University of Chicago Article
My story now appears on the University of Chicago website.
Bariatric Patient Loses 300lbs, Gains Years and Quality of Life
In 2010, Ron Garrison, of South Haven, Ind., reached his peak weight of nearly 500 pounds – and not for lack of trying to slim down. For nearly two decades the military veteran had tried the gamut of weight loss approaches, from medically-supervised diets and exercise plans to online schemes promising dramatic results. Nothing worked; he continued to gain weight and, with it, health complications.
With a body mass index of nearly 67, Garrison suffered from type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and more. The former firefighter got to the point he could no longer fit into the gear and had to give up his job. When he joined the Masonic Lodge and saw a photo of himself in a tuxedo, he realized the gravity of his situation for the first time. That same year, despite taking nearly 12 medications to keep his health under control, Garrison was given a startling prognosis – only three years left to live. The father of one decided it was time to consider bariatric surgery.
Florida Trip
Florida Trip April 2015 These are pictures from our Florida Trip. I hadn’t been to Disney since I was 13 and it was Latisha’s first time ever. We visited the Shriners International Public Relations Convention in Tamp Florida, Clear Water Beach, Downtown Disney, Disney Animal Kingdom, Disney Studious, Disney Epcot Center,and the Magic Kingdom. We […]
Cryptic Council Degrees
Cryptic Council Degrees Congrats to our newest Royal and Select Masters. Welcome to the Cryptic Council Companions! Now onto to Commandery.
York Rite Freemason
York Rite Freemason I joined the York Rite in LaPorte on February 23, 2015 On Thursday April 23, 2015 LaPorte Council #32, Royal and Select Masters conferred the Royal Master and Select Master degrees on seven Companions from Elbert.H. Gary #103, Valparaiso # 86 and LaPorte #32. Congratulations to our newest Royal and Select Masters!
University of Chicago Article
My story now appears on the University of Chicago website. Bariatric Patient Loses 300lbs, Gains Years and Quality of Life In 2010, Ron Garrison, of South Haven, Ind., reached his peak weight of nearly 500 pounds – and not for lack of trying to slim down. For nearly two decades the military veteran had tried […]
Shriners Installation
Shriners Installation I became a Shriner on 11/8/2014, I joined Orak Shrine in Michigan City Indiana. The local temple of Shriners International. Every Shriner is an owner of the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.
Worshipful Master
Worshipful Master Griffith Masonic Lodge #735 Free & Accepted Masons for 2014 I was installed as Worshipful Master of Griffith Masonic Lodge on Friday, December 13, 2013 for the 2014 Officer Line. Pictured with me are my fiance Latisha, my mother Darlene and my Farther Arthur.
Fireman
Well here is something I haven’t been able to do in over 25 years because of my weight. Thanks to my surgery and the team at the University of Chicago I am now a volunteer fireman again.
White Sox Opening Day 2013
Here is something I would have not been able to do prior to surgery. I couldn’t fit in the seats at the stadium let alone climb to the nose bleed section LOL. Fantastic time that I will be repeating. %
Dispelling the Myth “easy way out”
I have been told and have heard people say you didn’t lose the weight surgery did it. You took the easy way out. Let’s take a look at that myth and dispel it completely. The surgery is just a tool, like your diet and exercise program, though yes it gives you a big advantage there […]
Faith in Mankind Lost
Warning I am stepping up on my soapbox here and laying down some gospel so if you are easily offended then don’t read it. I am having an epiphany. I have always believed that people are happy for others in their accomplishments and that mankind truly has love for their fellow people. That belief has […]
Checkup PostOp 2/13/2013
Had my postop checkup with the Surgical team on 2/13/2013. The team all agree I am one of their shinning success cases and have been put in touch with the marketing department who may use my story as one of their marketing cases and may be asked to start giving speeches and talks at their […]
New Pants
I am feeling GREAT today for my lunch I went to Vanity Fair Outlet and got 4 new pairs of pants all 36×30 just to think in October 2011 I was wearing a size 64×30 OMG that is a total of 28″ or 2′ 4″ lost off my waist. MIND BLOWING!
