The Guys’ Room

1,612 topics in this forum

Hi guys, I have had 4 weight loss procedures over the last 13 years (long story) anyway my most recent major op was a gastric bypass done in May 2016. I've also just the pouch and stoma size reduced with the Overstitch. Anyway, my iron levels are really low, the doctor was surprised I was awake, alert and not on the floor. My iron levels were in the very low single figures. Apparently anaemia in men is quite rare compared to females. In fact it's quite unusual for a man to become anaemic unless they have internal bleeding or something more sinister going on. So I was just wondering how many men on here who have had a gastric bypass have ended up with anaem…

Howdy all! Im just about to reach my 3rd week Post-Op but I am curious to look ahead and see what kind of meats you all enjoy eating. Being from Texas everything is centered around meat [emoji23] (steaks, pork, chicken, fish) and I am looking forward to eating a nice lil helping of protein (when that time comes). Tell me your Go-To's! And even your avoidances! P.S id really like to know of any steak experiences in particular! Sent from my SM-G928T using BariatricPal mobile app

Okay guys Im not sure how bad I messed up but I had popcorn recently (im pushing week 4) and even though I had no ill side effects I looked around old forums and people are like "noo popcorn is satan". I already kicked myself in the butt so I dont need the hardcore critics I know I messed up now. But is there any long term damage I may have caused? Sent from my SM-G928T using BariatricPal mobile app

Ok Guys I don't quite know how to say this so I'm just gonna come out and say it. I keep sitting on my balls! It seems that with the receded thunder thighs and reduced fat pad in the pubic area, the sack hangs much lower than it used to. Everytime I sit down i squash the nads just beneath my now bony butt! Needless to say this causes discomfort and the embarrassing need to furtively glance around while reaching in to rescue the little fellers. Anyone else have this problem and have an suggestions? Maybe some drawers that work better than others?

Hi all! I was JUST sleeved 7/17/17 and ohhhh my God this trapped gas is worst than death. I walk frequently in hopes for it to lessen up but Christ. Gas X seems to not wanna work either. What did yall do?! HELP! Lol!

Howdy all! Ive been lurking around this group for awhile (finally decided to make an account) and Im 2 days away from being sleeved. Im 21 and Im a biggun?. first doctors visit was 545, lost 20+ pounds in just two weeks following my preop diet. Im just looking to hear some tips and tricks for success. Im not nervous and I feel like its a welcome change. (Really looking forward to seeing my body change, especially where it counts fellas amIRight? *nudge nudge*?)

A key thing that my surgeon has preached is avoiding grazing between meals. Now that I'm trying to maintain my current weight, given the amount that I can eat at any one time, I am finding it impossible to get enough calories in without eating throughout the day (ie; grazing). Right now I am at a target of 2400 calories/day and I am still losing 1-2 lbs per week. I am interested in how other guys have dealt with this. Do you tend to eat throughout the day and just focus on tracking and making good choices in what you eat or are you doing something else? Right now, I am finding myself eating even when I am not hungry just to try to hit a calorie target and limit further we…

Hey everyone this is my first post I'm post op from 6-27-17 so I'm just a couple weeks out from having a sleeve. I'm 32 years old and my starting weight was at 380lbs in April 2017 and lost down to 317lbs on the day of surgery as of now I'm 300lbs I'm just looking for any advice that you all have that might get me through this 3rd week stall that I keep reading about thanks everyone.

So I've found out my employer covers Bariatric Surgery for weight loss and I have been considering the surgery for some time. I had recently decided that I was interested in the Gastric Sleeve as I didn't want to take vitamins and was overall scared of the intestinal re-routing of the Bypass. The specific program with my employer is a pilot program and only one surgical center in the US is allowed, luckily for me it was only 200 mi away since we're nationwide that isn't the case for a lot of employees. After attending my initial consultation I was met with some resistance over wanting the gastric sleeve. The wife of the surgeon who is also a family medicine doctor said th…

