SALT LAKE CITY - It's been three weeks since FOX 13's Big Budah underwent weight-loss surgery. Budah says he's eating less, losing weight and feeling healthier.
He's making strides, but still struggles to let go of some of the emotional baggage he's carried around for years.
"I've been big like this for a big part of my life. The last time I was 220, is when I got married," Budah said.
In the nearly two decades since his marriage, the weight has piled on. Along with it, years of insecurity.
"I walk in and scan the room. Where am I going to sit, where can I at least squeeze in so it's not embarrassing," Budah said. "I'm consciously thinking about slow down, eat properly. When I'm home, you're like who cares?"
But since the surgery, Budah's mindset is changing. And so far, he likes where he's headed.
This week, Budah weighed in at 388.2 pounds, a loss of 10 pounds in the last week and 46 pounds overall. He's also losing inches; half of his stomach and 2 inches off his neck.
"I bought the suit on Wednesday and by Sunday it was already loose on me. So I had to take it back. It was good though. I took back the new belt. It was actually kind of refreshing," Budah said.
Nurse practitioner Amber Baker says patients typically lose about 10 percent of their body weight in the first six weeks, and Budah is right on track for that.
His heel spur isn't bothering him this week, so Budah took the opportunity to do some more walking. Next week, he'll change his workout with the help of a fitness trainer from the BMI clinic.
Budah also added 'soft foods' like eggs and deli meats to his diet this week.
