Matthew Castillo has faced a lifelong battle with his weight. Over the years, he lost and regained thousands of pounds, feeling stuck in a cycle that seemed impossible to break. “Every year, I’d do well, then gain it back,” he recalls.
Food was more than just nourishment for Matthew; it was comfort. “I felt calm when it was feeding time,” he explains. But this relationship with food became a problem. Eating late at night and craving that full feeling dominated his life.
Despite his challenges, Matthew always stayed active. He played sports, but as his weight climbed to 598 pounds, everyday tasks became hard. “I was struggling to breathe and run,” he says.
A friend at work suggested a new path: weight loss surgery. Matthew had considered it before but faced discouragement when doctors told him he needed to lose 200-250 pounds first. Then he found Dr. David Buchin, a bariatric surgeon who was different.
Dr. Buchin agreed to perform a single anastomosis duodenal ileostomy (SADI) surgery but required Matthew to lose some weight before the procedure for safety. Following a liquid diet for six weeks helped him drop 100 pounds. “It shrinks the liver and makes surgery safer,” Dr. Buchin explains.
The surgery went well, only requiring a two-day hospital stay. Post-surgery, Matthew started a new lifestyle. He focused on eating protein-rich foods. Dr. Buchin recommends aiming for 80 to 100 grams of protein daily, mixed with vegetables and fruit. Matthew incorporates eggs, tuna, and chicken into his meals, although hitting protein goals can be tricky sometimes.
Now weighing 273 pounds, Matthew is optimistic about reaching his goal of 200-220 pounds. His energy levels have improved significantly; he’s more active than ever, climbing stairs and exercising several times a week. The leg ulcers he developed from his previous weight have also improved.
While he acknowledges that surgery was not a magic solution, it dramatically improved his quality of life. “I hope to keep working on my eating habits,” he shares, “and my legs still have some healing to do.”
Matthew’s journey highlights the importance of support and the right information in making life changes. According to data from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, weight loss surgeries like SADI can lead to a 50-70% loss of excess weight within two years, offering hope to many facing similar struggles.
In today’s culture, more people are discussing obesity and weight loss openly, sharing their journeys on social media. The conversation is evolving, emphasizing health over mere appearance. This movement helps people like Matthew feel less isolated in their challenges.
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