POST FALLS - Rick Rasmussen is thankful for new beginnings.

Rasmussen, who was promoted to chief executive officer at Northwest Specialty Hospital in Post Falls earlier this year after being the facility's chief financial officer, rose to about 450 pounds before having a life-changing laparoscopic "sleeve" surgery in May.

The 6-foot-6 Rasmussen is now at 305 pounds and hopes to dip below 300 after the holidays.

"I haven't seen the 200s since my sophomore year in high school," the 49-year-old said with a smile. "I'd like to hit between 270 and 275."

Rasmussen said his inspiration to have the surgery was his popular late father Gary "Big Dad" Rasmussen, the long-time Coeur d'Alene High teacher and coach who died at 76 of natural causes in 2012.

"He's why I started to look at surgery," said Rick, who participated in track and football at Coeur d'Alene High and the University of Montana. "Dad had diabetes and quite a few other issues. This is going to add years to my life."

Rick has been involved in several community organizations, including the Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce, Kootenai Girls Softball Association, North Idaho Thunder Volleyball Club, Junior Tackle, Big Brothers and Sisters and the juvenile diversion program.

Have you earned any nicknames like your father?

I've been called Big Ricky and Big Boy, but Big Dad was only for him. I haven't earned that honor yet.

How big had your waistline gotten?

I was at 48 inches and my wife (Sharyl) just bought me a pair of pants that's 42 inches.

Describe how you believe you'd gotten so big?

I had two hip replacements, so I had limited mobility and an office job. I kept my appetite from my (football) playing days. I wasn't a big snacker, but it was nothing to eat a half-pound burger, fries and a drink at Nosworthy's. Big Dad called it the Clean Plate Club. I'd hate to see food go to waste.

Reflect on how your family drove you to having the surgery.

I didn't have high blood pressure, but I knew it could get higher. I want to be there for my wife, daughters and grandkids. I want to help this community as long as I can. My parents didn't miss a game of mine. I researched all the surgeries and I knew Dr. John Pennings and his staff had phenomenal results. Being an accounting and math person, I wanted to make sure that I knew what I was getting into and I wanted to know which surgery was best for me. If my dad would've done this when he was 50, he'd still be here today. Big Dad is definitely smiling up in heaven right now.

How are you doing now?

I've lost weight everywhere. I've had to buy new clothes. We took six bags of clothes to Idaho Youth Ranch that I can't fit into anymore and am not going back to.

Describe the "then and now" situations with your weight loss.

When I go out to eat now, I'll have them cut my sandwich in half because a half is all I want. My brain tells me that I'm not that hungry. I'll buy the smallest steak now. Now my daughters sometimes will help me finish my meals, which has never happened before. I haven't changed the types of foods I eat, just the volume. I'll have one or two slices of pizza and be satisfied. It's all in moderation. In photos, I'd always prefer to stand behind people. When I'd go to sit in a chair, I'd wonder if it would be able to hold me. When I went out to eat, I'd wonder if there would be enough room in the booth we sat at. In a parking lot, I'd have to figure out if I'd have enough room to get out. Now I can park wherever. It's stuff the average person does not think about.

What have the been the ripple effects of your surgery?

I didn't do this for advertisement, but if I can help one other person do the right thing, it's been worth it. I think I've helped hundreds. The community has been very supportive. I'd like to go to the NCAA coaches' annual convention and set up a booth.

How is the CEO job at Northwest Specialty Hospital going?

I've been in it since July and I love it. I have a phenomenal staff and great doctors to work with. They let me be involved in the community. It's nice to give back and I love being a leader of that. It's the dream job for me.

Did you ever think you'd become the CEO?

After I was first told about it, I started to think that maybe I could do this. I don't have a full health care background, but I know how to treat people and manage people. I know what is right and ethical. I don't know how to perform a knee replacement, but I lead people well and I am the players' coach. I'm not afraid to hire people who are smarter than me. I take a long time to hire people because I want the right person in place.

What's new at the hospital?

This month has been our biggest month ever. We're continuing to grow. We've rolled out a program on medical tourism (teaming up with The Coeur d'Alene Resort on packages to attract patients from Canada and other places). We have the lowest infection rate in the Northwest and are No. 4 on the entire West Coast for patient satisfaction. We're very proud of that.

Kootenai Health has been buying a lot of operations. Is Northwest Specialty Hospital next?

We met over a couple years looking at a deal, but were unable to come to an agreement. I think there's some synergy between them and us, but we're moving on.

You used to referee football games and were elected to the North Idaho Officials Association's Hall of Fame in 2009. Is that something you'd like to do again?

I'd like to go back to it when I get my mobility back. I love the Friday night games.

How much has your family been supportive of you?

My wife Sharyl and I were high school sweethearts. She's been there for me the whole time. I couldn't have done this without her and my daughters.