familyguy

I told my wife and my parents and that's it. I have two young kids and even though I went to surgery, was laid out for a few days and have lost 50 pounds since, they haven't noticed.
I have a high profile job and just didn't want all the attention or to have to deal with everyone's questions. I think your average person just doesn't understand this. When people ask what I'm doing to lose the weight, I say "high Protein, low carb, small portions and very little alcohol." All 100% true. Since people typically don't like that answer, they just shrug their shoulders and say something like "good for you."
BTW, as part of my job, I'm frequently out at business lunches and dinners. For the first 2 months post opp, I really avoided them, but now I go all the time. Everyone's so busy stuffing themselves, they hardly recognize how little I eat. I just order something that reasonably fits into the prescribed diet and then pick at it slowly. At some point the waiter passes by and I say "you can take my plate". He scoops it up (1/3 eaten) and that's it. Personally I was really worried about all this, but it's fine. And bigger parties with buffets are even easier -- you just nibble unnoticed.
Totally respect those that told the world but I'm really a private person, so that's not my thing.

Just played my first round of golf post surgery. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to put the same weight into my swing, etc. Silly, I know but that's the type of stuff that goes through my head.
Have to report that golf is much easier with less weight. Besides the fact that the weight loss had no negative effects on my game, there was a bunch of little stuff that made the whole experience more enjoyable. Not having my shirt go all untucked every swing, not sweating like a pig, not feeling like I was climbing Everest every time I walked up to an elevated green, not having my thigh smooch against the side rail in the golf cart we're all welcomed improvements.
I'm still a hacker like before but a much happier one....
Have you guys played post surgery?

Ready2bhealthy -- great topic
I grilled my surgeon about this asking if an of his thousands of patients regretted the surgery and he said none had. None! That was hard for me to believe but now -- three months post opp -- I believe it. Energy levels only increase especially when you realize how much EASIER everything is without carrying around all the extra weight. I'm down more than 50 pounds and for fun pick up two 25 pound dumb bells and imagine living every minute of life walking around with those things. It's amazing how much accommodation fat people make to carry around their weight. Sitting out of activities, buying clothes that are only double / triple x, not flying or or dreading squeezing into the tiny seat, etc, etc.
I had my doubts but at this point, the only thing I regret is not doing it sooner. Life is sooooooo much easier with a normal weight and normal relationship with food.
Good luck and feel free to send me a personal message with any specific questions.
Family guy.

Just played my first round of golf post surgery. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to put the same weight into my swing, etc. Silly, I know but that's the type of stuff that goes through my head.
Have to report that golf is much easier with less weight. Besides the fact that the weight loss had no negative effects on my game, there was a bunch of little stuff that made the whole experience more enjoyable. Not having my shirt go all untucked every swing, not sweating like a pig, not feeling like I was climbing Everest every time I walked up to an elevated green, not having my thigh smooch against the side rail in the golf cart we're all welcomed improvements.
I'm still a hacker like before but a much happier one....
Have you guys played post surgery?

I'm 8 weeks out as of yesterday. Starting to become part of regular life. I've lost 40 pounds and have gone from a waist size 42 to 36 (which is like going 15 years back in time). I feel great, sleep well, no complications whatsoever. I have eaten too fast twice and was pretty uncomfortable for about 30 minutes each time. Now I try to choose foods that go down better, which isn't that hard.
Life is so much easier now..........

