Surgery saves the life of obese RI man

(WPRI) -- A local father hopes his story of survival will help others, after he fought his way back from the brink of death.

Adrian Price used to be in good shape, and tells us that at one point he was running five miles a day. But then he started gaining weight, so much so that he nearly died several times.

After finding a solution, he tells us he feels obligated to help other Rhode Islanders battling obesity.

Price says his recovery from obesity isn't over; it's a life-long battle of making good choices about his health. Now, he has an important message for those facing the same fight.

In 2010, Price weighed 500 pounds and was staring death in the face.

"They told my parents that there's nothing else they can do," he said.

Price, a father of five, slipped into a coma, but continued to fight for his life.

"At that time he really had no hope, he had a lot of medical problems," said Dr. Siva Vithiananthan of the Center for Bariatric Surgery at Miriam Hospital.

For years, Price's weight caused a series of health problems, such as sleep apnea, skyrocketing blood pressure, and finally pneumonia, which shut down his body and sent him into a months-long coma.

During that time, his heart stopped three times.

Price was lucky because the dice rolled in his favor, and his children were able to see their father alive again.

"I remember putting my arms around them and not wanting to let them go," added Price. "I had wondered if I would see them again at certain times."

Price wasn't always destined for a life of obesity. When he was younger, he was athletic and served in the Army. Then, his weight started fluctuating, until finally he tipped the scales at a quarter-ton.

"I couldn't even walk," he said.

After the coma, Price underwent several surgeries at Miriam Hospital's Center for Bariatric Surgery, including a gastric bypass.

"This surgery has changed a lot of lives, it certainly has given me my life back," he said.

Price lost 100 pounds in nine months, and 275 pounds in total. He calls Dr. Vithiananthan his guardian angel.

"This is the best part of my life," said the doctor. "It's a great feeling."

• Photos: Before & After Price's Surgery

Now, Price has an important message for those facing the same fight.

"Life is a blessing, it's a gift. It's not a right," he said.

Price has fought to stay healthy. When he watched his wife Maggie die of an enlarged heart earlier this year, he knew he couldn't give up, for his family's sake.

"I am looking forward to seeing my grandchildren," he added. "There was a time where I wasn't sure that would be the case. My journey, the things I've gone through, believe me, I cherish every day."

Dr. Vithiananthan says that right now, 25 percent of Rhode Island is obese. In 20 years, that number could jump to 50 percent.