SpecialK1960

Before my surgery, I used to stop at Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) on my way home from work. I work many many hours (70+ a week or more) so I come home late a lot. I got in the habit of stopping off at BWW on the way home for a few. But I had a system - Here was my thinking - (1) Tuesday is wing night with discount prices - 40% off means 40% off, so I ate an extra 40% of wings for the same calories. I am pretty sure that is the 4th law of thermo dynamics. I could be wrong. I think it depends on the sauce (go with "hot" flavor to get all of Einstein's relativity benefits, I know he is not the king of Thermodyanics, but you always get points for dropping his name) (2) Then if you used a discount card, or had a gift card, they were "FREE" - well, those don't count… (3) And we all know that all the calories are in the bones, so getting boneless wings was practically like eating lettuce. Well, here was the problem. BWW was a smoking establishment – so I would come home smoky and the wife would ask, “Did you stop at Buffalo?” to which I would say no! Since she was obviously referring to a small town in upstate New York. And I had not been THERE! Nonetheless, busted is busted. Until, the great god of fried chicken intervened. They did a huge bar remodel and in order to get the building permit, they had to go No-smoking inside. Wheeeee! Now I am in high cotton. I can stop off and not get caught. Of course, the sleeve surgery drastically changed my eating and beer consumption habits. So I was not covered in mango hanenero or Asian Zing sauce anymore. And not having a “few” beers. But I could still hang with my late night buds, tell horrible lies about all kinds of things – like girls, and golf handicaps, and girls, and how much money we make and girls… (we talk a lot about girls- go figure) But like all great things, there was a catch. And we are going to get just a bit 12 year old boy potty humor here (or as I like to call it) unexpected sleeve side-affects. Here is the deal – and tell me if I am a freak or weird (in this way only, I know I am an odd ball) – About 30 days after surgery I had a change in my “habits?” I have become North America’s 2nd largest producer of methane gas, second only to the entire US cattle industry. And of course as a guy, this is not a drawback – it is something to be proud of. Also it is a useful tool. Dog in the bed, not being still? No problem, I can get him to leave without even rolling over. Trapped in a frozen cabin in Alaska? I can keep a family of 6 warm for over a week (assuming they survive). So, the problem … Came home late, had a “bit” of gas the next morning (knocked both dogs out of the bed) – but more importantly – “the cloud”, honest to goodness, had a distinct mango hanenero “after burn.” I was busted again. TWO FRICKIN’ NAKED (GRILLED) TENDERS AND AN ICE TEA – Unfortunately, you cannot blame wing sauce on a dog. I took out the trash and washed her car twice…. HOPE YOU ARE LAUGHING..... LIFE IS TOO SHORT NOT TO LAUGH - ESPECIALLY AT ME. Before my surgery, I used to stop at Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) on my way home from work. I work many many hours (70+ a week or more) so I come home late a lot. I got in the habit of stopping off at BWW on the way home for a few. But I had a system - Here was my thinking - (1) Tuesday is wing night with discount prices - 40% off means 40% off, so I ate an extra 40% of wings for the same calories. I am pretty sure that is the 4th law of thermo dynamics. I could be wrong. (2) Then if you used a discount card, or had a gift card, they were "FREE" - well, those don't count… (3) And we all know that all the calories are in the bones, so getting boneless wings was practically like eating lettuce. Well, here was the problem. BWW was a smoking establishment – so I would come home smoky and the wife would ask, “Did you stop at Buffalo?” to which I would say no! Since she was obviously referring to a small town in upstate New York. And I had not been THERE! Nonetheless, busted is busted. Until, the great good of fried chicken intervened. They did a huge bar remodel and in order to get the building permit, they had to go No-smoking inside. Wheeeee! Now I am in high cotton. I can stop off and not get caught. Of