
After Surgery

Before Surgery
A 33-year-old British bodybuilder named Blake Beckford made headlines after undergoing a radical surgery that removed his entire colon and created an opening in his stomach for waste elimination. This kind of operation is typically seen as the end of a competitive athlete's career, but Blake refused to let it stop him. In fact, he recently appeared in the UK edition of "Men's Fitness" magazine, showing that life can still be full of energy and purpose—even with a stoma. He’s currently training hard for the October British Bodybuilding Competition, proving that having a stoma doesn’t mean you can't live a normal, active, and even attractive life. “It’s not about being different,†he says. “It’s about embracing who you are and living your best life.â€
Blake’s bodybuilding journey hit a major roadblock 11 years ago when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. At the time, he was preparing for a competition, but suddenly started experiencing severe diarrhea and abdominal pain. The doctors told him he needed surgery, but he refused. “I couldn’t imagine cutting into my abdomen,†he recalls. For the next decade, he tried every medication available, but nothing worked. His health worsened, and his daily trips to the bathroom increased to over 20 times a day. Training became inconsistent, and his once-chiseled physique started to fade.
In October of last year, Blake had no choice but to undergo a total colectomy. “The doctor removed my entire colon and created a stoma on my stomach,†he explains. “I had to wear an external pouch to collect waste.†The surgeon warned him that strenuous exercise, including bodybuilding, was now out of the question. “He said I shouldn’t lift heavy weights or eat too much. If I continued, I could risk serious complications.†But Blake wasn’t ready to give up.
After the surgery, he kept his condition a secret from his family for a while. “I felt embarrassed and didn’t know how to talk about it,†he admits. But he soon realized that hiding it wasn’t helping. “This is part of me now, and I had to accept it.†In January of this year, he began rehabilitating, starting at 73 kg. After six months of dedicated training, he gained 12 kg and saw his chest and abdominal muscles return. His story quickly spread through the bodybuilding community, earning him both admiration and media attention.
In an interview with "Men’s Fitness," Blake shared his journey: “At first, I struggled to adjust to the stoma. I even felt too shy to tell my family. But then I realized I had to face it head-on. Bodybuilding gave me back my confidence. Now, I can train and compete just like before—except I have a pouch on my stomach.â€
Today, Blake is considered an inspiration by many in the fitness world. He has become a personal trainer and openly talks about his stoma in public. “I’ll never hide again,†he says. “I even joke about it with my friends. It’s part of who I am.†His message to others facing similar challenges is clear: “Don’t let your condition define you. Embrace your journey, stay positive, and live a happy, healthy life.â€
Learn About: The Colon
The colon, also known as the large intestine, is about 1.3 meters long and runs from the cecum to the rectum. It is divided into four main sections: the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon. While its primary function is to absorb water and electrolytes and store waste, the colon also plays a role in digestion and hosts a variety of beneficial bacteria that aid in nutrient absorption and immune support.
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