Jamie

16 months after surgery

100 pounds lost

Before Surgery

Location: Atlanta, GA
Age: 45
Weight lost: 100 pounds

Surgery date: 07/16/2008
Presurgery BMI: 52
Current BMI: 34

Jamie's Story

The tipping point for me was the fact that four of my former NFL teammates died before the age of 44 from complications caused directly or indirectly from their post-career weight issues. I recognized that it was just a matter of time for me as well. Whether from type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease—something bad was coming and it was up to me to prevent that from happening.

Why I chose to draw the line against living with obesity

Thinking back on it, being an offensive lineman sort of gave me a pass. I was supposed to be big. Big frame, big guy, big appetite, that’s all I had ever known. And even though no one said anything when I found myself a full 100 pounds heavier than my playing weight,

I knew. I knew I was heading in the wrong direction, and sooner or later it would have a disastrous impact on my wife, my family, and me.

I had tried everything imaginable to curb the continual weight gain I experienced following my retirement from the NFL. I’d tried diets of every kind, South Beach, North Beach, West Beach, you name it. Nothing was working.

But on June 15, 2008, on Father’s Day, when my friend Mel Agee passed away—that was the day I drew the line.

How my life has changed

Since receiving my gastric band, I’ve learned a better way to live. Honestly, I’m healthy and I plan to stay that way. The band is a tool, the way exercise is a tool. The way diet is a tool. The way discipline is a tool.

And through it all, I’ve discovered that talking about it to others can make a difference in their lives. I like that. You see, I’m all about being healthy, living healthy, and enjoying all the wonderful things that good health affords me.

Are you another successful REALIZE^® patient with a great story? Share it here.