WeissCrax: Propensity for Density

The Gerard Fontes Interview

Location:  Nordhoff High School, Ojai, California, October 2, 2010 8:15AM

WeissCrax Note: Gerard Fontes agreed to an in-depth,’ no-holds barred’, 60 Minutes-like exclusive interview to get all the facts on his amazing journey.  Or, at least, some of them, anyway.

He later said that he would have agreed to it, had he “not been in headlock when asked.”

In the interest of full journalistic disclosure, Fontes and WeissCrax Randy Weiss are long-time work colleagues and friends.

So, do that stop-watch-ticking-noise-thing-in-your-head-thing here like on that real 60 Minutes television show and let’s get started…

Gerard Fontes

WC: Hey, Gerard.  Let’s get right into it … is that stop watch ticking noise bothering you?

GF: Hey, WeissCrax. No, I’m good…

WC: OK, you used to be extremely ‘grande’– what’s up with that?

GF: Yes, not just grande, OBESE. Been that weigh, err, way most of my life until two years ago.

WC: Let’s set the record straight with some stats– how tall are you? What was your highest weight and how much have you actually lost so far, Dude?

GF: Highest weight was 465 in 1998 and, on my 5’8” frame, it wasn’t pretty, as you can imagine. I’ve lost 164 pounds since November 2008 …

WC: What is our ultimate weight goal & how much more to go?

GF: 190. I have 22 pounds to go. There’s a skinny bright light at the end of the tunnel.

WC: Both our readers want to know– how the heck did you ever get so big in the first place?

GF: We have obesity issues in my family, or as I call it — a propensity for density. But, the good news is that I’ve broken the cycle and it feels great!

WC: What was that “AHA” moment?

GF: My marriage broke up. She told me it wasn’t the weight issue – so I said, “OK, so you’re leaving me for another obese man? You know the answer to that one!

WC: Most embarrassing moment — like breaking chairs or airplane travel in your formal life?

GF: Back-to-School Night with my kids. I could see and sense the reactions with their little friends and their parents. I was embarrassed for my boys and myself.

WC: What was your old food drug of choice? And how about some examples with what you used to eat compared with new options?

GF: Fast food for convenience. Taco Bell was one of my faves. Now it’s all about healthy shakes and controlled entrees. I’m in the maintenance phase of my Sansum’s Doctor’s Weight Management Diet so I can sometimes eat ‘normal food’ like a hamburger, if I want to – but I rarely want to.

WC: From a guy, who has ‘been there,’ why are large people so sensitive about their weight?

GF: You don’t feel good about yourself, especially when you look in the mirror. People say unkind things … you are very sensitive and you don’t need any reminders that you are fat.

WC: Do you think you’ll ever be in one of those Parade Magazine weight loss ads – like when the guy wears one of his old pants and holds out the waist really, really far?

GF: I’m not sure about that. But I do hope to be a motivational speaker at Sansum for other people starting the weight loss program. That only helps to reinforce that I made the right decision and is a positive focus — a ‘feel good’ in giving back to others.

WC: What do you miss about your former lifestyle?

GF: Nothing, really. Well, I wish I was still married or in a healthy relationship. But, with all that weight, it’s a sedentary lifestyle. I’m so much more alive now – incredible amounts of new energy and enjoying all kinds of new healthy experiences. I wouldn’t trade my new life for anything!

WC: When did you know that you were really “gonna make it?”

GF: First time I was flying on a plane and I didn’t have to ask for “The Extension” – I was ecstatic!

WC: Let’s talk sports. Share some new things you are doing to keep in shape.

GF: I absolutely love biking. When I first started on the weight loss program, I brought my mountain bike to work and ride with my friend, Jonathan Napel. He’s really fast!  We ride nearly every day at lunch. Getting in shape for me was trying to keep up with him. My speed increased gradually and considerably.  We can now ride together at the same pace.

