‘A second chance at life.’
How Solutions Specialist Michael Brooks lost over 300 pounds and the resilience he acquired from the experience.
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On today’s edition of Up To Speed, we met V Teamer Michael Brooks, a solutions specialist based in Sumter, SC.
Michael lost 360 pounds, a feat that was made possible thanks to his perseverance and a weight loss surgery, largely funded by Verizon’s health benefits. Verizon took a chance on him during a difficult time to help him overcome dangerous health struggles.
“I was at my worst – 615 pounds – and Verizon hired me,” Michael said. “I appreciate that because a lot of people would look at you and automatically assume that you’re lazy.”
After dealing with some excruciating leg pain and visiting a doctor for his sleep apnea, Michael accepted the severity of his situation and decided he needed to make a change for the better.
His doctor had him lose 50 pounds before performing the weight loss surgery, a journey he described as difficult and emotional.
On August 30th, 2021, Michael underwent a procedure that granted what he calls “a second chance at life.”
Since the surgery only helps control appetite, the rest of the work was up to him. After the surgery, he managed to lose 340 pounds over 15 months.
“I don’t think if I continued on that path I would’ve made it,” Michael said. “I feel like a new person, I may be 35 but I feel like I got 10 years back. I forgave myself.”
The national average for the cost of the weight-loss surgery is $30,000, Verizon paid for $27,000 – leaving him with a bill of $3,000.
“$3,000 to change your life is huge,” Michael said. “You can’t put a price tag on your life.”
