John Dermengian is out to prove something tomorrow after missing the past two Ironman Triathlon World Championships because of complications from major surgery in 2000.

Dermengian, who completed the 2003 Ironman, is hoping to inspire others with his accomplishments.

"I want to give hope to others in the same situation," he said. "I feel a responsibility to motivate and set a good example to others."

In June 2000, Dermengian underwent surgery for ulcerative colitis — a disease that attacks the large intestines — and hereditary colon cancer.

His entire colon, rectum and anus were removed during the procedure, and he gets dehydrated quickly because "food goes through me in 20 minutes." A 1-inch portion of his small intestines sticks out of his abdomen, where bodily waste comes out.

"When you lose a large part of your body, you lose control of something you had control over," Dermengian said. "I want to prove I still have wholeness and get a part of me back."

In 2003, Dermengian became the first ileostomate (someone who had their entire colon removed) to complete the Ironman. The Kailua, Kona, resident said he finished the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run in 16 hours, 27 minutes.

"I started out with the idea that I wanted to prove that you could do these kinds of things," Dermengian said.

In preparation for the Ironman, Dermengian, 51, said an intense training week totaled 25 hours — 5 to 6 miles of swimming, 200 miles of biking and 40 miles of running.

An NBC television crew will follow Dermengian during the race. Footage of him competing and prerecorded interviews will be mixed together for a delayed broadcast.

"I was chosen in July as one of the individuals through the World Triathlon Corporation," Dermengian said.

Dermengian, a foreign currency trader, will be sponsored by the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of American, a non-profit organization in New York.

Crohn's Disease (a malady that causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal tract) and ulcerative colitis are collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease.

According to the CCFA web site, more than 1 million people have inflammatory bowel disease, split fairly evenly between Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis.

"I'm doing the race this year on behalf of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of American. I want to get the name out there and spread awareness of the disease."

In 2000, Dermengian discovered blood in his stool, felt tired and had cramping in his stomach.

He underwent tests and was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. More tests revealed he also had hereditary colon cancer.

"The only thing to do was remove everything," Dermengian said.

The following year, Dermengian volunteered at the Ironman and a friend convinced him to train for it.

Dermengian said he has competed in about 100 races, including triathlons, biathlons, marathons, open ocean swims and cycling events.

When competing he said he likes to constantly eat foods rich in carbohydrates. Dermengian also has to drink plenty of fluids because he doesn't have a colon, an organ which retains water.

The lack of a colon also makes him less buoyant, so he has to work harder when he swims.

Dermengian said he also has trouble getting into a low, aerodynamic position when on his bike.

In September 2005, he needed another surgery because of blockage in his small intestines.

"I've had to rebuild my body," Dermengian said. "I couldn't do anything too much until February."

Dermengian said he's in the best shape of his life physically and mentally.

"After the surgery I had a year ago, I was uncertain I could return to the sport of triathlon," he said. "In subsequent months I learned I was physically able to go back and do this, and as a result my mental strength has grown."

Dermengian said his wife, Christie, has been instrumental in his recovery.

"She's been very supportive because she's seen me go through critical life changing positions. She's been understanding," he said.

Dermengian's running partner has been Naga, his 2-year-old Airedale terrier. He said they run up to 6 miles during a workout.

Dermengian said Christie and Naga will be waiting for him at the finish line tomorrow. If Dermengian gets his wish, he and Naga will cross the line together.

Reach Kyle Sakamoto at ksakamoto@honoluluadvertiser.com.