen for me any time soon.
I wish you continued success and don't let the plateaus get you down. I've lost 120 lbs. and had 2 times during the loss that I hit a plateau. One time I backed off the exercize just a bit and that jump started my loss again. The other time I found myself startign to eat more carbs and when I went back to mostly protein, I started losing again. :D

Hello everyone. It is a new day for me. I am still drinking my METAGENICS protein shakes and I am getting stronger everyday. I am starting to look like I did my rookie season. I am 28 lbs over my playing weight. I look 205lbs, but I am 228lbs. I am shaping up like the letter V.

Just want to say that I have added some things to my diet. I have gone to carrots, green beans, and sweet potato along with the morning meal of eggs. For some reason I don’t eat that well in the morning, but in the evening time I can eat a nice portion of fish, vegetables and beans. I still don’t understand why I can’t eat more than two eggs in the morning, but for some reason that is all that I can hold down. What is frustrating is that I was a big eater before the surgery and would love to drink OJ with my breakfast, but I can’t do that right now. I would consume eggs, pancakes (lots of syrup) and orange juice.

My last big meal before the surgery was with the people from LITE AND HOPE, which was a pancake breakfast, and I ended up using the extra syrup form Mickey Shapiro’s assistant Vodge. He gave me a BIG EYED LOOK when I reached for the rest of his syrup, but at 298lbs, he didn’t mind. And what is amazing is that in college at 195- 200lbs, I still consumed the same amount of food that I did at 295lbs.

228lbs and two months out of surgery, I walked into a local restaurant, looked at the menu and had flashbacks on how I ate then. I think to myself, I can’t have that because my whole structure of eating has changed. Looking down at my body, I realize that the clothes that I am now wearing give me a positive feeling that balances me psychology.

I was at the Post Office the other day mailing letters and two ladies had asked for autographed pictures and when I showed them the pictures, they were amazed that I looked the same way that I did in the photo’s and their reply was, “You were rock hard then and you are rock hard now”. I thanked them for the compliment and I replied, “I am not getting old, but I am getting seasoned.” It was obvious that people wondered who was this man signing autographs and after creating a little stir in the post office, a Notre Dame fan behind me said, “I knew that you were the Notre Dame Killer in front of me. When you killed us in two games where you scored 6 touch downs in 1972 and that come back game where you scored 4 touchdowns, to this day I curse you for that but at the end of the day I had a lot of respect for your performance.” Just hearing that gentlemen making that great comment to me, reminded me how extremely fit I was as an athlete and how I let my body get to how it was prior to surgery.

I was so inspired in the post office after hearing the comments, I headed back home for my exercise routine and started my walking and then my weight training which consumed an 1hour and a half. Sometimes when I am working out, especially with the weight lifting portion of it, I fantasize the weight coming off in bulk. I say to myself, “Get this mess off of me.” I find myself sitting there in between exercising saying shame on you AD. How could you do this to your body. I am so glad that I did something about it and so glad I ran into Mickey Shapiro that fall day. If I hadn’t, I would probably still be walking around looking like a BIG BLACK FROG.

On another note we all know about former NBA Star Bob Lanier and he’s only barely 1 week out of surgery…that is if he had the surgery, I wish him well and I hope he followed my lead and advice on using the On Q Pain Buster device in the surgery and consulted with Dr. Lee Trotter of METAGENICS because that is the key to his recovery process.

Ladies and Gentlemen: As I stand at 228lbs on May 10, 2006, the way I am loosing this weight, I might be at my target weight before the Hall of Fame enshrinement in south bend Indiana.

Last but not lease, I would like to thank Ron for responding to the last log and I am glad that I have inspired you to pursue this surgery and have Dr. McClellan to have this Gastric Bypass Surgery so that you can get back to the 6’ 3”, 235lb frame that you had back in your college days. 400lbs does not match 235lbs and I realize now that you were that other frog in the pond with me soon to be turning into a PRINCE. By next time I hope to report that I have lost another 10lbs.

