The Guys’ Room

1,612 topics in this forum

I love the new lapband. Im starting to lose, its not as easy as I thought, i pass the time writing and performing, hope everyone is having success. www.redrivertheseries.com

I have noticed in the last couple weeks my deodorant failing earlier in the day than it used to. Anyone else get this? I'm 10 weeks out.

hello all, So I'm closing in on surgery in July, and I've heard from a number of folks about what they can/can't eat now after surgery. For instance, one guy I know told me he can eat baked zite, but not angel hair Pasta. macaroni and cheese with elbows is ok, but mac and cheese with shells comes up. I'm just trying to learn more as I head for surgery, so can you tell me... what surprises have you encountered/ lessons have you learned since banding when it comes to what goes down and what doesn't agree? and while we're at it, can you specify what slider/cheater food is? Maybe I'll know what specifically to stay away from... thank you all! Stan

Guys, Have a question. For guys that have been banded, did you suffer hair loss after surgery. What did you do to prevent it or stop it. I am getting banded on the 10th of May and am really worried about hair loss. I have thin hair as it is. Any suggestions/insights will be helpful. This is a great site. Thanks to everyone.

Hi, I am going to be having surgery in about 1 1/2 weeks and trying to get some advice with other guys who have had it done. What was your experience after surgery in regards to the diet and exercise? I am in need of loosing 50 lbs to be at my goal weight . I am wondering if anyone has experience visible ports or complications. For the past 3 weeks I have been eating small meals and working out in order to get a head start. I have lost 15 lbs but not sure if I should go forward with the surgery or not just a bit worried. Any comments will help. Thanks. Cesar

I was banded Oct. 14, 2010 and have lost 25 lbs and had 2 fills. Was getting good restriction until last week and all of a sudden I have none........what happened? I go in Monday to get a fill.......can they do an x-ray or something? I have NO restriction whatsoever......I could eat a horse. I feel like something has gone wrong. Has anyone had this happen? I have also been stuck at 25 lbs for over a month now. Thanks........Pat

I deleted this post.

See my stats... 30yrs old about 9 weeks out. I increased my consumption this weekend to 4 oz at each meal per my NUTs instructions, and I ate kroger deli albacore tuna salad for lunch and dinner... stuck with one egg and a laughing cow wedge for lunch. Woke up this morning and popped up 3# from Sunday to this morning. Did you guys ever pop up like that? I had a little bit of broth from a pot roast my wife made, and I am telling myself its just Water weight from the salt content of the broth. I was on a good run too... down from 229-223 in about a week or so after being stalled at 229 for a week. Thoughts?

Hi iam 30 years old 6,1 and 320 lbs iam getting banded in 2 months very excited to seriously start a new life . I have ridden dirtbikes my whole life and its basically apart of my life so what iam getting at is, is there anyone who is into riding that had been banded. By shedding the weight how much of a difference is it when riding or racing ect. Does the band interfere with riding,

Admittedly I'm not the 5 o'clock shadow kind of guy. Normal facial hair shaving for me has always been every third day typically. I have noticed since about 6 weeks post op, I've needed to shave every other day and really could go daily now. Anyone else seeing anything like this?

I know I am not only one who gets morning wood. It never really went away even at my heaviest. Since I have been losing weight I have noticed the return of "wet dreams". I haven't had this since I was in high school. I may need to bother the wife for more than once per week. Anyone else experiencing this?

Did any of you guys suffer from Gynecomastia(Man Boobs) prior to being banded? I'm curious to find out if they dissapear as you lose weight?

Being a Kansas boy I am a big KU fan. Not a big basketball fan more football. However I love March Madness. I was heartbroken today to see my Hawks not make it to the Final Four. What is your favorite college team.

Im just wondering, Will being thin(someday, hopefully sooner than later)help me and others in the workfield? Other than the physical parts(Im a plumber, moving around in tight spaces). Im talking about how others view us. I told my wife"I wonder what customers think when they open the door and see a 340# plumber standing there"? Im wondering if this will help me become more successful? I think heavy people are viewed as being different, lazy, the funny thing is Ive never had an employer accuse me of being lazy. I actually started a job(union) and one of the workers told me "you wont make it here, you work too hard"! Ive pretty much outworked most people I worked with in t…

Guys, I am 2 weeks out from my surgery date and would like to know what the average size french bougie is used for men with the gastric sleeve. My doctor recommends a 40 for men given the extra calories and Protein men require over women. Wondering is this the average size, to big, to small? Not sure. Need some information from the guys please.

