SEE THE CHANGE
Paul Vasquez
Age: 24 
Height: 5'9"
Initial Weight: 337
About Paul Vasquez
"This is my last chance to lose weight before I pursue gastric bypass. My grandfather was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 35, which gives me 11 years to put myself on a better path. "
I’m a temp at a customer service call center, and want to lose weight so I can be taken more seriously the next time I go searching for a job in corporate America. I’ve always wanted to go jet skiing or parasailing, both activities my weight has kept me from pursuing.
May 2008
My Story
This is the last time I try to lose weight naturally because all this yo-yo weight loss and gain is probably worse for my health than just being one size. I will give myself one last change before I pursue medical options, such as gastric bypass surgery.
I’ve been overweight, well morbidly obese would be the clinical term, for nearly my entire life. I come from a large family. Eating was something we did often. Eating right was something we rarely did. We like to eat all the terrible you should stay away from. Chicken fried in partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Sodas full of high fructose corn syrup. Breads full of simple carbohydrates. I know these terms because I love reading fitness magazines and watching weight-loss shows like The Biggest Loser and Fat March. To reach and watch others in similar situations gives me hope. My grandfather, who died from diabetic complications, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 35, which gives me 11 years to put myself on a better path.
My goal for the year is to lose at least 75 pounds. I’d like to be more comfortable with my weight, be able to run for the first time in my life, and be able to buy clothing at any store—it’s been over a year since I bought clothes that weren’t from a “big and tall” section or specially ordered. My partner of 5 years, Jay, and I love to travel, so it would also be nice to fly without the need of an extender seat belt or the looks from people who squeeze into the seat next to us. Ever since we met, Jay’s talked about moving to San Francisco. I’d love to move with him but it’s a very active city where you have to walk and climb steep streets. If I can get down to a comfortable size and learn to be more active, I want to make his dream of moving there a reality.