 

Replies: 4 Comments

on Thursday, May 18th, Arnie-New Jersey said

Anthony: I watched your surgery again last night......after reading your blogs, I feel this is the right step for me.....I am 59 and very big....close to 365.....when I was in my 30s I was 225 but between some personal problems including a very bad divorce, going through bankruptcy at age 49, I just ate myself into depression...seeing what you have accomplished gives me hope....I also read many of the real stories on this site and now feel encouraged to go for it.....Do you know Dr Brolin? He is in NJ? Thanks AD....could you also post a recent picture....this would give me some more inspiration.

on Sunday, May 14th, Jack fromTampa Bay said

I was one of your fans when you played for Coach McKay during those early TB years.....because you seemed like such a hard working back and very articulate, have you ever done any coaching for running backs? I think you and Tony Dorset were the two best from those days....I am glad you are taking care of yourself.......I think you could have been an all pro if you had a better O line and stayed injury free....

on Sunday, May 14th, Rod said

AD..........when will you be on TV again so we can all see you........Will you be featured in any magazines with recent pictures......can you post some recent pictures of you....as they say, SEEING IS BELIEVING....Fight ON

on Sunday, May 14th, james said

AD: James is not my real name......I played against you in High School when you were a QB and then later when I went to UCLA you kicked our butts every year I was there........the reason I am not using my name is because I am just so afraid to have surgery and I am almost 350 pounds and am 6-0........I keep having the fear that I will die during the surgery...I know this does not sound like a very courageous person but I am very scared, so scared that I don't want you to know who I am or don't want my family find out that I am thinking about the surgery........they also think I will probably not make it through surgery.....my wife says to just accept myself and enjoy each day....she is almost as big as I am......what the hell should I do AD??

Well the last time I wrote, I was 248lbs, and currently I am down to 238lbs. And what’s really remarkable to me is that as my new stomach heals, I’ve been able to add lean chicken, over cooked broccoli (which is still good), carrots, and fish to my diet. And I heard some great news from Doctor Whittgrove at my last appointment. He told me I could reintroduce red meat to my diet in 6 weeks. (Still no triple-triples for me, but I am looking forward to some red meat). Now, I don’t know if he recommends this to some of his other patients, but I guess he feels my body could handle it.

Each day, I am still drinking my 4 protein drinks, which I have begun to add real fruit to (mainly bananas and strawberries) and 3 small meals in between. I add fruit to the shakes because they create a taste and texture that I really enjoy. The Metagenics protein powder is banana flavored, and I find that I like that flavor the best out of all of them: vanilla, chocolate, Dutch chocolate etc.

Mentioning taste, my taste is coming back, along with my sense of smell! I still find it amazing what obesity does to a person; it makes one’s body toxic. And in my case I not only had issues with taste and smell, but it also changed the color of my skin. People who are close to me notice one particular thing about my face: it’s smooth, clear and my skin tone is brighter. Dr. Afsahi, who saw me in the street, said it was the toxins coming out of my skin, which is true. So now, I look like a restored car that had been previously beaten up.

I have been talking with many people over the last month and a half. In fact 3 weeks ago I had an interesting conversation with a former professional athlete: Bob Lanier. Bob, who is a former NBA champion, stands 6-11, weighs 460 lbs, and has a large frame. He also has hypertension, high blood pressure, and diabetes. His ailments are only furthered by the fact he can’t work out due to his injuries. His knees are so bad, they are practically bone-to-bone and he has a bad back as well, from all the years of running up and down the basketball court. Bob wanted to talk to me about the gastric bypass surgery and procedure, which he has decided to undergo. He had decided to have the procedure in Scottsdale, Arizona, with another doctor, but he wanted to get my input regarding Dr. Alan Wittgrove. Of course I highly recommended Dr. Wittgrove because I believe he is the best in the world, with this procedure. And I was not putting down the doctor Bob is considering having the surgery with, but I simply said to him, “Bob we were both pro athletes at one time, and some time we come across good coaches and bad coaches and bad general managers and good general managers, and in rare cases even great general managers. You are a super star. And a super star like you wants the first-string player to on your team, and in this case doing the operation.” Steve Winn hotel magnet out of Las Vegas had two employees that had the surgery procedure with Dr. Wittgrove. They too would recommend the surgery be done with Dr. Alan Wittgrove, because he was their man! I had a conversation with Dr. Wittgrove regarding Bob Lanier and he said, “AD, give him my cell number”, which I gladly did, and Bob Lanier is scheduled for surgery in early May. I hope it’s with Dr. Wittgrove, but if not, I still wish him well, and the best of health.

