Who I Was, Who I Am, and Who I Want to Be

James Morales 

The world saw me as a 35-year-old husband and father of two young boys. I saw myself as a 365-pound morbidly obese man.

I could not play with my sons without getting tired and winded within a few minutes. When I traveled, I could barely fit into the seat and was very uncomfortable. I love roller coasters but could no longer fit in the seat or close the lap or shoulder bars.

It got to the point where I was tired of being tired. I wanted to do so many things that I never thought I would be able to do unless I lost weight. I already had two hernia repairs and my surgeon said I would continue to get them if I did not lose weight.

I tried all different kinds of diets, medication and joining gyms. I would lose weight but it would not last. I asked my surgeon about gastric bypass surgery. He thought it would be a good option to look into and recommended Dr. Blackstone’s office.

I signed up for a seminar and decided this is what I needed to do. It was a long process before I could even have the surgery.

I am not going to lie. It was hard to follow the rules, and much more mentally difficult than physical. In the beginning, the weight fell off quickly with little effort. After a few months, the weight loss slowed down significantly.

I was watching a TV show with a couple who had bypass surgery but gained the weight they lost back. I knew if I did not follow the rules, it would be for not.

I decided to set a goal for myself--to train for a half marathon. I ran a minimum of three days a week and cross trained at least two other days during the week. Just one year after my surgery at 190 pounds, I ran and completed my first half marathon.

I have now registered for my second half marathon and after it, am going to start training for a triathlon.

I have worked very hard to accomplish my goals and will continue to work hard all of my life not to return to the man I was. I cannot thank Dr. Blackstone and her staff enough for how they helped change my life for the better. I am a happier person and much better husband and father. I can play with my boys whenever they want and they love to wrestle with their daddy.

My future is now whatever I want it to be. The surgery was the best decision I ever made. As hard as some days were, I don’t regret one day.

If you’d like more information on the doctors and services available at
Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center, please call Weight Management Services at 480-323-4300

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