The Guys’ Room

1,612 topics in this forum

The first month is supposed to be the best month where most lose the most weight...so i have been told. If this is so why is that i have only lost 1 or 2 lbs at 1.5 weeks post op. and only 15 pre-op? I guess i am used to seeing most men at 30 lbs weight loss by the second week post op. I understand that everyone is different but could it be that my calorie intake is about 850 cal./day, and some days lower? I try to eat as much as i can but my surgeon gave me a very very small fill at the time of surgery and I cannnot intake that many healthy mushy foods, it really depends on the day. If calories are the reason how can i intake more?

I am 4 weeks post-op. I have lost about 30 lbs due to per and post-op diet but I have no restriction. I am now on regular food and can (I am not) eat whatever just like before. Is that normal? I have appointment in 2 more weeks when I assume I will get my first fill. I am exercising and have lost lots of weight on my own in the past but I am looking forward to this tool actually helping me. Thanks.

I'm 63 old and about to be banded on 3/10/09 any guys out here my age with hints or how its going Lou

Hi Guys, I'm in the middle of getting approval from Aetna. Found out that I need to have my gallbladder removed when the lapband surgery takes place. Can anyone comment on the recovery time? I heard that the recovery time for a LP is usually one week. Does the gallbladder removal add time? Any additional; restrictions on the type of food that you can eat post surgery?

I have little or no ability to eat hamburgers or chicken at fast food places..... I am getting the stuck, slimed thing and that reminds me that that food is not on the list. Probably better for me to have this as an issue / advantage. I am loosing about 1 lb. per week. What does everyone do instead. 6 months since lap band and 1 fill! Regards

Is anyone from Oregon? If so, where are you from. I'm in Grants Pass. G

I was just wondering... After I get this thing implanted and I have some success how will strangers describe me? Now they probably say early to mid forties, tall, white and heavyset (if they are nice, other adjectives might be chubby, fat, huge, etc.). I think I will be happy with tall, early forties (fat makes me look mid to late forties now) average :biggrin: build. How about you?

I am being banded on 2/19. My doc wants 10 days of low/no carb to shrink liver. What should I be doing now to make life easier afterward? Is there anything you guys wish you had done? Is there any item that you would have purchased? I run my own business and need to do any and everything to minimize downtime. I already have my list of about 100 things I want to do once I get my weight down. How long were you out of work? My job requires me to walk, talk, and drive a car, that's about it. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

i work road construction and i am afraid that my surgery time will end right in the middle of the construction season. I dont want to tell my employer that i am having the surgery so i planned on just taking vacation time. i am woundering if any of you guys have gone through this and if you are lifting heavy concrete forms and such how long you had to stay off work to recover. Also what weight restrictions were you given by your doctor. Let me know anything about this will help Thanks

Yesterday I was getting dressed for work and looked down and I could actually see my belly button!! Wow!! I figure that in a few more months I might even be able to look down and see Big Jim and the Twins!! :thumbup:

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 just started my 2 week pre-op liquid diet. Major headaches and this is only day 2. My question is can I chew sugar-free gum? I like to chew gum and forgot to ask Doctor Peace bearbelly

I was banded in April 08 and did well. Lost 48lbs. I have gained 12 back and I don't know what to do. Do I just go liquid for a week? Get another fill, although I am having touble with food getting stuck. Just frustrated and need support, suggestions.

This is my first day on liquid diet and holy @$#! I'm hungry. My head is pounding only 13 days to go (surgery) Hope tomorrow is better Bearbelly

i'm seriously thinking about joining a rugby team and the first practice is tomorrow... but i'm wondering if me playing such a violent sport would effect my band? could i do damage to it it i got hit really hard??? i would like to get your opinions... thanks micah

so I made a quesadilla with low carb tortillas. I have eaten these before and not problem, but I used the bigger ones this time and did not cook to a crisp (left kinda soft). WHOA! I never knew what PB was, I mean, I knew what it meant, but it is something to experience... and then of course, followed by sliming!. What an aweful experience, I could not even drink anything for 10 or so minutes (tired to wash it down... yeah, don't do that, I said to myself). Anyway... lessons learned. I was banded in October and i am down to 243 (from 280) and wearing 38 waist jeans (haven't worn 38s since I was 16. Anyway... if you don't know what PB or sliming is... I hope you don'…

Hi, I just found this site and find it very informative and helpful. I am scheduled for my LB surgery in less then two weeks. I am an ERP consultant and travel frequently. I do not have a physical job and plan to work from home for a week and after about 12 days resume travel if I feel ok and doctor approves. Other then my boss I have not discussed my surgery with any collogues and really was not planning to. How do you handle group lunches and such? I am ok with the Protein shakes at the hotel, but often go with co-workers to lunch. I was thinking Soup as my main meal but I guess for the first few weeks that is limited to broth. Any insight would be appreciated. T…

Wow! This is exactly what I have been looking for. I'm so tired of talking to women about the band, I have been looking for a group of men to share stuff with. I'm new here just got my band on Aug 12, 2008 and have lost 44lbs. I get my first fill tomorrow and was wondering how it effected you all eating red meat? Have any of you tried eating deer meat? Great to be here, hope to get to meet some of you all.