On another note, to demonstrate just how small this world is, I visited an artist friend of mine, Mark Frazier. His wife, Susan, greeted me at the door. Susan happens to be an RN, BSN, and PHN and resides in Irvine, California. She recently had SIAP repair done to an injury (3mm of bone spur removal, torn bicep muscle from tendon, and rotator labral cuff tear). And her being an athlete like I was, not quite at the level I was at but one nonetheless, she had a higher pain tolerance, then the average person. But the thing she was most impressed by, that we both had in common, was that they used On-Q PainBuster to alleviate her pain. She was certainly convinced that had she not used that small pump of On-Q PainBuster, she would have had more pain. Furthermore, she mentioned that in the 25 years she has been a nurse, she has never seen anything like it. And she said, “You know what? This is the wave of the future.” I totally agree with her. I told her about Dr. Lee Trotter who developed the protein shakes and corresponding supplements through Metagenics and being the nurse she is and highly skilled in that field, she was impressed to hear that not only do the shakes have healing agents (which are key for post gastric bypass patients, especially someone of my body type and muscle mass) but they taste good as well.

The people at LITE and HOPE talk to me on a weekly basis, and of course they want to see how I am doing on my diet, protein shakes and supplements and I continue to update them and tell them I am doing great! That is another great quality that separates Dr. Alan Wittgrove and the team at LITE and HOPE from other places. They treat you like a human being, with feelings and needs, instead of just a patient. And I truly appreciate the opportunity for a new life they have awarded me.

Well, I guess when I write again in two weeks I should be down to 228 lbs, if I stay on course. LOL, that is really rapid weight loss. And of course I don’t want to look like a bag of bones, therefore I will hit the weights a little harder and the shakes as well to keep that muscle mass of mine up.

At this point I would like to thank all the people who have commented and shared their stories. Your experiences are very touching and please know that I only wish the best for you all. If you have any questions please feel free to ask, and continue posting comments, I love reading them!
Until next time!

 

Replies: 3 Comments

on Wednesday, May 10th, ron from Ohio said

Dear AD: You inspire me..........I am about 3 years younger than you....I was a very talented division 1 fullback before I was injured ........I really let myself go.....during my college years, at 6-3 I was 235........in those days that was considered at big back........well, almost 30 years later, I am close to 400 pounds...I use to work as a carpenter in construction work but because of my lack of mobility and also because I was to damn big at the job sites, I have not been able to work. My blood pressure in 175/115 WITH medication......I have sleep apnea and can not walk around for more than 10 minute because my legs and back hurt.......AD, I saw picture of you from some magazine talking about the college hall of fame........brother you were BIG........I would hope you can post a current picture of you as I suspect you are down in the 220's by now.......Because of you, I will be contacting the doctor in Chicago that was part of your cybercast speaking with Carnie.....I think her name was Doctor MacClellan......I felt that my situation was hopeless, but seeing your website and watching the cybercast and then watching those great runs (I hate Notre Dame...I played at Miami of Ohio) I got inspired......I never was much of an SC fan but as a fullback, Sam Cunningham was my God....OK, I did think you were an amazing team and I must admit that the 1972 team was the best college team I ever saw>>>>>>>>>Thanks AD for the inspiration amd please post a current picture....Ron

on Sunday, April 30th, Michelle said

Hi Anthony,

So glad that you're doing so well! I haven't had WLS yet but just had gallbladder surgery a few days ago and am recovering from that. Still feeling a little yucky, but God will get me through. Keep up the great work!! God bless you.

on Sunday, April 30th, Mark Norris said

Hi Anthony this is Mark from Long Beach. I post an earlier post letting you know my situation and how I really wanted to keep up with you seeing you are....or were in some similiar circumstances I am in. Anyway, I wanted to know if you have checked with your doctor about your other ailments that were going on like the diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea? I am curious to find out how that is going since I have those same illnesses. You sound like you are handling and doing what you need to do. I know for me I am trying my best not to eat late night snack(s).

Much love my brother, and God bless.
Mark Norris
Long Beach, CA

Well for me, the surgery was relatively easy compared to other people. The first thing I wanted to do was eat, but the nurse said, “You can’t eat.” I was craving a big fat In-N-Out hamburger, a triple-triple, with some French fries and a strawberry shake. I came to the reality that I can’t eat that stuff right now.

