'Fear of death changed my life': a Michigan resident lost 215 kg and ran a marathon

Having lost 475 pounds (215 kilograms), Carlos Orozco saved his life and became interested in long-distance running. The other day, a man ran his first marathon.

Photo: facebook.com/carlos.a.orosco

Three years ago, the weight of a resident of Michigan Carlos Orozco reached 651 pounds (295 kilograms). He was not sure that he would live to the age of 40 and see how his beloved little niece grows, writes People.

The man had serious health problems: severe gout, leg ulcers, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and a painful bacterial infection that causes skin redness and swelling.

Orozco wanted to change, so he met with a bariatric surgeon to discuss options for weight loss surgery. It was then that he recognized the true danger of his situation.

“We discussed my weight, my age and the fact that if I didn’t decide to change something, I would just keep gaining weight and I don’t know how long my life would last,” he said. “I waited until the end of the meeting, left the doctor, sat on the bumper of my car and burst into tears. The fear of losing my life changed me that morning—it was a feeling I had never experienced before.”

On the subject: A resident of Michigan lost weight on 70 kg, abandoning fast food

Photo: facebook.com/carlos.a.orosco

In addition, Orozco realized that he wanted to be with his family.

“I knew that my sister and brother-in-law were expecting their first child, and that I would soon become an uncle,” he says. “I needed to be around longer to see my niece grow up.” I realized that I was selfish for living like this for so long and not realizing how my death could affect my family and friends.”

Before he could have surgery on his stomach for weight loss, Orozco had to show that he could change his eating habits and tune in to success after surgery. He immediately completely ruled out fast food, fried, bread, soda and alcohol, and in combination with regular walks, he managed to lose 100 pounds (45 kilograms) after 6 months.

22 December 2016 Orozco finally underwent surgery, and after that he was able to maintain his healthy diet, gradually losing weight. He also continued to walk, and in the fall of 2017, he decided to try running at a slow pace for 5 kilometers. He finished it in 90 minutes and found a new passion.

“Running was never something I wanted or thought I would be interested in. But I immediately fell in love with the feeling before and after the run, and how everyone supported each other, regardless of size, speed or experience,” Orozco says. “All of these people are wonderful, and I have a special place in my heart for them.”

Photo: facebook.com/carlos.a.orosco

In the 1,5 years since his first competition, Orozco has completed 32 races, ranging from 8 feet (2,4 km) to a half marathon. He has 4 more half marathons and the 24-hour Ragnar Relay planned for the next spring and summer, and on October 20th he just ran his first full marathon in Detroit.

“I have a lot of great family, friends, coaches and training partners,” the man says. “They all help me in different ways, motivating, inspiring and always making sure my health and happiness is a priority.”

During this time, Orozco lost a whopping 475 pounds (215 kilograms), which is more than half its size.

“My body image and confidence are at an all-time high,” he says. “I’m much more confident in myself, and most importantly, I’m genuinely happy and I don’t have to pretend it anymore.” I can finally live the life I feel was meant for me.”

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But Orozco emphasizes that this was not easy.

“Many people only see before and after photos and some people think that bariatric procedure is an easy way to solve a weight problem, but in fact it is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life and I have to work at it every day,” he says. “Some people do not realize or understand the mental and physical sacrifice and the challenges associated with this process. There are a lot of early rises, long days and late nights, and missed events that are part of this journey.”

Photo: facebook.com/carlos.a.orosco

Orozco says it’s very important when there are people who care about you.

“You need to have the right people with you,” he says. “It should be people who know you, understand what you're going through, hold you accountable, listen to you, tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want.” Having these people, whether friends or family, has been vital to my success. What I have done and continue to do would not be possible without them.”

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