Doctors Gave Him a 5% Chance of Surviving – Now Sal Is Training for a Triathlon After Dropping Over 100 Pounds and Reversing His Diabetes

Sal weighed 725 pounds and was told he might not survive.

Heart failure, advanced diabetes, and food addiction had taken over his life—until one emotional plea from a family member became the spark for change.

Now, he’s lost over 100 pounds and is chasing goals most wouldn’t believe. This powerful transformation is featured in the latest video from fitness YouTuber Will Tennyson.

In this article, we break down Sal’s journey—the medical battles, mindset shifts, daily routines, and the structure that saved his life.

It’s not just about weight loss—it’s about reclaiming a future once thought lost.

Near Death and a Wake-Up Call

Sal’s medical struggles were as severe as they come. With a diagnosis of heart failure and atrial fibrillation (Afib), his heart beat in erratic, dangerous rhythms. Attempts to shock it back into order while he was awake failed. He also suffered from diabetic ketoacidosis, a medical emergency marked by extremely high blood sugar and toxic acids in the bloodstream, which nearly killed him. Doctors estimated his risk of stroke at 5%—a constant threat looming over his life.

Yet none of that was more powerful than a moment shared with a family member. “Sal, I need you not to die,” she said. That plea changed everything.

Medical Dependency vs. Survival

To stay alive, Sal depends on a complex daily regimen of medications:

• Eliquis: A blood thinner to reduce his high stroke risk due to Afib.
• Spironolactone & Torsemide: Diuretics that prevent him from retaining over 100 pounds of water in a week.
• Calcium channel blockers & beta blockers: Manage blood pressure and stabilize heart rhythms.
• Vitamin D & supplements: Replenish nutrients lost through constant diuresis.

“These medicines keep me alive,” Sal explained. “If I skipped them, I could easily gain 100 pounds in water weight in less than two weeks.”

From Constant Binging to Purposeful Eating

At his lowest point, Sal was consuming approximately 10,000 to 12,000 calories daily and spending up to $800 a week on food delivery services like DoorDash. Fast food became his coping mechanism—a way to disconnect from emotional pain, loneliness, and shame.

“I literally went bankrupt from ordering food so much,” he confessed. “I spent over $20,000 at Wendy’s alone.”

Today, he eats about 2,000 calories daily. His meals prioritize high-protein, high-volume whole foods designed to curb hunger and prevent the urge to binge. Meals often include:

• Egg whites and spinach
• Lean proteins such as chicken breast and steak
• Low-calorie vegetables like cauliflower and cucumbers
• Frozen yogurt bars or self-made treats with his beloved Ninja Creami

Tackling Food Addiction Head-On

Unlike typical dieting, Sal confronts a deeper issue: food addiction. “It’s not just being hungry. Even if the food’s in the trash, I still want it,” he revealed. “There’s no shame when I’m eating, but as soon as it’s over, I’m full of guilt.”

He avoids meal prepping for the week because of the risk of eating it all in one sitting. “If the food’s ready, I just want to eat it all. I have to prep each day.”

Building a Routine Around Movement

Sal trains up to three hours a day, spending up to ten hours total at the gym. “It’s a safe space. There’s limited access to food, and I can find community and structure,” he said. His workout routine often includes:

• Swimming four times a week to protect joints
• Strength training focused on large muscle groups
• Cardio sessions involving turf walks, a critical milestone given he once couldn’t walk more than 3–5 minutes

Progress has been consistent. He recently swam for over an hour and walked two rounds across the turf—both personal bests.

The Emotional Lift Behind Every Milestone

The moment he discovered his A1C had dropped from 13.8 to 6.4%, indicating he was below the diabetic threshold, was deeply emotional. “It’s a lot. I’ve worked very hard,” he said, holding back tears. His first call was to his mom, who once told him, “I may have to go bankrupt trying to save your life.”

Now, his mother’s sacrifices are part of his daily motivation. “I don’t want to waste another day. I’ve already wasted 28 years.”

Why Structure Is the Secret Weapon

Sal’s environment has been carefully curated for success. By spending time in safe places like the gym and avoiding food triggers at home, he strengthens his path forward. Even small wins like going to Target—something he used to dread—are steps toward reclaiming his independence and confidence.

Vision for the Future

He’s set big goals, including:

• Participating in a triathlon by next spring
• Competing in a bodybuilding show by 2028
• Ultimately completing an Ironman race

Despite currently being unable to work and depending on his family financially, Sal remains committed. “The hardest part is just getting in the car. Once I’m here at the gym, I know I’ll put in the work.”

Words for Others in the Same Battle

For those struggling with weight or food addiction, Sal emphasizes the importance of accountability. “Call someone. Tell someone what’s going on,” he said. “I called my friend and all he said was: ‘Get your ass to the gym. I’ll be here every day.’ That saved me.”

Redefining Obesity and Responsibility

So is obesity a choice?

Sal’s view is nuanced. “Obesity is a disease. The choice lies in whether or not you ask for help.” He compares it to how bodybuilders harness the same food obsession for discipline and physique. “It’s the same mechanism, just a different output.”

His Legacy Is Still in Progress

Today, Sal is down more than 100 pounds. His insulin levels are normalizing. His daily environment, his mindset, and his body are transforming with each passing day. But his story isn’t over yet.

“The goal I have now is simple,” he said. “To stop missing out on life.”

Every swim, every meal, every rep—and every inch of progress—is a tribute not just to survival, but to building a life worth living.

Follow Sal’s Journey

Inspired by Sal’s story? Stay up to date with his ongoing progress through his social media platforms and content. Whether he’s prepping meals, tackling workouts, or simply facing daily mental hurdles, Sal’s openness offers a powerful reminder: You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to keep going.