ObesityHelp

I KNEW one day we'd meet. At Virginia Motorcoach Association Convention, Fall 2008 held at the new Gaylord National.



DON'T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN...




FINALLY - A MOUTH BIG ENOUGH TO SWALLOW ME WHOLE - LOL!!



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M-i-c-k-e-y WHO?? She's mine - all mine!



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MY OWN WEB SITE!!!
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AT THE NEW YORK, NEW YORK WINTER CONFERENCE, JAN 2007
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These HOT Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders would not leave me alone until I posed with them for a picture. lol



Evening Event at the 2007 American Bus Association Marketplace in Dallas Texas, January 2007



Me & Emily in Texas - Em is my traveling buddy and our companies work together often in an effort to attract tourism business to Richmond, VA.




A Body In Progress...Please Be Patient! LOL





MY CO-HOST NATALIE (PIXIE) & ME - BOOGIE & SPLASH 2006!!



BOOGIE "RIVER CITY REVEALED" BUS TOUR OF RICHMOND, VA!!



CLOSING BOOGIE "ALOHA" BREAKFAST! SEE YA'LL IN JANUARY!




Where I belong ... up on stage!



CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!! - YOU CAN DO IT TOO!!!!!





IN THE BEGINNING:

May 14, 2004

OK- So I’m actually going to do this, huh? Write my “WLS” story?? Having read others, Having been reading others for years now, I think my tale is kinda boring, but here goes anyway:

My name is David. I was born & raised in Newport News VA – A very boring town where nothing ever happens. We did have a shipyard and some military (Ft. Eustis)< but other than that, bupkis. I think my problem with weight stems from the simple fact that I love to eat. Simple as that. I wasn’t beaten as a kid, I wasn’t in abusive relationships, I just loved food. I’d be happy to blame it on my parents, who both struggle with their own weight issues without ever being overly heavy…the kind that need to lose like 20-30 pounds to look good. I think though that placing the blame on them would not be enough. After all – I have not lived with them since I was 20, and so for half my life – the heavier years in fact, I wasn’t even around them that often.

I was once told by a friend that eating is a social event, and I am such a people person…
In fact, I have actually been kind of well liked and fairly popular. In high school my mothers best friend made the comment that I was the best looking guy in show choir – if only I’d lose a few pounds. Nonetheless, my senior class managed to vote me most talented and most school spirited…few extra pounds and all. I knew I was heavier than I needed to be, but still loved food. I do remember having a lot of free reign my senior year in school. I did the PA announcements several times each day, so I came & went as I needed from my classes. That allowed me to dodge the school nurse and almost skip my weight & measurement annual torture ritual in high school. I swear she saw me in the hall the last week of school and dragged me in. At the very least it was just the two of us, so no one else heard her announce my weight was like 256 or somewhere around there. I am almost 6’3”, so at that weight, I really carried it well.

So college: so much alcohol, beer, blah blah blah. You know what that meant? Junk food: chips, nachos, snacks. I also worked in the college pub, so I always had access to food, and even worked in the food service division as a manager at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, so again – now I was working around food…At one point I was managing a deli near the park during off season that had the BEST pizza, stromboli and subs…I remember eating subs on the way home from work. In the dark and by myself – no one saw me eating. But eat I did…

