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I knew I had to do something drastic and soon. I was 48
years old and at an all time high 400 pounds. I was sentenced
to a certain premature death. Now it’s two years after
my bypass surgery, lots of exercise and a healthy new diet,
and I am confident that I will walk my two daughters down
the aisle on their wedding day when that time arrives.
But before my surgery, a friend of mine who loved life so
much and has since passed away warned me and his words really
struck a chord.
“If you don’t do something now, you’re
going to die.”
Surgery was a huge decision. I searched for a surgeon I
felt comfortable with and who had successful results. Dr.
Frank Borao’s preliminary interviews were very thorough.
He knows how challenging the change in lifestyle can be for
people like me, especially because I am surrounded by food
all the time at work. But I convinced Dr. Borao that I understood
that the surgery was not a cure-all; it was one of the tools
that I could use to lose weight and keep it off. Fortunately
for me exercise was already part of my routine.
As regional partner for the Salt Creek Grill I used my very
public position as an example to other people struggling
with weight loss. When I met my goal a year later and lost
200 pounds, I flew my size 56 pants from the restaurant’s
flagpole. I am amazed at the number of people who come up
to me to tell me they have had similar surgery with the same
great results. They thank me for being so open and honest
about my struggle and solution. Morbidly obese men and women
are often ashamed of their inability to control their weight.
It is embarrassing not being able to bend over to tie your
shoes or pick up a golf ball. I tried every kind of diet
there was and lost hundreds of pounds. But the weight came
back again and again.
I tell people who are morbidly obese that there is no shame
in doing what you can to be around to share live with your
loved ones.
I used to have to hold onto the railing to climb the stairs
at Salt Creek. Now I literally run up and down. But just
for a reminder I keep a photo with me at all times of when
I was 400 pounds.
Steve Bidgood
Rumson, NJ
www.saltcreekgrille.com
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