I met Mike October 1997 on Matchmaker.com.
We were probably one of the first successful internet couples as internet dating was quite new back then.
Anyways, Mike was the first morbidly obese person that I had ever been close to. I was truly amazed at how energetic he was.
He’s an avid fisherman and would literally climb rocks to get to “The best fishing spots”. Mike was in his mid 30s at the time. He rarely got sick and felt really great.
Mike was real proud of this catch! It weighed in at 13.8 pounds! If you like bass fishing check out Mikes blog at BassnMan.com
I’m telling you his story – because even though your weight might not affect your health at this time – chances are it will create health problems for you in the future.
You often hear about obese peple dying of heart attacks – but you rarely hear of some of the other health risks associated with being overweight.
You deserve to live a happy healthy life. Decide to lose weight today.
August 2000
Mike had knee surgery. While recovering from his surgery he developed a blood clot. His leg would swell and became discolored – but the Dr. told us not to worry. For the most part Mike healed and we thought all was fine.
May 10, 2003
Mike and I were married. Though he weighed over 400 pounds at the time, he was fairly healthy. We honeymooned on Catalina Island, and Mike had no problem walking up and down the steep hills.
April 2005
Mikes leg swelled up to double it’s normal size. His leg was discolored and extremely painful. He could barely walk. It took him about half an hour just to get up from the couch. Off to the Doctor he went. We were told he had Cellulitis …
(Cellulitis is a potentially serious bacterial infection of your skin. It appears as a swollen, red area of skin that feels hot and tender, and may spread rapidly. Cellulitis may also affect the tissues underlying your skin and can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream. Left untreated the infection may turn into a life threatening condition.)
Mike’s Health Takes One Hit After Another …
August 2005
Mike developed ugly sores on his leg called stasis ulcers. They are extremely painful and take years to heal. There is no cure for them. People have lost limbs due to them – if they get too deep and the infection gets into the bones.
If you dare – do a Google image search on stasis ulcers – they are not a pretty sight! Mike’s ulcers took till December 2007 to heal – and that was only because of a skin graph.
November 2005
Mike began having vision problems. The ophthalmologist stated he had a pseudo tumor. This affects your vision – it is believed that the cause of it is obesity. It can cause blindness.
January 2006
Mike developed 2 more blood clots. He was admitted to Loma Linda University Hospital. The vascular surgeon told Mike that if he didn’t want to lose his leg and if he wanted to live that he needed to lose weight. Weight Loss surgery was strongly advised. The doc also told him to quit smoking and begin an exercise program.
March 2006
Mike had to see a heart specialist. This physician told Mike that he was slowly strangling his heart. The Doctor stated that Mike’s heart was beginning to show caution signs of future problems. If Mike wanted to avoid future heart problems, he must lose weight. This Doctor also recommended surgery.
Note that due to these physical problems Mike was on disability from October 2005 thru April 2006. Mike was in extreme pain. He could not walk at all. Very tough time for an outdoors man.
Weight loss surgery is truly a scary thought. My hats off to all whom have gone through this ordeal. A strict diet needs to be followed after surgery. Often times different foods can make you ill. You may not be able to eat enough to get the daily vitamins and minerals your body needs.
Mike figured that he’d rather lose weight on his own terms, and still be able to enjoy food. I began talking to men and women whom had successfully lost weight. It was at this time I began reviewing weight loss programs to find one that would work for Mike.
April 1, 2006
Mike and I both quit smoking. Mike began following the eDiets Basic Weight Loss Plan. By September 2006 he was down 40 pounds to 390. He felt good and thought he was well on his way …
But the Holidays came. Mike thought he could cheat here and there. He stopped writing in his food journal and stopped measuring his portions.
January 2007
Mike was very disappointed in himself. He now weighed 435 pounds again … He changed his mindset and became determined to lose weight once and for all. He was tired of the health issues he was having. He decided to Choose Life! He began following the eDiets Plan again.
September 2007
I’m happy to report that Mike is down to 350 pounds! This is the least that he’s weighed since I’ve known him.
He’s off his blood pressure medication and is no longer having vision problems …
His doctor says he looks like a “whole new person”.
It’s been a rough couple of years – but Mike is feeling better than he has in a long long time. He’s anxious to get down to 250 and knows that it’s only a matter of time.
Above, Mike at 350 pounds
Right, Mike at 435 pounds
January 2008
Mike weighed in at 332 Pounds for a total weight loss of 102 pounds in 2007!
February 2008 thru August 2008
Mike maintained his weight. with a fluctuation of five to seven pounds. I was/am so VERY PROUD of him – As is his Doctor.
August 2008
Mike tightened up his belt and began focusing on losing nore weight. This year he found out he needs to have a total knee replacement. He wants to weigh 250 before going in for surgery.
October 1, 2008
Mike weighs in at 310 pounds! Will be taking a new picture soon.
We’ll keep you posted