My best friend Patrick & I decide to start a tabloid style newspaper and distribute it around the Virginia Peninsula area. For one back to school issue we decide to pose with my sister for an article. We got a professional we knew to do these in his studio. I was shocked by the chins (neck??) on my face. How the hell did this happen? Here I was, this popular (ok – and vain) guy weighing in at almost 300 pounds and now my face was fat too??? I was single, living with roommates andworking an exhausting but flexible schedule between selling ads and writing for the magazine, and waiting tables (MORE FOOD!!!). I remember going to Burger King for a late night snack one night…I vividly remember this: Diet Coke (which I truly love), some kind of burger, large fries and a big fish sandwich. I was eating – no, shoving the food in my face when I was hit with this revelation that this behavior might kill me. Here I was in a dark parking lot shoving food in my face- again: alone and in the dark – see the pattern here??? So the following day I took actions to stop this madness. I joined up at Diet Center. I remember starting in September just before the High Holidays. See, I’m Jewish, and if you have any Jewish friends or know any Jews – FOOD is a part of every event. I remember sitting in another room and crying because I could not eat what everyone else was and stay on my new diet. For those who know the Diet Center program, you weigh in DAILY, 6 days a week. I was really good at this, and enjoyed the weigh ins. I lost 60 pounds in 3 ½ months. My waist went from about a 46 to 42, some 40’s. I was about 234 pounds and was at the lowest weight I’d been since probably 9th grade. I’m not the worst looking guy in the world, and I looked great! We went on a New Year’s cruise with my family and they took my picture in a tux. That was my picture for years. Let me tell you now – I weigh 234 forever in that picture (like the saying: take a picture – it will last longer!) In reality, I enjoyed the food a lot – it was an all Italian crew on this cruise, and by 10 AM poolside they were making fresh sauces – the smells were maddening. I ate like a pig, and over the following 5 years my weight crept up again past 300 (of course!) Years of soup diets, starvation diets, weight watchers…you know the drill. Up, down, up, down…I’d lose 30 pounds, feel better, look better, then eat again.

Ok – moving forward – I’m about 280 and fall in love. Go figure, she loved me too. Kelly needed to lose some weight, but I’m talking not much here. She dieted like hell for the wedding and looked like a princess. I didn’t diet, and weighed about 310 on our wedding day in 1995. We even had a heart to heart about 2 months before the wedding and she cried telling me to lose weight. I cried back and said I would. She had never dated anyone overweight and here she was marrying a big fat guy – she didn’t want be left alone by the time she was 40. I didn’t blame her. I’d have had the same concerns if I was skinny marrying a fat girl. I honestly don’t remember, but I probably had a Mac Attack after that conversation! That would fit the pattern of behavior – oh yeah – it would be alone and in the dark too.

So we get married. I looked ok on our wedding day and honeymoons to Duck (3 days) then a week’s Bermuda cruise. She looked great. With each of our 3 kids I gained weight.
So now I’m this huge pig and my wife told me point blank: “You are out of control”. Still, we had 3 beautiful kids together, I have a job I loved, and we had great houses – 3 in 8 years – each bigger and in a better part of the Richmond suburbs. Now I’m this big fat blob of a dad who can’t run with his son at the track. Hell, I can’t run anywhere. I hate it. It’s bad enough that I’m not nor have I ever been an athlete or for that matter, athletic or coordinated at all, now I can’t. My knees hurt on occasion, and it could be hell when I had to carry up my 35 pound daughter up the stairs. I am clearly the biggest dad at school events for my kids and I won’t even attempt sitting in one of those soccer – outdoor folding chairs everyone has. God forbid it collapse under my girth! I was always “happy” to stand & watch the kids.I’m happy to the world on the outside and to my family…but I am not happy at all. I learn to avoid looking in the mirror if I can help it – and never naked. I even start slipping off my t-shirt before getting into bed and slipping it on really fast in the am. I hate my body. However, the 99 cent value menu loved me. The price was right and I loved the comfort of the food. Even though it was always very short lived and the shame of shoving in food – say it all together now – alone and in the dark – sucked. In fact, it becomes such a part of your life you get good at it – pulling over and dumping the bags before you get home, whatever – so there are no “traces” of food. Even wiping your mouth really good – and every once in awhile – breath mints,. SO SAD!!

In early 2003 I finally realized that I was doomed without something drastic. Then I was fired by the company I had worked for 7 years. It was not a weight related firing. My salary had basically reached their limit, and over the following few months they let go another 6+ people for the same reason. They had to cut expenses, and so they started with me – on Christmas Eve. Tell me that didn’t suck.

