The Guys’ Room

1,612 topics in this forum

So I'm just a few weeks away from surgery and I was wondering if there are other 50+ yr old men who would ease my fears about this surgery and my age. Like most men, I carry. The majority of my weight in my belly and one of many of my concerns is that the fat tissue is so tightly packed that they'll have trouble maneuvering around even with the gas. I'm 6' 4" 366 lbs and a BMI of 46. Thanks fellas.

Was talking to my beer rep the other day, told him that I couldn't drink beer much anymore because of the carbonation. He brought me a 4 pack of Big Foot Ale. It is a barleywine. Really good stuff, very little bubbles. Hoppy like a good ale but a good drinker. Dark amber, pours with some head but not a lot. Did a little research and there are a lot of barleywines out there and all have little carbonation. I was only able to drink about a half of a bottle before I got full, but didn't have a problem with the bubbles. Higher alc. content too, so the buzz was there and good too. If you are missing the beers like I was, this is a good alternative.

Hello everyone. Been stalking the forums for a few weeks and decided to bite the bullet and join so I can get some feedback on something that I am seriously having trouble with deciding on, which is RNY or VSG?? I have been submitted to insurance for approval, and do not have a surgery date yet...so I need to make my decision quick. I am leaning towards the sleeve, but have concerns. Those concerns are: VSG not being restrictive enough (because I know how I have been over the years) and I already take heartburn medication and understand that issue gets worse. I don't want to lose too much muscle, don't like the thought of intestines being rerouted, and don't particularly …

Less than 60 days to the beginning of a new me. Getting excited, I find myself thinking about it all day and all night. Anyone else pre-op for March? How did you feel the last month or two pre-op?

hey whats up my name is Fred I have a question for everybody do I have to have a catheter during surgery?? Fred Montana JR

Fellas, I'm 6 weeks pre-op still and had a terrible thought: I bought a really nice suit when I visited NYC earlier this year (before deciding to be sleeved - I'm in Australia), and I'm fearing I may not get much use out of it now! The jacket is a 50, and the pants 46. Question: anyone had any experience with a tailor taking a suit in A LOT? Is it doable? Cheers, Brendan

Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm 34, and for the past 6-7 years, I've really struggled with weight. In high school, I played football and baseball and was very in shape. I went to college and struggled with weight a little, but got through it. In law school, I started focussing on working out and really got into running. I was never a speedster, but I loved the comradery of the running community in my area. Around late 2006 and 2007, I started getting busier with work, met my wife and got out of exercising. Sure, I went for a walk now and then, but I really fell off the wagon with exercise. In 2008, I quit smoking (yes, I know it's crazy that I smoked and ra…

Got a Endoscopy and Colonoscopy screening scheduled to be done at the same time. Anyone here had both done at the same time? Also getting a Ultrasound of the Gallbladder. I just had an EKG, KUB and Urologist checkup and a head CT. Heart, Kidneys and noggin are OK. Any other tests I should get before surgery just to be sure?

Tell me this isnt happening to me. Omg. I must be losing my mind. My gf is the best gf who loves and nutures me and I know she has my back 100%. I just cant help revisiting all the bad things shes done in the past and all the bad habit she has today and refuses to change and its literally driving me insane. I have been reading and come to find out this is more common than I thought. Im going to end up being single again because of my surgery. She knew this before hand but prayed that it wouldnt happen. Well I vowed to let her stay with me until she finishes school in hopes my mind changes but as for right now I am done. Shes done nothing wrong for me even to feel this way…

Fellas, I'm getting sleeved in just over 2 weeks. Doing pretty good pre-op so far, but had a major slip up this weekend when I invited some buddies over for football. I'm back on track now, but it got me to thinking just what I'd tell the guys when I'll be around them soon eating practically nothing and sipping on Protein shakes and broth every quarter. I've seen plenty of topics on this site about whether to tell your spouse/partner/GF/co-workers, etc. But what about the guys? You know what I'm talking about. Here's how I envision that conversation goes down: Me: Guys, I want to talk to you all about something. Buddy #1: We know, your fantasy team sucks. …

Gotta admit that I don't mind anyone participating in the boy's discussion. But if them's the rules... Why not use the registration information to close the forums if you are "very" concerned? Thanks.

I know it's taboo but is it true that you get very sensitive with regards to alcohol? I'm not a huge drinker but every once in a great while I like a glass or three of some nice Tullamore Dew. Someone told me that now a shot would do me in. Any truths to this?

