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Patrick Deuel, 42, has lost an astounding 321 pounds and is motivated to lose 450 more. When Deuel was admitted to the hospital he weighed 1,072 pounds. Standing just under 6 feet tall doctors decided to restrict Deuel's dietary intake to 1,200 calories a day.
Confined to his bed since last fall, Deuel's body has been riddled by numerous health complications including heart problems, thyroid problems, diabetes, pulmonary hypertension and arthritis.
A maneuver as simple as rolling over in bed couldn't be done without assistance.
Deuel, who has faced a life-long battle with his weight, stated some of his weight issues were caused by genetic factors.
The cost of Deuel's care could be in excess of millions of dollars, much of which the hospital would have to pick up. From here, Deuel's goals are simple: He wants to walk out of the hospital, attend a Nebraska Cornhuskers football game and go for a walk with his wife.
The Seattle Times August 12, 2004
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