While the old me is still fresh in mind, I thought I'd share a list of all the little things (mostly good, a couple challenging) that make getting sleeved an unbelievable experience.
First the good (really great):
The numbers: I weighed 256 pounds when I decided to get sleeved (all time high was 272). Surgery weight (Nov 25th 2013) was 246. Today, I weighed in at 212. Eating: It's REALLY nice not obsessing about food. I used to wake up every morning praying that I wouldn’t overeat and then go to sleep most nights regretting what I ate. At buffets, I’d worry about how many plates I was consuming. At family style dinners, I’d worry about how big my helpings were and if I’d go for seconds. When I did manage to eat a healthy properly portioned meal, I felt completely unsatisfied. It’s been 9 weeks since surgery and I don’t believe I’ve been hungry once – seriously. Instead of lusting after food, I mostly concern myself with the Protein content and how hard it might be to digest. The food addiction is over and I feel like the monkey that’s been on my back for 39 years is gone. Clothing: My waist size went from 42 to comfortable 36. I went from 2XL to large for shirts. Over the last few months every week, I went through my closet and pulled out the clothes that were too big. I wouldn't have done this on a regular diet fearing that in a subsequent weight gain, I'd need them. I've pretty much exhausted my existing "skinny clothes" and am having to buy transition clothes -- I'm sticking to cheaper stuff for now. Clothes "fit" so much better now. It's not just the waist -- it's the thighs, butt, crotch, etc. I didn't realize how badly clothes fit when you have to start with something that fits a 42 waist. Lastly, at a size 36 I can shop at any store I want, which was not in the cards previously. Travel: I travel a lot for work. Sitting in an airline seat is soooo much easier now. I used to feel like they were oppressively small torture devices. Not saying I want one for my home recliner -- but I no longer dread stuffing myself into one. Sleeping: I used to sleep horribly, frequently waking up with headaches, and was in the process of getting used to a CPAP machine. I sleep great now with no CPAP. No more headaches either. That means I’m not tired all day and don’t have to drink 12 cups of coffee and 6 Advil’s just to function. This is probably the single best benefit so far. Comfort in my skin: Just about every activity -- walking, sitting, crossing my legs, standing, exercising, sex, drying off after a shower, going up stairs, getting dressed – is easier and more comfortable now. I really didn’t realize how taxing some of these things were prior to surgery. Every one of these things is easier (by a lot) now. Now for the challenges:
Eating: It’s taking me a while to learn how to eat slowly. I’ve found that speed of eating has the highest correlation to digestibility and comfort, even more than type of food. Like a lot of obese people, I used to cram food down really quickly. That doesn’t work with the sleeve and is a habit that has to be broken. Social stuff: I haven’t told anyone but my wife a few family members about my surgery. I used to be the guy that everyone wanted to dine out with for food extravaganzas. This change has been manageable but definitely takes effort. I still go out a lot and most people are so busy shoveling food in their mouth, they barely notice what I eat. Other times, I use the “I had a late lunch/dinner” excuse as to why I’m eating like a bird. Since I’ve chosen to keep the surgery to myself, this is just a new reality. As you can tell from the above, I’m really happy with the surgery and only regret not having done it sooner. Would love to hear other peoples revelations good and otherwise, post-surgery.

While the old me is still fresh in mind, I thought I'd share a list of all the little things (mostly good, a couple challenging) that make getting sleeved an unbelievable experience.
First the good (really great):
The numbers: I weighed 256 pounds when I decided to get sleeved (all time high was 272). Surgery weight (Nov 25th 2013) was 246. Today, I weighed in at 212. Eating: It's REALLY nice not obsessing about food. I used to wake up every morning praying that I wouldn’t overeat and then go to sleep most nights regretting what I ate. At buffets, I’d worry about how many plates I was consuming. At family style dinners, I’d worry about how big my helpings were and if I’d go for seconds. When I did manage to eat a healthy properly portioned meal, I felt completely unsatisfied. It’s been 9 weeks since surgery and I don’t believe I’ve been hungry once – seriously. Instead of lusting after food, I mostly concern myself with the Protein content and how hard it might be to digest. The food addiction is over and I feel like the monkey that’s been on my back for 39 years is gone. Clothing: My waist size went from 42 to comfortable 36. I went from 2XL to large for shirts. Over the last few months every week, I went through my closet and pulled out the clothes that were too big. I wouldn't have done this on a regular diet fearing that in a subsequent weight gain, I'd need them. I've pretty much exhausted my existing "skinny clothes" and am having to buy transition clothes -- I'm sticking to cheaper stuff for now. Clothes "fit" so much better now. It's not just the waist -- it's the thighs, butt, crotch, etc. I didn't realize how badly clothes fit when you have to start with something that fits a 42 waist. Lastly, at a size 36 I can shop at any store I want, which was not in the cards previously. Travel: I travel a lot for work. Sitting in an airline seat is soooo much easier now. I used to feel like they were oppressively small torture devices. Not saying I want one for my home recliner -- but I no longer dread stuffing myself into one. Sleeping: I used to sleep horribly, frequently waking up with headaches, and was in the process of getting used to a CPAP machine. I sleep great now with no CPAP. No more headaches either. That means I’m not tired all day and don’t have to drink 12 cups of coffee and 6 Advil’s just to function. This is probably the single best benefit so far. Comfort in my skin: Just about every activity -- walking, sitting, crossing my legs, standing, exercising, sex, drying off after a shower, going up stairs, getting dressed – is easier and more comfortable now. I really didn’t realize how taxing some of these things were prior to surgery. Every one of these things is easier (by a lot) now. Now for the challenges:
Eating: It’s taking me a while to learn how to eat slowly. I’ve found that speed of eating has the highest correlation to digestibility and comfort, even more than type of food. Like a lot of obese people, I used to cram food down really quickly. That doesn’t work with the sleeve and is a habit that has to be broken. Social stuff: I haven’t told anyone but my wife a few family members about my surgery. I used to be the guy that everyone wanted to dine out with for food extravaganzas. This change has been manageable but definitely takes effort. I still go out a lot and most people are so busy shoveling food in their mouth, they barely notice what I eat. Other times, I use the “I had a late lunch/dinner” excuse as to why I’m eating like a bird. Since I’ve chosen to keep the surgery to myself, this is just a new reality. As you can tell from the above, I’m really happy with the surgery and only regret not having done it sooner. Would love to hear other peoples revelations good and otherwise, post-surgery.

