Man Sheds 300lbs: Unveiling the Power of Surgery & a Single Lifestyle Shift

The Lifelong Struggle with Weight Loss

Throughout your life, you may find yourself dealing with major weight fluctuations, much like Matthew Castillo, who lost a total of 3,000 pounds in his lifetime. His weight loss journey included cycles of losing and regaining weight. This is a familiar narrative for those who are trying to find lasting solutions for weight loss, especially when dealing with strong attachments to food.

Emotional Eating: The Root of The Problem

The main obstacle in Castillo’s weight loss journey was his relationship with food. Food acted as a calming force in his life, providing him relief from anxiety and negative feelings. This led to him eating fast, late at night, and ending nights out with a 4 a.m meal at a diner. He only knew to stop eating when he felt physical discomfort, indicating that he was overeating.

Discovering A New Path: Bariatric Surgery

Recognizing that his current methods of weight loss were not effective, Castillo began to explore other options. Despite being physically active, his weight hindered his ability to maintain his active lifestyle. A co-worker introduced him to bariatric surgery as a possible solution. Specifically, he was referred to a bariatric surgeon who could perform a single anastomosis duodenal ileostomy, also known as SADI.

Meeting with different doctors, Castillo found one who offered a different approach to preparing for the surgery. Dr. David Buchin did not require him to lose as much weight as the other doctors before the procedure. After following a liquid diet for six weeks, Castillo was able to lose 100 pounds, preparing his body for the surgery.

Changes in Lifestyle and Diet After Surgery

With his new, smaller stomach, Castillo had to alter his eating habits drastically. His diet is now centered around protein, with a goal of consuming between 80 and 100 grams daily. This protein-rich diet includes complex carbs, vegetables, and fruit. Although he sometimes feels nauseated after eating too much food, he’s been able to maintain this diet, relying primarily on eggs, cheese, tuna salad, turkey, chicken, cucumbers, grapes, and bananas.

Since the procedure, Castillo’s weight has dropped to 273 pounds, inching him closer to his goal weight of 200 to 220 pounds. This weight loss has enabled him to increase his physical activity, including home repairs and regular gym visits, and improved the ulcers on his legs caused by his previous weight. While the surgery has significantly enhanced his quality of life, he continues to work on improving his eating habits and dealing with the ongoing issues related to his weight.