Jeff Peters from Chicago, Illinois, lost a staggering 23 stones of his body weight and reached a weight of 175 lbs from over 500 lbs after vertical gastric sleeve surgery. Now he is trying to raise the funds for skin removal surgery
Jeff Peters lost a staggering 325lb, transforming his body dramatically
A man who weighed more than two baby elephants has been left with 40lb of excessive skin after losing 23 stone.
Jeff Peters, a 38-year-old man from Chicago, Illinois, underwent a remarkable transformation by losing a staggering 325 lbs, which accounts for 65 per cent of his original body weight.
He weighed well over 500lb in 2017, but after witnessing a friend's death and going through personal challenges, he decided to make a change.
Jeff's weight loss journey began with a low-carb diet, weightlifting, and cycling, which helped him shed 150 lbs.
However, he faced health repercussions from the diet and opted for vertical gastric sleeve surgery to further control his eating. He has now reached 175 lbs and consumes about 2,000 calories a day.
Jeff Peters lost a staggering 325lb, transforming his body dramatically.
He underwent vertical gastric sleeve surgery to control his eating
He battled health issues due to loose skin after losing weight
He battled health issues due to loose skin after losing weight
Jeff said: "I had been big my entire life. In fact, I am now smaller than I was in the third grade – my jacket from elementary school is now two sizes too large.
"My heaviest was well over 500 lbs, though unfortunately I never had a scale that reached that high – that was in 2017. Then I saw one of my best friends die – he was two years older than me, and weighed a bit more – but watching that made me really want to make the change."
He also mentioned: "That all pushed me to take my life back," referring to his father falling sick and his marriage collapsing in 2020, which motivated him to start his weight loss journey.
Additionally, Jeff advised others struggling to lose weight, saying, "Never quit." He emphasized the importance of staying determined and celebrating the small achievements along the way, leading to the accomplishment of their goals sooner than they might think.
Despite his impressive weight loss, Jeff is left with significant loose skin, estimated to weigh up to 40 lbs. The loose skin has caused health issues like posture and spine problems, skin irritations, infections, and breakdown.
Jeff Peters lost a staggering 325lb, transforming his body dramatically.
A GoFundMe campaign aims to raise funds for his skin removal surgery
He said: "The loose skin unfortunately does come with a lot of health issues in itself – posture and spine issues are really a concern. I have developed a hunchback from the weight and the current skin hanging.
"Skin irritations, infections and breakdown are a concern. There is constant care and routines needed daily to ensure I keep it clean and healthy, including prescription creams to prevent eczema and skin breakdown."
To complete his transformation, Jeff needs funds for the surgical removal of the excess skin, which doctors consider medically necessary but isn't fully covered by insurance.
Jeff's advice to others struggling with weight loss is to never give up and to cherish the small victories along the way. His sister, Sarah, has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help him raise money for the skin removal procedure.
In the fundraiser, his sister mentions: "He has worked so hard to get to this point and feels defeated after trying so many ways to raise the funds himself.
"Let's help him as he has helped so many in his life without ever asking for anything in return. He is selfless and always goes out of his way to help family and friends as well as complete strangers. Let's come together and make this happen for him!"
blogpay
Jeff Peters from Chicago, Illinois, lost a staggering 23 stones of his body weight and reached a weight of 175 lbs from over 500 lbs after vertical gastric sleeve surgery. Now he is trying to raise the funds for skin removal surgery
Total Comments: 0