VSGKirk

This thread is begging to be hijacked

I'm pretty sure I'm alone at least 2 of the gays!!

I find your pictures inspiring because I would KILL to look like you do now... I like having real guys willing to show off what my body MAY look like someday - I don't care if you are gay, straight, whatever - this is all our own journey and it's nice to see what the prize might look like at the end of it. YOU GO BOYEEEEE!

I think there is a double-standard here. I have seen MUCH MORE revealing photos of women on here and they say things like they are feeling "sexy" or "empowered" - there is no difference here. I've seen other guys post very provocative pictures as well in the general forums and galleries. Feeling sexy, not shying away from the camera or hiding behind people is one of the great side effects of this journey. If he would have entitled his picture "Excess Skin" or stated "I'm so ashamed of my body", the comments would be much different and the support would be overflowing. As long as the picture doesn't violate any terms of the board, it's the OP's judgement and decision to post his pics here - and I would imagine he posted them in the LGBT forum, not because there might be an implied different set of morals for us LGBT folks, but because it's a safe place where like-minded people will always support him and have his back.

You've got this!

Naughty boy! Keep it up - I mean, the weight loss...uh, yah - you know what I mean...

Shanked in prison... Shuts them up every time!

Martin's PA... doesn't that belong in the piercing forum??

Seriously that was the worst part for me - super itchy! Don't shave it yourself though, they prefer to do it so that it's the proper length (they don't shave it smooth because they don't want ingrown hairs, cuts or infections around the incisions). They could have at least continued to trim further south, just so things would be more proportionate though! Oh well, at least NOW I can see down south and do it myself!!

Yeah, so I can wear jeans to work, so I would wear jeans, a white undershirt (tucked in), the suspenders and then a nice long or short sleeved collared shirt over it all.

I had never had surgery before - or ever been in the hospital for that matter! But it actually wasn't bad at all - it was like time travel!! One minute you're relaxing on a table, the next you're waking up and someone's shaved your damn belly! You guys will do great - be excited, you are taking control!!

I was super tender and was very protective of my abdomen for at least a month (maybe 6 weeks?) - I wore suspenders under my shirts instead of a belt as well - way more comfortable!

Yoli, I'm 10 weeks out (in my 11th) and I don't feel like I'm on a diet at all. I eat whatever I want - it's just in tiny tiny portions. That said, when I say anything I want guess what? I WANT healthy things. It's so weird how you gravitate towards things you know are better for you and your stomach. I don't want bad things or huge quantities. I eat what I want and am satisfied with very small portions. And I LOVED carbs... A LOT! I don't know how else to explain it other than my old relationship with food pales in comparison to my new relationship with ME!

Exciting stuff, right!? I can ascertain from your previous posts that you are a highly spiritual person - perhaps you can find some peace of mind and calmness through your faith. Hang in there!

I understand the point that bigsleeve56 is making - us guys sometimes have a tendency to be very direct with each other, so I totally understood that he is coming from a place of genuine concern rather than judgement (at least that's they way I read it). JC, I too just want you to have a successful surgery and outcome and I don't want you to wake up from surgery, just to have the surgeon tell you they decided not to operate due to your liver size. Of course, that might not even be an issue - and with your extremely restrictive diet and slip-ups, you may still be shocking your liver into teeny tiny submission Everyone is different, for sure. Every surgeon has their own preferences, for sure. Since they are the ones you are trusting with your life, I'd follow their recommendations as much as you can and be honest with your surgeon, no matter what. Sounds like you plan on discussing this with your surgeon today (that my friend, is already progress and demonstrates accountability) - so good luck to you and I hope he surprises you and puts your mind at ease. We are all here for you whether we candy-coat our feedback or are extremely direct. Crap, I didn't mean to bring up candy!!!

JC, we should talk 1:1 sometime. Let me know if you're up for it!

Sleeved 1/3/13 and down 52lbs (from surgery date), 50-52" waist to a 44", 4X to an XL-XXL shirt. Feeling good!

Is it bad of me to want to tell you to "F***" 'em? Sorry, seriously - it was my first thought!

So guys, best way to honor him is to do something he can't now... Take an extra lap at the gym, play with your children, do something nice for your spouse, make a co-worker laugh, stick to your program being thankful you're alive and have this opportunity to do great things with your new healthier you! Tragic, so young, yes - now rock your sleeve for Fred!

Weigh yourself weekly instead of daily. We know stress can lead to other health problems, so it is possible it could inhibit weight-loss. Your body is like an airplane about to land, it needs to level off a few times as it descends. Don't sweat it, stay focused on working on your head and sticking to your program.

You're doing fantastic! Well, and now you're famous...so, hopefully you'll get this job otherwise, you can unleash your mad following on them. Great job buddy!!

Great plan BDJ - Lean on us for support throughout the week!!

Welcome Joey! Don't hesitate to reach out anytime...we're here for ya

Special K makes a protein/fiber drink mix (like Crystal Light) called Special K20 I've only been able to find it on Amazon. Tastes great - no problem with it - Water, Protein and Fiber = winx3

Go on to YouTube and search VSG - watch hundreds of videos (if not thousands) of successful people. Try to turn your internal dialogue of one that is anticipating failure to one that is of unlimited possibilities and success.