gmanbat

The weight loss is secondary to just doing the liquid diet. My doc made it clear he wanted to shrink my liver to make his job easier. That was the main idea. Although I lost 30 pounds in the 6 months before the surgery, the 2 weeks before was the important part. The scale didn't matter. The fat came off in the months after. It was not magic, I know, but it seemed like it sometimes. It is not easy but it is effective.

2 Christmas's ago my family was pushing me around in a wheelchair at Universal Studios in Orlando. Now they go for walks with me and have to drop out at about half the way, except for my youngest granddaughter who is a tough little bird. If someone offered me 100 grand to go back to pre-sleeve days I would turn it down.

Hardest part for me was that durned catheter thing. Don't know any guys that like that part or any ladies for that matter. I would say that the experience as a whole is 98% positive. A lot better than my dating experience in the 60's.

I believe my weight loss did not accelerate until the 2nd and 3rd month. I remember thinking the same thing in the hospital. If it weren't for the morphine and vicodin it might have bothered me.

I have been studying the "easy way out" comment that we all get. What they are saying is: "You don't have the intelligence and willpower to lose weight the "normal" way. You are lazy so, like the slacker you are, you relied on someone else to do your weight loss for you." Most people that say this know how difficult it is to lose weight the "normal" way. But they feel like it is something "normal" people have to endure. Sleevers get shoved into the same category as people on welfare that could work but just want to live off of the system. You are a cheater. What gets me is the unmitigated gall of some people who feel that they are in a lofty enough position to make such a sweeping judgement on you with nothing more than hearing "weight-loss surgery". You can explain to many of them all day how it most definitely is not easy but you are wasting your time. You took a "short cut" and must be punished. I seldom spend any time educating morons. I could speak to them of my near impossible attempts at weight loss dealing with the aftermath of cancer treatment and it's side-effects but for what purpose? I don't really care if they approve of what I have done. They can pucker-up for my now diminished hinder-side.

In honor of those who think that giving a name to your sleeve violates some law of propriety I have changed it's name from "the Bouncer" to " ". When referring to my " " there will be a gap of silence in the conversation where once either "my stomach" or "the Bouncer" filled the space. I will be sacrificing clarity of communication for the sake of putting " " in it's place. Second thought, granting an ongoing moment of silence to an organ remnant would seem to dishonor all of those people and things that actually deserve that moment. Nope, back to "the Bouncer". Please disregard this pathetic attempt at accommodation.

Getting on "precious" will bring the Witch-king of Angmar down on ya with his discouragement. Throw that thing into the fires of Mount Doom!

The only way to overcome the ignorance in others is to educate them. Unfortunately, when folks are unteachable; think they already know it all, the only chance to change their prejudice is to demonstrate the truth. First, try sending them to articles that explain the procedure and the benefits. They might even spend some time looking at this forum. I was in their camp before I went to a meeting held by my wife's surgeon. But then, I listen to reason. Otherwise, you will be forced to show them what it is. It may take years. Be gentle with them now, don't hurt their pride, that just makes them more resistant. Let them know you could use their support but will proceed without it if need be. This surgery is absolutely not easy. It is, however, effective.

My wife, daughter, her 2 kids, and I came from Ohio to meet relatives from North Carolina in Orlando for a Christmas fun time. We rented a pool home and purchased 3 days at Universal Studios. We had a great time although my weight and weakness necessitated me being pushed in a wheelchair through much of the excursion. Most rides were not for me; no pulling the restraints down. Fat put a damper on what Grampa could do. It's a different story now. Grampa is in the game, giving his family great memories and celebrating life with a lot of laughter. We have moved to Florida and purchased platinum passes for Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, and various water parks. My granddaughter Katie in the pictures, who has no fear, is testing Grampa's grit to the limit. So far I'm holding up my image of tough guy. (I've been studying acting for many years). The sleeve was the right move for me. I consider it a gift from God. Tell me I took the easy way out and I'll agree. It IS MUCH EASIER! Easier than sitting back and watching life go by. Easier than feeling sorry for myself. Easier than giving my family half a man in a twice a man size. And fun IS FUN and worth having!

Yup, I put 6 pounds back on. Am I upset? Nope. I know what I've been doing: squats, push-ups, bodyblade: http://www.bodyblade.com/en/, 1 hour walking a day. No change in diet. My exercise routine had been put off long enough. I knew that I lost some muscle mass during my rapid loss and that getting it back would tip the scales. I anticipated gaining; muscles weigh more than fat but take up less space. I look good...actually better. Health and energy are the primary goals. Looking good sneaks in there too. I will not allow myself to be oppressed by the slandering, digital indicator under my feet!

