Gregory is sharing his journey with the world and doing it with purpose.
It was a Sunday night – I was scrolling through my Instagram feed and there was a post from @Fat2FitGregory that stopped me in my tracks. He’s rocking a Ken toupee, showing off a new piece for a Halloween costume. There was a mix of seriousness and goofiness that was worth a second look.
It was midnight, which was the perfect time to go down an Insta rabbit hole and miss out on a few hours of shut-eye. So, I dove right in.
What I found on Gregory’s profile was a blue-eyed, dog lover, workout nut, and deep thinker who shoots from the heart while sitting in his gym. From workout ideas to honesty about body dysmorphia, he posts great content for men going through bariatric surgery.
Side note - I found a couple more posts dedicated to the Barbie movie - so much to love!
Most importantly, I found a guy who’s living life to the fullest after bariatric surgery, and he’s not holding back. He’s sharing his journey with the world and doing it with purpose.
I reached out for an interview and met Gregory on Zoom. His friendliness and thoughtful answers during our chat added to the reasons to admire him. The best part was, it felt like we were friends even though we’d just met.
Here’s what Gregory shared with me about his bariatric surgery journey.
Bari L&S: Gregory, thanks for meeting with me today. Can you share a little background on what led you to have bariatric surgery?
Gregory: Sure, I can remember being overweight most of my life. I was probably 5 when I realized that I was bigger than other kids and they would make comments, people would say things.
I started dieting in elementary school. It was kind of the culture at the time. Getting slim or fit was very talked about. I can remember trying to do things like ride my bike more and I tried to be really active, but I just kept getting bigger. I think I was about 325 in high school.
Bari L&S: In a couple of words, can you describe the weight loss surgery journey?
Gregory: One word would be commitment. You have to be dedicated to yourself and be willing to put yourself first. The second would be humor. There are times when you just have to laugh at the process and find humor in the journey. Don’t take things too hard, especially when they don’t go exactly as planned. Everything won’t be perfect but remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Bari L&S: What do you love most about your bariatric life?
Gregory: I can be myself now.
Many overweight people feel too big in their bodies, but they also feel too big in every situation. Before surgery, I wanted to feel smaller, so I would make my personality smaller, which meant that I wasn’t being myself in most situations.
Since I’ve had surgery and have gotten healthier, I don’t feel like I have to make myself small or hide my personality anymore. I can have a bigger personality without feeling like I am too big generally.
Bari L&S: What does a typical day include now that you are 6 years post-op?
Gregory: Well, I wake up in the morning and get ready for work. Breakfast is usually a protein shake and then maybe a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich.
When I go to work, I take a protein bar and another protein shake for lunch. Then I have a normal dinner. I can eat more than you would expect. Honestly, I can usually eat about the same as what other people eat at dinner. I don’t have much restriction from the surgery anymore.
I take a daily bariatric multivitamin and calcium with vitamin D, and I drink water throughout the day. I probably get over 150g of protein every day because I lift weights several times a week. I like to work out in the evenings after dinner, 7:30 to 8:30 or 9:00 about 3 or 4 days per week. Sometimes I’ll have a small sandwich after I work out.
Bari L&S: Are there any things that you do regularly that you think contribute to your success?
Gregory: Surprisingly, social media. I’ve been sharing my journey and my workouts on Instagram and YouTube @Fat2FitGregory. I think being an inspiration to others keeps me focused. I enjoy being there for other people who are going through the process.
And shopping. I love clothes now and I enjoy wearing things that I feel good about. I could never find things that fit me well before surgery. I think looking nice and wearing nicer things has become a part of my identity, and it motivates me.
Bari L&S: What made you decide to share your journey publicly?
Gregory: I struggle with body dysmorphia, which most people don’t associate with men. Grown men in their 40s have very few places to turn for advice or shared experiences. So, I wanted to be a resource for men who might be experiencing the same feelings about their bodies. I also want people to know that although it is not easy at times, it is possible to maintain your weight loss long-term and that it is worth the time and effort. I never knew myself other than being morbidly obese and I am learning about myself each day. I hope that sharing the things I have learned and still learning, will help other people.
Bari L&S: What are the biggest challenges that you’ve faced along the way?
Gregory: One of the biggest challenges has been relationships. Some of my relationships have suffered after bariatric surgery. You really have to put yourself first in this process. People might get upset when you say NO, or when you leave early. There also may be some jealousy which can be very difficult. It is a big change for us, but it is also a big change for others around us. Just as we are learning who we are now, we need to give the people around us time to learn who we are now as well.
I’ve also struggled with guilt. I feel like I have been really fortunate to be able to have the surgery, lose weight, and also have plastic surgery to remove loose skin. I know everyone can’t do that, but it has been life-changing for me.
Even after I lost almost 200 lbs, I still couldn’t see my body or really appreciate my new body because of the loose skin. So, I had a chest lift, a 360-degree lift, and a butt lift. As I said, it was life-changing for me, but I still feel some guilt about it, even now.
Bari L&S: How would you define your bariatric style?
Gregory: I would say restraint. I mean, I approach food with restraint, but without sacrificing everything. I try not to spend today what I might want to save for the weekend. Since having surgery, I don’t have to have it “now” anymore, and yet I don’t feel like I’m missing out; I’m just saving it for later.
Bari L&S: Thank you, Gregory. It’s been great getting to know you! I hope you continue to support and inspire the men in the bariatric community to find a healthier path, just like you have done.
Stats
Age at Time of Surgery: 38
Type of surgery: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Pre-Surgery Weight: 420 lbs
Stable weight: 225 lbs
Follow Gregory on Instagram and YouTube: @Fat2FitGregory
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