Hi, my name is Lenny Mandel from Bayside, NY.  I had my weight loss surgery in May 2003. These last months have been a mixed bag of emotions.  My emotions have run the gamut from being angry at myself, to the joy of regaining my life.  Would I do this again? Yes, quicker than a New York City second. 

I have been very fortunate to develop many friends through the surgical weight loss community. The kindness that I have experienced is amazing.  It has resulted in many changes in how I think about life.  The best change is, I want to make a difference for someone else.  I have read thousands of posts and have spoken to many super obese people just like I was, and I have really gotten an education about life.

Since my surgery, I lost 141 pounds.  My highest weight was 520 pounds. My weight at surgery was 451 pounds and now I am a trim 310 pounds.

I began thinking about weight loss surgery almost fours years ago.  I was in Washington DC at the time with my daughter and had an accident. I sprained both ankles in a fall and was unable to walk. I was dependent upon people for assistance and I was not a happy camper. I gave myself a time limit to lose weight.  Of course I failed. I did not lose weight to the degree that I wanted and I made the decision to have surgery.

The rewards for having my surgery came quickly.  Less than 2 months after my surgery I attended my daughter's high school graduation.  Without the surgery, I would not have been able to walk from the parking lot to the graduation ceremony.  Prior to surgery walking 50 feet was unimaginable.  The pain was unbearable.  More importantly, I would not have shown up and embarrassed my daughter.  My children suffered enough because of my obesity.

Several other dreams of mine soon became a reality. One of the most important was being able to do things for my parents. I felt like a son again.

Shortly after my daughter’s high school graduation, I regained my mobility.  I have not stopped moving since. I do several miles on a treadmill every day as well as using other cardio vascular equipment at the gym. I exercise a minimum of three days a week.  I am not a gym rat, but I want to be successful at the weight loss game.

I still have many dreams that have yet to be fulfilled. I am careful what I eat, but I still have occasional problems. However, I know I will beat this disease. I do have hopes for a healthy future. 

Is their anything else that I can say but thank you to those who assisted me in my journey?  I hope that I am fortunate to help someone and make a difference in his or her life.

Sincerely,

Lenny Mandel
Bayside, NY

May 3, 2003 451 Pounds	November 4, 2003 Down 121 Pounds