You hear people say all the time that “things happen for a reason” – and it is true. I was hired to start with a different company and my start date was exactly 3 months after my firing – March 24, 2004. I was elated to see that their health insurance covered WLS. I told my wife when I got home, and she was very supportive. I envisioned having the surgery in January so by the time spring came around I’d have lost like 75+ pounds and be like a butterfly coming out of my cocoon. Who knew the waiting list and general process would take so long??? I did my paper work initially in May just to get accepted into their program. By the time I had all my testing done (sleep studies, etc), my appt with Dr. DeMaria wasn’t until December 9, 2003. My wife was standing next to me when I stepped on the scale. Even I was horrified when the nurse announced “379”. That was news to me. You know what? I did not care anymore if my wife was finding out how much I weighed – even at that ridiculously high number, which should be reserved for the weight of volkswagons, or elephants, I was at peace that this was my only way out, and this game was over. I was accepted right away by the insurance and surgery was scheduled for April 5, 2004.

It is hard to place into words the way I feel now. It is May 14, 2004. Almost six weeks out and I have lost almost 50 pounds. And the best part is I know that I will easily lose the rest of my weight, maybe another 100 pounds, I could never have accomplished so much without my WLS surgery, I look and feel like a different person – already!
My 3 year old daughter has to put her lunch in the fridge at the end of a long hallway at pre-school. She wants to race sometimes. Today – for the first time – I ran it with her. I was elated. I am walking every night I can – adding distance each time. Hell, I may even start jogging one day. The commitment is there.

I am so proud that I took this step toward a healthier me. My wife deserves this. My children deserve this, and most importantly, I deserve this.

I’m not eating alone and in the dark anymore.
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My WLS Story - David Becker
Lap Gastric Bypass 4/5/04
Pre-Op BMI= 50.0

Hi! I'm back!
My surgery was on Monday, 4/5 about 7:30 am. It was "uneventful" and I didnt even have to have the breathing tube on recovery as they told me was likely due to my apnea.
I was kind of out of it all day on Monday – didn’t even get a room until 5:30, then they moved that, so I wasn't "settled" until about 7 PM or so. They did let me dab my SO DRY lips - I even started cheating and sucking down some water - I didn’t care!! LOL
not a lot - just a sip of super cold ice water tasted sooooo good!
I had my barium testing about 10 AM- I had to "wait" in the hallway on my bed about 25 minutes b4 they got me - and another bariatric patient was in there screaming - I didn’t take it as a good sign, but when it was my turn I just went with the flow and had fun - yes, the " concoctions" were gross, but do it right once and you may be done with it - and I did!
They brought me some "small" like medicine cups and 3 kinds of juice...It took me the rest of the day to sample them all, but I did - and also 3 pitchers of ice water! B'fast Day 3 was oatmeal which, I feared, was too chunky (oats & all), but I drank my milk (PROTEIN!!) and also ate some applesauce and hot decaf tea. Lunch was - ??? some kind of pureed hot meal - turkey/peas/mashed potatoes w/ gravy? really not sure! But also had a nice pureed apricot like sauce that was very good - then they sent me home!

** I PROMISE TO FILL IN THE HOLES TO THIS STORY ASAP!!**


AUGUST 13, 2004 - Thanks to Barry Biedny for helping me FINALLY get words in my profile. (DUH!..LOL!) My surgery was 4/5/04 and I have already lost 120 pounds as of this morning! I am very excited and now that I know how this dang citified contraption works, I'll bore you with my back story soon, so you know how I "worked" my weigh up to 379 pounds, and how much fun I'm having losing that so-called "excess" weight!