course, the sleeve surgery drastically changed my eating and beer consumption habits. So I was not covered in mango hanenero or Asian Zing sauce anymore. And not having a “few” beers. But I could still hang with my late night buds, tell horrible lies about all kinds of things – like girls, and golf handicaps, and girls, and how much money we make and girls… (we talk a lot about girls- go figure) But like all great things, there was a catch. And we are going to get just a bit 12 year old boy potty humor here (or as I like to call it) unexpected sleeve side-affects. Here is the deal – and tell me if I am a freak or weird (in this way only, I know I am an odd ball) – About 30 days after surgery I had a change in my “habits?” I have become North America’s 2nd largest producer of methane gas, second only to the entire US cattle industry. And of course as a guy, this is not a drawback – it is something to be proud of. Also it is a useful tool. Dog in the bed, not being still? No problem, I can get him to leave without even rolling over. Trapped in a frozen cabin in Alaska? I can keep a family of 6 warm for over a week (assuming they survive). So, the problem … Came home late, had a “bit” of gas the next morning (knocked both dogs out of the bed) – but more importantly – “the cloud”, honest to goodness, had a distinct mango hanenero “after burn.” I was busted again. TWO FRICKIN’ NAKED (GRILLED) TENDERS AND AN ICE TEA – Unfortunately, you cannot blame wing sauce on a dog. I took out the trash and washed her car twice…. Before my surgery, I used to stop at Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) on my way home from work. I work many many hours (70+ a week or more) so I come home late a lot. I got in the habit of stopping off at BWW on the way home for a few. But I had a system - Here was my thinking - (1) Tuesday is wing night with discount prices - 40% off means 40% off, so I ate an extra 40% of wings for the same calories. I am pretty sure that is the 4th law of thermo dynamics. I could be wrong. (2) Then if you used a discount card, or had a gift card, they were "FREE" - well, those don't count… (3) And we all know that all the calories are in the bones, so getting boneless wings was practically like eating lettuce. Well, here was the problem. BWW was a smoking establishment – so I would come home smoky and the wife would ask, “Did you stop at Buffalo?” to which I would say no! Since she was obviously referring to a small town in upstate New York. And I had not been THERE! Nonetheless, busted is busted. Until, the great good of fried chicken intervened. They did a huge bar remodel and in order to get the building permit, they had to go No-smoking inside. Wheeeee! Now I am in high cotton. I can stop off and not get caught. Of course, the sleeve surgery drastically changed my eating and beer consumption habits. So I was not covered in mango hanenero or Asian Zing sauce anymore. And not having a “few” beers. But I could still hang with my late night buds, tell horrible lies about all kinds of things – like girls, and golf handicaps, and girls, and how much money we make and girls… (we talk a lot about girls- go figure) But like all great things, there was a catch. And we are going to get just a bit 12 year old boy potty humor here (or as I like to call it) unexpected sleeve side-affects. Here is the deal – and tell me if I am a freak or weird (in this way only, I know I am an odd ball) – About 30 days after surgery I had a change in my “habits?” I have become North America’s 2nd largest producer of methane gas, second only to the entire US cattle industry. And of course as a guy, this is not a drawback – it is something to be proud of. Also it is a useful tool. Dog in the bed, not being still? No problem, I can get him to leave without even rolling over. Trapped in a frozen cabin in Alaska? I can keep a family of 6 warm for over a week (assuming they survive). So, the problem … Came home late, had a “bit” of gas the next morning (knocked both dogs out of the bed) – but more importantly – “the cloud”, honest to goodness, had a distinct mango hanenero “after burn.” I was busted again. TWO FRICKIN’ NAKED (GRILLED) TENDERS AND AN ICE TEA – Unfortunately, you cannot blame wing sauce on a dog. I took out the trash and washed her car twice….

