(Mr. Hagman has an inspiring story to share about how defeating severe obesity can open the door to a better life, every single day. This article is shared with his permission):
Wayne Hagman, a 42-year-old heavy machinery operator, battled a weight problem for most of his life. Like many of us, he continued to gain weight as the years passed. By age 40, he weighed almost 400 pounds.
Although he was unusually fortunate not to have any obesity-related health problems (diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure) other than chronic knee pain, this father of two young children knew the time had come to take action.
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After meeting with my staff and me and learning about the long-term lifestyle change weight-loss surgery requires, he decided he was ready to go for it. In June, Wayne took the plunge and underwent the sleeve gastrectomy weight-loss surgery operation.
December 2013 Update: It’s been just over six months since Wayne’s surgery and he’s already lost over 140 pounds and is enjoying some huge improvements in his quality of life.
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“I’m doing stuff now that 15 years ago, I couldn’t do,” says Wayne. This past summer, Wayne was able to ride coasters for the first time since he was a teenager. A longtime fan of the New Jersey Devils, he can now sit comfortably in a stadium seat. He’s also much more comfortable sitting in booths at restaurants or those tight seats on airplanes.
Enjoying and learning new sports at age 42
Weight-loss surgery also has allowed Wayne to become more physically active and spend more time with his sons. They play sports and, like many parents, Wayne loved to see their games. But, he was on the sideline in more ways than one. Just walking up the hockey arena stairs left him gasping for breath. “Now, I run up the flight of steps. And, I breathe normally when I get to the top!” says Wayne.
His boys have inspired him to be more active which has brought his family closer together. Wayne is taking Taekwondo and his youngest son has inspired him to play ice hockey this winter. (He’s never played before, so he’s been practicing ice skating and brushing up on his technique to get ready for the season!)
Living life instead of existing
The biggest change in Wayne’s life, however, hasn’t been physical. “This surgery has given me the confidence and energy I need to live my life ─ not just exist ─ but truly live it. Since having the gastric sleeve, I’m enjoying living my life, each and every day.”