AUGUST 25, 2004 - A milestone day for me! Went to Wal Mart to "try" on a pair of size 42 pants. Remember I started this journey in a tight 54 inch waist ledd than 5 months ago - so you can imagine the joy I felt when the 42's fit so well. I even tried on a pair of jeans - flat fronts - and they also looked great! I was so happy as I left the changing area I had to stop the lady that hands you the numbers and tell her how much I'd lost and that the 42's fit me for the first time since 1989 - and that was only for a few months after i'd lost 70 pounds on Diet Center. I am thinking that 38's - or possibly 36's (??!!!)might actually be a reality for me one day! Whooo Hooo!
FORTHE RECORD - I HAVE LOST 126 POUNDS!!!

SEPTEMBER 5, 2004 - Quick update - Kelly & I celebrated 9 years of marriage Friday, September 3rd. I jokingly referred to our anniversary as "The best 9 years of her life"..haha. We went to dinner at Firebird's and I ate some chips & lobster-queso dip , and about 1/2 of my pepper infused sirloin - and mmmmmmm I nursed a Saphire & Tonic - my drink - for about an hour. Got drunk quick, but worth every delicious sip! In addition to some great cologne - Kelly got me a pair of 40 jeans. I mentioned that I had just gotten the 42's a week ago, and she said then hold onto them. Guess what> They fit no problem. I was estatic. If you are a reading this and have not yet committed to WLS - Get off your (probably big) ass now and sign up!! This surgery is a miracle - I have been where you are and I'm not going back!

SEPTEMBER 18, 2004 - WALK FROM OBESITY event held here in Richmond today - as well as in cities across the country. I had a blast!! I was sad when they finished announcing all of the doorprizes and I hadn't won one. After all, there were tons of prizes, and what - 50 participants? (we were dealing with a tropical storm and threatening weather loomed - keeping many attendees away from the park). When she announced that the next ticket was the grand prize winner - a one years paid membership to American Family Fitness Center (AWESOME!!!) - I was braced to stand and claim my prize- I was so excited!! Guess what? I didn't win - seems they didnt have prizes for everyone after all, and I got nothing. I said - HEY!! What about me?? Half jokingly - half serious (hey - I wanted the gym membership!). I stood up to leave, threw away my number and my trash, and I heard "003??" on the microphone. I said, "Yeah?" Like maybe she was gonna say "Better luck next year" or "You forgot your umbrella!" instead she said "Congratulations- she lives too far away from American Family's locations, and wanted me to draw another number since she couldn't use the prize - YOU WON!!!!" - I was floored!! It truly made my day! I have a membership to the JCC, but its far away and I would have trouble getting in regularly. This is right up the street, and open 24 hours a day! NO EXCUSES!! Yeah for ME!!!

OCTOBER 5, 2004 - SIX MONTH WLS ANNIVERSARY - DOWN 142 POUNDS, WEARING SIZE 38 PANTS, AND THE BEST PART? I AM NO LONGER OBESE!!! I'M "JUST" OVERWEIGHT...LOL LIFE IS GOOD!!!

NOVEMBER 5, 2004 - 7 months down...I had the BEST time at the OH DC conference!! I met so many incredible peeps that I have only known on line - Gina, Kari, Track, Val, Debbie, Leigh Ann - etc. what a ball we all had. I walked away from the weekend with two great new best friends too, Kim B. & Scott - Thanks guys - who knew there were two other people out there with screws as loose as mine? LOL. Weight wise I am down to 218, still wearing 38's - although they are loose now, and large boxers, t-shirts and gym clothes - unbelieveable!

DECEMBER 9, 2004 - Just over 8 months into this. Wow. You can NOT be prepared for how this affects your head. That is becoming very apparent. Losing alot of weight affects every aspect of your life. Physically I am doing great - I am easing into a size 36 in some pants, and have lost 164 pounds. Today I weighed 215. And at 6'3", ppl. keep saying "Enough!" LOL. But the truth is that you stop when your body evens out, and to even not be considered "overweight" on the BMI scale, I need to be at 199, or 16 more pounds. I am confident that I will get there - no doubt by my one year anniversary about 4 months away. Wish me luck!