Glad to see a Men's section. Oh no I am cross posting!!! Hello: I am going through the process of all my tests/appointments. I am on a 3 month diet for insurance purposes. I was hoping for Bypass surgery, though, The Doctor and I thought a Lap-band be the safer route. The reason is that I had a colon resection of the large intestine in my 20's. I have been overweight all my life. About every couple years,I end up on Weight Watchers 6 months then gain it all back. Though, I become obese and morbidly obese in the last 10 years. I got involved in a bad relationship which ended in a nasty divorce. With going through all the evaluations and Doc appointments, I was…

I read the thread about the rib eating / not chewing. I was banded on 10/22 have not had any problems. Sometimes I wonder if it is a bad thing. I have not found any thing that has given me a problem, I have been carefull on amount. I do think I need to chew better sometmes. I have lost 43 pounds since banding. 159 from my heaviest 11/06. I go 5-10 days with no loss and them will drop 4-5 pounds in a week. I am walking 1hr 5-6 times per week and lifting 3-4 times per week, I think building muscle sometimes mask my loss. Is this normal? What is PB and sliming?

Just before Christmas I bought a pair of dress shirts to go with the suit. I really didn't have interview clothes, and so I dropped in to Men's Wearhouse for the shirts. I've always just bought polo style and other open collar shirts, so I didn't know anything about sizes. The staff there measured the necksize, arms and handed me some shirts. Great, done deal, etc. Not so fast... When I put the shirts on just before the interview, they were massive! True, they fit at the neck and at the cuffs, but I could have put 50% more me in there. Billowy, and cut straight down from the armpits. I ended up folding handfuls of the fabric over in the back to hide it. Turns …

I was banded on 10/08 and at the time, I was 279 and now today, 11/20, I am at 250. I am really glad about the weight loss, but it seems like I can eat more, about 8 oz at dinner (less at lunch and breakfast)... Now... I have had 1 fill (3oz) and honestly, i am pretty happy with the volume of food I am eating, just not happy with the sloooowwwwww loss. It seems like I am only losing a pound a week (if that). Also, I am not eating any carbs, so I would have expected that to kick it up a notch as well... but I am telling you, this losing weight with the band is slow going. So? Should I be content or does it seem like I cam eating too much?

I got to thinking today - the USMC Eagle/Globe/Anchor tattoo that is my avatar here on the forum I probably should have waited to get until after I lost a bit of weight! 12 years after having left the Marines I FINALLY got my tattoo, but now I am concerned that it's going to get distorted all to hell once I start losing weight. It's on my upper left arm, which is pretty much solid. Any thoughts on whether it will get thrashed by the weight-loss, or do you think it will be fine? I'm sure there's got to be some men on here that have tattoos - how has losing the weight impacted your ink? Thanks!

I am 3 months post op andd was wonderingg if others have any issue with taking pills (like Advil)? I am just wondering if others are still crushing pills or draining caplets after a couple months out?

Having surgery first week in April. My name is Greg and I'm from Alabama (Roll Tide Roll). I work in maintaince and I'm 40 yrs. old. I weighed 342 back in october but i'm down to 314 (310 before the christmas dinner that I tried to eat everyyhing in sight). I've been reading the threads for a couple of months but I decided that reading wasn't enough because if you actually post your weight you will work harder to loose it . Support does help but your the one that has to work at it. The post you had about the competition was great. It gets that competative drive going. I have 3 months 1 week to surgey and the real journey begins. I'm trying to loose all I can before s…

Salutations Gentlemen, This seems to be a very confusing topic. I've read all I could find on the subject here in the forum and 2 theme's seem to be prevalent. 1- Everyone is different. 2- It takes a few fills (2-4 seems to be the average) before you start feeling restriction. That doesn't make much sense to me. Why should it take a couple of fills to feel restriction. Is it so the fill Dr.'s can make more money? I've just started to eat food since my surgery 16 days ago. So I was a bit curious as to what and how much I could eat. I have a 10cc band with nothing added to it so far. As far as I can tell there is absolutely no difference then before I was banded. If …

I have 4.5 cc in my band and can eat almost anything... but a weird thing happened. I eat cottage cheese and RESTRICTION... and how! I can eat chicken, steak, whatever and no restrictions, but I can only eat a bite of cottage cheese without restriction. I know, I know... just don't eat cottage cheese. I am just wondering if anyone else experiences these types of things with certain foods?