I remember the nurse asking me, “Do I have any pain?” I replied, “No, I don’t have any pain, just can feel where they did the surgery.” This area was a little sore, but I didn’t feel any pain. A lot of this was contributed to this little devise that was developed, On-Q PainBuster, which was used during and after my surgery. I would recommend anyone having any surgery to demand having On-Q PainBuster as their mode of medicine, because it is a wonderful new invention. Most people take morphine to lessen the pain, but this new product, is a healthier alternative and worked so well. Four hours after surgery I had my first walk. In the hospital people were amazed that I was able to move the way I could after enduring such a dramatic surgery. More so, they were amazed that I wasn’t in any pain.

Over the next two and three days I walked, each day increasing my distance. One of the main things that the doctors and nurses want patients to do after the surgery, if they are physically able to of course, is to get up and walk around, as soon as possible. They, the doctors and nurses, where administering blood clotting medicines to prevent any type of clotting. I was told to move my feet around in circular motions and to flex my calf muscles, as part of an exercise routine they gave me in the hospital, to act against the body’s tendency to form clotting. Oh, and I remember the nurse giving me a breathing exercise. She was really comical about it, but the analogy made a lot of sense to me. She told me to “Smell the roses, and blow out the candles,” so I inhale through my nose and exhale through my mouth. This wasn’t so difficult to relate to because I used to do this as an athlete. What was really difficult for me, however, was the fact I couldn’t drink any water the first day after surgery. Instead, I had these sort of lemon flavored swabs to put in my mouth to keep it moist and stop the dryness. Then the second day, they gave me some, crushed ice to suck on. I was in the hospital for a total of three days, and the third day I was allowed to have chicken broth and Jell-o, and that was awful. One side effect of obesity is a difficulty with smell and taste. So, I could only really taste or feel the texture of the Jell-o in my mouth, and as for the broth, although I had some taste, what little I had was awful.

On the fourth day, I was released from the hospital, and from there I went to a local hotel near to Scripps in La Jolla. Doctor Alan Wittgrove wanted me to stay close just incase anything happened, and therefore where I stayed was only a mile away from the hospital, and I was able to relax in a nice comfortable room. And the only things I had to eat for the next week of course was chicken broth and Jell-o; the entire week. I would talk to Doctor Alan Wittgrove and of course he wanted to know how I was doing and feeling and he told me how amazed I would be at the amount of weight that had come off of me in the weeks ahead. I should be down 20-30 lbs within the first month! He added that with this procedure, men tend to loose weight much faster then women, due to men typically having more muscle mass.

Me being the first collegiate and professional athlete to have this procedure, the doctors were concerned with me loosing muscle mass in excess. So, after the chicken broth and Jell-o, I added 4oz. of beans to my diet. Beans are a good source of natural protein, but I would need more. (And what is amazing to me is that Taco Bell cooks their beans in water, therefore I was still allowed to eat fast food!) Therefore, I had to include my vitamins and minerals, and these protein drinks: 4 drinks a day, to my diet. I, along with Doctor Lee Trotter, was really apprehensive about maintaining my muscle mass.

Doctor Lee Trotter developed the supplements I’m taking, both pre and post surgery: Metagenics, and this product is not only maintaining my muscle mass but also my energy level. One of the concerns when a person looses weight so rapidly, the tendency to loose muscle along with the water and fat, being shed. This product, Metagenics, not only tastes good, but I can tell a tremendous difference in how I feel. It has healing agents in it, which were developed by Doctor Trotter as well. I think the toughest things I have to deal with are all psychological, but I don’t have any hurdles physically, I am healthy and feeling great. It is when I look at television and see all the food commercials, and I get a serious craving.

In the third week we added eggs to my diet, so I was now eating beans and eggs in the morning along with my Metagenics shakes. Currently, I’m going into the fourth week, and we’ve added spilt pee soup and small pieces of chicken to my repertoire of food. And I’ll tell you the truth, the beans, chicken and split pea soup all taste good, but then again, anything is better then broth, Jell-o and crushed ice. While I am re-introducing these foods slowly to my body, I think about my first conversation with Doc Alan Wittgrove, and I clearly remember asking him “Doc, let’s put it up front, how will I be able to eat in the future”? He replied, “You will be able to eat whatever you want to eat, but not as much. You’ll eat small meals”. And I said to him, “I don’t have a problem with that”. How would I deal with it? I look at all the pictures of me on the walls of me playing football and in my physical prime, and it jars me back into reality and reminds me of how I got to this point in my life in the first place. By looking at my pictures it is a constant reminder of the size I should be. What also helps me is when I walk into my closet and I see clothes I haven’t been able to wear in the past seven years, and I still have the desire to wear these clothes. As a matter of fact, just the other day, I put on one of the beautiful suites I own, for the first time in eight years. I felt like I had accomplished something to better myself, as a human being and a person with feelings, and I felt great! So when I put that suite on, it keeps me psychosocially balanced and pumped up for what’s to come. It is like a war, a war between foods and how I look in my clothes.