Me & Dad Officer Installation 2012
Here is a picture of my Dad and I when I was installed on December 2012 as Senior Warden at Griffith Masonic Lodge. Dad got me involved in the Masonic Lodge in 2008 and it has been one of the best things I have ever done. I jumped into the Officers Line and am now […]
Installation of Officers
Here is a compare picture from my installation of officers in December 2011 and one from December 2012 I notice a slight difference what about you 🙂
Picture Example
Here is a nice representation. On the left a picture of me from 2006 on the right a picture from a few days ago.
New Picture 11-27-2012
I was looking at pictures this morning and found this one from July of 2011, so I had to take one from today to compare. Wow what an amazing journey this has been. A year can make a little difference. Thank you Dr. Prachand & The team at Center for the Surgical Treatment of Obesity […]
Surgiversary
One year ago this week my life changed forever. Today is my one year anniversary of my surgery
36×30 Jeans
Just put on a pair of my dads jeans to go work out in the yard. Get this 36×30. Wow big change from last year at 64×30 pants. That is 28″ for those of you non math people. Over 2 foot from around my waist gone.
Ran a 5k
I ran my first 5k today and finished in just over 42 minutes. Not bad considering last year at this time I couldn’t walk a 5k in 4 hours 🙂
Broke 200 Pound Mark
Huge accomplishment as of this mornign I officially broke 200 pounds. Current weight 199. This makes a total weight loss of 266pounds!
BMI 29.1
As of today my BMI (Body Mass Index) is 29.1 when I started this journey I was at 66.7 which means I have lost 37.6 in BMI.
201 weight 36 pants
New pictures this morning weight 201 size 36 pants. Total lost pounds 264 pounds.
New pants size 36
New pair of pants. Get this size 36 YES I said size 36 that means I am officially down 12 sizes or 28 inches from my waist. I have not worn a size 36 size I was like in 8th grade!
203 weigh in
New weight as of this morning 203 which means I have list a total of 262 pounds in nine months.
9 month post-op today
Heading to University if Chicago this morning to see the team that saved my life. Can’t wait to see them and show them the progress I have made!
Old pants
It is still hard for me to grasp that 8 months ago these pants not only fit me but were tight on me.
Blood Pressure
What a difference a year makes. My pressure used to be double this and that was on two medications.
Recent picture 4th of July
This picture was taken before I walked the almost two miles for the parade. The first time I have been able to walk in the parade in my Masonic Career
215 pounds or 249 pounds lost
New weight 215 pounds. I just weighed in at 215 pounds which means I have lost 249 pounds since October 28, 2010.
Picture June 2, 2012 first jeans in 20 years
Here is a picture taken at our golf outing on Junes 2, 2012 just 6 months post op. I am down to 225 pounds having lost 229 pounds and wearing my first pair of jeans in 20 years. Size 40 I might add, down from size 64.
Weighed in at 225 total pounds lost 229 pounds 🙂
Just weighed in at 225 pounds, this means I have officially lost over 1/2 of my body weight. I have lost 229 pounds since October 28th. I am officially 1/2 the man I used to be 🙂
New Pants Size 40
Went to buy new pants today because the ones from two months ago are falling off. I am now in a size 40 wow just six months ago I was wearing a size 64 now that is unreal. Also bought my first pair of jeans in over 20 years not that was and experience.
Stuck at 245 pounds
Well I have hit a Plato at 215 pounds lost. Starting to go back to the gym everyday now. Feeling great though and energy levels are still high so it is great.
Weigh in 246 Pounds – 208 Pounds Lost
Well I am almost weight as much as I have lost now. I have almost lost 1/2 of my total body weight and let me tell you that is incredible. I now weigh 246 pounds, starting from 454 pounds all of that just in 5 months. This has been an incredible journey and it is […]
205 Pounds Lost
Just weighed in at 249 pounds, this makes 205 total pounds lost so far. Feeling great, and feeling like a new person.
256 Pounds – 208 Pounds Lost
I just weighted in at 256 pounds, this makes 208 pounds lost so far. This has been an incredible journey.