Well, the surgeon had to make the decision to switch me from Roux-en-y to vertical sleeve gastrectomy, but the surgery was done successfully yesterday and I'm at home recouperating now. Still trying to get rid of the last of the very uncomfortable gas, but I feel okay. Not very interested in putting anything in my stomach right now, but I'm trying to get fluids and Protein shakes down...it's just VERY slow going. I get at most maybe 2oz done per hour right now. As the gas pain and general discomfort subside, I'm sure it'll get easier. Unfortunately, apparently the mesh that a prior surgeon used to repair an umbilical hernia was the wrong type, and resulted in my intestine…

What's up everyone? I'm new here and I don't have a surgery date yet. My insurance requires a 6 month diet and I just recently completed my first month. I'm 29 and hope I'm making the right decision, I guess that gives me some time to think about it, but I have been big my whole life, and struggled with losing weight. I will be having the sleeve surgery, and was wondering what all changes as far as what I can eat or drink ( wondering mostly about having a few beers from time to time), and also what other changes will I see for anything? My wife had the sleeve surgery in June and has done very well with her weight loss and after surgery so she can tell me some things, but …

Hey guys, I'm wondering how long after my bypass I should wait before I can start to do some mild upper body work with dumbbells? I've had a personal trainer for years up until about 9 months ago (when I had an illness AND moved country) so my technique is pretty good. I just want to do bicep curls, some tricep work, shoulder presses, some vertical rows - even with light weights. Any experience or tips from you gents? Cheers, J

I've recently been enjoying the aesthetic benefits of hitting the gym on a regular basis. Someone said I should post my routine for reference, so I am happy to oblige. I had my surgery in February of 2015 and joined my gym the following April. With the exception of holidays, vacations, and illness; I have gone to the gym at least 4 days a week. Sometimes I will go twice in one day if I need to waste time after work before I have club meeting or my recently started yoga class. A quick and brief history about me; I had an almost fatal car accident as a young man that cause lifelong issues and also several sport injuries that are related to said car accident issues and poor …

What is our range for calorie goals per day? Protein? carbs? (In grams if possible). Yes, I've researched it, but it's 99% women's answers, and I was a Mexico surgery guy with limited contact post surgery. My surgery was so physically successful I'm still kind of dazed. I'm eating most foods just fine 7 weeks out. 25 pounds. I miss watermelon, and that's not working. Weird for a fruit so inherently healthy. I crave chocolate more than before, and sugar free is good because it used to cause diarrhea, but now it's a lovely slight laxative, LOL.

So I'm sure a topic like this is on here somewhere but I haven't found it yet. What is the average cost for the sleeve? My insurance will pay 75% after I meet my deductible. Thanks for info.

Hey Guys, I am 1 week post op as of today. I was sleeved 6/14. Did any of you have problems with you body processing your protein? I have tried it with 1% milk, 1% lactaid, and water. With in 10 min I break out into a cold sweat and then have to rush to the bathroom with diarrhea. Tmi, I know. But I have to figure this out because I met with my doc today and he told me to try with Lactaid, which I did when I got home and same thing happened. Please let me know. Thanks! Frank Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Anyone ever hire a personal trainer? I'm closing in on 250 pounds loss but I have done it mostly with cardio. I'm looking to start lifting and getting more athletic. I went to the gym and I just don't seem to be doing the machines right as I seem to strain other parts of my body. I would like to work with someone to show me how to use the machines properly, how much weight to use, when to increase weight, and how and when to target muscle groups. I'm looking at 3 times a week max as I do most of my cardio at home. I'm not sure where to look for a trainer and what is a reasonable price. LA Fitness near me offers trainers. Maybe I'll try a free consultation there but I'm no…

Hi there, my first time on a bariatric site still pretty new to this but i had some questions/concerns. I'm "6'1' and 505 lbs at 21 almost 22 years old. I'm nervous about starting the surgery as i have heard so many issues about them from doctors. I'm beginning the start to my never ending battle of weight loss and reading some posts on here has given me some hope. The only thing i haven't seen (or if i haven't looked deep enough) is that men around my age have not gotten the surgery so as i cry for help for some support has anyone in their 20s gotten the surgery as heavy as me? I have never been a "normal weight" and looking up anything about it for men is hard. Please…

8 weeks post op down 53lbs. Anyone having issues with food not tasting good? Thx G