Specifically on the Eastern Shore by any chance? Did the band in '04 and have relapsed. My fault. Back then there was no support group over here and no other bandsters that I could find. Hoping there may be a few by now, especially on the upper shore. If so, I look forward to hearing from you. John

Hey guys, just checking in. yesterday was my 1 year anniversary and I weighed in at 90 lbs. It really feels good. Thsnks for the support.

I was out xmas shopping yesterday, and had to eat lunch, out. So I went to Wendy's for the first time since being banded. Its not my favorite anymore but it was a busy day. I thought when I got home about my typical meal before surgery (which I was usually still hungry from) vs what I ate yesterday. Thought I would share: Before - Baconator Meal/ FF & Diet Coke - 1,300 calories After- Jr. Cheeseburger/ Small FF (ate about 1/3) - so I figured at the Wendy's website -350 calories max. No wonder I was busting out of my 44 pants!

As some of you know, I have been a "workout warrior" since my banding in late Aug 2007. I haven't had many problems with my workouts. I've lost 135 lbs in that time period and cut my bf% from almost 34% to 17.5%. I circuit train mainly for my workouts. 3 circuits each workout, split upper body and legs and do each 2/wk. I start with 7 reps and increase by 1 rep each week until I get to 12 reps, a 6 wk cycle. Then, week off and start all over with increased weights and different exercises for each body part. Also, I do at least 50 minutes of cardio on days that I work and 65-95 minutes of cardio on days off. Lately, I've been giving myself 1 day off from exercis…

Hi everyone, just a little bragging here. This morning, my weight hit 214. At 5'11", that takes me officially from the obese category to the merely overweight category (BMI today-29.8). I know that it's only a number, but to me it feels like a major accomplishment that I wanted to share. At now 90 pounds I've lost 8 inches from my waist and gone from a size 19 dress shirt to a size 17 dress shirt. Wow-I feel amazing! Bryan

Hey Guys! I finally get my first fill today! I am so ready. It's been a real struggle to maintain my weight loss through the holiday season with no restriction. I hope they give me a good tight fill and it doesn't take me 2 or 3 fills like it did for some of you to get restriction. I'll let you know how it goes!

so... I have been sitting at 249 for a month. I finally went in for a fill (1.5 cc... my doc is very conservative with filling). I only have 3cc now, so this puts me up to 4.5 cc total and I have a realize band. I started this journey in Oct at 280 (and climbing rapidly back to my highest of 335). So I can live with 249... but man... I would like to see 239, 229 and so on. So here we go... December 12th... 249 and a fresh fill. Wish me luck!

I went in yesterday to discuss with my Dr if I needed another fill. I was not 100% sure that I needed one, but I wanted to talk to the doc about it. I can eat considerably more than I think I should be able to, and I always have been. That being said I constantly experience pain when eating so I figure the band is probably tight enough. After weighing in the Dr suggested the following. 1. I am not chewing my food enough, and the food is scratching the lining of the stomach as is goes through the band. Long term this could damage the lining and will require medication and an unfill to correct. 2. He felt that the band has done all its going to do, and the rest …

I have been away from LBT for about three months, and I am back now.....to stay. I have had my ups and downs in the last three months. One thing is that the job I had...was eliminated, so they had to give me my previous job....which requires me to be on the road a lot, and by the time I get home I am tried and just want to go to bed. I was banded on 4 February 2008, so I am coming up on my band-versary. And I need support!!!

Hey guys. Well tomorrow is my time to finally get banded. I have been doing great on pre op losing weight and not cheating and mentally have been stable. Well thats what I think at least. Today has been the worst day for me. I started thinking about tomorrow from the minute I woke up today. I actually took a half day and decided to come home for comfort. I am happy but very anxious and honestly dont have an appetite today at all but I have been forcing my drinks down. I am sure I am not the only one who has felt this way. I am trying to put my mind at ease. I have no doubts about what I am going to do. I think the surgery part is whats getting me nervous. Just wanting to …

Hi everyone. Had my second fill today. Only 1cc as the previous fill was 4 cc's and I'm "almost" there. However, I was surprised after the fill when the doc told me to go back to full liquids and then to puree's for a couple of days. When I had my first fill he didn't tell me anything like this, and I just kept right on with my solid foods. Anybody encounter this before? Any thoughts as to why the rules would be different for the second fill? I gotta say, going back to mushies doesn't feel that appealing. I've done full liquids today as ordered, but I'm really thinking of just going back to solids tomorrow. Bryan

Does anyone have an idea what a surgeon would enjoy as a gift? I do not want to spend more than $50-$75. Thanks.

hello all, i have been reading for month,but this is my 1st post. I want to lose as much weight as possible,before my operation.I have four Weeks before i start a two week Optifast diet,any suggestions???