So I have been gone (off-site) for nearly a year. Why you ask? Darn good question. I wish I had an answer, but I don't. I enjoyed writing my silly dribble and discussing my experiences with others - even if from a bit unusual view. So, what the heck. I was on my e-mail and saw a posting from way back was getting a number of responses, so I figured, that although I think outside the box, maybe I have something to add - a different perspective. I am highly educated AND still cram science text books just for fun, so I get the science/medical side of what we are discussing, but also think a video of a kid in the tub making "bubbles" is hilarious. We all the time marvel at how children maintain their awe and honesty and all the positive attributes of childhood and wonder why, we as adults, no longer have that - well trust me it is not that hard - just refuse to grow up. Work for everyone? I do not know. Work for me? - ABSOLUTELY! GOOD TO BE BACK!! IF YOU NEED ME I WILL BE IN THE TUB - 'NUFF SAID.

Okay, so here is the deal. This whole Spanx entry started when I added a dumb joke about the guy who has to wear a girdle ever since his wife found it in his car. Sort of caught with something you should not have, so you make up an excuse - in this case "It's mine." So I tell the dumb joke and start looking at the Spanx website (purely for research mind you). And guess what? now I am constantly getting pop-ups for Spanx on my computer. So what is the big deal? We all get pop-ups. Sure, but have you ever walked back into your office to find your young assistant copying files for you on a two monitor set-up.... and look to the left and see as big as Texas a Spanx pop-up on the other screen. If she saw it (which certainly she did) she did not say anything. And I sure as HE(( was not going to say anything! Anything - even an acknowledgement would have made it worse. So now everyone at work that sees my new svelte self is going to simply assume that I am not losing weight, I am just buying tighter ladies under garments!!! Thanks SPANX, now everyone thinks I am a secret cross dresser. There ought to be rules on pop-ups - just because I looked at something on the web, does not mean I want 100's of related ads coming unsolicited to my computer screen. Thank goodness she did not see the ads for "Russian mail order brides" or "How to be a male pole dancer DVD collection." I guess I got off lucky.

Spanx - This all started when I decided to put a dumb joke on a forum post. The question was a serious one, about when you could start wearing Spanz again after surgery. So I added a version of the age old joke, and it was well received: A guy is undressing at the country club and his friend notices he is wering a pink girdle. He asks when his friend stated wearing a girdle. His friend replied, "Ever since my wife found it in my car." And since I now have a good bit of extra skin around the old equator, I thought, maybe I should see if there is something like that for me. Well, it turns out that there is and soooo much more. I do not see myself as the kind of guy that needs or would wear a pair of briefs with butt enhancers, but it is good to know that if I need them, they are out there - in three color options and an entire array of various lifts. I guess I am lucky in that my butt looks pretty much like it should (I guess). So I do not see this as a necessary accessory. I do think it is funny that you can get different lifts, like determining how high you want to jack up the rear end of your car. If you do not know, Spanx actually has a brand for men called "Manx." It is very expensive. A "compression T-shirt" is 88 bucks. Seems a bit high since it is still 80% cotton. The other 20 percent must be stainless steel if it is going to hold me in... Now about the briefs. There is way too much enhancement going on. Not to be rude, and I understand that men come in all sizes and that goes for each and every part. Again I guess I am lucky there as well. But unlike other things I do not need, I do not see the point of these. This is one area that it seems like if your plans are successful, your secret is going to be out. Finally, what is with the models? The people that are wearing these things do not need them. I get it. You have to sell sexy. But a guy buying a pair of underwear designed to squeeze in his gut like a boa constrictor does not want to see a 30" waisted model wearing it. I need to see if it works. I want to see a big guy in it. I do not need to see smooth tanned sexy abs rippling through the spandex like ... (sorry got carried away there). Give me a good trucker, or a lumberjack, not a super model. With a shaved chest no less... I have chest hair, but I do not shave them - either of them!! Granted, on the man's thong page (which I was only visiting for academic reasons) the super models are nice, but for the shapers ... we need more offensive linemen and less tight ends. (pun intended) Finally, I will admit that you ladies are awesome for wearing some of these things. They look very constricting. And some go from your ankles to your neck line. If I did that I would either have size 25 feet or have 25 chins looking like a badly folded cheap pink turtleneck. You can only squeeze so much, it has to go somewhere. You gals can let it all move upward and enhance the bustline. We do not have that option. Maybe they could squeeze it down far enough and around the corner and make a combination waist reducer and butt enhancer. So I guess I just need to order one and see how it looks. Who knows? Maybe it will take the giggle out of my middle, until I get it down to where I want it to be.

