Neoteric Verve

I haven't been sleeved yet. So I can only speculate that it's not easy to ingest "bodybuilding" Protein levels for atrophy. A good way to pack in the amount of protein necessary is to get a hold of a few protein-in-a-vial: http://www26.netrition.com/mt_sp_45g_liquid_protein_shot.html Take around 3 and you get 135g of protein from them alone and each vial is 4oz. While I find these on that site they're located elsewhere. Just shop around for the prices and flavors you like.

http://www.amazon.com/Underworks-Compression-Bodysuit-Mirdle-Shirt/dp/B004JX4JCY/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I32SMAJRGI3560&colid=10U63WLFSI79O Underworks. Goes up to 4x bro!

That's my fave too! But I got dibs on the license plate, lol

I thought it was amusing (it still is to me). Well I am and old pre-med with medical school aspirations. I want to be an Anesthesiologist. Hence the name N2B8R (intubater). Believe me, I've come up with a few names: King of Consciousness Prince of Propofol Sultan of sleep (my personal favorite) Archbishop of the Airway General of Anesthesia So once I finish medical school and land a categorical residency in anesthesia, I plan to get personalized license plates that say..... N2B8R yes, I am weird.

Welcome aboard, Terry!!! This place is amazing!!! I've only been here a little while but found so much value in support and information. Peruse and use the site. You will not be disappointed.. Courtney

I think I'm just drawn to the dangerous nature of things like Base Jumping. And yes, I do mean actual extreme sports and not video games. BTW, that was NOT a stupid question...

The trick to being muscular is being ripped. This is why i put less stock into a BMI number and more into the bodyfat percentage. Case in point (even though I don't agree with HOW he got here) Jay Cutler, IFBB Pro. He is 5'9" and weighs 275lb. According to a BMI chart he's morbidly obese. Now if you ever saw him: He doesn't look anywhere near obese. Ok back on topic. You're not getting bigger because you may not be taking in enough amino acids to illicit growth. All I can recommend is to keep your intake of Protein at the maintenance dose until you can ingest more to grow on. Get "cut" first and watch what you have pop out and then target your smaller areas.

Anytime. YOu can vent and cheer here as often as you wish. Scream too!

You are awesome, Meg!!! Don't ever forget that!

I wonder how many VSG'ers have had their gallbladder removed prior to their surgery? I bet they'll have tremendous insight!

I would like to know to as I had my gallbladder removed as well. Congrats Mana on your impending surgery. I'm excited for you!!!

Extreme Sports. To say it's fascinating is a gross understatement. But can risking your safety and life in this manner an addiction? I hear the phrase "Healthy Addiction" tossed around. But that in itself is an oxymoron isn't it? I drink but maybe once every two to three months. Never did any illicit drugs. The only vice I see is my cravings for carbs (sugar).

I saw the surgery done by the doctor that will eventually be doing mine. I find things like that very cool. Then again, I'm weird... I was that kid that stared at the doctor as I got my booster shots! But to see the surgery from start to finish (even using the retractor to hold up the liver) was great. If anything it served as additional motivation. I don't know about you, but when I saw all that adipose tissue (fat) I wanted nothing more than to do something about it. I saw it and said "is that in me???" I was stunned. Not that it was there but the potential AMOUNT. I'm staring down at my stomach now in disbelief...

Good luck, Doc!! You'll be just fine!!

Have you had any luck crushing a multi this large? I know it tastes like chalk but they have so many good things in them that I feel I'll need them post-surgery more than any other time in my life!

Vitamin A (as beta carotene and natural mixed carotenoids)10000 IU200% Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid)300 mg500% Vitamin D (as cholecalciferol)300 IU75% Vitamin E (as d-alpha-tocopherol succinate)200 IU665% Vitamin K (as phytonadione)75 mcg90% Thiamin (as thiamin hydrochloride)75 mg5000% Riboflavin75 mg4410% Niacin (as niacinamide)75 mg375% Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride)50 mg2500% Folic Acid600 mcg150% Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin)100 mcg1665% Biotin300 mcg100% Pantothenic Acid (as d-Calcium pantothenate)75 mg750% Calcium (as calcium carbonate, citrate)200 mg20% Iodine (as kelp)150 mcg100% Magnesium (as magnesium oxide, aspartate)100 mg25% Zinc (as zinc citrate)30 mg200% Selenium (as selenomethionine)200 mcg285% Copper (as copper gluconate)2 mg100% Manganese (as manganese gluconate)5 mg250% Chromium (as chromium GTF)120 mcg100% Molybdenum (as molybdenum A.A. chelate)80 mcg110% Amino-Blend L-Arginine, L-Glutamine, L-Valine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Cystine, L-Lysine, L-Threonine800 mg* Viri-Blend Saw Palmetto, powdered (berries), Damiana, powdered (leaf), Korean Ginseng, powdered (root), Pygeum Africanum, powdered (bark), Gingko Biloba, powdered (leaf), Raw Oyster Concentrate, Nettles, powdered (leaf), pumpkin Seed.525 mg* Phyto-Blend Citrus Bioflavonoids (fruit), Deodorized Garlic, powdered (bulb), Green Tea powder, Grape Seed Extract (Vitis vinifera) (seed) (standardized to 95% polyphenols), Blueberry Powder, Cranberry Powder, Wild Yam Powder, Carrot Powder, Papaya Powder, Orange Fruit Powder, pineapple Powder, Spinach Powder, Elderberry Fruit Powder, Bilberry Fruit Powder, Black Currant Fruit Powder, Cauliflower Powder, Kale Powder, Brussels Sprouts Powder, Broccoli Powder, Apple Fruit Powder, Kiwi Fruit Powder, Grapefruit Powder240 mg* Enzy-Blend Papain, Bromelain, Alpha Amylase, Lipase50 mg* Alpha Lipoic Acid25 mg* PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)10 mg* Choline (as choline bitartrate)10 mg* Inositol10 mg* Silica5 mg* Boron2 mg* Lycopene (as Lyc-O-Mato® natural tomato lycopene)500 mcg* Lutein500 mcg* Alpha Carotene140 mcg* Vanadium100 mcg* Cryptoxanthin34 mcg* Zeaxanthin28 mcg* *Daily value not established. _______________________________________________________________________________ For size comparison, each tablet is the size of a Centrum multi (read semi-horse pill, lol). Can I still take it as it does provide an excellent source of nutrients. And yes, O.N. does have an Opti-Women formula.