Anyone out there who has over 150#'s to loose ? I am at around 400#'s and want to get down to 250 or 200 depending on how I feel. My question is if anyone else has this much or had this much to loose ? I get that men loose quicker than the women but am looking to see at what loss does the plateau start. Any help would be great. Chuck

Question for you guys out there. Prior to being banded, I was told that the Port is more noticeable on Men than Women. I was Banded last month. Was 85lbs overweight. Had/have what is commonly called a Beer Belly. Large, but rock hard. Right now my port is right under my skin, and looks slightly smaller than 1/2 a golf ball, not to mention the scar. I can see the bump with a t-shirt on. I go to a gym/health club that has showers, steam , sauna and whirlpools in the locker room where all the men walk around naked, and I am very self conscious of this bump. I joked with my Dr. saying that it looks like I will be one of those guys that always wears a "Muscle T-shirt"…

BTW: That's OFF the CPAP, NOT ODD I've been an a CPAP for like forever, maybe like 10 years. I've lost 103 pounds and was having fits keeping my mask from leaking, I've lost so much fat on my face that I have to keep adjusting the straps to keep it tight enough to not leak. I found I had to shorten the over the head strap so much to keep upwards pressure on the nasal pillows that it put the top around the head strap right next to my eye and it bugged the heck out of me. So 2 nights ago I just decided to try and ween myself off it. I know I should go and have another sleep study but just don't want to go through the expense and waiting. I fall asleep very u…

I've been on here for a little while now and really wish the man room would take off with guys posting... I've tried to search by male posters to really see what goes on with the procedures but this site doesnt allow a search like that. I see a few guys here and there on different posts but for some reason the man room is viewed by more women than men. anyway... I've decided to go ahead with the procedure here in SC and reluctantly have to finance part of the cost due to an unforseen work comp injury. Looking at Care Credit... I'm 5'11" 350 lbs... alright my brothers chime in...

Ok this is what I am wandering the bathroom used to rank after being on the porclin throne but now after surgery I make myself gag ...... Am I the only one?

Hi there, this is my first post. i have a surgery date for the lap band on 01/27/2011, i just went to a post op meeting and that most of the people there had the Gastric bypass or the Sleeve, i currently weigh 314lbs and 6' 2'' and would love to be down around 200lbs. but with that said the group didn't talk very highly about the lap band, that it is the hardest way to lose weight and easier to gain weight, and that very few will keep it of.. they were telling us future banners to with the sleeve, now im really confused, thinking i might be making the wrong decision.. did y'all me or women go through this guessing game too??? thanks cliff

so I am plateaued (sp?) for over a year. I am banded plenty tight, but seem to have taking up some bad habits..... drinking mixed drinks with mixers, eating foods that get by the band.... eating too many calories and not working out. So, I am working through it. I was extremely overrweight most of my life, so being at a weight less than I was 25 years is amazing, but I am 25 lbs away from my ideal weight (yeah, I know, it could be 100lbs or even more) but living with the band is tougher than i tought it would be. I guess it is always a constant learning process, even 2 years out, I am learing every day. Guess I was just ranting.... The best thing I have started d…

I was sleeved 1 month ago and lost a good bit the first 3 weeks. Now I am stalled and have not lost a single pound in a week (week 3-4). Also, mentally, I can't seem to judge the amount of food I can hold and often overeat by just 2 bites and that causes great gastric distress. I then have to sit still and vertical for 30 minutes as things settle while feeling like I am going to throw up the whole time. Anyone else stalled? How much food can you eat in terms of volume? I am posting this in the man room as things seem to be quite different for the women.

My husband is getting sleeved on Monday! I am so happy for him. Whenever I brought up WLS, he would be mildly interested but for years we never took action. Then finally in Apr. 2010 I made the call to my insurance to get the ball rolling. I asked him to consider it as well. It took him a while, but he did finally decide that he wanted to do this as well. (And I have to give him TONS of credit because I originally was going to do the band and he begged me to research the sleeve...thank goodness!) Anyway, after some insurance and dr./surgeon bumbling of the paperwork (he was due to be sleeved Dec. 2010) his day is finally almost here. He has about 80-90lbs to lose an…

I am 2 weeks and 4 days out and I am on regular foods now. Every time I eat now though I think that I am overeating, actually I am scared shitless that I am. What food I do get I get very small ammounts, 1 cheese stick, 1 pudding cup or if it is a homemade meal it is 1 tablespoon and I never finish what I get, but the pudding or cheese stick. (none of that is at the same time mind you). Has anyone else gone through this? Is this somewhat expected?

Just thought I would stop in and say hi. I have posting in the post-op forum and finally scrolled down to find this forum.

I've lost close to 80 lbs and my butt hurts when I sit at my desk - it's didn't used to! I don't remember things digging into my hip bones either. Wonder what could be wrong?