My wife had Roux-N-Y surgery before I got sleeved. My weight loss exceeded hers by a bit but when folks saw us they went on and on about her losing weight. She had to tell them that I have been losing weight, too. The normal response was, "Oh, really? Great!" and then back to raving about her new looks. Chopped liver am I. Happily, I have always been a guy that had no dire need for the approval of casual acquaintances. If they approve, great, if not..long walk off a short pier.

I know it is hard to accept, I know it was hard for me, but there is a great deal of stupidity in our species. I know that everything I say about other humans reflects back on me because I are one. It seems this operation stimulates people to display their ignorant, not having any idea what they are talking about, side. Happily, humans have good stuff too; compassion, self-sacrifice, etc. so I am not inclined to want to give up my human card and join the marsupials.

"Perhaps you and Larry will join us for the consumption of mass quantities this weekend... will we ignite our new flame pit and char some mammal flesh for you..". Beldar Conehead It's nearly 7 months now since sleeving. I've lost over 100 pounds since embarking on this war on superfluous body composition. At first I mourned the loss of hours of mindless consumption. Nothing to do while watching TV but watch TV. No building the egos of the cooks in the family by gorging on mounds of their culinary belly-whompers. No more hazy stupor of gluttony's aftermath. But then the fruit of restraint began to manifest. Clothing became flattering. Energy arrived with a vengeance. Health developed rosy cheeks. My body seemed to be thanking my brain for stopping the tailspin that it was in. I began to look around, in restaurants and at home. My 10 bites were long over before the others were just getting started leaving me with nothing to do but watch. Knowing what I have demonstrated to myself, that a body just doesn't need that much food, I started to be revolted at the sight of mass consumption. And now, far from envying the volume vaulters, I struggle to not be disgusted. Some of these people are my loved ones who are having weight battles of their own. Perhaps I will reach a place of peace about the matter. As for now, I will just look away and in my mind find a happy place of little plates and tiny portions.

Good news! Congratulations! I am 9 pounds from goal, lost over 100. It is a vast improvement! You're gonna love it!

I got that "easy way out" crack quite a few times. I am looking for an appropriate circumstance to pull up my shirt, show my scars, and say, "Does this look easy to you?!" When I decide that they deserve an explanation I tell them of my struggle with chemo, steroids, hormone shots, etc. from prostate cancer treatment al of which made losing weight next to impossible. Most of the time that brings them down from their lofty seat of judgement.

True that. Bodybuilders can be at 9% and below body fat but over 300 pounds and obese by the charts. Concentrating on exercise and getting healthy is the ticket at this point for me, despite the last 9 pounds I have to lose before my "goal weight". Frankly, I don't care if I ever get there. Build the muscles, strengthen the cardio-vascular system, eat good food, be healthy, enjoy life. The scale and the charts are guildlines not dictators. Don't let them wreck your peace.

Welcome!!!

I am 63. I knew getting the puff out of my face would allow the lines to show up. I pictured my face looking like a Rolling Stone: thin and raisin-like in texture. As it turned out it is not that bad. It also helps that my new energy and sense of well being makes me not give a rat's posterior about it. I'd rather be an obnoxious old-looking guy that doesn't know how to "act his age" than a young looking old guy that acts decrepit and feeble.

"The Bouncer" ....too much...too fast..........out the door!

I ministered in the Bronx long ago. A kid from the church offered to show me Manhattan. He was a bicycle messenger and had lived there his entire life. I was fascinated at how he moved us around on the subway system. I also realized that I would be quite lost without him. He represented wisdom. He knew the trains. Life is like the subway system. Lots of trains show up. Take the wrong one and you waste time and engender frustration. Take the wise one and you get where you want to go. Many folks have made it possible for us to get on the right train. They supply us the wisdom. We have to supply the self-control to follow their advice. Impulse must take a back-seat to overall welfare.

Dr. Peter Lalor.

Your coaster has just reached the pinnacle of the first hill. Don't undo your restraints, listen to the NUT and Doc, ...down you go! You'll hit more hills and valleys but the new you is waiting at the turnstyle.

No, not me.... ...except after a heavy sigh, coulda lost a bit of Water vapor weight there.

I am with you there, Gustavo. No more envious looks from pre-teen girls when they stare at my chest.