Hello, I guess this is my introduction to the forum, please point me in the right way if I'm in the wrong place. I'm a 46 Y/O guy, about to go in for a revision to my RNY that was done a while back (exact date when I remember...) My new date is this coming Tuesday, May 30th, 2017. My first surgery was somewhat successful, but I guess I got tired of the restrictions and requirements after a while, and I started cheating more and more in my diet. I dropped down to around 300 lbs after starting at 618, my heaviest. A few years ago I had an accident, where I was left in a lot of pain, and since I didn't have insurance I left it go untreated, and that …

For the past week I have just kinda felt like MEH. I don't know why. Kinda don't want to be around or deal with anyone. Went to the crack back on Friday for an adjustment and the whole left side of my back hurt whenever he pressed on it (that has never happened before). It almost feels like I have a major case of the Mondays. I hope to break out of this funk soon.

Hi all. So I have been looking at and reading over this forum for a couple months now. When graduated high school I was around 330, biggest was 348. I lost down to about 270 but have gained most of that back now at 320. I am 26 and have been contemplating possibly being sleeved but have tons of questions and the fear of something going wrong(I know this is with any surgery). So here are some of my questions: 1. I know you have to take vitamins after surgery, but how long do you have to take them? Just a certain amount of time or the rest if your life? 2. I don't have a big issue with sweets.. My thing is I love real food, like home cooking. So with that being…

As a single man, I am very interested in knowing what women are attracted to, and what repulses them (so I don't do that). What I am hoping to share and learn from others is research that you discovered that might help other single guys know what women want. This also might be helpful to the married guys who want to keep their wives happy. Please post any findings you have here, I am always trying to learn. I also posted some tips on online dating on the "books relating to relationships...food or bad genes from a potential spouse were successful in passing their gene's forward. Some manifestations today: morning sickness during the first trimester when ever they s…

Hi all. So I have been looking at and reading over this forum for a couple months now. When graduated high school I was around 330, biggest was 348. I lost down to about 270 but have gained most of that back now at 320. I am 26 and have been contemplating possibly being sleeved but have tons of questions and the fear of something going wrong(I know this is with any surgery). So here are some of my questions: 1. I know you have to take vitamins after surgery, but how long do you have to take them? Just a certain amount of time or the rest if your life? 2. I don't have a big issue with sweets.. My thing is I love real food, like home cooking. So with that being…

So I was sleeved on April 3 and am finally getting back to normal. However, a lot my tastes have changed. And even one that I didn't think of. A few days ago, my wife and I were fooling around a bit and I took a little "diving trip". But things tasted very different. Anyone else have that? Or am I just readjusting to flavors?

My sex drive has went through the roof! Is the normal right after surgery?

After 3-4 months of jumping through hoops for the insurance, I finally have a surgery date of 6/27. Any recommendations from the guys as to what to bring to the hospital. Any other general tips for newbies? HW: 329 lb SW: TBD CW: 313 lb VSG, Dr. Jawad, Orlando, FL

So the wife and I went to Kohl's last night and I went over to the clearance rack in the men's department. I found a nice jacket on clearance (originally $100.00, on clearance for $20.00) but all they had was large and small. I know the large is too big so I tried on the small. It fit perfectly. All I can say is WOW! I went from an x-Large in October to a small in May. If I get too much more smaller I might have to start shopping in the boys section. LOL

I had my surgery on 10/12/16 and, so far, am down 112 pounds. As I put on some of my clothes that clearly need to be replaced I have begun to wonder... Any Scouters on here who have had weight loss surgery? I am Cubmaster of Pack 1683 in Springfield, VA as well as an Assistant Roundtable Commissioner, District Lion Coordinator and the Council Lion Champion. I have three uniforms... all of which are way to big but getting a new uniform is as big of an investment as getting a new suit (especially if you have lots of patches to be sewn on).

