Farmersville Resident who Lost 172 lbs. Earns "Award of Inspiration"

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Sept. 14, 2016 - PRLog -- A Farmersville resident who lost a whopping 172 lbs from his once 350 lb. frame has earned the West Medical Inspiration Award, which is presented to those who have shed substantial weight and, in doing so, have inspired others to take control of their health/weight.  Marshall Olmos, a local hairstylist, began his odyssey on his wedding day after taking a glimpse in the mirror and declaring that, once and for all, he would take control of his life -- and his eating habits – and begin married life with a newfound commitment to becoming healthier.

The 34-year-old started on his own by amending his diet with smaller portions and healthier selections and, in doing so, dropped some 60 lbs.  But he needed an extra boost to push him past the plateau he'd reached and that's when he learned about the gastric sleeve.  This minimally invasive procedure involves reshaping and reducing the size of the stomach.  Typically, the stomach is shaped like a kidney bean. But doctors are able to reshape it so that it resembles a banana in shape and size – a reduction of about 85%.   Because the stomach is smaller, the patient is forced to eat less and the pounds just shed.  In addition to slimming down to 178 lbs, he has lost 13 inches in the waist and now wears s size 33.

"I really needed that extra boost, which the gastric sleeve procedure gave me," said Olmos.  "As I started losing the weight, not only did I feel physically better, but I noticed a lot of changes that I didn't expect.  I wasn't feeling depressed or anxious anymore.  I stopped relying on food to give me pleasure.  I used to obsess about it, but no more.  My entire life and my outlook on life has totally improved and I really want others to know that whether you have 10 lbs or 100 lbs to lose, take that first step. And remember that dedication, determination and discipline are the keys to staying on track.  And if you need help pushing past a plateau, there are options out there to help you.  I'm grateful I found West Medical for the gastric sleeve.  While they helped me, there are other tools so you have to find what's right for you."

Among other practical changes in his life are not having to purchase 2 airline seats anymore to accommodate his once enormous size; being able to enjoy amusement park rides where, before, he faced embarrassment when the parks rejected him due to his size; and experiencing no more asthma attacks where he used to suffer them 2-3 each day and going through 3-4 inhalers each month.

Olmos has some tips for staying on track:

·      Patronize restaurants that allow you to order from the kids menu.  Portion control is key.

·      Make good food choices.  Avoid fried foods, fast food and anything wrapped in cellophane.  It may sound boring, but once you start eating more fruits and veggies, you actually feel better.

·      Move more and exercise if you feel you can.  Start gently like walking around the block then increase the time and intensity as you progress.

·      Love yourself.  Take pride as you begin losing weight and surround yourself with others who will do the same.  My husband has been a great source of inspiration (he has lost 40 lbs himself by adhering to Olmos's diet).

West Medical has emerged as Southern California's leading weight loss medical practice whose teams of physicians are adept at performing a range of state-of-the-art procedures.  To reserve your spot at an upcoming seminar or for more information about West Medical and treatments offered, visit westmedical.com or call 855-525-6237.   For updates on weight loss and other health-related matters, "Like" West Medical on FaceBook - www.facebook.com/WestMedical/, Instagram - @west.medical and Twitter - @West_medical.