Try Snowboaring with my daughter Actually buy a wet suit, and wear it in public and go surfing Fly across the country and demand a middle seat, preferably between two fat people Try to run regularly Play Badminton (I love badminton) Learn to sail work on a 6pack (you know what I mean) Try Kite Sailing Try scuba diving (since I'll own a wet suit already) Wear shirts with thick horizontal stripes Shave my beard (which I had for 30 years) Go to the gym and take showers and be NUDE in the locker room Join a softball team play basketball Dance (well... maybe not dance but go where people dance) Take my shirt off at the beach Go swimming at a public pool (with a spedo!!) Pick u…

Has anyone tired the GM diet after being banded, or any other "diets" in general? I was banded in April '08, lost a total of 125 pounds. Kept that off for a long time by having a very tight band. However, turned out to be too tight and I had to have all the fluid taken out of the band...let my stomach relax for 3 weeks, and then had it slowly filled again over several months until my doctor felt is was as full as should be. I have good restriction, not as good as before, but still good. During the time that my band was empty and getting filled slowly, I gained back about 25 pounds. I have been able to drop 5 of those, but really want to ditch the other 20. Some fri…

Hi Guys and Gals! Well down 60 lbs in 18 Months, started at 300 down to 238. My highest however was 316. Overally I am pleased but with the last 10 lbs I noticed more flab that now hangs over my pants. I work out 3 times a week with a trainer and try for 1 or 2 times more on my own. I am planning to do more upper body but not sure this will help. I am thinking may need tummy tuck etc. and was wondering about other guys who may have had them done and what kind of results you have seen. My waste has gone from a 44 / 46 to about a 38. Chest from 52 to about 48. Thanks Ross The Boss

All right guys, so for the past month or so, the wife and I have been going to the gym, getting on the treadmill walking/jogging/running a 5k. This has been great to build stamina and show myself that I *can* do it and learn to like exercise. Well, today, I started P90x and am throwing that into the mix too. I've lost 72 pounds since October 8 of last year and I figure it's time to build some muscle. Have any of you thought about doing it, have done it, or are doing it now? For my first workout today, I have to say, it completely kicked my tail. I've heard of people puking when they first start, and I thought they were full of it, but I can completely see how tha…

Hey all! I am 6 days out from surgery. Thought I knew all I needed to about getting sleeved and the effects after surgery, boy was I wrong Nothing bad just MAN! Glad to have found this site and especially this board. It's nice to get help from/talk with people but awesome to find other guys who have had the surgery.

I'm 5'8" tall, 335 pounds, and turning 44 years old as I prepare to be banded. As part of this, I'm looking forward to getting into serious weight training--the one "athletic" activity I've ever really enjoyed. I'm wondering, though, whether the restricted food intake will support it. Can you get enough Protein to keep up with the ongoing muscle repair, and ideally start adding muscle? I understand that my focus should probably be on the wide range of health benefits I'll get from losing the weight. To be honest though, the last thing I want is to lose 100+ pounds, just to become a scrawny, pencil-necked weakling with chicken legs. :thumbup: Has anyone else here…

My surgeon told me he thought our adjustement on 29 September would be the one that got me in the green zone. I am at 9 CC in a 14 CC band. The difference the 1 CC made was amazing. I had lost 60 lbs on the first two adjustments and could eat good size meals. Now I am having: Breakfast - 1/4 of the top of a bagel OR a nutrigrain bar OR two spoons of Peanut Butter lunch - Small salad OR small lean cuisine dinner - A few bites of meat and a part of a cup of veggies Biting off more than I can chew sends me right to the bathroom. If I sip Water with my meal I can down some more. If I stop drinking before the meal I cannot handle very much at all. I am afraid the…

I have had my Band for 14 Months. Lost 50 LBS first 8 Months. I had three fills during those 8 months. I have not had a fill for 6 months and have gained 40 lbs back. Ready to get serious again, and go get a fill. Will my band be able to restrict my food intake again?

5 weeks post op, 50 YO male. I was scheduled for an brain MRI later this week. I had a dizzy spell back before my surgery and saw a balance specialist, she thought it was critical that I see a neurologist and get an MRI because I had a previous bad dizzy spell about 23 YEARS ago and have had a few whiplash injuries over the decades. I told her to ask my regular doc about it and surprisingly he agreed. I went and the neurologist wanted an MRI and ultrasound of my carotid arteries Well I look at the pre-test sheet the nurse misspelled carotid and highlighted a bunch of weird instructions. Seems I was to drink 32 ozs of Water 1 hour before the ultrasound and NOT pee…

Should I go ahead and shave my chest and belly before surgery? I've had EKG's before and pulling them off can be hell with chest hair like mine. Thanks guys!