Just a quick question had surgery April 6 Lost nearly 30lbs in a week and a half. Since Saturday I haven't lost anything actually gained 3lbs. I know that isn't much but I would love to start losing again. My Dr put me on soft foods so yesterday I had my protein shake, and deli meat for snack and flounder for dinner. Very small portions less 650 calories for whole day. I can't wrap my mind around weight not coming down with so few calories and exercise. On day of surgery I was 398 this morning 373.4. Up from 370 Monday. Has anyone else experienced this.

http://www.mensjournal.com/magazine/everything-you-know-about-fitness-is-a-lie-20120504 A friend sent me this older article and I read it to be polite. Turned out to be a very good one! The one part that resonated the most with me was this little excerpt: Summed it up nicely for me. I don't go to the gym anymore because I want to look better in a shirt, it's become far more personal. All in all, I'd say it's a good read. Give a glance before your next trip to the gym and the weight machines.

This guy looks like a fool, but he is actually very knowledgeable and incredibly strong: He's also pretty funny. That being said, he reiterates several points I have made on here and thought you guys might get a chuckle as well as some insights.

If anyone is interested, we have a support group on Facebook called Back Country Bariatric. It is for bariatric patients who love getting outside for their excersize. https://m.facebook.com/groups/1084442391681472?view=group&_rdr

Hi again I am now 3.5 weeks post op. I have lost 11 kgs but that has plateaud in the last few days. I have some questions: - did/does anyone else at this stage still find mild pain after eating, or after each 2-3 spoons of something thick? I am not yet on solids - how healed is the wound by now? It still feels a bit uncomfortable when eating/drinking at times. - it is normal to not yet feel '100%'? I still feel weak at times - my memory seems a little hazy on some things! Anyone had that before?! I am wondering if it still the anaesthetic Thanks Simon

Hi all First, thank you to those who have answered my previous questions - I appreciate it. I have now been sleeved for 10 days. Today, I got up, took my kids out for a milkshake (I had an espresso), drove for the first time, did some work in the office etc...All day I have felt lightheaded and had tingling fingers when standing up. I have now retreated to bed. Am I right that this is dehydration? I thought I was doing ok but need to monitor more carefully. Had 400ml of banana smoothie with milk, the espresso, 500ml protein water, 2 small glasses of water. About a litre all up? Yesterday would be similar. I am going to up the fluids asap, but is there anyth…

I'm a 59yo male, 6 days post op from gastric bypass at the Medical University of South Carolina. I thought I'd share because while the ladies are oh so willing, I had a harder time finding info from a guys perspective. I lost control of my weight maintenance when hip issues related to injury forced replacements. I'm 6'2", and at surgery weighed right at 300lbs. TRICARE required three months of medically supervised weight loss. My co-morbidity is sleep apnea (which I had at 200lbs in my younger days). I had surgery at 9am on St Patrick's day. My surgeon is from Ireland. How could I go wrong? Waking up from anesthesia, I had pain in my abdomin (8 of 10). I told …

So I was about 4 months post op for the RNY and I ended up in the emergency room for Acute Urinary Retention, Male and Fecal Impaction. I hadn't had a bowel movement in 7 days and I was unable to pass urine for about 24 hours. Two enemas and a Foley later I was urine free and able to have a bowl movement. I went to my primary at the VA hospital because I ended up with a UTI and had a bladder scan. Seems I was not emptying my bladder when I urinated. They put me on medication for BPH. I am not sure if it is helping with the bladder emptying but it has helped with the bowl movements. Now I am sure that the VA is going to schedule me for testing to check out my prostrate. It…

Has anyone gong skiing soon after surgery? I had surgery on 3/1/17 and was back to work on 3/6. I have been on 6 plane rides sjnce and I'm feeling fine. So I figured why not go skiing. I took it easy, tried not to go too fast. But after 2 hours of skiing I started feeling a pulling sensation on my lower left abdomen. Do I need to be concerned I may have pulled on the stapled seam?

I've been fairly active with working out the last year with CrossFit and cardio about 4 times a week until a month ago because I had an anal fistula that I had surgery on. It was the tipping point of deciding to do the surgery. My doc has released me to walk and that is it right now. After the sleeve how long until you can get your heart rate for incline walking? Or even CrossFit? Or Sex? How long were most of you off of work?

I'm about to be 9 months out and have been hoovering around the same weight for two months. Has that happened to anyone else? Did it eventually break for you? I budged a inch in waist but nothing else measurement wise.

