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Half-Ton Man Takes The Surgical Route
Posted by: Dr. Mercola
November 13 2004 | 2,752 views

After being admitted to a hospital weighing 1,072 pounds, Patrick Deuel decided to undergo gastric bypass surgery. The surgery consisted of creating a pouch in his upper stomach that was attached to a section of his intestine. This procedure reduced the amount of food he was able to eat.

From 90 pounds in kindergarten to 250 pounds in middle school, this nearly half-ton man thought that surgery was his best chance for permanent weight loss. Apparently he had been bedridden for almost a year and was malnourished due to eating foods high in fat and carbohydrates. As a result of his obesity, Deuel had difficulty breathing and suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes. Doctors warned 42-year-old Duel that his health conditions could eventually kill him.

In order to receive the surgery, Deuel had to prove to doctors that he was strong enough to survive it. This meant he had to lose some weight and gain enough strength to walk on his own. Unfortunately, even after losing 421 pounds through a 1,200-calorie-a-day diet and exercise, Deuel still opted to go through with the surgery.

Up until the final hours just before surgery, Deuel was still worried he wouldn't wake up from the surgery. However, he did survive and is reportedly walking up stairs and swimming at the hospital's pool.

Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan October 28, 2004


Dr. Mercola''s Comments
Dr. Mercola's Comments:
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I was very much surprised and disappointed to find out that Patrick Deuel had chosen gastric bypass surgery. It's a shame he didn't stay on the steadier, healthier route by eating the right foods.

It WAS encouraging however to see that he did make an attempt to turn his life around through dietary changes, as opposed to immediately resorting to unsafe (and all too common) weight loss practices.

A major concern of mine for Deuel is that studies have concluded that 2 percent of all patients who have gastric bypass surgery die within a month after their operation.

Needless to say, I am not an advocate of bariatric surgeries and believe there are far more effective, healthy and less expensive options.

When Deuel lost those 421 pounds, he was most likely eliminating grains and sugars. The body's storage capacity for carbohydrates is quite limited, so when you eat an excess of grains and sugars they are converted, via insulin, into fat.

It is important to know that the problem with obesity is not the fat -- it is the excess grain carbohydrates. Anyone who has reviewed my nutrition plan outlined in my TOTAL HEALTH Program will know the best replacement for grains is vegetable greens.

Another great way to lose weight is: Exercise, exercise, exercise. I cannot stress enough that exercise will not only help to normalize your insulin levels, but it will also help you to optimize your weight and fight infections.

To get on the right exercise track, I suggest reading Paul Chek's book, How to Eat, Move and Be Healthy!, a perfect complement to my nutritional plan. Chek's book challenges you to take control of your health and gives you the steps to designing your own individual nutrition and exercise program. You will find the many descriptive "how to" illustrations both easy to follow and implement into your exercise routine.

Right now, you can get both my bestselling Total Health Program and Paul Chek's book together and receive 25 percent off their regular price!

It seems that a commonly used excuse for poor eating habits is lack of time. Eating right takes a concerted effort and commitment, so the next time you find yourself unable to prepare a nutritious meal I recommend you try Whey Protein with Aminogen®. Although whole foods are always best, consider Whey Protein with Aminogen® before turning into the closest fast food drive-through and picking up a meal void of any nutrients.

Related Articles:

The Scientific Definition of Obesity and its Dangers

Lower Your Obesity Hormone with Diet and Exercise

Obesity Causes Nearly 100,000 Cancer Deaths per Year

Obesity Causes 300,000 Deaths A Year in the US and 30,000 Annually in England

Surgery Improves Health Conditions in the Obese???





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