Since magazines take like 3 months before they actually start arriving at the house, I figured I'd subscribe to something. Which magazines, guides or other material can help me out after I'm a "normal weight"? Right now I just buy whatever is on the clearance rack at the Big and Tall store. thanks!

Just got scheduled (Dec 15) and getting all my ducks in line. If anyone is willing to answer some questions, drop me a line or friend me on facebook. I travel a lot, and will be on the road exactly 3 weeks post-op. doable, if i've got my wife with me? Can anybody tell me why they make you quit smoking? I get the no-drinking (empty calories) but i'm not sure what tobacco has to do with the size of your alimentary canal. I'm seeing a lot of conflicting info on the whole "shirk your liver" pre-op diet. I've got my pre-op clinic set for Dec 7 (one week prior), so I assume that's my diet date. Pure protien, no carbs, right? Thanks I'm going to try one of th…

sorry..my topic posted in the wrong place

Wow, so it's been something like over 6 months since I've been back on here. It's been one heck of a ride. Had to take 3 months of a physician-supervised diet, sleep study, lung function study, the 590-question psych eval, as well as the ekg or two. In the end, my insurance finally gave me the green light. My surgery is scheduled for 1/18/2011. I'm a very anal-retentive person, and I've read quite a few books on what to expect, but was curious for all of you dudes, as far as what you remember and what I can...nt look forward to. I've already ditched the soda. It's been about 4 days, and Let me tell you the withdraw is horrible...And no, it's not from Caffeine,…

The Volcano was the perfect excuse Living in Indonesia is a wonderful experience and a fantastic lifestyle can be had. The people are so caring, loving and supportive – but mostly cannot understand what it is like to be fat. When I am complaining about my weight they always say kind things like – Your health is more important than how you look. But if you are obese you know differently. Especially when living amongst people who hardly never get over 60 kg (130 lbs). The kids at the supermarket show the truth when they point at the fat white man and giggle behind their hands. Parents tugging them away politely but you know what is going through their min…

Hi Guys, I heard that taking Viagra makes you perform like a machine. So I tried one the other day just to see what would happen? I don't need any help, but was curious to see the effects? My friend was right, It was like I had power and performance like crazy. My question is..... My band got really tight for about 24 hours, it was hard to eat anything without pain, Throat and Chest seemed sollen? Has anyone else had this effect?

Dude, have you seen Nate Newton? Guy that used to be called "The Kitchen" looks awesome! Cousin was telling me he saw a tv report in Houston about Nate and how Nate was standing with Deion Sanders and that they were about THE SAME SIZE! Nate had the vertical sleeve done. That was an encouraging story on the eve of my surgery.

I bought a jacket in 2005 from the Big/Tall store. Size 3X. Never could wear it buttoned but it was on sale then for like $40. Broke it out this season planning to wear it open as usual. IT BUTTONS AND STILL HAS ROOM TO SPARE! Granted it is a 3X but now it is a little big. First time I have seen a real change in my clothing. Then I decided on some things I would like to work on. If I can work with my weight there are other things I want to tackle: 1) Eliminate ALL soda consumption - It costs too much and can hurt the band in the long run. 2) Whiten my teeth - Stopping soda and making better food choices can help this. It's like an extra benefit to my better lifes…

Hey there, I am a newbie here... have not had the sleeve as of yet, just started some research but what I am finding I am impressed with, so it seems that it is just a matter of time before I do this. I am happy to have found a forum as a support and to ask questions. Wouldn't mind connecting with other people that are in same position of have already been sleeved and wanna make a bit of support group within Tim

Ok, so I've only been banded for two weeks and I've got my post op appointment with the Dr tomorrow so I'm sure we will discuss this but does everyone have to get a fill? I am just now coming off the all clear liquids part of the diet and yesterday I got to have some cottage cheese. I am thinking that I might be ok with just the band in place or am I dealing with feelings of "not full" that would be better if I get a fill? What's the difference - what do you guys actually feel like?

preferably free. Does anyone know of any?

I searched the forums and only saw threads about constipation. I am guessing my recent vacation had caused me some problems because I replaced Water with soda/alcohol and Fiber with sugar in a splurge. I haven't gained weight but definitely messed up the digestion pipes. Due to the lack of bathroom visits and the strain I have developed a very painful, large, external hemmorhoid. PrepH makes it feel better but I have had it for about 2 weeks and it is not shrinking . I am to the point that I do not want to use the restroom because it hurts. Any other home remedies I can try as I do not want to visit the doctor for this issue if I do not have too? Or is this still wi…

is my date. After 9 long months of office visits and waiting for approvals. I will be headed to Dallas for my surgery.