BuRnOuT

I lost a huge amount of weight throughout this year. no manboobs to be reported at all...then again I never had them before the operation...did that help?:001_tongue:

@loser, I agree with the donations idea you mentioned..probably the best way to help out people with no means at all. its a great idea. @wingrider... from what u've described, im thinking the lady did take the bait but shes probably to embaressed to share with you. u've done well to highlight it...and now its up to her i think. @tiffykins, you probably have the best approach...it involves getting personal with the case on hand..getting close and friendly. investing enough time into it. but to tell u the truth, im not the social gym type...i prefer my biking (actual down the block) and my building's gym. so wish i could help the gym guy that way. @mlkpas I totaly agree..nothing more shocking than to hear the worst about u from a stranger...then again, some people really do live in denial and what might seem like harsh words today, could be what started a chain reaction that lead to them gaining their health back. this is specifically why this issue confuses me: its weird how being indifferent to strangers is considered the socially correct behaviour, but being involved is not despite the fact that it might actually help someone DO SOMETHING even if what you said momentarily hurts them. @deedee yes u said it "if u had the opportunity to socialize" but thats the missing link unfortunately. I just wish talking about weight was less taboo than it is now (especially if u mean well which we do)... I remember in the documentary "Supersize me" someone was talking about how its not acceptable to talk about weight to a stranger but its ok to shun a smoker..although they are both deadly paths. he thought it was hypocritical, and i kind of agree. @carolyn, actually u never know..u might have started a spark...have u seen this lady eversince? dont be hard on urself, u meant well and there is no way u could have made her life worse cos what u said was part of the solution not the problem i believe....fat is the problem. and for when u said "we are messengers in our actions"...i see ur point totally, but dont u think these guys are looking at me as a healthy person who doesnt know what they are going through when in reality i am probably the most living example to them of what they can achieve health wise? but they will never know if i stay quiet will they:001_unsure: i dunno..i might just go on filming a documentary about this hehe. "the michael moore of fat taboos" ...which reminds me, michael moore would probably take an advice about weight well I think.

With all the success that the vsg operation promised and delivered to you and I...I was contemplating the idea of helping others. Here's what happens 3 or 4 days every week in my life: Every time I'm having a break from work, me and a couple of guys go downstairs from the office building to hang out for a while. And there, you see all sorts of people (it's a very busy building). And like you'd expect, some faces become familiar..in fact very familiar that you start noticing a routine (kind of like the movie Disturbia ) Now, in this story...there are two guys I do not know but always see and they both are very heavy and need help. One of them doesnt seem to be doing anything about it but certainly gives me flashbacks of yours truely...and the other one always comes with a gym bag (theres a huge gym in the building), but he always seems reluctant to enter..and from what I've witnessed, he ALWAYS parks his car, walks slowly to the stairs facing the entrance..has a cigarette or two with soda..goes inside the building for 10 min and comes out with a sandwich...and then leaves!! all this with the gym bag on his shoulder (it has the gym's name on it). so here I am back to what I was thinking off. Shouldn't i intervene? Shouldnt I go to the first guy and tell him, you're still young and there is a way? what about the other guy..he's definitely trying to do the right thing..but we all know how hard it is for him..we've been there I'm sure all of us. Shouldnt he be facing the facts? he is way past the gym and he obviously not motivated to lose the weight that way. He must be around 400 pounds. But here's the truth. I wouldnt dare say anything to them although i feel i should. Would you??

edamame M'am....put it down slowly..hands up and step away from the green

Hi "youknowit"...hope ur doing well. mushies to solids? well i dont know about others, but to me it was easy. u wont believe how little ur eating but the good thing is that ur full and surprisingly ur eyes and brain wont play tricks on u...u will just feel fulfilled even if after few bites. and just before i forget, tracey..i dont mind that potpurri but those celery and carrot sticks are going right in the bin..how dare u!

Hi again, please more people cast ur votes on this poll. hopefully we'll get a reaction from the admins:001_tt2:

hmm noob question here....i am not taking any multivitamins...how important r they and dont we get enough of vitamins through the daily meals?

I am very happy for you man..best of luck. dunno if u've visited leb before but one thing for surem, u chose to rest at the right place..it will be beyond marvelous at this time of year! lucky u:001_rolleyes: but question: how long after surgery r u planning to travel by car? i really reaaaally think u should stay in syria for at least 5 days. the incisions might be too much to tolerate during the 4-6 hours drive. perhaps u should check with the surgeon. on another note, this will pass like a breeze so dont worry too much...u might get a moment or two of " damn what am i doing to myself "...if u do, just confirm to urself that it is absolutely the right way back on track..best of luck again!

Hi again, Unfortunately most mid-east countries do not officially register obesity issues as diseases. as for " wizarit il-sa77a", I find that shocking that they took care of a part of the payment, ur friend must have had a special case or special contacts (cough:001_tongue:). btw, I'm pure Lebanese...but I dont live in beirut...and I am paying this myself as well...in easy installments through my bank. I just popped there, visited my friends..did the operation and came back :001_wub: I think u could just do it in canada or something if ur gonna save up 5000$ or so..thats a lot of money my friend! best of luck khayeh...if u need anything let me know.

Hi Lebyvr, I'm lebanese myself...answering ur question, I recommend Dr. safadi from AUH a.k.a AUBMC in Beirut...he was my surgeon and did a proper job. $10,000 in total. aubmc@aub.edu.lb good luck

You see the word "bra" ............and all these flashes of images hit you, as your hand almost involuntarily mind you...slides the mouse to open that "full of promises" thread... too bad that image of the bra-man has to be stored forever and ever in my memory vault now Jane-J, J'accuse!