Age: 46
Date of surgery: 12/17/18
Type of surgery: sleeve
Height: 6’1”
High weight: 407 lbs
Current weight: 318 lbs.
Weight-related diseases: high blood pressure, pre-diabetic
Rafael remembers that he had always been “heavy.” When he was in his 30s, he managed to lose 70 pounds, however he reverted to his previous lifestyle and soon enough, the pounds piled back on. Before surgery, his diet consisted of the following:
Breakfast: McDonalds- breakfast combo , 2 sausage McMuffins, hash browns
Lunch: Burger & fries
Dinner: large portions of fried chicken and pizza
Sweets: chocolate ice-cream
A social person, Rafael enjoyed going out with his friends where he would consume high calorie mixed drinks. After a night out, he would order the largest combo from Jack n the Box, with fries, of course.
Rafael would promise himself to lose weight and get back to being healthy, but he was comfortable being uncomfortable. His feet were swelling and it was difficult to put weight on his right foot. Before he could even step on it, he would need to warm it. Rafael wasn't walking. He was "wobbling."
His breaking point was going from a size 3XL to a 4XL at the same time his doctor telling him he had high blood pressure and was pre-diabetic. Rafael did not want to grow older and develop full-blown diabetes. Plus his feet hurt. Rafael expressed he was interested in exploring weight loss surgery options and was referred to Dr. Korman through his doctor. Ironically, a friend of his was working with Dr. Korman at the same time.
Rafael initially Dr. Korman in June 2018 and “thought he was awesome.” After Rafael’s surgery in December, he began walking 30 minutes every day, which also helped him heal quickly.
Exercise:
Walking for 30 minutes every day was the slow and steady build Rafael needed for his recent exercise accomplishments. On March 3rd and again on March 10th, Rafael completed a 5k (3.1 miles) in Pasadena and a fundraiser for Parkinson’s disease. He also completed the Run to Remember 5k on April 7th in Century city which benefits firefighters and police officers. Rafael is independent: he will do them with or without friends. He says he is tired after completing them, but not “that tired.”
In addition to participating in 5k’s all throughout Los Angeles, Rafael does 1 hour of cardio- 30 minutes on the bike and 30 minutes on the treadmill- and an hour of weights 4-5 days a week. He will also take walks outside. Rafael gets in his 10,000 steps a day!
Diet:
Unsurprisingly, Rafael’s diet underwent a major overhaul. This is a typical day:
Breakfast: 1 eggs, ½ patty of turkey sausage
Lunch: chicken or fish with black beans or veggies. Sometimes he adds ¼ cup of rice
Dinner: Leftovers from lunch
Snack: almonds, an apple / orange, mozzarella sticks
In order to satisfy his sweet tooth, Rafael will eat sugar-free jello, sugar-free popsicles… and sometimes when the chocolate craving really creeps in, he allows himself 2 sticks of a Kit-Kat bar. Rafael also makes sure to drink lots of water. He also has not had one sip of alcohol since his surgery.
Rafael measures his weight loss goals by deciding an amount he wants to lose between each of his follow up visits with Dr. Korman. Currently, his goal is to lose 15 pounds a month. In total, he would like to lose a minimum of 150 pounds. All of Rafael's weight-related diseases have gone into remission as well. He has also dropped down to a size 2XL shirt. Rafael, you got this!
Through social media engagement such as Facebook posts, Rafael is open about his surgery. A family advocate at Headstart, Rafael has also referred co-workers to work with Dr. Korman. Overall, Rafael feels healthier, happier, and has more energy. He admits the work is hard, but it pays off. Rafael puts it simply:
“This is the best thing that ever happened to me.”
To learn more or schedule a consultation with Dr. Korman, contact us here or call the office: 310-577-5540.