SpecialK1960

I have been lucky, so far. But I am a guy and things are different for us. We get a complete pass on our size pretty much until we hit HUGE. Not always, and that doesn't mean we don't feel awful about ourselves. Just that it is acceptable to society for men to be big and manly. Whereas, the ladies are held to a higher (and smaller) standard.

Also, though, in addition to a higher standard, women are just some mean witches when they want to be. The way women treat each other - especially at work - has always fascinated me. Women say things to each other that are the most hurtful and hateful things. Whereas we guys handle it in a more civilized manner - we hit you. Then buy beer, man hug, and go on with our evenings.

I suppose that makes the ladies a bit more evolved, but I am not sure it is much of an improvement.

How much follow-up have you had with your doctor. I had an appointment 1 week post op to remove my drain. Then another 1 week after that. Then I got to go 2 weeks before next one. That meant I was there 3 times in four weeks. The reason I ask is that they always ask about liquidity in the stool and/or constipation. They also take blood and do workup to make sure all blood chemistry is okay. Can you discuss it with your doctor?

As to your questions:

1. I had some liquid stools but only for a week or so, and even then it was not total liquid.

2. I get 80+ grams of protein, but I use Yes Whey or similar products to get an extra 25-50 grams a day just but adding it to my regular drinks.

3. 22 pounds at three weeks is a pound a day. I was about that, and have seen many others on here that have been at that same rate.

4. Scared about my decision? No way. I am down 50 pounds. I am feeling so much better. I still am having trouble with the transition to solid foods. I have to eat sooo slow or I get slimed, but I am so happy with the results and the lifestyle changes I have made.

VSG is a tool to bring about a new you. It takes sacrifice, time, will power, and a good deal of work to be truly successful. But it is also a wonderful tool that can help one get their life back.

Just wait until you go back to school and they see a 50 pound lighter you. That is where my willpower comes from. All that positive re-enforcement. Good luck.

Six weeks out and I can not even remember the discomfort of days 1-7. But I sure love the new me and I see that guy every minute of every day. Hang in there. It will get better and you will soon see a new you. And then you too will not even remember what seems like such discomfort now.

Here are a few more jokes....

Inside me there's a thin person struggling to get out,

but I can usually shut her up with four or five cupcakes.

You may need to diet when:

1. the back of your neck looks like a pack of hotdogs.

2. You have to iron your pants on the driveway.

3. Your cereal bowl has a lifeguard.

4. Your gym teacher tells you to touch your toes. And you reply, "I don't have that kind of relationship with my feet. Can I just wave?"

Definition of a bathroom scale: A device that only seems to work correctly when one holds on to towel rail, stands on one foot and leans hard to the left.

My new theory on calories – This actually makes a bit of sense, which scares me terribly. I have redefined the Calorie as: the basic measure of the amount of rationalization offered by the average individual prior to taking a second helping of a particular food. That is why cake has more calories, because you have to rationalize more. Salads take almost no rationalizing – and contain almost no calories.

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should die before I wake,

I pray the Lord my fat to take,

And leave behind a skinny shell,

And all my fat can go to HE…!!!

“No diet will remove all the fat from your body because the brain is entirely fat. Without a brain, you might look good, but all you could do is run for public office.” — George Bernard Shaw

I don't want buns of steel. I want buns of cinnamon

Kathleen Madigan - a great comedian - tells about her sister gaining weight when pregnant. She had gained 45 pounds. She asked her sister did she think that the baby really weighed that much.... " Sure, honey you are about to have the world's biggest baby. Now put down the donuts...."

Funny how when we look back, so many of our memories are food based. And the way family and food go together - Thanksgiving, Sunday dinner, so much of our family interaction is around the table.

Being 100% Irish, I do not have quite the great Italian food stories. But some good soda bread... or the New England Boiled Dinner: potatoes, carrots, cabbage boiled in a pot with either a piece of something dead, or an old shoe... never did find out which it was - did not much matter after all the boiling.

When I checked out of the hospital I did a survey (everyone wants a survey now adays). But one of the questions it asked was something like "Did the hospital have everything you needed in an appropriate size for a bariatric patient?" The gowns were big, as was everything else. So at least at Medical City Dallas they have what you need. It is good to see that they are aware of the issue and track it.

I am right there with you. Division 1 track and swimming, 30 marathons, 25 triathlons.... and now 110 pounds overweight.

I got some great news though. I am losing weight at a rate that is beyond belief. I am working out again like an animal and the losses are unbelievable. All that old time strength and training know how comes back. I am down 42 pounds. And happier than I have been in 15 years.

And remember the open part of the gown goes in the back...

Awesome, Good Luck. I am so glad I did it - I am sure you will be too!