JANUARY 15, 2005 - Happy New Year everyone!!! Today I weighed in at 210 pounds. The last 5 pounds have been a struggle, but stepping up the excercise 2-3 times per week has made the difference. EXCERCISE IS KEY TO WEIGHT LOSS AND MAINTAINING THAT LOSS!!! It's not brain surgery - it's the facts! I have been doing 45 minutes on the eliptical machine and then some floor work on my abs. I will add in more upper body weight training after I reach my goal I think - still deciding. My "guns" are actually shaping up with the push ups and work outs I have been doing, but I still think I'm gonna push the muscles to be ready for pool season (LOL!)

FEBRUARY 12, 2005 - Happy Valentine's Day!! Thanks to Kim B. for updating my profile pic for me! I had this pic taken for my wife - she has put up with a chubby (well, FAT) hubby for over 9 years - she deserves better and now she has it. I now weigh 207 pounds - ONLY 8 POUNDS TO GOAL!!! Have been working much harder on my excercise and working my "guns" - FOUR MORE MONTHS TO POOL SEASON! As my size medium boxers say - again, TY to Kim - LIFE IS GOOD!

FEBRUARY 25, 2005 - OPERATED ON TODAY FOR INTERNAL HERNIA. Had a Peterson's Defect in my pouch - involved my small intestine moving and was very dangerous for me - the surgery itself was "low risk" but after 4 days of super intense pain- I am glad it's over and I'm safe & sound. Whew- my first "bump" in my wls road. Crisis averted. Thanks to Jill Meador, Dr.Jason Johnson & the rest of Dr. DeMaria's super team at MCV that took care of me while he was out last week.

MARCH 5, 2005 - 11 MONTH OUT ANNIVERSARY TODAY!! I officially have weighed 200 pounds for two mornings now- or a total loss of 179 ponds. My goal weight is only one pound away at 199. Thst is my goal because that is my "NORMAL" BMI weight. Too many people tell me to stop losing NOW - I can't decide if it's because they think I actually look too thin OR becasue i look too thin to them, as they only have known and related to me as a big fat guy. Either way- it's truly not up to me. The doc's told me early on I would meet or exceed my losing all excess body weight - looks like they were right - wonder how low I'll go???
I'll post when I hit 199 and again on my 1 year anniversary!

APRIL 9, 2005 - 1 YEAR and 4 DAYS OUT! My one year check-up was good- The docs scale always weighs me more than mine does- I was 203 on their scale, and 197 on mine. Since I weigh daily on mine though, that's the official number in my book. Today it said 195 pounds - I still can't get over how much my life has changed. I am in talks with ObesityHelp magazine's editors about writing my wls story for publication, and Jill called from MCV to ask if I'd appear on their re-designed web-site as one of their "star" patients. I think the single most positive thing I can do is be an advocate for this operation and be support to others. To everyone who has supported me through the first year of my journey- THANK YOU so much- I love you more than I can say, and you ahve all touched my life so much!!! :)

MAY 6, 2005 - 13 MONTHS OUT - Ok - Scary Stuff to report- I have to watch what I eat...Ugh! I have found it oh too easy to slip back into snacking- Granted, I can't eat too much, but the fact that I would reach for a cookie- lol- is scary enough to give me pause. Keep in mind this surgery is a TOOL - not a cure-all, and newbies reading this need to know that the honeymoon phase is just that- a phase, and that life long commitment is required!! I need to step back up the excercise I gave up after my second surgery at the end of February, and with the weather warming up, that should be easier to get in my long walks again - and soon swimming. I think I am going to step up my upper body building as well..maybe buy a weight bench to make that easier? My weight bounces between 195 - 200, give or take a pound. So far, so good.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2005 - 17 MONTHS OUT - The weight drop my body took on after my February internal hernia repair has balanced back. On any givin day I weigh between 205 and 210. Considering the muscle I am adding, I am very happy at this weight.The gym sessions have been shifting my weight as well, my waist getting smaller (size 35 GAP jeans) and my upper body getting bigger (and in a good way - lol). So physically I am doing better than I ever have. Mentally is another story for another day, but I thank God for my family - especially my three beautiful children who keep me grounded. I am also very involved in planning events for my WLS "family" - I hosted a very successful pool party & cook-out in June, and am in the midst of working on a Winter Conference and "Snow Ball" (formal dance) for January. I am thrilled at the initial response and am so excited to unveil the surprises we have in store! Natalie (IrishPixie) has been right in there with me (Thanks Nat!) and people are coming from all over the country for the event! - First though, gearing up for the "Walk from Obesity" as well- if there is one in your area- PLEASE WALK OR VOLUNTEER!!!

