Big Fred

Hi All, Just thought i would mention that there are a few men in here. I am pre-band and found this site just a few months ago. Everyone in here is great and you are correct there are not a lot of men. Perhaps it's the male stigma of not admitting a problem, I have been heavy all my life and finally made a decision to do something about it with the help of my wife. She never pushed me, just gave me gentle nudges. I hope more men open up and let people know that we are all in the same boat and need the support of wach other to get through this. My thanks to each and everyone who shares their experiences.

Guys, I am scheduled for the band in the beginning of October. As soon as the Dr. will let me I will be going back to my excersise routine. Here's my question - Being over 370lbs I already have man boobs. My concern is that as I loose the weight they will get bigger. Do any of you know what type of excersise will help make them tighter? I realize that if I loose eneough weight I may need to have surgery. Thanks for starting this thread, it's a real help.

Please do not take this the wrong way. While sex is important, respecting each other is the most important aspect of any relationship whether your married or not. If your not respected, you cannot grow as a person. I know this is easier to say than do but if your in an abusive relationship, please do something about it. Either leave or get counseling. I guess I'm lucky after hearing some of the stories, my wife and I know each other for 30years and fully support each other. To all, please do not hang in there for the kids. Believe me, unless there under 5 years old they see what's going on. Don't give up on relationships, when you find the right one it will be worth it.

Shelby, Thanks for the advice, I always welcome it. Yes, my doctor is documenting our monthly visit, weigh-in's and discussions. I had them forward these to the surgery coordinator and she is happy with them so far.

That's great! Hoping all goes well for you. I'm still in the process of documenting everything, hopefully Cigna will approve me in September, shooting for an October banding date. I too have been on this roller coaster of a journey. Have had more tests than you can shake a stick at and believe it or not the shrink says that I'm normal. Hopefully the six months of wait and documentation will afford me an approval. Again, good luck and keep in touch.

<p>That's terrific,</p> <p> </p> <p>I have to wait a total of six months and document everything along the way.</p> <p> </p> <p>I'm scheduled to be banded in October if all goes well.</p> <p> </p> <p>Best of Luck !!!!</p> <p> </p> <p>Let us know how your doing.</p>

Hello Fellow Octoberans, I am scheduled to be banded in the first or second week of October if all goes well. Had all my tests and will have six months of documentation with my Dr. The surgery coordinator will send all paperwork to the insurance around the middle of September (this insurance buisness s***s, but you have to go through it). I hope everyone does well, looking forward to the next phase of my life.

I am scheduled for my surgery in October, have had all the tests (Psych, Stress, Blood, etc..). Called the office today to make sure I'm on track, the coordiantor told me that CIGNA has just informed them that they will not pay for an overnight stay - only monitoring after the surgery. I asked her what that means and she told me she wasn't sure. It could possibly be treaed as a one-day-surgery or CIGNA apparently will pay for the monitoring after the surgery and if your OK to go home you wil have too - if not they will keep you. The office is evaluating this and may postpone surgeries until it's hashed out. Just my luck, I hope this gets finalized before my surgery date. Just thought I would let everyone know, I will keep you posted as I find things out.

After reading quite a few posts I just wanted to inject a male point of view. First, let me just say that I hope everyone can experience a great relationship. For those who are having problems - I hope you can work them out. I have been happily married for 29yrs to the most wonderful woman, we have one child (a boy) and a happy life. My wife has vertigo and for the last 6 years has been taking medication for the condition. I'm happy to say her vertigo is in check and she functions fine (back to work) but the medicine has curbed our intamacy. We have found other ways to be intimate; hugging & kissing, fondling, mutual masterbation, etc... I have what I want, a loving spouse and good friend. Making love is great but I can satisfy myself with her by my side. Bottom line, you can work through the issues if your willing to comunicate, communicate, communicate. Along with some comprimises. Relationships are give & take, if your spouse is not willing to work through the issues then please seek counseling or move-on. no one should be in a loveless relationship. Good luck to everyone

Hello All! I'm pre band, scheduled for surgery (if all goes well with insurance) for te beginning of October.

Hello All, I have been on this journey since the beginning of April, had all the tests including the psych visit. If all goes well with the insurance I'm scheduled for the first week in October. Did anyone have any problem with their insurance? Even after doing everything they said? I have come to far to stop know, if denied I may have to self pay. Can't wait to have the banding done.

Alexandra, You mentioned ~~ Alexandra banded 8/20/03 -- Dr. Abkin, Morristown NJ band removed 4/9/07 due to slippage rebanding scheduled for 8/13/07 I am pre-band and not heard to much about re-banding. How did you know that the band slipped? Curious!!

Thank You, This site is great, glad I stumbeled onto it before my banding.