Hello Everyone!

[shahrezsyed]

Hi everyone. I'm new here and would like to share my story.
I am 18 years old and have been very obese since as far back as I remember. When I was 17, I weighed approximately 242 pounds (I'm 5'8" btw). Late 2012, I had a severe attack of severe acute pancreatitis where my pancreas started leaking as well which caused nearly everything to become septic. I almost died. Spent 2 months back and forth in the ICU and High Care. End point, I almost died. Didn't get to apply to college. Missed all my standardised tests and was completely lost.
But this whole experience taught me two very important things.
1- The importance of a healthy lifestyle.
2- To make the best of my life.
So I'm finally back on track now. I had my 21st surgery 2 weeks ago and had my last stitches removed 2 days ago. i'm retaking my tests and applying to college this fall.
But after I got out of ICU back in October, I decided to change my diet and start exercise slowly.
I started at 242 pounds and now am at 191 pounds. I feel better than I ever have. I still have a lot of weight to lose and am on my way. Just started resistance training too. Restarting gym on monday.
I've attached before and after pictures.
Note that the before pic is of my 18th birthday and the second one is of now. (7 months later).
-Shahrez

 

[Omega]

You have done extremely well with your weight loss project.

I can fully understand your decision to focus on good health. Things like education (important as it is) pales into insignificance compared to the health problems that you have been dealing with. You will have plenty opportunity to continue your education in the future.

I hope that you have told your doctor of your plans to get back to the gym. Your most recent operation was very recent - and doctors need to approve a lot of exercise plans to ensure that people do not burst stitches and similarly delay a full recovery. I know that when I had an operation a few years ago - my doctors allowed me to do some forms of exercise like walking, but others like aerobics needed a longer delay...

Eating healthily tends to be something that doctors always like us to do - so there doesnt tend to be the same delays imposed on us.

Either way - your motivation to have a fit and healthy body is strong and I am sure that you will have achieved even more stunning results by the end of the year when you want to go to college. That will be a wonderful boost to your confidence for a time like that when you will want to make lots of new friends

 

[R1962]

Well done for the wonderful health improvements.

I hope that your health continues to get better and better.