OCTOBER 9, 2005 - WOW! October 5 was my 18 month Anniversary! Today I weighed in at 204. I have been to the gym 5 days this week and I think that may be speding up my metabolism since I have dropped about 5 pounds this week. I am doing mainly upper body building, some cardio, and getting in at least 200 crunches of various forms. My whole body is changing! In other news- the January weigh los conference I am planning here in Richmond for January is really taking off with interest - watch for more to come soon as that event unfolds! I LOVE the Fall - today took kids apple picking in Charlottesville - much fun! Everyone in jackets & sweats-me in a tank top! Ya think I stood out? lol - Never even considered changing or covering up! Life is Good!

NOVEMBER 14, 2005 - HELLLLLPPPP! Well, the late night muchie syndrome has been rearing its very ugly head - need to nip this crap in the bud before it gets to be an issue!!! Still hitting the gym 3-5 times a week, and the picture posted above called "The Bod" shows how far I have come from a fat boy. lol. As always - shouts out to my support system- you all know who you are.



I look like an oompa-loopa! Why am I orange? haha

April 5, 2006 – My Two Year WLS Anniversary!!!!
I know, I know! I suck. LOL. I have been meaning to update this for months. Today seemed like the logical day to stop the procrastination and JUST DO IT! I know you all have been hangin’ on the edge of your computer chairs asking yourself: “Just what has that David been up to these days?!” It would be too easy to say “Living Life” or “Loving Life!” While both are technically true – if you have read THIS far- you deserve better! Ha Ha.
Here goes:
January 2006: I held my first weight loss conference, “Virginia WLS Friends presents Winter Conference and Snow Ball”. Ninety attendees from all over the country, both pre-ops and post-ops converged on my hometown of Richmond, VA for three days of friendship, laughter and learning. Special thanks to Natalie Carden who was invaluable in coordinating the vendors and her overall willingness to help make the event a success. In addition, the lovely Leilani Gibbs was 100% responsible for saving the Friday night Tobacco Company event after my expected intimate crowd of 12 or so became a reservation busting group of – say- 60 or so? As Donny and Marie used to say every Friday night: “Most of all, we’d like to thank you, for sharing your evening with us!” Sincerely, YOUR support was amazing. I’m so happy that so many members of our WLS community could come together and share each others successes and get to know each other face to face rather than IM to IM. ALL OF YOU ARE AMAZING, and I am blessed to count you as my support system, and, more importantly, my friends. When I was watching you watch yourselves during the “Before & After” video: applauding each other- crying for each other…hugging each other and even catching a few manly slaps on the backs and high-fives thrown in for good measure…I knew that the weekend was a success. Thank you for sharing that with me. And yes- I AM crying as I write this.
PLUS!: ObesityHelp Magazine (oops – that’s OH Magazine to you!...lol) published an article I had written especially for the November “family” issue. It was a heartfelt look at growing up fat and dealing with it through adulthood. The hiding of the food – the denial – the way my weight affected my life and family in general. I was thrilled to be published and I have been equally ecstatic by the responses I have received privately from OH members around the country through private e-mails. I can’t explain how important it is to me to be a mentor to those seeking this life saving operation and way of life. Thanks for sharing YOUR stories with me. I treasure every one of them, and trust me: I feel your pain and relish in your success.
