When I was asked to write for Blossom I was excited, but at the same time a little taken back. I don’t know what to write, or what to say. I’m going to do my best, share my stories, struggles and victories and maybe throw in some awful jokes here and there like:
Why is 6 afraid of 7?
Because 7 ATE 9!
…ha!
Ok that was bad, let’s not try the comedy thing for a little while. I figured since I’m new to writing for Blossom I’d share a little about me for my first feature. Here we go:
My name is Big D. “Big” because I’ve always been a bigger guy, “D” because it’s easily my favorite letter? Yeah, let’s stick with that! I’m on the radio in Las Vegas on 93.1, “The Party,” which is also available on your iHeartRadio app – download it today (THANK YOU)!! My world revolves around my beautiful wife of 9 years and our amazing children, Hailey (4 years) & Griffin (5 months!). We moved to Vegas for my job about 8 months ago & fell in love with the city. We have 4 dogs who were born the day before our wedding! FOUR? Yes, F…O…U…R! It’s a long story, but it happened and we love them. They’re cocker spaniels named Puckett, Tony, Moo Moo & Blind Bella who, until about a year ago was just Bella.
I’ve struggled with weight as long as I can remember. When I was younger, I was always the chubby kid until I was 17-19(ish), then I became “the fat kid!” Over the years I would really struggle while I tried to diet & workout, but the change would never stick. About five years ago I topped out weighing over 440lbs. It was time to search out a permanent solution to the war I was fighting. Cue the Obesity Assassin himself–Dr. Tom!
As of October 7th, 2015 I’m officially “sleeved!” Over a month before my procedure I met Bridgette (who is more than amazing) and Dr. Tom from Blossom. They both listened to my story and the idea to share my journey through surgery and after with my listeners. They both loved the idea and really embraced me as family right away. As I’ve learned about my new stomach and how food is for fuel and not a hobby, I can proudly say I went from 410 lbs at my consultation appointment to 391 lbs on surgery day. Now, just shy of 3 months since surgery I’m creeping up on 310 lbs. That’s nearly a 100 pound difference since I met with the AMAZING staff at Blossom.
Some people ask, “What’s your motivation, why lose weight?” Usually it’s someone about 110 lbs who doesn’t understand the struggle of obesity. My motivation? I could say family as that’s the easy answer, but I also want to lose for me. I want to look better, feel better and shop better! Yes a guy just mentioned shopping! I can’t wait to be able to go into any store and find a shirt. My shopping life has always been, “Excuse me, where is the big & tall section?” Then I’m pointed to a rack of the 10 ugliest shirts ever sold. It will be a good feeling to get to the point where this is not the case. I have even started wearing smaller socks. Now at the end of the day, I take my socks off and it doesn’t look like my feet were in a choke hold all day. This is amazing!