In closing, people who saw me at 285lbs, and remember when I was diagnosed with sleep apnea at 300+lbs, they see me now after the surgery, and their responses are all too similar. They say I look like a new person; I look like the pictures of me running on the field. And when I tell them what I weigh, they can’t believe me. I don’t look what I weigh. Before surgery I was 285lbs, and to date I am 248lbs. I am continuing to do my breathing exercises and my walking, which I do for at least 20 minutes a day, and furthermore I have added lightweight symmetric exercise as well. And that will be a routine I continue not only as my weight progressively decreases, but also which I will strive to maintain for the rest of my life.

Until next time. . .

 

Replies: 19 Comments

on Tuesday, April 25th, Pamela Yantorn said

Hello Anthony,
Congratulation! I can relate to eating those Taco Bell beans when my doc said it was o.k. it was the best.Because I had been on liquids for 10 days. I had mine on April 14th 2006.I am down 14 pounds so far.I also wanted that in and out cheese burger just after surgery too. Well God-Bless you on your new journey.
Pamela Yanotrn

on Tuesday, April 25th, Carol said

I had gastric bypass last December and have lost 76 pounds. There were some tough days and still are but it's well worth it. Good luck to you and anyone else who is planning to have surgery. You will never regret it.

on Saturday, April 22nd, scannonone@aol.com">steve Cannon said

Thanks for the encouragement through example. I am awaiting my insurance approval and am ready for this procedure. Thanks for sharing.
Steve

on Thursday, April 20th, Bobby said

To Anthony, You broke my heart as a kid. I remember you not wanting to sign with my Jets. I guess who can blame ya. I saw the video of your surgery, It was eye opening to say the least. I am in the same boat, with the same symtoms affecting my quality of life. Worried and scared about recovery. Time? Pain etc... Instersted to hear what you think. Thank you Bobby from New York

on Tuesday, April 18th, the_heartbreak_room@yahoo.com">michael thomas said

hello everyone my name is michael thomas and i'm thinking about having weight loss surgery. right now I'm 26 and weight 400 pounds. Im still a little scared about having the surgury but I no I need it. so everyone keep me in your heart. if anthony davis can do it so can I..

on Tuesday, April 18th, michael thomas said

HI.. My name is michael and I,m in the process of finding a doctor to do my surgury.I feel so good and hopeful that everything will go ok. thanks for sharing your story

on Sunday, April 16th, john david said

Dear AD: I am currently 345 pounds and about 30 years ago was a very successful U of Texas football and baseball player.........I was all SWC in both sports. I am having a great number of problems...high blood pressure, sleep apnea and chest pains when breathing.........watching you and discovering LITEANDHOPE.COM has been an inspiration to me. I also think Carnie Wilson did a great job explaining the surgery during your cybercast.....now I am prepared to take the next step.......the LITE AND HOPE doctor in my area is Dr Capps....do you know him? Thanks AD and I know that if the Longhorns can beat the Trojans that I can beat morbid obesity by having this surgery.....HOOK'M HORNS!!!

on Sunday, April 16th, kgentlegiant@aol.com">Kyle Mitchell said

I'm so impressed with AD's surgery, but what happen to Eygie. She was so warm in writing and I'm about to consent to having the surgery. Where is she? I need her.She made life seem so easy after the surgery. I knew she had some hard times she spoke of, but I really need her.She was such an inspiration to me....I need her!!! Help!! EYGIE!!!

on Friday, April 14th, Jennymay said

Congrats!!!!!!!!!
I am so proud of you!
I am going for my first appt.April 21st to begin
the process to have my
Surgery here in Memphis.
At 385+ I am so ready.
I have just started last
year to want to have it done, I tired of being FAT!! You have encourage me. Keep up the good work!
God Bless you,

Jennymay.......

