Why am I'm Called Big Will?...

My Surgeons

5yrs out Lost a total of 333 pounds

544 pounds pre-op

Dr. Keith Marshal

Dr. Carl Pesta

Well, at first I was "Lil" Will because my Dad was Big Will but as I grew so did my pants size.

 On June 30, 2003 I had gastric bypass surgery. Now that doesn't make me special, but

I have grown to accept that I am a stress eater. Over the past ten years I have tried and failed at losing weight and keeping it off. Most importantly I had to admit to myself that I needed help.

I reached this point in my life due to a number of factors.... I lost my 1st wife, my mother and my grandfather all within 6 months of each other.

 

At that time, raising my 1-year-old son along with career stress, I noticed my life was slowing to the point that normal things were not the same for me anymore.

Behind my black hat and big smile I was hiding my pain. My knees and ankles hurt so bad, my hips were going in and out of socket, my back was in knots, my asthma was off the charts and no one knew the extent of my pain.

I didn't take pain meds for fear of becoming addicted. On most nights it would take me 45 minutes to an hour to walk from my truck in my backyard to my front door. It was because of all the dancing from my gig that night.

I had a condition called "Sleep Apnea". I had to sleep with a machine that would blow a steady stream of air into my nose, to prevent me from choking in my sleep. This condition was discovered after having a sleep study. They found I stopped breathing in my sleep 350 times in one night. If left untreated could lead to a stroke or heart attack.

Two weeks post-op I lost that condition and that machine forever.

 Breathing, bathing, walking and sleeping were becoming a task. Sitting in chairs became a nightmare for fear of falling thru them. I knew that every move I made people were watching. We were playing a wedding in Chicago and one of the guests was dancing with some of her friends in front of the stage. I saw her say to her friend while pointing at me "Oh my God.. that trumpet player is huge."

They were right in front of me. I was mortified, needless to say, but kept that brave face.

November 9th 2002, on one of the biggest nights of my life, my CD release party, it hit me that I was 544 lbs. and very unhappy.

 My seamstress and close friend made my outfit for that night. When she brought it out for me to try on I thought it was for one of her heavy friends... and it was... ME!

I cried as I took it out of the bag because it was so big.

I put it on and I said "I can't live like this anymore... I'm lying to myself."

 I knew that I was not healthy inside or out. I went on that night like nothing happened. Fine on the outside, but dying on the inside.

 

She reminded me that I couldn't take care of anyone if I didn't take care of myself. Also, that I gave all I knew how to give having gone through what I had went through. Her words to me were... "It's YOUR time William."

In October of 1998 my mom died at 54 years of age from what is called "Morbid Obesity". A massive heart attack took her from my brother and I.

Seeing that "cause of death" on her death certificate shook my soul. I knew I had to change or I was next.

 "I WANTED TO LIVE". I've tried all of them, from Weight Watchers (lost 118 lbs.& gained it back) to LA Weight Loss (lost 76 lbs & gained that back.. plus) and so on.

I felt so terrible that I had to make this decision. Out of all my success I still thought I was a failure.

I did all my homework about the gastric bypass procedure. I knew that it was risky but not doing anything was even more risky.

Now, 5 years post-op my life has changed for the better. I'm more active and I enjoy my days. I look forward to new things and growing as a person and an entertainer.

I enjoy people more. I know I made the right choice for me. Believe me when I say... "Change or be changed...Act or be acted upon" The choice is YOURS.

All I know is that life is worth living. Invest in yourself. Whether or not this is for you please know that "Help starts at the end of your own arm".

By no means is gastric bypass surgery a quick fix. I go to the gym 3 times per week. I do dance and weight train. Plus, I watch what I eat because you can still gain the weight back after the surgery. Why do that to yourself after going through the procedure???

They ONLY worked on my stomach NOT my brain...so I work really hard on a daily basis to stay focused. My Mantra is... "FOCUS ON THE HABITS, NOT THE RESULTS!"

This is a "tool" and now I dance like I'm never gonna again.

I no longer have to take meds for asthma.

 My mind was ready to receive this blessing and I know the price I have to pay. To continue my life with renewed faith and strength this is my reward. My price is that I must be an open vessel and invest in other peoples lives through music, open ears, kind words and an open heart. In order for you to continue to be blessed you must sometimes be willing to give yours away.

If you need info for yourself or someone you love follow the links below. They will help you make an informed decision.

If it wasn't for the love of my wonderful family, Liv-Lite and my Docs, Dr. Marshall & Dr. Pesta, I wouldn't be here today. I owe the rest of my life to them and to helping as many people as I can .

"Welcome to the beginning of the rest of my life"

"WELCOME TO MY EVOLUTION"

Much love and happiness

Big Will

P.S.

I'M STILL GONNA BE BIG WILL (SMILE)