Whatever his politics, Gov. Christie has made a commitment for similar reasons, that all of us have faced. http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/chris_cuts_waist_oAUDrJ8Sm1fY6awWgFY6nN cheers on your journey, Governor!

Heya Folks!! I started my journey in Nov 2012 with my sleeve surgery. I started at my highest lifetime weight of 431lbs and weighed in this morning at 313lbs. I am feeling great! Working out 5x a week and enjoying a lot of activities I haven't been able to do in a very log time. I take all my Vitamins & supplements, I'm getting my required daily intake of Protein and Water etc and overall, feel like I'm doin pretty well. I did notice however, that I tend to be somewhat forgetful as of late and not as full of energy as I feel I should be so I started researching Testosterone treatments as a possible solution. While doing research, I came across some info o…

Yes I admit it, I have some serious man boobs going on right now and let's say most of my life. I was sleeved on the 5th of Nov and I was wondering if any males out there have lost their boobs. I know your out there so don't try to deny it.

I just got off full liquid and embarking on the purees. Wounds are healing fine and no soreness there. I do feel a mild gut pain and really a constant fullness throughout the day. Im not sure if this is the norm and that Im still making my way through the healing process. I walk about 30 min a day and am looking foward to weight training in about a month. On the whole no real setbacks from the sleeve surgery but this constant feeling in my abdomen. I see my nurse in a couple weeks and ill wait till then to address this if still there. Anyone have this experience?

Whew, I just had to duck into here for awhile and talk fishing or arm wrestle someone or just do alot of cussing. Too much estrogen in those other rooms....... I still have a long way to go till surgery and my Doc has a support group that meets monthly, so I figured I check it out. Ya know.....to check on everyone's progress, see what foods they eat and talk some recoveries with guys that don't include bursting into tears every five seconds....... Boy was I wrong........I walked in and there were 17 women and me. After I huddled there quietly listening and watching a bunch of lame bungee stretching exercises, as the meeting concluded several of the w…

After a weekend of total misbehaviour I'm feeling slow and sloth like. Stressful times tend to send me out of focus, and then the regret of being bad pile up... Gotta get back on track if I wanna meet my goal by Canada Day...

Totally unrelated to the sleeve or surgery at all, but I don't have many men to ask their opinion on this subject. It's relationship related. If any male willing to give me their input would message me I'd greatly appreciate it!

I'm sitting in the parking lot wasting time before I go in and man my suit has never fit better!!

I've been thinking about having the surgery, but I'm nervous. I'm 6'3" 353lbs. I've tried every diet out there. Lost weight but usually gained it back plus some. I hope people don't think this is shallow. But it's me. I would call myself a binge drinker. I won't drink during the week, but on the weekends I might go to the bar. My wife and I enjoy camping. When we do that we like to drink beer around the campfire. I guess you could say when we do something it usually revolves around drinking beer. Most of my friends drink. I'm a part time DJ. Drinking is involved of course. We like to go to the beach. Drink there. I guess it sounds bad, but it's what we do …

I know this topic is gross but i wanted to know if anyone got this problem too .It seems like everytime i have a big meal or take my HUGE vitamin pills, my stomach starts to hurt and I feel like vomiting but instead I just drool like a dog. can't understand why i can't just vomit like i used to before surgery, when my stomach hurts alot i self vomit. is anyone having the same problem?

I was wondering what experience those who used a cpap pre-sleeve have had post operatively in respect to cpap use. Do you still need it or were you able to sleep well without it? I use a cpap now, am waiting on ins approval.

Hey everyone, ever since I started the pre-op diet and now after the surgery my hands and feet are always cold...freezing! I've taken to wearing gloves at my desk and a hat when I can get away with it. Anyone else have this issue? Thanks! Dan

I'm 4 days out and feeling tired and mentally lethargic. Day 2 was rough was stomach pain upon swallowing anything but day 3 turned aroung for the better 100%. i take 4-5 walks about 5-10 min each day. I still feel very low on energy but im following my Dr's diet to the tee. I feel maybe im not getting enough Protein by reading others posts. Here is my current phase one full liquid diet. 3 tbsp cream of wheat 4 oz Protein shake 3 tbsp creamy Soup with tspn powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury powder 4 oz protein shake 3 tbsp soup Occasional sf Jello,popsicle. Getting about 40-50 oz Flui…