WC: Are you a big fan of that reality television show, “The Biggest Loser”?

GF: No. Never watch it – I lived it!

WC: Walk us through your first challenges in your amazing journey.

GF: Well, at 376, I was considered as Extremely Obese. I couldn’t wait to get down to the Morbidly Obese category.  Sounds weird, doesn’t it?  Next downward steps were Obese and to where I am today, like many Americans, I’m in the Over-Weight category … but not for too much longer. Overall, I took baby steps – so ‘not to bite off from than I could chew” at one time.

WC: Recommendations for others who want to chart a new life course?

GF: Have faith in yourself. Accept full accountability for where you are.  You can make progress everyday. It’s hard work but I’m living proof that it’s possible.

WC: When you look in the mirror today, what do you see?

GF: Today, I see a happy guy who is really grateful … a guy who enjoys life to the fullest. I definitely have ‘a new lease.’ I want to help others feel as great as I do.

WC: Is it expensive to be healthy?

GF: Cost me about $500 a month for my special meals. Plus, I’ve had to buy new clothes along the way. I’m not complaining – it’s definitely a worthwhile investment. And the good news?  I get to steal Joseph’s clothes (15 year-old-son) when I need something. How cool is that?

WC: Hey, do you know my friend, Megan Cotich – Santa Barbara’s newest Triathlete. I think she is in your Sansum Program.

GF: Yes, I met her in class. She’s doing awesome too!

WC: Back to you — any surprising new challenges in your journey?

GF: Shaving is harder. My face isn’t round anymore. It has all kinds of little ’nooks & crannies’ that I ain’t never seen before!

WC: Absolutely best moment ever in the last two years?

GF: On a long bike ride with my boys over the summer, my elder son Jeremy turned to me and said, ‘Ya know, dad, you are an inspiration to me.’ It what every parent wants to hear. It touched my heart and only made me stronger as a Dad and as a human being.

WC: Absolutely best tip you can give someone?

GF: Always take time for yourself to nurture your soul and your passions. I think sometimes we are so busy taking care of others in our lives, we forget to do this for ourselves.

WC: Your thoughts on all these diet crazes?

GF: I don’t believe in diets anymore. They infer temporary adjustments. I’m a believer in ‘life style’ change.  Like it was for me in my former life – it’s an ‘all or nothing attitude.’ You can’t jump in half-way and be successful and achieve ambitious goals. It doesn’t work for me and it’s hard to see how it can work for others.

WC: Gerard – we need to wrap it up so just a few last, deep probing questions… many people who you know to be heavy and then lose tremendous amount of weight, have a tendency to put it back on in a few years. You, yourself had gastric-bypass surgery in 2000 – so how do you know you will keep off all the weight this time around, Bro?

GF: Well, like anyone else, I can’t predict the future. All I know right now is ‘to live in the moment.’  When you have weight challenges, it’s kind of like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) – I need to stay focused. It’s why I get up in the morning and make my healthy meals for the day to bring to work. Commitment isn’t always convenient. But, I only know how great I feel for myself and my boys and by helping others – I know I am helping myself, as well. It’s a conscious decision I now make everyday.  And you could say, “It all helps me taste more of life’s flavor…”

WC: A recent story called Fat & Fit that’s floating on the Internet these days, claims heavy people can actually be healthy. What’s your take on this?

GF: I believe it. When I weighed 465, my blood pressure was in ‘the normal range.’

WC: So, are you a ‘jolly good fellow?’

GF: Yes. I’m putting up with this, aren’t I?

WC: How do you respond to the possible likely critics who might say we are not being PC (Politically Correct) about weight-challenged individuals in this interview?

GF: I’d tell them to ‘lighten up.’

WC: Thanks for the interview, Big Guy and all the best in your incredible adventure!!

GF: Thanks, WeissCrax!

Tick..tick…tick…tick….

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WeissCrax  Randy Weiss                Special to Presidiosports.com     October 4, 2010