Augubwa

Hi Guy's: Been out of touch for the past couple of weeks but there hasn't been too much to report. However, I got my second fill last Tuesday. My weight loss had stalled, I was getting hungry. My doctor put in 2 cc's and had me sit up and drink some Water. I started to gag so she took out 1/2 cc. She said that was as aggressive as she wanted to get. She told me to call her if the band is too tight. I now have 7cc of my 14cc (large) band filled. I noticed an mediate change in my ability to consume food. I'm already down 3 lbs. in the last few days. Things were going pretty well until last night. We had some friends over and I made my famous barbecued ribs. I had a little wine, sat down to eat. Without thinking I took one of my old big bites of rib, half chewed it and swallowed. Well, as you can imagine, I spent the next half hour in the bathroom upchucking that bite of rib. I couldn't get it up and was totally blocked. Feeling pretty miserable I got the number of the emergency room at the hospital. As I was dialing, the piece finally went down. Talk about a wake up call, I sure don't want to go though that again. Any other war stories?

I too am a scotch man. I'm also into red wine. Nothing girlie about it!

I'm a Field Representative for a Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical design firm. I go to job sites and ,make sure that contractors are installing our designs per plans and specifications. My job requires a lot of driving, long hours on my feet, climbing ladders, etc. So getting the weight off is critical for me.

Goat: You're making the right decision. It's the best way medical science has come up with to get weight off and keep it off short of slicing up your stomach and intestines. Recovery time is short - I had it done on a Thursday was at work the following Monday. Keep jumping through the hoops. It's worth it in the end. Look at the success all of these guys have had. I've started the journey and I'm not looking back. Good Luck!!

Guy's: I've been recovering great and am on solid food again. What's scaring me is I'm finding I can eat more. Not as much as before, for sure, but more normal portions. My weight loss has stalled at about 20 lbs. I'm battling with portion control and 5 days at the Y on the elliptical machine. This reminds me of the old battle without the band. I have an Appt. with my surgeon on 10/28. I think I'll request a fill. I'd appreciate hearing about similar experiences. Thanks!

Just as I thought. The experience comes from having been in almost every weight loss club/plan you can imagine. I think I'll stay right here in the Men's Room. Good to have a spot we can call our own!

Thank you gentlemen. Your obviously successful at this endeavor. I applaud your success. Thanks for the tips. Another question comes to mind though. How about the group meetings? I have an opportunity to go to them. Do they work for men? If I go, am I likely to see a bunch of women there? Not that I mind women, but I don't relate well to them as far as weight loss is concerned. How have your experiences been? Carl

Let's see, My last 5K was about 14 years ago. I once did mini Triathalons too, around the same time. I abandoned all that once the knees started to go. I had ignored the old edict that fat men shouldn't run. I now do a lot of elliptical work and walking. Thinking of swimming again also. And, of course, lifting. All I'm saying is be careful of the joints. Running is a great exercise but it's tough on us big guys. If you're going to do it get top quality shoes. And listen to your body!

Hey Guy's: My surgery is scheduled for Thursday. I went to see my GP yesterday because I had been told that I could take nothing larger than a baby asprin after lap band surgery. I take Glucophage which is a large oblong pill and several other larger pills. He told me that none of his patients have had any problems taking these pills so no changes were made to my prescription. My pharmacist says that Glucophage cannot be crushed due to its time release properties. Should I be concerned? I see info on this site that says you should grind up pills and take them with applesauce and such. I don't want to come home from surgery and get a pill stuck.

Thanks, guy's for all the good info. I'm into my second week of recovery after my surgery and doing well. Down about 20 pounds! Since I'm on liquids right now I've quit my diabetes meds and blood sugars have been fine. Iknow I'll have to keep a close eye on it. Looking forward to throwing most if not all prescriptions in the trash can. That brings to mind a question: You fellows that are down significantly or are at goal weight, how many meds have you been able to give up?

You guy's were right, every day is a little better. I haven't taken any pain meds today and feel okay. I'm having a little diarrhea, probably from the Protein drinks. Been doing a little walking. Feeling good.

Well guy's, As of yesterday, I'm banded! Surgery went well. I'm home relaxing and on a liquid diet. Reminds me of my old Optifast days! A little soreness but the pain meds take the edge off. Looking forward to slaying the dragon with my new weight loss tool!!

THX! ksill - I'll report back after the big day.

Thanks, Guy's I'll discuss this in more depth with my surgeon on Thursday. Tizen - Let us know how your pill problem works out

THX! BUG! Counting down - 4 days to surgery!

Hey Brothers: I've been thou about a third of this thread so far. It's refreshing seeing an all guy thread. I'm scheduled to be banded on Thursday 9/11. So time is getting close. I started at 375 and am 6'3". I've gained close to 100lbs in the last 10 years. As you guys know, statistically, we have a 5% chance of losing weight and keeping it off. At 53, and spending most of my life going up and down the scale (mostly up) I basically gave up toward the end. you simply can't starve yourself for long periods of time. Finally, The band offers a tool get the fat off and keep it off. I'm looking at it as a life saver. After reviewing the various types of bariatric surgery, I decided that I didn't want to get my stomach and intestines cut up. I personally know 4 people who've had that type of surgery and 2 of them had a rough time. My insurance co specifically excludes any type of bariatric surgery. I find it interesting that they will pay $500/month for obesity related drugs (yeah, I take them all), all the doctor bills, blood tests etc. They'll even pay for it when I have the "Big One". Yet ponying up $16K to cover the lap band surgery can't happen. I decided to go self pay to save my life, and quality of life. I'm exited about the journey, Look forward to lots of good discussion. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions! Wish me luck!