While the old me is still fresh in mind, I thought I'd share a list of all the little things (mostly good, a couple challenging) that make getting sleeved an unbelievable experience.
First the good (really great):
The numbers: I weighed 256 pounds when I decided to get sleeved (all time high was 272). Surgery weight (Nov 25th 2013) was 246. Today, I weighed in at 212. Eating: It's REALLY nice not obsessing about food. I used to wake up every morning praying that I wouldn’t overeat and then go to sleep most nights regretting what I ate. At buffets, I’d worry about how many plates I was consuming. At family style dinners, I’d worry about how big my helpings were and if I’d go for seconds. When I did manage to eat a healthy properly portioned meal, I felt completely unsatisfied. It’s been 9 weeks since surgery and I don’t believe I’ve been hungry once – seriously. Instead of lusting after food, I mostly concern myself with the Protein content and how hard it might be to digest. The food addiction is over and I feel like the monkey that’s been on my back for 39 years is gone. Clothing: My waist size went from 42 to comfortable 36. I went from 2XL to large for shirts. Over the last few months every week, I went through my closet and pulled out the clothes that were too big. I wouldn't have done this on a regular diet fearing that in a subsequent weight gain, I'd need them. I've pretty much exhausted my existing "skinny clothes" and am having to buy transition clothes -- I'm sticking to cheaper stuff for now. Clothes "fit" so much better now. It's not just the waist -- it's the thighs, butt, crotch, etc. I didn't realize how badly clothes fit when you have to start with something that fits a 42 waist. Lastly, at a size 36 I can shop at any store I want, which was not in the cards previously. Travel: I travel a lot for work. Sitting in an airline seat is soooo much easier now. I used to feel like they were oppressively small torture devices. Not saying I want one for my home recliner -- but I no longer dread stuffing myself into one. Sleeping: I used to sleep horribly, frequently waking up with headaches, and was in the process of getting used to a CPAP machine. I sleep great now with no CPAP. No more headaches either. That means I’m not tired all day and don’t have to drink 12 cups of coffee and 6 Advil’s just to function. This is probably the single best benefit so far. Comfort in my skin: Just about every activity -- walking, sitting, crossing my legs, standing, exercising, sex, drying off after a shower, going up stairs, getting dressed – is easier and more comfortable now. I really didn’t realize how taxing some of these things were prior to surgery. Every one of these things is easier (by a lot) now. Now for the challenges:
Eating: It’s taking me a while to learn how to eat slowly. I’ve found that speed of eating has the highest correlation to digestibility and comfort, even more than type of food. Like a lot of obese people, I used to cram food down really quickly. That doesn’t work with the sleeve and is a habit that has to be broken. Social stuff: I haven’t told anyone but my wife a few family members about my surgery. I used to be the guy that everyone wanted to dine out with for food extravaganzas. This change has been manageable but definitely takes effort. I still go out a lot and most people are so busy shoveling food in their mouth, they barely notice what I eat. Other times, I use the “I had a late lunch/dinner” excuse as to why I’m eating like a bird. Since I’ve chosen to keep the surgery to myself, this is just a new reality. As you can tell from the above, I’m really happy with the surgery and only regret not having done it sooner. Would love to hear other peoples revelations good and otherwise, post-surgery.

