The Scott Keats Transformation

Hello Everyone,

Well, it's day 14 post op from my Gastric Sleeve surgery. Oh, what a time. With the scare of Covid-19 around the world, I have been in my house for most of this second week to continue healing from the surgery. I am finding it easier to bend at the waist, less pain, and loving what I am seeing in the mirror every day.

My incisions are healing and half of the steri strips have fallen off. The biggest incision just above my belly button is looking good, but the indentation from it is funny to look at. I am doing the stairs and and walking as much as I can to help facilitate the weight loss.

As for food, I have been on point with the full fluid diet, and I have been able to get in 2L of water each day. I am getting a little board with the full fluid diet, but I did go to Metro yesterday and picked up Stevia so I can add a sugar substitute to sweeten my cream of wheat. Tomorrow I start the pureed diet and I have some fruits and veggies already pureed, and I have 10 jars of baby food so I am set to expand my diet a little for the next 2 weeks. Note, I am still averaging 500 calories a day because of how small my stomach is.

I will post pictures after my April 9th appointment to show my progress just over 1 month post op. So far I can fit into my size 54 pants again, which has been 1.5 years. I am also noticing changes in my legs, the width of my stomach, the size of my "man b***s", and seeing my face thin out some more, but I can see the turkey neck slightly coming in. I hope my skin elasticity kicks in for that soon.

Anyhow, going to have my snack no sugar chocolate putting with Whey protein isolate powder. Have a great night!

Remember, no matter the weight loss and fitness journey you are on, continue to focus, and you will rock this!! Everyone is a Superstar!

Scott "Keaters" Keats

Hi Everyone,

It's Sunday night and I am almost 1 week since my gastric sleeve surgery. So far, I am feeling a little better each day with regards to incision pain. I have been practicing my sumo squats as it is hard to bend over, but that is getting easier as I am not having to squat as much, which is making getting dressed much easier.

I have been trying to have a normal life while I heal by doing some house work, going for walks while I do a little shopping, and I am trying to avoid lifting anything 10lbs or more since the surgeon said I need 6 to 8 weeks to allow the stomach muscle to heal.

I must say, I am not eating a whole lot, which is expected since my stomach can only hold 88ml right now. I am averaging 450-500 calories a day. I am making sure to get 70 to 80 grams of protein each day. I will say that I don't feel hunger at all, so I have to schedule and remind myself to eat. This is the same for my vitamins too.

Overall, my tummy is looking a little more deflated and so do my thighs. I am happy about that. I know that I am putting myself into a calorie deficit due to the surgery, which is helping. I know I will have my next weigh in on April 9th, so I will see what I will be at weight wise. All I know is that my 5XL t-shirts are loose and no longer have to be stretched to put them on, which is nice with these incisions. I have smaller clothes ready from when I dropped to 320lbs, but I will need to get smaller boxers. Oh the joys of weight lose when you have to go out and buy a new wardrobe. To know I am getting healthy, it is all worth it.

I am going to get ready for bed as I have to work (lucky me) from home this week so I need my beauty and healing rest. I am so happy with my position at work that I can work from home. I am happy my Employer is so supportive to allow me to do work from home while I continue to heal.

Just remember, you are an amazing person and whatever health journey you are taking, you will continue to rock it.

Night,

Scott "Keaters" Keats

Good Morning World,

Well, I am finally going home today. I got the go ahead from the surgeon team that I am being discharged at 11am.

I must say, this journey after the surgery had its ups and downs. First, I woke up as they were moving me from the surgical table to the bed I have been in. I heard them say that the Lap Sleeve Gastrectomy was a success. So no roux en y. They said a fatty gland around my stomach would not move so that is why I had the Sleeve. Instead of a large egg for a stomach, I have a tube the size of a small banana. I joked because this is what my Mom would say she would have done when I used to eat cheese slices by the dozen as a little kid, aka Stomach Stapled.

Post-Op day Zero was rough as I was in and out due to the anesthesia. I was hooked to an IV for fluids and was not allowed to drink, so all I had was ice chips to suck on. I did have these cool wraps that massaged my calves which kept my leg swelling down, but it was used to avoid blood clot formation. I did not sleep well that night as I was up with stomach pain.

Post Op day 1 was a lot better as I was doing marathons around the ward, but walking slow. I was finally able to have my full fluid diet and focus on hydrating myself by sipping out of medicine cups. I must say, high protein jello and Bariatric drink are not always fun to have as there is no variety, but overall it was palatable. Pain was more manageable and I haven't had a narcotic (morphine) since 5pm.