190 Pounds Lost
Just weighted in at 264 pounds, starting weight was 454 pounds, so I have officially lost 190 pounds in less than 4 months. Thank you everyone that has been encouraging me and thank you Dr. Vivek Prachand for saving my life.
Size 44
New pair of size 44 pants today far cry from the 64 pants I was wearing 4 months ago. That makes 20″ lost off my stomach!
274 Pounds or 180 pounds lost
Weighed in at 274 pounds today that makes 180 pounds lost in just under four months. Coming off slower now going to have to start working out more.
280 pounds makes 174 pounds lost
175 pounds lost as of today that is a normal sized man that I have lost. It also leaves me with just 105 pounds to go to hit my goal weight of 175 total pounds or 275 total pounds lost. And I am still only 4.25 months into this journey.
286 pounds 168 pounds lost
Just weighed in 286 pounds 186 pounds lost just under four months this has been such an exciting journey 32 more pounds to hit 200 pounds lost wow
6 month checkup
Great visit with Dr Prachand today. He said I am doing a great job on the program and was impressed with the weight loss so far. Dietitian said every thing looks good and they drew labs to check my vitiman levels. Kathy forgot my blog address yet again, but Dr Prachand says he checks it. […]
298 pounds or 156 pounds lost
Just weighed in at 298 pounds that’s makes 156 pounds lost and the first time in 20+ years that I have been under 300 pounds. I feel like a new man!
301 Pounds – 153 Pounds Lost
Just weighed in at 301 pounds. This means in just over 3 months I have lost 153 pounds. Feeling great and going to have to start buying cloths soon 🙂
3 months postop
Today is officially 3 months since my surgery and I weighed in today at 309 pounds, that makes 145 total pounds lost so far.
312 pounds 142 pounds lost
Just weighed in at 312 pounds. This makes 142 pounds lost since October 28. It isn’t even 3 months yet. I am just 12 pounds from breaking the 300 pound mark, something I haven’t seen in almost 20 years. God Bless the University of Chicago.
318 pounds 136 pounds lost
Just weighed in at 318 pounds. This makes 136 pounds lost since October 28. What a change. I am climbing 5 flights of stairs at work at least five times a day and feeling great.
326 or 128 lost
Just weighted in at 326 pounds I am down 128 pounds so far every day I am getting more energy. I have started only using the stairs at work 5 flights up and down. I can’t wait to break the 300 mark getting very close.
Picture 12/9/2011
Here is a picture from our installation of officers taken on 12/9/2011 Double chin is almost all gone and gonna have to buy a new tux soon it is literally falling off of me. 3″ lost around my neck alone.
Officially 100 pounds lost
I just weighed in at 355 pounds this officially make triple digits. Yes 100 pounds gone in just six weeks. Feeling great and looking forward to the next 100 pounds gone!
IVC Filter is gone!!
Filter out and Ron is sleeping off the meds. He can’t get out of bed for a few hours.
364 that makes 90 pounds lost
Just weighed in at 364 that is the lowest weight I have had in over 15 years. 90 pounds gone so close to triple digits I can just about dance a jig. Life is getting better each day and I finally feel like I can see Zachary graduate and maybe make it to retirement lol. […]
370 pounds
Had a great thanksgiving with the whole family here then kept my nephew Bryan and niece Serena overnight. Then kept Serena another night. Worked on Friday and got alot accomplished. Last night decided to try apple cider learned to much sugar in it and it purged my entire system. Well we learn from our mistakes. […]
81 pounds lost
Woke up to weigh in of 373 that makes 81 pounds lost so far. Had good weekend getting house ready for everyone for thanksgiving
Back to work
Had two great days back at work. Yesterday I gave and got so many hugs my arms hurt. Today I got some tickets and projects done feels great to be working
Dr Visit 11-16
Great visit with dr today. He said everything is looking great and put me on soft foods. Said they don’t need to see me back for 3 months. Appointment next month to check for clots and then schedule the Ivc filter to come out
383 Today
Well the scale has finally started to drop again. Down to 383 this morning. That makes 71 pounds total lost so far. Go to see the doctor tomorrow and hopefully get released to go back to work. Sitting at home is driving me nuts lol.
