Roserie

My word!!
#1 I'm used to his pictures by now I've seen them all (so has my husband)
#2 if I have to see another woman's hairy cooch hanging out I'll scream! (But not complain)
#3 there is no special privileges for the gays
#4 don't look if you are offended
#5 Amy I love you anyways!

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.

I have several GLBT friends and am socially liberal myself. But I don't think that being GLBT is a license for endorsement or entitlement for a different set of standards or expectations in a general public forum. I love that the OP is being really cool about it and handled it. That is classy.

Pre sleeve
Post sleeve

Maybe we can arrange some meetups to discuss issues or a langhorne Barix Facebook group. I don't have a date but found out I was approved today!!!!! So excited

Check out this thread, http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/10081-the-official-what-you-will-need-for-your-gastric-sleeve-surgery-thread/
It is pretty extensive and should cover all the bases.
Best of luck!!

Here you go...

At my last nutritionist visit, I told her I'd crush and snort the No-Doze if I had to!

Caffeine withdrawal can be really bad if you drink it all the time. I personally am not willing to completely give up coffee. I have cut soda almost completely out (I now have 1 maybe every 2wks or so) and I only drink 1-2 cups of coffee in the morning with 1tbsp of FF cream and a little sugar. I try to stick to just meats and veggies when I eat meals. I barely have bread and Pasta anymore.
But like PP said my dr also gave me a list of things to try and adjust to over the next 3mths. They gave me a book to go through that I have to bring to each group appointment that I have.

I'm 5 months out and down 120 lbs. i can not believe how amazing i feel and the difference i see in the mirror. although this journey is far from over it is so rewarding, its hard with the stalls, smells and cravings but i am mentally strong to overcome these MINOR things.. i wish all you all the best of luck during this no matter what phase of the process your in. stay the course, follow the plan and NEVER, EVER GIVE UP!!!!!

Hey guys....
I just wanted to say hello and let you know that I am down in Tijuana, Mexico at Dr. Garcias/Mi hospital and my surgery is in about an hour!! Dr. Garcia has come in and spoke with me he is fantastic!! Everyone from Samuel the driver to the nurses and staff so far have been great, The facility is spotless and they use universal precautions and I am very impressed that far!! I will keep you guys updated and post as many pictures as I can so those who have not been yet can get an idea Of what to expect when they come here!!
I have already met several others who have already sleeved and they are doing great!! They are Walking the halls....
So, its finally my turn... Wow... Here we go!! Wish me luck and I'll keep you updated....
To be continued!!

I think you look great a and if he can't see that then maybe you should find someone who will be behind you supporting you 100%.

Shanked in prison...that's my go-to story!

You only need about 300 extra calories in the first trimester, around 350 in the second and around 500 in the third. If it turns out to be multiples then you'll have to eat a bit more. That's just a ballpark amount to maintain your weight. Congrats!

Hi everyone. I am over 1 year post-op, and I just found out I'm pregnant! I still have not gone to see my gyn or sleeve doc, but I am already having food aversions. How much should I be eating each day? I am currently at ~1200 calories a day and maintaining my weight. I don't want to gain more than 25 lbs during pregnancy. Any advice would be appreciated!

Talk to your surgeon and tell him your concerns. He needs to know your surgical history. When you go under anesthesia there are many devices they use to maintain your breathing, not always intubation. Most commonly they use a device called an LMA and it goes into your esophagus. If any issues arise your stomach is near by and may take the brunt of it (I don't want to go into details so as to not scare anyone unnecessarily) They definitely need to know about your sleeve. They also need to know how you have handled anesthesia. I completely understand wanting to keep it private, my hubby is the only one that knows about my sleeve.

Just tell them you had your gallbladder removed. Gallbladder leaves 4 small scars that look similar to VSG surgery since they are done the same way.