Post Op day 2 I slept better and had a little acid reflux but got stomach acid pills and feeling good. I am drinking and awaiting on breakfast.

Well, it's not the new lifestyle was expecting, but I will say it will be the start to a new lifestyle. I won't screw this up and I am going to see how I feel each and every day. Nice part is that the diet for the first 6 months is the same with roux en y so I am all good.

Anyhow getting all ready for breakfast.

Later Everyone

Scott "Keaters" Keats

Good Morning World,

I am here now and registered early because we all know how busy Toronto traffic is in the morning. Still a little scared and freaking out, but I am smiling as I am ready for this part of the journey.

I want to say thank you to everyone for all of the kind words from my last post. I am feeling the support you are giving to me. I know I will come out the other side of this as a healthier person and someone who will enjoy life more than I am now.

Everyone, continue to rock this and be the best you can be. No matter the healthy journey you take to better your physical and mental self, you will come out the other side with support, love and self determination.

Have an awesome day Everyone and Thank you! Will post when I am ready after the surgery!

Thank you,

Scott "Keaters" Keats

Hi Everyone,

Well, today is the last day I was on OptiFast and I am happy that I am finally done with those shakes. Now I am relaxing and thinking of why I got to 600lbs and why I cannot keep the weight off. I am on this journey of roux en y surgery to help me get to my goals. Tomorrow morning I arrive at the hospital at 8:30am and surgery is at 10:45am. Once I am out of the surgery, my new lifestyle begins and I will be working to get back into more physical activity when I am allowed to, and rock this next phase of my weight loss journey.

Have a good night

Scott "Keaters" Keats

Hello Everyone,

Yes, I have not posted in a long time. I have been enjoying life with all of its ups and downs, but I let all of the hard work I did go out of control.
I am no where near the 600lbs I once was, but I did get up to as high as 483lbs, up from the 320lbs I got down to in December 2017.
I decided in the summer of 2019 that I needed to make a change as I was not happy with myself, and my urges for certain foods was starting to get to me. I decided to go through and ask my family doctor to refer me to the Bariatric Clinic again. This time, I am doing the surgical program.
I went through the first class with an open mind and knew that this was the path I needed to do to save myself and avoid falling into a deeper whole with my health. I went through all the tests, I did my Social Work homework and had good conversations that opened my eyes up to the lifestyle change that is coming. I started preparing for it by practicing sipping water and even chewing my food longer.
Finally I was approved for surgery at a weight of 479lbs. I have been on 2 weeks of OptiFast 900, 4 shakes a day, no food and I have lost a lot of weight to prepare for the route-en-y surgery.
My date has been set for March 2, 2020,and from that date forward, I will be loving a whole new lifestyle and I will be a totally changed person. Keaters 2.0 here I come!
2 weeks until surgery!

From 651 to 200 pounds, man shares 3 tips that helped change his life At 38 years old, Carlos Orosco weighed 651 pounds and had serious medical issues. Today, he's lost 450 pounds.

Stop Holding Your Farts In - Here Are 7 Surprising Health Benefits Of Passing Gas We're often self-conscious when we fart. However, farting is actually healthy for you. Here's why!

Hi Transformation Nation,

Well, yesterday was week one of my new step in this journey to 250lbs. I met with my Weight Management class at the hospital for our next class on goal setting, but with Optifast in the mix. As well we did our pre-class weigh-ins to see how we did on our first week of Optifast. Remember, it's 12 weeks, so today is the start of week two. I will be letting you all know how much I lost in a little bit.
This past week was a week of ups and downs. I am used to intaking 1800 to 2300 calories when I am working out, but 900 calories is an adjustment. Now, being on Optifast 900, you will go into a state of Ketosis, because you are getting 100% of your nutritional intake, via a shake only. Will be interesting at the end of 12 weeks.
This week, I was losing my mind driving around to places as certain roads had fast food chains all over making it a tease. After a week, it's no longer and issue. Since I drink water mostly, that has been easy, but now I am up to 6L or more a day, which we all know what that means lol.
I am really focusing hard on this and keeping things on the straight and narrow.
As for the Anti-dsDNA antibodies testing, I have not heard back from my family doctor, but I do have an appointment to discuss why my jaw is slipping as it is killing me. Good thing I am on a liquid diet lol.
Now the big news...drum roll please..

