Man who lost almost 20st to take part in Ironman Leeds
Mr Baker stopped playing rugby into adulthood due to a shoulder injury."My weight spiralled and I got up to a maximum of 38st... it was horrible," he said."I struggled to get in and out of my own car so I swapped cars with my partner because hers was bigger."Before the pandemic, Mr Baker was due to have weight loss surgery in the UK and had to go on a restricted calorie diet in order to lose 3st (19kg) in preparation.
Mr Baker continued dieting and lost 10st (64kg) after the surgery fell through.When the pandemic hit, Mr Baker said he gained weight again, but was eventually able to have gastric sleeve surgery in Egypt.Gastric sleeve surgery involves removing 80% of the stomach so it feels full sooner and less food is then needed to be eaten."It was a tool to help me get to a place where I can manage my exercise and keep on top of nutrition," he said.
"Even this week, we've been to Alton Towers which is something I never would have done before because I just wouldn't have fitted in the rides."After running triathlons, Mr Baker is looking forward to taking part in the Leeds ironman event this month, although he said the bike ride and marathon will be hilly."I've been training for it for a while now," he said."My family are coming with me to support, it's going to be a good day."
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