Amazing Fitness Transformation of Jason Lamprey
Down 180 Pounds, One Man Shares How Rowing Has Changed His Life
When Jason Lamprey attended his mother's 50th birthday party in March of 2019, it should have been a day of great celebration. And, for all intents and purposes, it was. But when Jason saw photos of himself from that otherwise happy occasion, he admits that he was horrified by what he saw, and that milestone day for his mother simultaneously became a huge turning point in his own life as well.
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At 380 pounds, the 33-year-old from Reston, Virginia had begun to see spots in his vision, was sweating excessively, and felt very fatigued, prompting a visit to his doctor. There, multiple tests revealed that his BMI was over 50 and that his A1c—an indicator of diabetes—was 13%. (The normal range for A1c is 4-6%.)
"It was confirmed that I was unwell and headed down a slippery slope," Jason says. "I was extremely diabetic with blood sugars in the 300/400s ... Additionally, I had severe sleep apnea, fatty liver, and joint pain."
But beyond all of these alarming health revelations, Jason was also realizing just how much his excess weight was holding him back from enjoying a particular activity that he'd been passionate about for nearly two decades. At his weight in 2019, it had become difficult and uncomfortable for him to go horseback riding, something he had loved doing since the age of 12.
But losing weight was easier said than done, and after careful consideration with his doctor and nutritionist, Jason decided to undergo bariatric surgery on July 23, 2020.
"I tried everything under the sun the last 10 years and constantly yo-yoed and was unable to maintain," he shares. "I cannot say I did not give it the old 'college effort' before turning to gastric bypass."
With gastric bypass, a smaller stomach pouch is created so that ingested food literally bypasses most of the stomach. This downsized pouch fills up quicker, allowing the patient to feel full faster, and ultimately restricts the amount of food that can be eaten. The surgery also reduces the production of ghrelin, otherwise known as the appetite-stimulating "hunger hormone."
Jason after his weight loss surgery (left), and nearly a year later in June 2021 (right).
Though Jason's weight loss journey was kickstarted by bariatric surgery, it was not a "quick and easy fix" by any means. Like any other bariatric patient who hopes to find true success after surgery, Jason has had to follow careful directions when it comes to what, when, and how he eats. He focuses on high protein, low carbs, and hydration, and also follows a strict vitamin protocol to ensure that his body is still getting all of the necessary nutrients it needs despite the smaller intake of food.
All of those diet changes alone would certainly bring him considerable weight loss, but Jason has since gone above and beyond to truly commit to a full lifestyle change. Even before heading into surgery, Jason was concerned about developing loose skin, a common occurrence for bariatric patients due to rapid weight loss. This can sometimes be alleviated by working out and building muscle, and fortunately, Jason has absolutely been up for the task.
He recognized that, beyond simply losing the weight, it's also incredibly important to get active and increase his cardiac health and endurance—not just for his outward appearance, but for the core of his health, too. So as soon as he was cleared to work out post-surgery, Jason joined his local Row House gym and instantly knew the indoor rowing workouts were for him.
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"I walked into Row House over 300 pounds, [yet] I was able to keep up with the workouts as they are effort-based and low impact," he says. "But the inclusivity and culture of the gym was most important; I have always felt welcomed."
Over the course of the past year, Jason has consistently shed weight thanks to his passion for Row House's rewarding, high-energy, full-body workouts which combine both cardio and resistance training for building strength.
Today, just one year since his surgery, Jason has proudly hit "one-derland," holding steady at 199 pounds for the past few months. That amounts to a 181-pound loss and marks the healthiest weight of his life, he says.
"Every test shows amazing, healthy results," he beams. "My body is lean, trim, and sculpted."
However, because of Jason's high activity level, measuring body fat percentage provides an even more accurate picture of his progress than the number on the scale. Currently, he has reached the impressive milestone of just 10% body fat—an ideal goal for the athlete that Jason has very clearly become. He even hit his millionth meter rowed this past May!
From left to right: Jason in March 2021; with one of his old 4XL shirts to remind himself of how far he has come; and celebrating a million meters at Row House.
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Going forward, Jason says he is focusing on consistency and balance without burning out, and reminds himself of the five Ps ("Proper planning prevents poor performance") when he needs encouragement to stay on track. But it's quite apparent that his love for rowing will keep him locked in on his goals. In fact, he just completed Row House teacher training and will begin coaching soon so that he can inspire others to make strides toward better health as well.
"I have wanted this for years and I finally was in a mental state to get there," he says of his amazing fitness transformation. "I have a strong support system, a workout regimen that I am obsessed with, and a plan ... everything from food prep to workout schedule—it works."
Back in the saddle: Jason is able to enjoy horseback riding again after his 180-pound weight loss.
As for his advice to others on their own weight loss journeys, he suggests taking the reins as soon as possible.
"The time is now," he urges. "Do not wait; it doesn't get easier."
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