I lost 20lbs last week, bringing my weight from 448lbs to 428lbs. You don't know how excited I am over this, as I can see my jaw line again, my collar bone again, and I can see that my belt is getting loose again. That number is the motivation I needed. On top of that, I am focused on HIIT cardio with weighted cardio to help shock my system. Since yesterday my joint pain has reduced and I am going to see if I can get myself off the meds if I continue to feel better!!

Just remember, we all have struggles in our lives, but it's how we figure out what the "why" is and figure out a sustainable solution; that we will see our end results. This can count for many things in life, including struggles with weight and health. We all have this!! is in full force and ready to continue the journey to 250lbs.

Signing out for the night everyone!

Scott "Keaters" Keats

media0.giphy.com

Hello Transformation nation,

Well, I have to start by saying "I am sorry". I have been away from my page for so long because I have been struggling. It is my own fault, but at the same time, my main struggle was with my osteoarthritis. I have been back on NSAIDS and even Prednisone, at times, because my joints are inflamed and I can hardly move.
I got a new family doctor a few months ago and he is taking my concerns seriously. I am still healthy according to blood work, but I was tested for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. Tests came back negative for RA, but the result for the Anti-dsDNA antibodies came back high. This could mean I have Lupus or its the Osteoarthritis. I have never had this test, but I have more blood test results coming and a possible referral to a Rheumatologist.
My doctor, also, sent me through for the Ontario Medical Weight Management Program, which I started today. So as of today, for the next 12 weeks, I am on Optifast 900 for 3 meals and a snack. My doctor said with all the pain, they want to see if this helps reduce inflammation, as well as see a reduction in weight. Since I am only taking in 900 calories, we will see. After 12 weeks, I have another 12 weeks where I am on the Optifast, but learning how to eat again. I will say today is tough as I am about to have shake number two (mind you, it tastes like my chocolate vegan protein shakes I used to have), but I am starving. 28 grams of protein in each package is not filling me up for long.
I will say I have an amazing supportive support system, and I will be getting back into the gym soon.
Today I weighed in at 448lbs, up from 350lbs more than 1.5 years ago. Time to relearn eating, continue to drink 3 or more litres of water a day, and be more healthy than what I am, and ultimately No More Pain. Time to bring back the moto . I will win and continue to overcome all struggles.

Have a great day everyone!

Scott "Keaters" Keats

Hello Transformation Nation,

Well, I want to say sorry for not posting a blog in such a long time. I have been very distracted and dealing with a lot of things. As I last told you, I have moved back to my home town of Windsor, Ontario, and I am loving the fact I have grown an amazing relationship with my GF. It has been 13 months since we first met and we are so happy to have met one another.

On to the fun (or not so fun stuff). Last time I weighed myself I was 352lbs. Yesterday, I weighed in at 383lbs. Yes, I have gained some weight, and I have no excuse for it. For the past 7 months, I have been in a lot of pain. My osteoarthritis has been flared so badly, that when my new family doctor checked my inflammation levels via blood work, I was 5 times the normal limit. Because of this, I have been back on Naproxen. Not happy about that, but I will admit that it is helping. My goal in the next few months is to slowly ween myself off of Naproxen, again.

Last week, I was having dizzy spells and headaches, which were scaring me. I went to my doctor and when they checked my blood pressure, it was at 150/90. High, but not alarming high. Since then, I have reduced my stress at work, and taken my Naproxen and stopped it, as it is a contributor to high blood pressure. Pain has come back, but my BP is averaging 130/87.

Now, I will admit that I have not worked in almost 9 months, and that guilt is weighing on me. I lost the fire to work out when I ran into pain problems with my joints. That is not going to stop me now. In the past few days, I have said to my GF that I need to get back into the gym. I need to get active again, and get my metabolism back on track. Because of this, I have a meeting with a Kelsey from Goodlife Fitness to get myself back on track, and to get the moving forward. That meeting is on May 3 at 10am.

My lesson I have learned in the past week is that I cannot be psyched out by my osteoarthritis and to not allow the pain to take over. I can do this, and I can hit my goal of getting to 250lbs. I am now 138lbs away, but I know I can do this.

Expect to see more posts in the up and coming weeks as I resume my forced journey, and rock this part of me.