Relaxing Sunday
Relaxing at home watching football. Had a great time at cousins open house last night. All that food around and I didn’t over eat nor cared about it wow is that different.
Blood Pressure today
Stopped into my doctor to have my pressure taken today. I took myself off my blood pressure medication almost 2 weeks ago. It was 137/73 doc says stay off them I don’t need them any more. Weight is stuck around 390 for 2 days but that is normal. Feeling great, this thanksgiving I will be […]
387 Today – 67 Pounds Lost
It is surreal 67 pounds in just over a week after 3 years of working so hard trying to lose it. I am feeling better each day, more energy and just generally feeling better. Only complain I have right now is my stupid heals as it is almost winter time my heals crack and they […]
401 Today
401 Today, guess I need to walk more. Getting ready to head out for a long walk anyway, gonna see how far I can go. Had a good day yesterday Charles my friend came over yesterday and we did some work on websites. Feeling really good glad to see each morning, everyday is a gift […]
Today’s Weight 404lbs
Today’s Weight 404lbs!!! Had a great day yesterday took Zachary to school and got to pick him up also. Then we had Paul, Renee & Phil come over, then Jim & Dana stopped by also.
Almost 1 week
Tomorrow will make my 1 week mark since surgery. I was pleaseantly suprised to a 412 lbs weigh in this morning. That means in less then 1 week I have take off a total of 42 lbs, this is so unreal to me. Feeling great and melting those pounds away 🙂 Love you all
1st night sleep at home
What a difference a simple bed and not being woke up every hour on the hour to be poked and proded makes. 🙂 I great night sleep I feel so refreshed today. Woke up to a 418lbs wegith in. So in 6 days that is a total of 36 lbs gone. 18 lbs and I […]
Free man
Heading down the toll road to Indiana windows down wind blowing in my face bad dog is back and feeling no pain
Waiting for discharge
Waiting for the doctors to release the orders to cut me loose. I am so ready to get out of here. The service has been great but the healing doesn’t begin till you get home. I miss my son more then I though possible.
Look no tube!!!!
So the tube is out no blockages we are starting on clear liquid for dinner and purée for breakfast then heading home around lunch time. So very happy to hear dr Prachard say those words. Will be home soon and back to my new self soon
Sleep makes a body good
With the tube in I was finally able to get a full nights sleep. They are going to do an upper gi soon to try to explain all the vomiting. As long as there is no blockage we will try taking the tube out and lowering we bipap settings and try working on getting me […]
Two places at once
Ron slept wonderfully last night. He feels much better. There is a debate going on between the residents and myself about why he was vomiting for over 24 hours. Their theory yes I did say theory is that his Bipap caused his vomiting and there was never an obstruction. However none of them can tell […]
Feeling better already
Ron just woke up from a quick nap and told me to blog that he feels like is going to live through this now! 🙂 and smiled for the first time since Friday!
Round one with NG tube.
“epic” fail with the NG tube insertion. Ron couldn’t tolerate the NG tube in his nose, didn’t even get to the throat before he said no bleeping way. Nurses are calling the Dr. to see where we go from here. We will have round two with the NG tube in a few minutes.
Rough night
Ron vomitted all night. Drs are working on trying to see what’s wrong. Labs X-rays and tons of meds. I’ll keep everyone posted. Ron is tired and very frustrated.
To vomit after surgery is worse than nausea
Poor guy is getting sick. Dr looked at him and said that his stomach looks bloated. Took away clear liquids, back to nothing by mouth. 2:30am Update: Ron is still getting sick. I’m frustrated. The resident is consulting the senior resident. I asked for the surgeon to be called but there is resistance to that […]
Walking!
Ron was up walking. Still having nausea but feels slightly better after being sick. Two bites of jello staying down so far. He’s resting after a short visit. Blood pressure still high.
Clear liquids
Ron’s cath is out. He sat on the side of the bed. Clear liquids have been ordered. Challenges are still nausea and high blood pressure. He can have 30 cc’s of broth per hour. I wish he was goofing around a little more.
