A Journey to Health: How One Man Beat the Scale

A Rollercoaster of Weight Loss

Matthew Castillo's life has been a journey of struggle, persistence, and ultimate triumph. His battle with weight loss has been a rollercoaster, spanning his entire life.

The Heaviest Point

At his heaviest, Castillo weighed nearly 600 pounds, a number that seemed insurmountable. But he wasn't always this way. In his younger years, he was active, playing sports like football and basketball.

The Battleground of Food

Food became more than just sustenance for Castillo. It was a source of comfort, a way to cope with anxiety and negative feelings.

Eating Patterns:
Eating quickly, often late at night
Ending nights with a 4 a.m. meal at a diner
Never stopping when full; needing the feeling of being completely stuffed

This pattern was hard to break, and Castillo found himself stuck in a cycle of losing and gaining weight.

The Turning Point

The turning point came when a co-worker suggested a solution: bariatric surgery. Castillo had heard of it before, but it wasn't until he met Dr. David Buchin that he found a surgeon willing to work with him.

Preparation for Surgery

Unlike other doctors, Buchin didn't require Castillo to lose an enormous amount of weight before the surgery. Instead, he asked Castillo to follow a liquid diet for six weeks, which helped him lose 100 pounds. This preparation made the surgery safer and more effective.

The Surgery

The surgery itself was a success. Castillo underwent a single anastomosis duodenal ileostomy (SADI), a procedure that involves:

Partially removing the stomach
Bypassing a large portion of the small intestine

This process helps the body absorb more nutrients.

Recovery

After the surgery, Castillo spent just two days in the hospital and experienced minimal pain. He followed a strict diet plan:

Liquids
Soft foods
Solid foods in smaller portions

Life After Surgery

Castillo's life has changed dramatically since the surgery:

More active, going to the gym three to four times a week
Taking care of his yard without needing frequent breaks
Ulcers have improved
Closer to his goal weight of 200 to 220 pounds

The Journey Continues

Castillo is quick to point out that the surgery wasn't a magic fix. It's a tool that has helped him, but he still has work to do. He's focused on improving his eating habits and hopes to see further improvements in his health.

A Reminder and Inspiration

Castillo's story is a reminder that weight loss is a journey, not a destination. It's about:

Making sustainable changes
Finding the right support system
Understanding that setbacks are part of the process

Castillo's perseverance and determination have led him to a healthier, happier life, and his story serves as an inspiration to others who are struggling with their weight.