Have a good night Everyone,

Scott "Keaters" Keats

5 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Eat Only One Egg Daily This post will change your mind about eating eggs

Why Bad Breath, Body Odor and Urine Smell are Early Warning Signs of Infection Ailment-induced odors are far from the domain of obscure problems like maple syrup-urine disease ortrimethylaminuria—a genetic condition that makes sufferers smell like rotten fish....

Very important, and I am getting back into using these again!!

2 Powerful Ingredients That Clean Up Your Body From Parasites And Reduces Fat Deposits You have probably craved for sweet many times before. However, as long as it does not happen too often, there is nothing to worry about. Namely, there are people seem to have that chronic sweet tooth. The sweet tooth may be an addiction, and the following...

This is something interesting and I think we should all read.

14 Early Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity Everyone Should Know (millions are EXPOSED every day) Without knowing it, hundreds of millions of people are exposed to toxic mold every single day by touch, breathing or ingestion—and they don’t even...

How To Remove 20 Pounds of Toxic Fat From Your Colon The average Colon of an American carries an estimated 20 pounds of excess f***l matter and toxic fat. Here are 4 foods, spices & herbs to remove that excess

13 Simple Tricks to NEVER Have a Sugar Craving Again - The Science Of Eating You can live without a trip to the vending machine—just try one of these tactics. Juggling is hard. Holding a crow pose for five...

Naturally Cure Ear Infections Without Going To The Doctor or Turning To Antibiotics The common ear infection, otherwise known as Acute Otitis Media (AOM), often occurs in young children who are frequently exposed to germs but adults can also be afflicted. There is still confusion as to whether it is a good idea to administer antibiotics in these cases. Antibiotics have generally been...More

So true, so true

Milk Destroys Your Bones From the Inside But Everyone Drinks It Every Day! We are all well familiar with the slogan “Got Milk?”…. This marketing strategy has worked for years. The entire society (backed up by government suggestions) vigorously promotes the consumption of dairy. How else are we going to get the calcium and Vitamin D that is proudly featured on every carton…

Hello Transformation Nation,

Well, I know I have been off the grid on this page for a little while, but wanted everyone to know I have not forgotten about you or this journey.
New things have come into my life that are very good, and bad things have resurfaced and caused me major problems. That does not mean I am not fighting, because I SURE AM FIGHTING. The movement is not lost and is still fighting each and every day.

Now, since May, I have been in bad pain with my joints due to the major flare ups I am getting from the osteoarthritis. I have been battling this and I am still battling it as I write this. Since my 34th birthday, I have been thinking about what to do next. I have noticed a good day here and there, so I do what I can. My Shoulders and right hand are brutal, but the rest of my body is doing well. I am doing what I can and even got back to the gym since May to get in a light workout. It was nothing like I used to do, but here is what I did:

1) 5 minute warmup on the AMT Elliptical
2) 5 minute jog/run on the Treadmill doing a speed of 3.8 to 5.2.
3) 2 Handed Rope Pull for Triceps: 2 sets of 10 at 35lbs, 2 sets of 10 at 42.5lbs.
4) Dumbbell Curls: 2 sets of 10 at 30lbs each hand, 2 sets of 10 at 35lbs each hand

Now, that is a small portion of what I used to do, but I was proud to complete and move forward. I felt great and sore later, but I did it.

Today, I met up with someone from my high school days and he is game to get me back on track physically and try to reduce the pain so I can stop the Naproxen and move forward to rid myself of the remaining 100lbs I have to lose to get to 250lbs body weight. He is impressed with what I have done so far and wants to see me do a half marathon next October in Detroit. I said, if he is going to work with me, then let's do it. I have aggressive visits with him in the next few weeks so we will see how I am.

Anyhow, I am still alive and well, now one year older at 34 and trucking along, but at a slow pace, but this will pick up. Thank you everyone for sticking around and you will hear more from me in the coming days. Thank you.

Remember is running wild and living proud.

Have a good day Everyone!! You all Rock!!

Scott "Keaters" Keats

"Thank you Everyone"

I want to give a huge thank you to those of you who commented on my post from this morning. You all have a special place in my journey and I have missed all of you. You are all amazing people and your words mean a lot.

I am going to work with Dr. Colin Goudreau and Ashley Van Zelt to figure out a timeline and I will work it in with my family doctor to see what can be done. Have a feeling another bone scan will be coming, but let's see.

Granted, I will say this, I have been busy helping a very good friend pack and move so I have been getting bursts of exercise with lifting boxes, but I need to know I can get back in the gym and hear the sounds of weights and machines and know I won't be an epic failure.