Nausea is not fun
Spent much of the night fighting increased blood pressure and horrible nausea. A few hours of sleep. Hopefully the drs will be here soon.
Sweet PCA dreams
Ron is sleeping soundly. Of course the countless intrusions will happen but I think by morning he will want to do some walking.
Officially post-op
Ron is on his way to recovery. Dr. Said he did great! Complete DS Officially in recovery room now 🙂 2:28pm Hours today sitting in the waiting room.
gastric sleeve
The first part of the surgery is complete. They just finished the gastric sleeve. They are getting ready to do the switch. Update: still in surgery Update: still in surgery-1:22 Update: they are closing him up now. Then recovery.
Pre-op
We walked in and he got all dressed in his fancy gown, cap, and socks. The Drs asked a million of the same questions then anesthesiologist said they were going to do an awake intubation. They got the IV going gave him some meds gave him a lidocaine lollipop and took him to OR. They […]
Morning Of
Let’s get ready to rumble!!! Ok up and dressed making the final checks to make sure we have everything and then getting in the car to head to the hospital for the surgery. Family will be blogging during the surgery and day; I will try to blog when I come out of it depending on […]
Long day
What a long day! Finishing the antibacterial skin washes and then finally a few hours of sleep. Will post hopefully hour by hour tomorrow!
Night Before
Well it is finally here, I have everything packed and all my affairs in order. Now I will be getting a good night sleep yeah right. Anyway I will be trying to go to bed here shortly and be up at 3am to get ready to head into the hospital. I will arrive at 5:00am […]
Packing, clear liquids
Getting everyone packed. Later Zach goes to Aunt Brandi’s then to bed super early! Drama cause clear liquids are not fun!
IVC Filter Placed
So after a 4 hour delay they placed the filter in with success. They had an emergency patient they had to do first so I had to wait. Then they took me in and put the filter in and it took all of 15 minutes and I was done. They also completed the Echo today […]
IVC Filter
Here at the university of Chicago checking in and getting ready for them to place the Ivc filter going to ask if I can get it on video for the blog lol Ron just texted and said the filter went in fine. As soon as he is released the he has the echocardiogram scheduled. 8:30pm-Ron […]
Last day of work
Ok today is my last day of work before surgery. I also got a call just before five last night that the anesthesia preop now wants me to do an Echo before surgery. Have to call them back today to see when that can be scheduled.
Final Stretch
Here we are the week of surgery. I only have today and Tuesday left at work then I am off until November 15. The nerves are in high gear now. We have the house close to being done for visitors, I have the legal stuff left to finish and before you know it, Friday will […]
All Day visit over
Ok that was one long day. I am home now minus like 20 vials of blood. Getting closer to the day.
All day in Chicago
Up getting ready this morning to drop Zach off at school and we are heading for Chicago for the final Pre-op visit. It is going to be a long day. Zach was up at 3am with a nightmare. Ron is doing fine but he is worried about his cousin Jerry Bacon. Jerry is going in […]
Vitamins Ordered
Just placed my first order for the vitamins I will be on for the rest of my life. I would so much rather take these vitamins then all the harmful medications I was taking 🙂 Just think no real side effects from vitamins.
FMLA Confirmed
Got conformation today that my FMLA has been approved. One step closer to making this dream a reality. It is finally setting in I am going to be healthy!
Surgery Scheduled
Greetings family and friends, It is with great excitement and utter terror I write this. My two year long quest has finally come full circle. I have been fully cleared for surgery by the insurance company and from the University of Chicago Surgical team. I will be completing my final nutrition, pre-ops and lab work […]
Dr Prachand Visit 9/28/2011
Well I saw the Doctor today and he was excited that I had no weight gain since the last visit. He has verified we have everything and is meeting with his team later this week to discuss setting a date for my surgery.
Duodenal Switch Animation
Duodenal Switch Animation httpv://youtu.be/Sdks7Muv9LE Here is another animation of the procedure I am going to be having done. This one shows it a little better but no sound.
Facebook Intergration
I am intergrating this blog with my facebook page so that it keeps everyone up to date easier as I go thru this transformation. Today i updated my will and got the paperwork ready to take to have signed by the witnesses and notary just incase.