What NEXT? Well folks, the honeymoon is O-V-E-R!!!!!! Yes- I have maintained my 210 weight for about six months. I am now at 214. AAAAGGGGHHHHHHHHHH! NO WAY am I going back there again! LOL. In fact- I am only sharing this because my journey has been SOOOOOOOOOO easy. I must face the fact that this is a daily journey that requires I be responsible for every mouthful I take for the rest of my life. The late night muchies? The carbs? Buh-bye! OK! Maybe an occasional cookie- lol- but hey- a guy’s gotta live, right?
COMING JUNE 23-25, 2006: MY SECOND CONFERENCE: BOOGIE & SPLASH 2006! For itinerary and registration info – e-mail me at wlsdavid@aol.com!!!
Now – in conclusion…
So there are also few members of my life’s “Cast of Characters” that I must single out on this auspicious occasion. Those who have truly been a part of my life – good, bad and ugly. Shush. First of all – Kim B.: Beyond your inner beauty lies a passion for life I adore. I share so much with you that it is ridiculous! No one on earth knows more about me than you. I treasure our friendship more than words can describe. Thank you for sharing yourself with me. A day without Duck is truly a day without sunshine! Second: Natalie. You are so amazing. That morbidly obese woman hooked up to the machines the day after her surgery has truly vanished and been replaced by a Pixie of all things! Who knew? Thank you for continuing to be so special!!
Then Roxxi with a Golden Whip, Gina: My “sister” who ups and marries Nupp without a freaking word? They kept their secret well until I had both Gina and Aaron alone for what- two minutes. “Is THAT a fu*king RING?!!” HaHa – Not much slides by me! “I spy something gold & round…” You got a good egg Ramen – don’t F it up – or your noodle is cooked!
OK- I have so many WLS Friends and I would someone out for sure t if I even attempted to create a “list” beyond that. You know who you are and so do I – that’s what matter most – Thank you!
Ps: To my wife and kids: Who is this new hot and sexy man in your lives? The muscular hairy guy that struts around shirtless all the time and is always doing push ups or flexing in a mirror when he thinks no one can see him…oh yeah – That’d be ME! Thanks for putting up with me – well, to the extent that you actually so anyway! HaHa. Hope to see EVERYONE in June! - David :)

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July 1, 2006 - BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!! My very own wls support group/web site, stapledup.com, will officially go live this month!!!
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UGH! Yeah, It's February 18, 200EIGHT! Where did the time go?

I gotta say - living life rather than being a spectator means a lot.
I am amazed and humbled by the e-mails and personal conversations people have with me telling me I am an inspiration to them on their journey. Thank you so much - you all mean the world to me. So, for you - and for me - I will attempt to keep up with this journal better. In September 2007 I was involved in a major car accident - totalling my car and taking me out with it via whiplash. Now - almost 5 months and 18 pounds later - I am ready to take off the weight and take on the world. I was already settled in at 235 and wanting to lose 10 at the time of the accident - but having to add 18 pounds due to no excercise at all is devastating to someone who once pushed 400 pounds. I hate my extra pounds and THIS is my vent - my way to keep myself on track. It's not easy to admit that weight is back - but to have people tell me I actually "look better with a few extra pounds - you were "too thin" - doesn't help. But since I think that they are just being polite anyway - I don't give it much creed. I don't even really care about the pounds as much as I care about my health, and if ten pound off makes me feel and look better (to me) then I will be fine with that. I am together enough to know that I am in a 40 waist jean now and not 56 - and that HELPS - as long as I keep it real.

It can happen to you - If you are reading this - and you have lost weight through the MIRACLE of WLS - EAT RIGHT (PROTEIN!!) EXCERCISE - WATER

Live - Love - Laugh - and most of all - BE HAPPY :)

Love to all -

David