From Fat to Fine – Becoming half the man I used to be!

I started life big – 11lb 13oz to be precise.  From that point, I just grew.

I was the tallest and biggest kid in my class.  I was picked on for my size, but I learned to live with it.  Growing up on a farm, I was active, but never at a loss for a big meal and good food.  Couple that with two war brides as grandmothers, I always cleaned my plate.

I graduated high school well over 350lbs, but at 6’6” I wore it well.  Then before I knew it, I found myself over 450 lbs through most of my 20’s.  I knew this was not sustainable, and albeit I was healthy overall, I tired easily, and wasn’t able to do the things that I used to be able to do.   Everyone told me that I ate too much, and I felt that I was constantly watched whenever I would order food.

I tried everything… I went to the gym five days a week for an hour and a half… lost 12 lbs over 6 months.  Did every diet imaginable- Slimfast, Medifast, Adkins… Even entertained bariatric surgery once in my mid 20’s, but I just saw too many people gain it back afterwards.   During this time my weight fluctuated, and my doctor kept on telling me it was because I ate too much.  Was this the case when I spent six months eating 1200 calories a day?  I think not.

Fast forward to being 495 lbs at 28 years old with a new baby and diabetes on the horizon.  Through researching various options available to me, I learned about the Duodenal Switch.   My wife was interested as well, since she spent most of her life in the same boat as me.  As we researched it, we couldn’t believe that the chances of regain were much less compared to other weight loss surgeries and with the fact that I would be able to partake in the foods that I loved (in moderation of course) post recovery almost confused me.  Could this be real?  You mean I can eat bacon and meat and the normal things that I grew up on in moderation and still be healthy?  This can’t be true! 

I met Dr. Keshishian through a local support group.  On his advice, I met with other doctors who performed the same procedure, but I came right back to him.  My wife had her surgery performed June of 2013 (You’ll learn about her soon) I had mine six weeks later on July 22^nd.  Eleven months later, I went from a size 54 waist and 5x shirts to XL Shirts and a 38 waist.  But that’s not the most important part.  I’m healthy.  I have the energy to chase my three year old daughter around, and for once in my life, I finally feel like I’m part of the group.  If you are in a position to lose a great deal of weight, the Duodenal Switch is the ONLY way to go.

Surgery Weight: 485

Current Weight: 265

Brad P.

Bakersfield, CA

Congratulations Brad on all your success and weight loss!  You have accomplished a remarkable transformation!