on Friday, April 14th, Anthony Fay said

Congratulations A.D.!
I am a longtime fan of your's and U.S.C. Athletics. I also had Gastric Bypass Surgery on Feb. 14th 2005 at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego. I was 451 Lbs. before surgery, I now weigh 248 Lbs. and just underwent abdominal plastic surgery at Kaiser Permanente's Bellflower facility. You've made a life changing decision, and you won't regret doing so! Take it one day at a time and enjoy the transformation your body is going to go through. Your going to feel like running in another 102Yd. Touchdown I like to call "The Comeback"
Anthony I look forward to someday meeting you as I would love to have your autograph, and we both live in The O.C. so it's possible?
Continue your quest for a long and healthy life!
"FIGHT ON"
Sincerely,
Anthony Fay (TONY TROJAN)

on Friday, April 14th, texgirl78852@hotmail.com">Paula Alejandro said

Anthony, thank you for sharing with the world your surgery. My insurance just approved my surgery and I will be going for my first consultation next week. As you may know I was starting to feel a little scared about the whole thing and almost had a change of heart. It was the fear of the unknown since I have never had any kind of surgery. However seeing you go through it and seeing the whole process and learning so much from your broadcast I am now confident that I am doing the right thing. So once again thank you and I am so happy to hear that you are doing well. Many blessings. Thank you!!!!

on Thursday, April 13th, Joanne said

Anthony, glad to hear you are doing so well! I enjoyed watching your surgery and am sure you will continue to be an inspiration for many. I am currently waiting for insurance approval for laproscopic gastric bypass. Keep up the good work and please keep us updated on your progress!

on Thursday, April 13th, Donna said

Anthony,I am still trying to get my surgery.Having a hard time due to insurance and there is not any doctors in sacramento that do the surgery I want,duodenal switch.I am so happy for your progress and proud of your commitment!Donna

on Thursday, April 13th, Kymber said

Anthony,
I am a Dr. Trotter patient and happy to see you following his plan. He is a phenomenal Dr. with a spirit that many can learn from.
I normally cringe at blood, but I watched your surgery start to finish. It was AWESOME...
Thank you for doing this online as well, I think it will open the door for many that never dreamt it possible.
I wish you the best, and if you ever want to chat about WLS, let me know.

on Thursday, April 13th, Mark Norris said

Hi Anthony. It is great to hear an update on you. You can ask the people who run the site, I was asking how you were starting the very next day after your surgery. Your surgery and recovery is important to me because I had my first initial appointment with my doctor (Dr. Jeremy Korman) the day before your live broadcast of your surgery was taken place. When I realize who you were I became very interested. My dad was a big fan. I am 41 yrs. old African-American male and I have a couple of the same ailments you have; sleep apnea, diabetes, along with HIV, high blood pressure, high cholestorol, acid reflux, knee problems, back problems...on and on and on. So, I think the surgery will do me some good. When I seen your picture of what you looked like before the surgery, I was amazed to see that you were almost about my body composition and I too tip the scale at or around 310. I know you have alot of support around you and more looking at your progress, but I would really like it if you were a part of my support group. Only because you can relate to some of the same concerns that I do. My email address is up above. I am going to be checking your blog daily now that you have started it, and maybe I can get some ease about my surgery. Right now I am taking care of some pre-pre prelimanary things for the insurance company (Medicare). I won't know if they will approve or disapprove until sometime around June. Keep me in prayer. I hope to hear from you and just know that I am praying and wishing you all the best.

on Thursday, April 13th, Kathy said

Congrats! Keep up the good work. I would love to be able to have the procedure myself, but unfortunately my insurance doesn't cover the surgery. Oh well, maybe one of these days...

on Thursday, April 13th, mcobb24@mindspring.com">Marvin Cobb said

Go on, Anthony! Sounds like you are on the road to scoring six more against the Irish. I am very pleased to hear about your progress, and I look forward to seeing you next weekend at Dedeaux Field. Fight On!

on Thursday, April 13th, Sheryl Atwater said

Anthony, I live in San Antonio, Texas and I had a gastric bypass 7 weeks and 3 days ago (Feb 20th). I have lost 40 lbs so far. My weight loss will not be as fast as others as it was a revision from a band put in 8 years ago. I am very excited about how I am progressing and glad to hear you are doing well too. I have no sport's sense and have no idea who you are in relation to that, but all of us in the bariatric community are kindred spirits of sorts and we need to support each other. I watched your surgery and was facinated to see what actually happened to me. I have told several friends who have watched it as well. Congratulations on your journey.

on Thursday, April 13th, drunyan@guitarcenter.com">Dawn Runyan said

Anthony so glad to hear that you are doing so well. Keep up the good work. I can't wait to start my journey on May 17th.