Do I officially lose my man card now? Lol! Feels great! The reason I am getting one (at this moment) is because my feet were all gross when I noticed them at Yoga a couple days ago. My feet were drying out from all the running I do. They were flaking on the heals. I know, gross! Had to use the big cheese grater on my feet. Lol. Besides , I am here with my wife. Marriage bonding!! I do not think I would have done this pre op, but now I care how I look and I am no longer an anti social hermit. It is sort of strange in a way, but hey, post op is a great time to make changes in your life. Feet are now ready for another round of yoga vinayse. Hey guys, time to go out and …

So this weekend has been pretty darn sweet! I got a call friday that my insurance (aetna) approved my surgery and Feb 4th i will be sleeved and ready for my new life. My surgery will be at Abingtion Memorial Hospital and my surgeon will be Dr. Fernando Bonanni. Bonanni is such a funny guy I am glade I choose him! He makes me laugh every time i've been scared haha. I just had my sleep study done, which sucked total balls! excuse my language! but it was so umcomfortable and took me forever to fall asleep. I also just had my EGD now that was crazy! I have never been put to sleep before, so that was interesting. It has been a very busy yet awesome week and I can not wait to …

Got a question for the guys. I've read alot of posts (all of whom were women) that complain about the large amount of gas buildup and it's discomfort. I need some clarification of this condition. Knowing how women tend to be very polite about any belching or release of gas, I need the mens description. Typically, we don't have the same viewpoints about gas as women.......(As in let'er rip anywhere) So what's the deal???? Does the gas cause discomfort cause it won't come out......or is this just a women issue. Just want to know what to expect. Do I need to have some GasX on hand or will I be able to get in a whole chorus of "Take me out to the…

Hello! I am 328 pounds 6'1 I am currently in a 3xl shirt and a size 44 jeans I'm just wondering what sizes I should be expecting ?

Hi, my name is John. I am 35 years old, 6ft and 270lbs, diabetes type 2, on blood pressure and cholesterol meds. I started off at 335lbs about 2 1/2 years ago. I am scheduled for lap band surgery on March 20th and am on day 2 of the pre-op diet. They say 4-5 Meal Replacement shakes a day and if I have to "cheat" to chew, have 4-6oz of lean beef, chicken, or beef. I have to say this is going to be challenging for me. I am one of those people that didn't gain the excess weight by eating sweets, I love food. My wife had the surgery a year ago and has lost just over 70lbs. I am so proud of her and am happy to have someone right here with me to coach. What have bee…

Hey guys- what is the lowest pants size I can expect to fit in post op? I am 5'11", 180 lb and can comfortably fit in a Levi 34" today (so far from 46+ pre op). When I say 34 fits comfortably, I mean they are pulled up around my waist where they are supposed to hang, no belt. Think of how jeans are supposed to hang ala Abercrombie and Fitch ads where there is a dude in jeans without a shirt on. With body shaping workouts, I think 32 inch is possible. Is this a good size to target or should I be thinking about 30 or 28? What size is considered attractive in today's society?

I can't stand when I read, "my hubby" this, and "my hubby" that. I can't explain why. Maybe I would compare it to calling my wife, "my 'ol lady." Is it just me?

so.....other than the munchies, does anyone know of the risks of smoking or vaping after the sleeve? I don't smoke very much but I do enjoy it from time to time. what have you guys heard or know about smoking after surgery? Thanks.

Has anyone done any reasearch or spoken to their Dr. on why bariatric patients may be more likely to have alcohol issues? I have alcoholism in the family... And it kind if scares me to hear that. Is it it just the replacement of a food addiction with something else perhaps?

You guys have to admit these are awesome to watch, even when we were not so strong or not so healthy. Who would not give to haul a semi 100 feet or to carry 250lb/500lb stones and place them on pedestals. Awesome! These shows bring out the he-man in us ( or she-ra for the women, if they like watching this kind of thing). Don't forget to watch American Ninja Warrior (or the Japanese original). Not nearly as raw, but is still uber motivating to see what you can do when you are at the top of your health and fitness.

