41 is the age that makes you reconsider your life. Particularly if a doctor informed you a few years ago that you should have died by now.
Despite being overweight his whole life, Carlos Orozco became obese at the age of 30 owing to a sedentary lifestyle, fast food, and alcohol. According to Runner’s World, he suffered from excruciating joint pain, high blood pressure, circulation issues, and gout.
The doctor hinted about his limb amputation when he was 38 years old. The over 290 kg weight resulted in a skin infection, which happens when bacteria enter via skin fissures, causing sluggish wound healing and prolonged swelling.
Overweight or obese people are especially vulnerable because skin rubs against skin, creating access sites for germs, which doctors refer to as bedsores. Numerous therapies were ineffective for Orozco, and the illness progressed.
“The surgeon scheduled an appointment, but said I wouldn’t survive to reach 41,” Carlos recalls. “He informed me that if I weighed more than 300 kg, I would die of heart arrest.” My sister was expecting a kid at the time, and I was about to become an uncle for the first time. “I thought I really wanted to live!”
To say that this is a watershed moment would be an understatement.
Orozco was impressed by the surgeon’s candor and changed the subject to another surgical strategy: bariatric operations. After weighing his alternatives, he decided on a sleeve gastrectomy, which he had in December 2016.
During this treatment, the majority of the stomach (approximately 90%) is removed, leaving just a sleeve-shaped piece of the stomach. As a result, the patient can only eat a limited amount of food, which usually results in a significant weight loss.
But he knew it wouldn’t be enough. His entire way of life has to be revamped. And he did just that. He quit drinking and eating junk food, and as a result, he lost 200 pounds in six months. Then he had surgery, and his weight continued to fall.
Joint difficulties and chronic pain that had been a regular part of his life vanished, and he was able to discontinue six different types of medicine. And now he’s chosen to include physical activity. He walked 5 kilometers immediately after the procedure in memory of a buddy who died of a heart attack.
Carlos enjoyed it despite the fact that he still weighed 180 kg. Even before completing the first marathon, he decided to join up for the second. Orozco’s mileage began to grow as his weight continued to decline. He started working out six days a week, including weight training and running.
He gradually raised the load to limit the danger of damage, which is especially crucial for individuals who are overweight, according to obesity specialist Spencer Nadolsky, author of the “recipe for weight reduction.”
“Being overweight places additional strain on the joints, which can contribute to joint degeneration,” he told Runner’s World magazine. “Overweight also puts you at risk for inflammation, which can potentially aggravate the deterioration process.” However, even a minor amount of weight loss will alleviate their pain and enhance their function.”
If you’re attempting to lose weight by running, Nadolsky suggests having a specialist look at your body mechanics while you walk to ensure you’re not putting unnecessary strain on your joints.
Carlos Orozco now weighs 84 kg and has competed in a number of long-distance running competitions, including his first half marathon. He registered for four additional half marathons and a 24-hour Ragnar Trail run.
“These events, together with the inclusion of the full marathon, provide me with the opportunity to continue growing,” he stated. He is no longer concerned about his weight, as he was only a few years ago. He now claims that he is a runner. “On race day, my mind clears of everything save the path ahead of me.”