Just wondering if you guys found any exercises that really helped with firming up the chest. I really want to tight up these man boobs!

I've been using your routine as a foundation for one of my own and it's been working out great so far. It helped get me out of a short stall and I am feeling stronger already (4 weeks of using the routine). My favorite exercise thus far: Woodchopper...it's just fun and some of the people at the gym look at your like you have 3 eyes when you are doing it.

For those of you that lift heavy or train hard, how are you getting in enough calories to fuel your activity? I peaked a few months ago on my major lifts and I just cannot make any gains. Everything I am reading, and the professionals that I have spoken to have said that increased food consumption is the only thing I am not doing. I cannot build muscle if I am burning everything I am taking in. I have my 2 year follow up appointment with my surgeon coming up next month and I plan on asking him about Gold Standard Pro Gainer: http://www.optimumnutrition.com/en_US/products/pro-gainer The nutrition label is pretty good and not loaded with unnecessary carbs. 60grams of …

Hi guys I posted a couple of weeks ago re using the gastric sleeve pre-emptively given my cholesterol, pre-diabetes, genetic makeup and sedentary lifestyle. BMI of 35 at 43 yrs and getting heavier every month. Anyway - all done! I am in hospital in Perth with little pain, no nausea, a happy surgeon and great drugs taking the edge off I would be grateful for people's top 3 tips from here on. Especially as to what I eat, how often etc..when I get home. I am still on clear liquids at present, but expect mush tomorrow. I want to keep on top of the protein above all. Thanks in advance for your tips! Simon

So I have just recently started this journey. I did the webinar last week and had my first apt with the surgeon on Monday. They originally told me that I was going to have to do a 3 months of pre-op diet and meeting with the dietitian. They just talked to my insurance company and found out that I have to do SIX MONTHS! UGH!!! It just seems like such a long time! What did you guys have to do to get pre-authorized by insurance?

Hi all I am new to this and booked in for my gastric sleeve in Perth, Western Australia, next week. I am not your typical patient - my BMI is 35, I am 25 kgs overweight, but not (yet) morbidly obese. However, at 42, I have high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, am pre-diabetic, have a pile of stomach ulcers and genetically just get heavier every year. I have never been able to diet/exercise to lose weight. I work 15 hours a day which doesn't help. Most of my weight is in one spot - my 'pot belly'. I am having this op given my stressful career, hatred of exercise and inherited genetics. Call it playing the long game and sacrificing food to be around for my kids and g…

Well, this is my first post on this forum. My Gastric Sleeve surgery is Monday morning at 9:45 and i'm very excited and slightly nervous. I am definitely ready for this! I've been on quite a journey- overweight or obese most of my life but things are looking up. In two months I'm getting married to the most wonderful, beautiful, supportive woman. I've been seeing a therapist to deal with my emotional eating for almost 8 months now and her support has been invaluable and will continue to be post-surgery. Would be great to have even more support from the from the guys on this site as well. Any wisdom you could offer, it would be much appreciated.

Hi everyone, It's been a while since I've posted, largely because I've been pretty busy enjoying my new life. But Lately I've been a bit worried that I may be on the edge of losing too much weight! I just stepped on the scale and weighed in at 198. I peaked a few years ago at 380 and my surgery weight was 351 this past May, so eight months ago. That is over 150 pounds lost in eight months! I had been feeling pretty good with good energy. But I had some knee surgery (which I had previously written about in this forum) a couple weeks ago and am now in a pretty poor state of mind. I'm sure it is a combination of painkillers and general post-surgical lethargy and depressio…

Hi Guys, I'm new to this site and have not yet had my surgery. I am about a month out and have a question on the whole hair loss thing. How much did you actually lose and how long did it last? Also, I am 5'10" and 330 lbs right now. I am hoping my skin mostly gets back in to shape after surgery. Has anyone had success with not requiring plastic surgery after the fact? Thanks! I am looking forward to my weight loss.

I have a question about waist sizes of pants sold in stores. Currently I can fit into a 30" waist in jeans (they are loose enough for me to pull them down without unbuttoning/unzipping them) and I have been looking for a size 28. Do they sell them in stores? I have been to a couple of stored but the smallest size they seem to have are 30s.