In Rhode Island, a man who weighs nearly 800 pounds says he's determined to lose weight and become an actor one day. US News reported that Steven Assanti, of Cranston, now refers to himself as a monster who wants to inspire other people who struggle with their weight. He couldn't go up the stairs in his father's home so he decided to live at the back of his father's SUV. He felt "wrecked" and depressed and decided he needed to change.
He said he is addicted to pizza as long as it's not topped with anchovies. "I love food. I always loved to eat. I didn't think it would cause me harm and make me into the monster that I am right now. I don't feel human," he said in an interview with The Associated Press on Monday.
He has been gaining weight since he was in high school and tried different diets as well, but nothing worked. He also mentioned that he is interested in having gastric bypass surgery as Rosie O' Donnell inspired him. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall, he must be at least 550 pounds to be eligible. He also hopes to drop to 180 pounds. He spoke to a Rhode Island television station right after he was kicked out of Rhode Island Hospital for ordering pizza.
Three months ago, he went to Rhode Island Hospital because of the leg infection. The staff agreed to monitor his behavior and help him lose weight. His behavior can be disruptive because he gets frustrated when he's hospitalized. The Hospital does not have a weight loss program, but he was given information about the Center for Bariatric Surgery in Providence. The hospital agreed to take him in for a short-term stay.
He is now admitted in Kent Hospital, where he consumes a maximum of 2,000 calories a day, he's taking antibiotics for a leg infection and uses a walker to go around the hallways. He likes to doodle his name on scratch paper in case people start asking for his autograph someday.