Duodenal Switch operation
Duodenal Switch operation httpv://youtu.be/lf4rUbKWC1I This is the procedure I will be having. The duodenal switch (DS) procedure, also known as biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) or gastric reduction duodenal switch (GRDS), is a weight loss surgery procedure that is composed of a restrictive and a malabsorptive aspect. The restrictive portion of the surgery […]
Vivek N. Prachand, MD
Meet the man that is going to save my life. Associate Professor of Surgery Vivek Prachand, MD, is an expert in minimally invasive abdominal surgery. He is skilled at the most advanced laparoscopic procedures, and performs more than 200 laparoscopic abdominal surgeries each year.
Pulmonologist Clearance
Today I saw Dr. Alexander Bozanich and he cleared me for surgery. He said he would write the letter and have it faxed by the end of the day.
Primary Care Clearance
Today I saw Dr. Desai and they started the paperwork for the new health and physical and letter for surgical clearance. They said they would have it faxed in by next Friday.
University of Chicago Contacted
So today I contacted the University of Chicago and told them that I have been approved to come back and that my surgery has been cleared and asked what I have to do to get started. They want an updated history and physical and surgical clearance from my Primary Care Physician. They also want an […]
Insurance Company Revelation
This morning I called Healthy 4 Life center and told them that the insurance states they have not received their referral and that the manager at the insurance company gave me her direct fax number and asked they refax the information directly to her. The staff faxes not only the referral but also the conformation […]
Insurance Company Complaint
Ok I have received nothing from the insurance company in over a month. I am fed up I call the insurance company and ask to speak to management. The head of case management calls me back I explain all of the issues and concerns. Also going thru all of my documentation she agrees something does […]
Healthy 4 Life Surgeons
I had an appointment today with the surgeons of the Healthy for Life center at St Mary. They think the insurance company is crazy and fully document why I should be sent back to the University of Chicago and that it is medically beneficial for me to have the duodenal switch procedure instead of the […]
Healthy 4 Life
I had an appointment today with Dr. Champsey of the Healthy for Life center at St Mary. He listens to the entire thing I have been thru over the past year and I provide him with the documentation of everything that has been done. He agrees the best solution for me would probably be the […]
Insurance Bombshell
So the insurance company drops a bomb on us today. As of May 1st, they no longer cover the University of Chicago as in network since my Hospital has now opened their own Obesity Treatment Center. I will have to start the process all over again and go see this new center and have my […]
Insurance Documentation Third Time
Ok so we follow another twelve weeks and they again send the paperwork in this time with full progress notes and details each week and everything so we are good now right. Now the case worker for the insurance company is complaining that the progress notes do not have the Primary Care Physicians logo on […]
Insurance Documentation Again
Ok so the primary care physician sends in the documentation again, and once again they don’t like the information and they say they now want more lab and blood work and want full progress notes on each step of the diet procedure.
Team Board
All day event consisting of visits with Dietitians, Psychologists, Surgery team all went well and I was accepted as a good candidate for the surgery. They informed me to compete the final step, which was the insurance approval.
Insurance Documentation Issue
After the 12 weeks on the physician supervised diet, my primary care physician sends in the letter and details of everything we did. The insurance company contacts me and informs me they do not like the documentation and they want actual progress notes and I will have to start the 12 weeks all over again.
Pulmonologist Clearance
After the recommendation from someone in the respiratory field that I work with and trust, I chose Dr. Alexander Bozanich, he evaluated me and my sleep Athena and had me go thru some tests and cleared me for surgery
Primary Care Physician
The first hurdle in the battle was seeing my Primary Care Physician and getting him to agree to the sugery, this proved to be the easiest step. He agreed as he had been treating me for years for all of my medical issues and we started the 12 weeks of required supervised diet required by […]
My Journey Begins
After years of trying to control my weight with diets and every other type of “fad” there was, I finally decided to seek surgical help for my weight control issues. I decided to go with Center for the Surgical Treatment of Obesity The University Of Chicago Medical Center a friend at work Michael Brady highly reccomended […]