I never heard 70 pounds. It would be different for each person. A person 200 over would be greatly disappointed with a 70 pound weight loss, but a person just 100 over, might be okay with it. I have heard 70% of excess weight or more with the sleeve. That is not the same as pounds at all. I think a percentage is a much more accurate guage of potential weight loss and a better way to compare the surgeries. But it is different for everybody. A huge amount of your total weight loss will be completely up to you. So much has to do with the amount of effort you put in during that critical first year. Lifestyle changes and excercise are going to be the real key to your final weight loss numbers. Both surgeries are tools for weight loss, we still have to do all the work.

Glad to hear it all went well. I think most of us fear a possible trip "back to the garage" for a gallbaldder operation. So sorry you had to. Good luck and speedy recovery.

I like the way you think, but I gotta be home by 8, my wife might get suspicious... Did you ever notice that no matter how serious the subject matter there is always one idiot that just doesn't get it? That's me!

Check with your doctor. Many use a 1 week pre-op diet. It is going to be up to him if you are ready. When I got my pre-surgery sonogram, the tech said she could tell I'd been good on my liquid diet. So they can tell. She also said I had a fatty liver, but felt bad and said I had a really cute gallbladder.

After the VSG surgery the couple agrees to wait three weeks before having sex. After two weeks it is so unbearable, that they agree to sleep in separate bedrooms to avoid temptation. First thing in the morning on the 21st day, the wife awkens to the sound of a frantic banging on her bedroom door. "I know what you're banging for!" The husband replies, "Yeah, but do you know what I am banging with?"

Sure, it is funny to you. But its hot and it binds.... And don't get me started about having to go to the bathroom with this thing on.... You ladies just don't know what we men go through to be beautiful for you. LOL

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.

I have been having to wear a girdle, ever since my wife found one under the seat of my car - LOL "No, it's mine, really...."

Best Andy Rooney imitation…."Have you ever notice the great names that people have chosen for their screen names on this site? Well, I have …" There are some great ones. And I noticed a number of trends that I though were a bit interesting. After taking a bit of a survey I came to two conclusions. First, I picked a boring name, and second, I should share some of the names I found. So here goes… Common themes in the names: Being a Mom, such as: Momieof 3 Kalimomof 3 and the highest child count I saw "mommyto5" (or as I like to call it, "someone needs to get the cable TV repaired" Being married/attached, such as: "Steveswife," etc. Hobbies and loves, such as: "animal lover," "golden retriever lover," "beachlover," "candle lady," "dolphin lover," and "hulahoopaholic." Ready for a change, such as Ready2Bthin need2change ontheroad2thin thinnerbeginings 4alongerlife Ibthin Skinny2B Acknowledging large size, such as heafty hannah Biged Imafatty cutechubbygirl phatmom Megamom BustNout Going to look great, such as: futureskinnyperson soon2Bhotmomma Fat2Fab Ready4newme halfthewoman Members we should avoid on a bad cravings day, such as: Stormwarning TwistedMom Diana Dominate stinker MY FAVORITES - FUNNY, CUTE, INSIGHTFUL… Chubarella, Slenderella and Sleeverella (they must be sisters!) Sleevealicious BigByrd TexMax Xxstacy SexiiLexi SlimThickens Boobie1981 (wonder why this one appeals to me? I must really like 1981!!) looking on the lightside thinnerpeace Ysettleforless first half fat thishastowork moving toward normal speedbump After looking at this, I wish I picked a cooler name. I have had the nickname of Special K since high school (Eddie Murphy Saturday Night Live skit about Buckwheat, and family members named after cereals - "My cousin Special K, he's retarded".... my friends thought it was hilarious and it stuck for some 35 years). So add the nickname to my birth year (very clever and unique, I know) and you get a boring screen name. I wish I was: Needs A new belt Yum another shake! Wannaseemy scars realmenhavedrains No I neverget bored of liquids solidfoodhater I miss my beer gravy comes from God undertall So, what are your favorites that you have seen - or just want to make up. Let's have some fun people. I try to post a few times a week, so follow this blog, and you will know every time I post something else dumb (I mean funny ?!?)

Feeling lost I think is becoming part of everyday life for a lot of us. Some days are great and others are just stinkers. At least you know that you can reach out here on the site. It is a pretty freindly group of people that all understand the good and bad sides of food. AND REMEMBER ITS FRIDAY!!!!! Everything is better on Friday.