Looking for Old Goat Buddies just Banded or in the Process. To share are current struggle with the bulge and hopefully make it work for all of us this time. My definition of an Old Goat is a Male of Retirement age or Older just like ME in pursuit of a heather Body that’s able to wear much smaller clothes. Now about me - 70 years old, 6 foot tall since 16 till I got checked for my BMI they tell me I am only 5’ 11-3/4” BMI 42.2 WGT 309 Top WGT 333 Charts say should be under 170 Wow 190 would sure be nice. Live in Kansas City and working with The Bariatric Center of Kansas City and DR Hoehn For me the thought of possible eliminating My Diabetes, High Blood Pressu…

I'm having my band done Nov 24 in RI. Looking forward to it. Here's a ? for the banded men. How long after surgery before they got you up and walking around. How did you feel? Also, did anyone have to get a catheter? I'm told I have to have one for a day. Not too concerned when they put it in because I'll be asleep but taking it out well definately not my idea of fun. Any feedback guys??? Thanks Bill

Hello Gentlemen, Alex and I are planning the "2009 East Coast National LAP-BAND" Conference. As your board states "Men get banded too". We want to know what the men want/need at the conference. We feel the guys are under served in the community. Here is your chance to have your voice heard. Please give us your input with suggestions, ideas, wish list and so forth. We are here to help the men as well. We are looking forward to hearing from each one of you.

Just wanted to say hello to everyone. I am finally getting banded on December 3rd and cant wait. I say finally because I was turned down before by my insurance company but my wifes insurance is covering it thank god. I wont lie, I am a little scared but I think I can handle it. Today was my first day of my Pre-op diet and so far my wife is still with me and my kids haven't run away, but I can tell you everyone is keeping their distance:w00t:. Its been hard and I felt horrible all day like I was having withdrawels and very tired but I have set my mind to this and I have alot of support starting right here at home. I am sure I am not the only on this ride. I am getting band…

hey guys. got a question. i am 2 wks post op. i quit smoking over a year ago and since then chewed a little nicorette or had a little dip from time to time. anyone had a bad experience doing this with the band? i know smoking sux but to come from 3 packs a day to a few pieces of nicorette or an occasional dip is a giant step for me. any bad experiences out there.

This past weekend I discovered Podrunner Intervals on itunes. It's a series of podcasts that contians non-stop music to run to. There is a nine week program to train to run a 5K. It starts by walking for 90 seconds and then running for 60 seconds. Each week the amount of run time increases and the amount of walking decreases until you can run a 5k. The music changes as you workout. It gets faster when you are running and slows down during the walks. I started week one yesterday. It was great! The music kept me moving. I'm planning on completing the nine week 5k program. It may take me longer then 9 weeks. I'm going to take it easy to make sure I don't injure …

Hi guys, I'm getting my lap band on the 14th of this month and I was wondering if I'll be able to continue to gain solid muscle mass. I ask, because I'm not only overweight, but I'm also muscular. Not only do I not want to lose muscle, but I also want to be able to build it after the procedure. I asked my surgeon the same question and he said it wouldn't be a problem, but you all have first-hand experience. I'm 5'10, 27 years old, and weigh in at a solid 215-230 lbs when I'm in shape. I'm currently 330 lbs. I want to be healthy, not skinny. I'm doing this for my health, but as I mentioned before, I by no means necessary want to be skinny and flabby. Thanks In-shap…

I posted this in "Introductions" but I want to hang out with the men if that's ok :thumbdown: Hi Friends! My name is dave, I was banded last Saturday, 11/8, in Mexicali by Dr. Aceves. Everything went fine I guess. I'm still on liquids and have lost 10 lbs. I'm very excited about this opportunity to change my life. I'm 41 years old with 3 kids and a wonderful wife. I've been a chef for 25 years so I think the hardest part of this will be staying away from bad (GOOD!) food. I think this is a wonderful forum and I'm very grateful to have found it and all the support and encouragement that is found within it's pages. Thank-you, dave

I am banded as October 29, 2008. I am already on soft foods and it hasnt been two weeks and I dont feel really no restrictions. BUT, I am only eating a small portions like a cake plate of food. PLEASE SOMEONE TELL ME THIS IS NOT NORMAL???? IS IT!

I am 4.5 weeks out, have lost 25 lbs and have transitioned to solid-ish foods. I am not having a problem with hunger and seem to be well within the calories I am supposed to be taking in... but was wondering... I was told that you would only be able to eat (or should be eating) about 4 oz. of food per meal. Is this right? Maybe I am not banded tight enough... becuase I eat about 8-10 oz. per meal typical meals are; 2 jumbo eggs with some turkey (an ounce or so) and some shredded cheese (maybe .5 oz) approx 300 cals Lean Cusine dinner (around 250 cals) chicken noodle soup (10 oz) (aroundd 160 cals) I am not snacking... only taking in around 800 cals a day, and h…