Weight-loss math: +5 weeks, -80 pounds

I can't believe it has been five and a half weeks since my surgery. It seems like it was just yesterday.

The first week after surgery went pretty slowly but I was able to work some from my laptop at home sitting on the couch. I was somewhat sore from my lap sleeve bariatric surgery but my three hernia repairs really had me moving around a bit tentatively. But each day the pain got less and less and my mobility increased.

Eight days after surgery I was able to attend my daughter's softball tournament, which her club team hosted, and I was able to help run the tournament. The following Monday, 11 days after surgery, I went back to work and actually worked the whole day and even had the stamina to stay for an after-hours meeting that evening. But I did sleep like a baby that night.

At my three week appointment with Dr. Pennings and his staff, I was told things were healing great. I had lost another 20 pounds, and I was ready for food. It had been over a month of all liquids and I was definitely ready to eat something.

I never realized or noticed how many commercials on television feature food or how many restaurants we actually have in Kootenai County until I hadn't eaten food for so long. I was a little apprehensive for my first meal but the applesauce tasted like filet mignon to me. I was also given the green light to start lightly working out, so I started that weekend working out with my little brother at his Ultimate Athlete gym in Coeur d'Alene.

I took it slow but was able to get through the exercises and lifts with no issues. It really felt good to work out again and with the weight loss it was much easier than before. My other brother, who is a doctor in Texas, recommended I take a couple of 35-pound dumbbells and walk around the gym to see just what it was like to walk around with the 70 pounds I have lost. It was amazing how difficult that was to walk for an extended period of time and really hit home for me as to how life was for me everyday carrying that extra weight around. Walking up stairs, walking around shopping and just walking in general has gotten so much easier, and I know it will continue as my weight continues to drop. I can't wait.

I have continued to add different foods, although in small quantities, and so far my new and reduced stomach has tolerated everything. I had to travel for my job last week and was a little nervous about having to eat out but with my new "ULTIMATE PORTION CONTROL" stomach it was no issue at all. I need to make sure I don't drink too much with my meals and fill up on liquids, but I am ordering smarter and having just a little bit of what I would have had in the past and I am feeling completely satisfied and full.

I watched all those videos from other bariatrics patients saying they are not hungry and how they have to remind themselves to eat. I never thought that would be me, but it completely is. I even had just one bite of birthday cake last week and was fine with it.

The weight is continuing to come off even though I have added food. As of July 1 I weighed around 340, which is close to 80 pounds since I started this journal just a couple of months ago. I could not have done this without the support of my terrific family, wonderful friends and co-workers, the great team at Dr. Pennings' office, and people I don't even know who have seen my story in The Press and wish me good luck while I have been out voting, shopping or just being around town.

I feel very fortunate to live in this great community, and my goal to help others in our community is GOING to happen. I personally have spoken to many who, because of my story, are thinking about surgery, and others who have decided to at least come to one of Dr. Pennings' seminars and just see if bariatric surgery can help them. I wasn't too sure about sharing my story at first but now that I know it is going to help others in our community I know I made the right decision.

Big Dad is up in heaven looking down right now and is very proud of what I am doing for myself and OUR community.

Rick Rasmussen will write several more columns for The Press in coming months so readers can follow his progress.