While the old me is still fresh in mind, I thought I'd share a list of all the little things (mostly good, a couple challenging) that make getting sleeved an unbelievable experience.
First the good (really great):
The numbers: I weighed 256 pounds when I decided to get sleeved (all time high was 272). Surgery weight (Nov 25th 2013) was 246. Today, I weighed in at 212. Eating: It's REALLY nice not obsessing about food. I used to wake up every morning praying that I wouldn’t overeat and then go to sleep most nights regretting what I ate. At buffets, I’d worry about how many plates I was consuming. At family style dinners, I’d worry about how big my helpings were and if I’d go for seconds. When I did manage to eat a healthy properly portioned meal, I felt completely unsatisfied. It’s been 9 weeks since surgery and I don’t believe I’ve been hungry once – seriously. Instead of lusting after food, I mostly concern myself with the Protein content and how hard it might be to digest. The food addiction is over and I feel like the monkey that’s been on my back for 39 years is gone. Clothing: My waist size went from 42 to comfortable 36. I went from 2XL to large for shirts. Over the last few months every week, I went through my closet and pulled out the clothes that were too big. I wouldn't have done this on a regular diet fearing that in a subsequent weight gain, I'd need them. I've pretty much exhausted my existing "skinny clothes" and am having to buy transition clothes -- I'm sticking to cheaper stuff for now. Clothes "fit" so much better now. It's not just the waist -- it's the thighs, butt, crotch, etc. I didn't realize how badly clothes fit when you have to start with something that fits a 42 waist. Lastly, at a size 36 I can shop at any store I want, which was not in the cards previously. Travel: I travel a lot for work. Sitting in an airline seat is soooo much easier now. I used to feel like they were oppressively small torture devices. Not saying I want one for my home recliner -- but I no longer dread stuffing myself into one. Sleeping: I used to sleep horribly, frequently waking up with headaches, and was in the process of getting used to a CPAP machine. I sleep great now with no CPAP. No more headaches either. That means I’m not tired all day and don’t have to drink 12 cups of coffee and 6 Advil’s just to function. This is probably the single best benefit so far. Comfort in my skin: Just about every activity -- walking, sitting, crossing my legs, standing, exercising, sex, drying off after a shower, going up stairs, getting dressed – is easier and more comfortable now. I really didn’t realize how taxing some of these things were prior to surgery. Every one of these things is easier (by a lot) now. Now for the challenges:
Eating: It’s taking me a while to learn how to eat slowly. I’ve found that speed of eating has the highest correlation to digestibility and comfort, even more than type of food. Like a lot of obese people, I used to cram food down really quickly. That doesn’t work with the sleeve and is a habit that has to be broken. Social stuff: I haven’t told anyone but my wife a few family members about my surgery. I used to be the guy that everyone wanted to dine out with for food extravaganzas. This change has been manageable but definitely takes effort. I still go out a lot and most people are so busy shoveling food in their mouth, they barely notice what I eat. Other times, I use the “I had a late lunch/dinner” excuse as to why I’m eating like a bird. Since I’ve chosen to keep the surgery to myself, this is just a new reality. As you can tell from the above, I’m really happy with the surgery and only regret not having done it sooner. Would love to hear other peoples revelations good and otherwise, post-surgery.