So let me set the stage before asking the question. I've never been a mouthy, cocky, arrogant person. But I've never been afraid to speak my mind and I've got a bad habit of jumping into the fray if I feel a need to. For example if I see someone shoplifting at the store I'll grab them by the ear and drag them to a manager or security. If I'm at a bar or restaurant and someone smacks their wife/gf I'm more than happy to knock them on their ass. At 6'1" 350ish this wasn't a big challenge and although I've never looked "intimidating" I've rarely been challenged simply because of size. I've never been one to pick a fight but I've always been one to stand my ground. Walk…

Before my surgery I went to Macy's and looked at the beautiful and way too small suits and told them, "I'll be back and you'll be mine!" That day has come. My size is not only on the rack now, it is down the rack to the smaller sizes! I'm a minister, I need a good black suit for marrying and burying and for special services. Now my size is the one I had when I married my first couple when I was in my 20's, the groom bought me a Johnny Carson suit. I loved that suit, I wore it out. Macy's has Donald Trump, Micheal Kors, and Kenneth Cole suits that look good. I don't know what I'll get but I know it's going to be fun. Knowing me, I will probably tell the salesperson th…

i was approved on 2/5, and the doc called to schedule my sleeve a moment ago. 2/20 is my date! i'm super excited. i'm planning on laying out of work on 2/21 and 2/22, doing jack nothing on the weekend (2/23 and 2/24), and going back to work on the 25th. i am lucky to work a job where i can control how much moving around i do, so i'll make sure to stay planted at my desk for a week or so. i am in good shape and am a relatively low BMIer (41ish). i have had orthopedic surgeries a time or 2 and was able to get back to things quickly, but it's been a while. of course I have issues I can lay out of work a little longer, but i'd rather not burn the days off if i ca…

I can no longer shop at my beloved Casual Male. I've shopped there for so many years, I don't know where to go now. The choices are overwhelming. I looked around a few big name department stores, but those clothes seemed like they were mostly for teenagers. Where does a skinny 40 something go?

There's a lot of advice on these forums but I need to hear from other guys. I am to be sleeved in morning and I just need to know if its worth it?? I love family eating gatherings and there's nothing like a big burger or pizza. Is it hard living without this stuff forever? Also, did anyone have any problem with the permanent nature of the surgery? I'm just freaking out today I guess.

Gentlemen, I've been a man's room browser for weeks now (don't like how that sounded) so I felt it was time to sign inand introduce myself. I started this process 4 months back to get insurance coverage and there I weighed in at 342 lbs. I've been thinking about a band at first but since getting on here and speaking with my surgeon getting a sleeve seems like a no brainer. I know is by no means going to be easy but not many good things in life are without the effort. I do want to say I've appreciated the topics and brutal honesty that goes on here and I plan to be an active participant to help others along the way. So with all that said I'm about 2 1/2 weeks out…

Have any of you noticed a difference in weather or not you snore? If you ever did that is. My fiancé has been snoring more than usual and it is driving me insane. I have enough insomnia from being pregnant but I want to smother him! Hoping weight is a factor.

2 weekends before pre op diet. That worries me most I think. I crave Carbs. Guess this is why I need this. Anyone have any concerns about a nurse shoving a tube down the tube. I'm thinking I would rather be swimming in shark infested waters.

Hey guys, Don't know how often you check the clothing exchange forum, but I've posted a bunch of free stuff. Check it out if you're interested! Thanks!

This was originally intended to be a reply to another topic, but I decided to make my own. I have not been banded yet, March 20th is my day. My wife however has had the surgery for about a year. With that said here is my standpoint. I am a mechanic. I use tools every day. A mechanic is nothing without the proper tools, but is useless without the proper training to use them as well. I feel that the pre-op diet and videos and reading is my training for how to use the lap-band efficiently. I know the post-op period and seeking the "green zone" is going to still be a huge learning curve, but who got good at something first time out without any practice. I know I can'…

Hey folks, Well as the title says, I am on my way. I met with my surgeon Friday, Feb. 15th for the first time to discuss my options and to find out what was requirements my insurance wants me to meet before agreeing to pay for my surgery. Turns out that I am one of the lucky ones on BCBS that are not required to undergo the 7 month physician supervised weightloss program. There are a few hurdles to jump but those I think I can manage. Today I jumped the first hurdle by attending my very first support group meeting. It was nice hearing all the ends and outs of gastric bypass and it both answered some questions but also created new questions. The biggest question on…

How can I get more calories in during the day. I eat what I can and drink protein drinks but not getting but around 500-600 in on a good day. Any suggestion

Hey Guys - I am 3 days post op. I had surgery on 1/29/13 and I noticed yesterday that my testicles are very enlarged. Has anyone else seen this problem post-operation?

After the sleeve, does anyone have a beer or glass of wine once in a while.

Hey guys kind insignificant question, but I was wondering if you have to get a catheter with this surgery?