Well people, time for me to call it a night as Wellness Friday starts at 9am.

Remember is running wild and living proud in all of us.

Scott "Keaters" Keats

***Sorry for Being Away So Long***

Hello Transformation Nation,

Well, this is my first post since May, and I want to apologize for not updating. My life has involved a ton of positives, and at the same time, a lot of set backs.

First, my osteoarthritis has come back ten fold since March and has not stopped. It is as bad as it was when I was diagnosed in 2008. The fortune thing for myself is that the 217lbs lost so far has helped as I am able to move without help. I am having Friday Wellness Sessions with Dr Colin Goudreau for Chiropractic work and Ashley Van Zelt for Massages. They help get me through the next seven days with no problems.

I have another appointment on July 8 to talk to my doctor about my conditions because Naproxen is not working and I need something else. My Diet has changed so I am wondering what is making it come back so hard.

In this time, the osteoarthritis has taken hold of both hands, my shoulders, and my right foot. I am losing my mind as I want to hit the gym, but I can't use machines, my foot, if I push through, will put me out of commission for a few days. Working on orthotics to see if it helps.

I have not gone backwards with my journey has I am still eating in moderation and eating healthy. I will admit that I have tried some foods I haven't eaten in a long time, and my stomach cannot handle it well, and even my ability to eat 3 or 4 plates at a buffet is gone. Happy about this because I am still losing weight, but slowly.

I just wanted everyone to know I am still around and not giving up. is still running (walking) wild and living proud.

Have an awesome day!!

Scott "Keaters" Keats

***Rough Week and Going to Bounce Back***

Hello Everyone,

Well, I understand I have not posted in a week, and I am sorry for this. I have been very tired and have had no motivation. As I lay here in bed with guilt on my face, and my left leg resting, I wanted to talk to everyone.

Now, I am back on here writing because of an awesome person from Syracuse NY, by the name of Ronnie Brower. He has a FB page called 600lbs to success. He started his journey at 675lbs with the help of two awesome trainers and owners of the gym Mission Fitness. Ronnie's friend made him a pack that if Ronnie lost 425lbs, he would take him to see his favorite singer Taylor Swift. Well, his friend did up a video on YouTube of Ronnie's journey because in 23 months Ronnie lost the 425lbs and wanted Taylor Swift to see it. I watched the video and OMG.

I was so inspired by this guy. He had two trainers who took him under their wing and worked to get him back into shape, loss weight, build self confidence, and built a friendship in the process. Now he is working on his personal training certification. When these trainers heard that Ronnie, at age 28 and 675lbs, might not live to his 35th birthday, reached out to him and offered to help him through his journey. I think that is so awesome. They went to his house to help him before he was ready to leave and go to the gym. This all blew my mind.

Now we all wish we could get help like that, and I know I have had a little help from my Employer when I busted my butt to win a competition for free PT sessions. That helped so much.

I am bringing this up because with all the fun problems I have been having with my right hand, and now a condition I have in my lower left leg (not Cellulitis) that causes swelling due to vein damage that causes restricted blood flow, I have been a little depressed. I ask why me, but know that I have to fight through it. I have to find a way to get back in the gym and really focus on my physical side. My workouts have been few and far between for the past 44 days and that is not good. I am honestly finding it hard to do this myself because I don't know what to do. I am working on it, and have a plan to get back on track and beat this.

On a positive note, when I saw my doctor on Monday for my hand and my left elbow, I was weighed in and now I am 379lbs, down 217lbs, but that 10lbs drop was mainly on diet. I need to keep this moving forward, but my exercise helps boost the weight loss.

Well, I am resting my leg and taking the rest of the week off to work through my swelling issue and work on a plan, but if anyone has good ideas with their own journey, please let me know.

Remember is running wild and living proud in all of us.

Have a great day everyone.

Scott "Keaters" Keats

*** and OMG Day***

Good Day Everyone.

I hit the gym yesterday for a 33 minute high resistance interval cardio session on the AMT Elliptical. After the workout I saw this photo from almost 11 months ago and I am floored by the difference. In the photo on the left, this 4XLT shirt was tight even after I stretched it out. It barely covered my stomach. Today, that same shirt is baggy on me and covers my stomach very well. My face has changed, legs are smaller, and I am much happier. Booyah to eating cleaning and being active.

is running wild and living proud.

Later,

Scott "Keaters" Keats