While the old me is still fresh in mind, I thought I'd share a list of all the little things (mostly good, a couple challenging) that make getting sleeved an unbelievable experience.
First the good (really great):
The numbers: I weighed 256 pounds when I decided to get sleeved (all time high was 272). Surgery weight (Nov 25th 2013) was 246. Today, I weighed in at 212. Eating: It's REALLY nice not obsessing about food. I used to wake up every morning praying that I wouldn’t overeat and then go to sleep most nights regretting what I ate. At buffets, I’d worry about how many plates I was consuming. At family style dinners, I’d worry about how big my helpings were and if I’d go for seconds. When I did manage to eat a healthy properly portioned meal, I felt completely unsatisfied. It’s been 9 weeks since surgery and I don’t believe I’ve been hungry once – seriously. Instead of lusting after food, I mostly concern myself with the Protein content and how hard it might be to digest. The food addiction is over and I feel like the monkey that’s been on my back for 39 years is gone. Clothing: My waist size went from 42 to comfortable 36. I went from 2XL to large for shirts. Over the last few months every week, I went through my closet and pulled out the clothes that were too big. I wouldn't have done this on a regular diet fearing that in a subsequent weight gain, I'd need them. I've pretty much exhausted my existing "skinny clothes" and am having to buy transition clothes -- I'm sticking to cheaper stuff for now. Clothes "fit" so much better now. It's not just the waist -- it's the thighs, butt, crotch, etc. I didn't realize how badly clothes fit when you have to start with something that fits a 42 waist. Lastly, at a size 36 I can shop at any store I want, which was not in the cards previously. Travel: I travel a lot for work. Sitting in an airline seat is soooo much easier now. I used to feel like they were oppressively small torture devices. Not saying I want one for my home recliner -- but I no longer dread stuffing myself into one. Sleeping: I used to sleep horribly, frequently waking up with headaches, and was in the process of getting used to a CPAP machine. I sleep great now with no CPAP. No more headaches either. That means I’m not tired all day and don’t have to drink 12 cups of coffee and 6 Advil’s just to function. This is probably the single best benefit so far. Comfort in my skin: Just about every activity -- walking, sitting, crossing my legs, standing, exercising, sex, drying off after a shower, going up stairs, getting dressed – is easier and more comfortable now. I really didn’t realize how taxing some of these things were prior to surgery. Every one of these things is easier (by a lot) now. Now for the challenges:
Eating: It’s taking me a while to learn how to eat slowly. I’ve found that speed of eating has the highest correlation to digestibility and comfort, even more than type of food. Like a lot of obese people, I used to cram food down really quickly. That doesn’t work with the sleeve and is a habit that has to be broken. Social stuff: I haven’t told anyone but my wife a few family members about my surgery. I used to be the guy that everyone wanted to dine out with for food extravaganzas. This change has been manageable but definitely takes effort. I still go out a lot and most people are so busy shoveling food in their mouth, they barely notice what I eat. Other times, I use the “I had a late lunch/dinner” excuse as to why I’m eating like a bird. Since I’ve chosen to keep the surgery to myself, this is just a new reality. As you can tell from the above, I’m really happy with the surgery and only regret not having done it sooner. Would love to hear other peoples revelations good and otherwise, post-surgery.

