Rediscovering the joy of exercise – and being able to keep up with his daughters.
Like many people living with obesity, Hussein suffered from several obesity-related medical issues. However, it wasn’t until he realized just how much his weight was affecting the time he spent with his daughters, that Hussein made the life-changing decision to have gastric sleeve surgery.
“Before, I couldn’t play with them,” he remembers. “I couldn’t do a lot of activities with them.”
Hussein had spent months and months extensively researching gastric sleeve surgery, and even considered having the procedure done overseas. During his research, Hussein discovered 360 Sleeve was one of the leading gastric sleeve clinics in Ontario. He decided he’d rather experience its world-class medical care and experienced surgeons – and the astonishingly positive online reviews he read certainly didn’t help change his mind.
“After I read about the 360 Sleeve team, I knew [360 Sleeve] was the perfect choice for me,” recalls Hussein. “There was nothing even close to it.”
Any misgivings that Hussein may have had about his surgery quickly disappeared upon his visit to 360 Sleeve. “I was super nervous [about having the surgery],” he remembers. “But as soon as I walked into the reception and met all the staff [the nervousness] was gone. I was so comfortable and welcomed, everyone was so helpful. Any questions that I had, they were able to answer right away.”
I can go [shopping] anywhere and try clothes off the rack, and it fits me.”
Before Hussein’s surgery, he weighed 307 lbs., and was looking for pants with a waist size of 48. After the surgery, however, Hussein’s weight loss was dramatic: he dropped to an inspiring 141 lbs. (currently weighing in at 166 lbs.) and is happy to say he now wears a size 30.
“I can go [shopping] anywhere and try clothes off the rack, and it fits me,” he says proudly, also mentioning that he now has a collection of suits that fit his smaller size – not to mention that he looks and feels great in them.
Gastric sleeve surgery has been the most important part of Hussein’s weight loss journey. In fact, after having the procedure, he’s experienced a huge lifestyle change – Hussein is now much more active, working out an incredible six days a week.
“I can run for 12 km, I’m squatting 350 lbs, I’m deadlifting 400 lbs.,” he says, recalling the flood of happy emotions that are often part of such a positive lifestyle change. “I cried the first time I squatted holding a 15 lb. dumbbell.”
Today, Hussein makes better food choices, but he doesn’t feel like he needs to restrict himself – even from his cravings. “If I crave pizza, I’m not going to prevent myself from having it.” Hussein explains. “I’ll have it once a month or so. If I crave baklava, I’ll have one every few weeks.”
Perhaps most importantly, Hussein’s journey to weight loss has meant that he’s able to spend more quality time with his family – the deciding reason he opted for gastric sleeve surgery. Now that Hussein is able to keep up with his daughters, he feels a great sense of joy in being able to experience new adventures together.
“This past summer [my family and I] went to Vancouver for the first time,” Hussein says. “We did mountain zip-lining, and a lot of physical activities.”
Hussein also suggests some helpful advice for others interested in gastric sleeve surgery: that it only works with dedication to your new lifestyle changes.
“It’s a scary thought,” he explains, “but what comes afterwards is what matters.”
Hussein’s only regret is that he didn’t have the surgery sooner. “It’s a beautiful change,” he reflects. “You will be able to enjoy a lot of things.”