I am pretty sure you have to disclose all previous surgeries to your surgeon just in-case something happens to you. I'm sure you figure your stomach has nothing to do with your foot but I'm sure there are freak occurrences where something has happened and they need that info.

I like the Oh Yeah pb chocolate Protein bars. They are fairly low in carbs and don't have sugar alcohol. That stuff makes me sick. I also like Power Crunch bars. They also are pretty low carb for Protein Bars. Most Protein Bars have way too many carbs.
If you go to the food forum, there is a thread ''Places to get samples" You can order all sorts of samples of Protein drinks.

Today i had my annual mammo. I was escorted to a dressing room. There were several rooms in a group, doors open, and my tech was looking into each one. Finally she stopped at one, said, "ok, go ahead and change, gown open in front, come out when you're finished changing. Bring your purse, leave your clothes." a clean pink print gown lay folded in the chair. I sadly smiled, said thanks, all the while thinking, " ah ok, she was looking for the room with the special, BIG gown in it".
I put the gown on, and it fit. All the ties inside and out tied. There wasn't volumes of heavy material wrapped around me, skimming my calves. Hmmmm this is weird. When i stepped out, i see other women stepping out, all " normal" size women, and we were all wearing the SAME PINK GOWN!!! I was wearing a "regular size" gown. Not the XXXL gown, which is a dull white or gray blue color. OMG. I am wearing a normal gown. It was shocking to me. Off to the xray room we go.
Again, my pre conditioned thought was " i'll have to wait while she gets the bigger plates" (you ladies know what i mean!!)
nope. Normal standard glass mammogram plates. She wasnt having to use both hands like before, one positioning the boob in play, while the other shoved fatty extra tissue from the OTHER side out of her way. When i went back to the dressing room, i peeked into the open dressing rooms. Some had clothes, hanging from hooks..and the rest had clean pink print gowns folding neatly in the chairs. The tech had only been looking for an open room, not a king size gown. I shed a few tears before i left that dressing room. I'm still stunned. Maybe some of you can relate, or at least know that you'll soon have a day like this, too. All my best to each of my sleeve sisters!!!
SW 10/31/12: 300
CW 238
50/F
5'10"

My surgeon requires you quit prior to having the surgery. I personally quit 5yrs ago (after smoking for 10yrs, 2 packs a day) and haven't had surgery yet but it was definitely the best choice I made. I watched my grandmother die from smoking and my grandpa has the worst form of emphysema his doctors have ever seen (he will probably pass soon). Ultimately if you don't want to quit, you wont. The first few days were the worst for me but after I got past that it was just a mental thing. I wanted it more than needed it. Now the smell makes me really sick. If you are unable to just throw the pack out and commit to not buying them anymore try cutting down to half of what you smoke, then in a week cut that down to half and so on.

My surgeon requires you quit prior to having the surgery. I personally quit 5yrs ago (after smoking for 10yrs, 2 packs a day) and haven't had surgery yet but it was definitely the best choice I made. I watched my grandmother die from smoking and my grandpa has the worst form of emphysema his doctors have ever seen (he will probably pass soon). Ultimately if you don't want to quit, you wont. The first few days were the worst for me but after I got past that it was just a mental thing. I wanted it more than needed it. Now the smell makes me really sick. If you are unable to just throw the pack out and commit to not buying them anymore try cutting down to half of what you smoke, then in a week cut that down to half and so on.

My surgeon requires you quit prior to having the surgery. I personally quit 5yrs ago (after smoking for 10yrs, 2 packs a day) and haven't had surgery yet but it was definitely the best choice I made. I watched my grandmother die from smoking and my grandpa has the worst form of emphysema his doctors have ever seen (he will probably pass soon). Ultimately if you don't want to quit, you wont. The first few days were the worst for me but after I got past that it was just a mental thing. I wanted it more than needed it. Now the smell makes me really sick. If you are unable to just throw the pack out and commit to not buying them anymore try cutting down to half of what you smoke, then in a week cut that down to half and so on.