Just don't stock up in large quantities, You're going to get progressively smaller. Two is good (I guess) and reassess at regular intervals (2 mos, 4 mos, 6 mos, 12 mos, etc...).

You can go on amazon.com and search under compression. We as men have to dig as there are limited outlets for compression garments. At least that's what I've seen. Under Armour, Nike and Underworks (nice looking bodysuit). I already see that when I'm ready I would prefer a complete bodysuit. I always as a big guy has issues with shirts riding up so a full suit would help fix this. Plus on Amazon they're somewhat reasonable so long as you don't fork over the $200+ for a triathlon suit, lol.

I was all set on Dr Teng doing my surgery and today I found out that I can't because of a HUUUUUGE bill my old insurance didn't pay. Now I can pay it off but not before this year (or next, it's $12k). So I made an appointment to see Dr Umbach for July 5th. According to his office, I can do some things to satisfy Aetna and get the surgery approved in three months. Or I can do the customary six months. Minor bump in the road but from what I have read here Dr Umbach is also an excellent surgeon and that I should worry none.

I have yet to be sleeved but yes, at my size it is hard even without surgery to power up that much man. I too am a big guy at 419lb. I would very much like to keep in communications with you. If you need a ear or what have you drop me a line. Soon I too shall feel you pain/joy. Stay strong brother and congratulations. Very few have the courage to change their lives like you have. Be joining you soon..

Aetna has two ways to get approval. One is the six-month route while the other is three months. Obviously I would rather the three month option but Dr Teng is adamant that Aetna wants to see six months. I've gone over their policy bulletin (#0157 if you are curious). I want the Multidisciplinary one that green lights me in three. As of right now, I have documented (prior exercise regimen of mine requires it) 2 years of BMI of 50+, 3 months (more really) of food logs, 3 months of doing plyometrics and weights with my friend (a Certified Personal Trainer) and I start seeing a NUT on the 16th (JUN, JUL & AUG). So by the 16th of August, I will have all the aforementioned criteria for the Multidisciplinary approach to get a "Thumbs Up" from my insurance. Now if my chosen surgeon (Dr Teng) still wants me to wait and additional three months could I just go to Dr Atkinson, Dr Hanna or Dr Umbach for the procedure and get it done in three? I'd do the six months but I wouldn't make it by this year and I don't want to go into deductible and copay hell. What do I do?

Thank you all. Right now my wife and I just finished looking at a video of a VSG. Very interesting indeed! I can't wait to get going!!!!

Meggie I have seen your videos and look at them almost daily. Just to gain perspective and inspiration if nothing more. While I haven't had VSG surgery, I have had my gallbladder removed (by the same surgeon that will do my VSG) and Dr Teng uses the same anesthesiologist ALL THE TIME, Dr Vitus Teng! His brother. I think of them as Allstate and I'm in good hands. If there are any similarities (feelings post op) between a cholecystectomy and VSG then I'll be ok and will assume the role of watchdog. I was released from the hospital the same evening. All I did was go home and sleep for a bit. My only restriction was that I could not sleep on my right side or my stomach. You're right. If we have to do them separately then Ladies first! I just very well may have my duck more in a row because I go to our PCP more.

In talking with Dr Teng, my Mrs was told that Aetna wants 6-months of pre-surgical work (diet, exercise, NUT, etc) before submitting for approval. Now I checked the Aetna bulletin on first-time bariatric patients and their program requirements are 90 days. How do I convince him that we only need 90 days without stepping on anyone's toes? I totally respect his opinion and have no doubt he respects his patients. I'm quite certain he also has dealt with Aetna before (he has) and knows them well. He has his own office program for the VSG (well any bariatric procedure I surmise). The NUT is 3 consecutive months, he wants to see us every 8 weeks minimum, a therapy group and some sort of physical fitness regimen.

Thanks you two. I hadn't considered the hotel Idea. The Santa Fe is very close to our home.