While the old me is still fresh in mind, I thought I'd share a list of all the little things (mostly good, a couple challenging) that make getting sleeved an unbelievable experience.
First the good (really great):
The numbers: I weighed 256 pounds when I decided to get sleeved (all time high was 272). Surgery weight (Nov 25th 2013) was 246. Today, I weighed in at 212. Eating: It's REALLY nice not obsessing about food. I used to wake up every morning praying that I wouldn’t overeat and then go to sleep most nights regretting what I ate. At buffets, I’d worry about how many plates I was consuming. At family style dinners, I’d worry about how big my helpings were and if I’d go for seconds. When I did manage to eat a healthy properly portioned meal, I felt completely unsatisfied. It’s been 9 weeks since surgery and I don’t believe I’ve been hungry once – seriously. Instead of lusting after food, I mostly concern myself with the Protein content and how hard it might be to digest. The food addiction is over and I feel like the monkey that’s been on my back for 39 years is gone. Clothing: My waist size went from 42 to comfortable 36. I went from 2XL to large for shirts. Over the last few months every week, I went through my closet and pulled out the clothes that were too big. I wouldn't have done this on a regular diet fearing that in a subsequent weight gain, I'd need them. I've pretty much exhausted my existing "skinny clothes" and am having to buy transition clothes -- I'm sticking to cheaper stuff for now. Clothes "fit" so much better now. It's not just the waist -- it's the thighs, butt, crotch, etc. I didn't realize how badly clothes fit when you have to start with something that fits a 42 waist. Lastly, at a size 36 I can shop at any store I want, which was not in the cards previously. Travel: I travel a lot for work. Sitting in an airline seat is soooo much easier now. I used to feel like they were oppressively small torture devices. Not saying I want one for my home recliner -- but I no longer dread stuffing myself into one. Sleeping: I used to sleep horribly, frequently waking up with headaches, and was in the process of getting used to a CPAP machine. I sleep great now with no CPAP. No more headaches either. That means I’m not tired all day and don’t have to drink 12 cups of coffee and 6 Advil’s just to function. This is probably the single best benefit so far. Comfort in my skin: Just about every activity -- walking, sitting, crossing my legs, standing, exercising, sex, drying off after a shower, going up stairs, getting dressed – is easier and more comfortable now. I really didn’t realize how taxing some of these things were prior to surgery. Every one of these things is easier (by a lot) now. Now for the challenges:
Eating: It’s taking me a while to learn how to eat slowly. I’ve found that speed of eating has the highest correlation to digestibility and comfort, even more than type of food. Like a lot of obese people, I used to cram food down really quickly. That doesn’t work with the sleeve and is a habit that has to be broken. Social stuff: I haven’t told anyone but my wife a few family members about my surgery. I used to be the guy that everyone wanted to dine out with for food extravaganzas. This change has been manageable but definitely takes effort. I still go out a lot and most people are so busy shoveling food in their mouth, they barely notice what I eat. Other times, I use the “I had a late lunch/dinner” excuse as to why I’m eating like a bird. Since I’ve chosen to keep the surgery to myself, this is just a new reality. As you can tell from the above, I’m really happy with the surgery and only regret not having done it sooner. Would love to hear other peoples revelations good and otherwise, post-surgery.

While the old me is still fresh in mind, I thought I'd share a list of all the little things (mostly good, a couple challenging) that make getting sleeved an unbelievable experience.
First the good (really great):
The numbers: I weighed 256 pounds when I decided to get sleeved (all time high was 272). Surgery weight (Nov 25th 2013) was 246. Today, I weighed in at 212. Eating: It's REALLY nice not obsessing about food. I used to wake up every morning praying that I wouldn’t overeat and then go to sleep most nights regretting what I ate. At buffets, I’d worry about how many plates I was consuming. At family style dinners, I’d worry about how big my helpings were and if I’d go for seconds. When I did manage to eat a healthy properly portioned meal, I felt completely unsatisfied. It’s been 9 weeks since surgery and I don’t believe I’ve been hungry once – seriously. Instead of lusting after food, I mostly concern myself with the Protein content and how hard it might be to digest. The food addiction is over and I feel like the monkey that’s been on my back for 39 years is gone. Clothing: My waist size went from 42 to comfortable 36. I went from 2XL to large for shirts. Over the last few months every week, I went through my closet and pulled out the clothes that were too big. I wouldn't have done this on a regular diet fearing that in a subsequent weight gain, I'd need them. I've pretty much exhausted my existing "skinny clothes" and am having to buy transition clothes -- I'm sticking to cheaper stuff for now. Clothes "fit" so much better now. It's not just the waist -- it's the thighs, butt, crotch, etc. I didn't realize how badly clothes fit when you have to start with something that fits a 42 waist. Lastly, at a size 36 I can shop at any store I want, which was not in the cards previously. Travel: I travel a lot for work. Sitting in an airline seat is soooo much easier now. I used to feel like they were oppressively small torture devices. Not saying I want one for my home recliner -- but I no longer dread stuffing myself into one. Sleeping: I used to sleep horribly, frequently waking up with headaches, and was in the process of getting used to a CPAP machine. I sleep great now with no CPAP. No more headaches either. That means I’m not tired all day and don’t have to drink 12 cups of coffee and 6 Advil’s just to function. This is probably the single best benefit so far. Comfort in my skin: Just about every activity -- walking, sitting, crossing my legs, standing, exercising, sex, drying off after a shower, going up stairs, getting dressed – is easier and more comfortable now. I really didn’t realize how taxing some of these things were prior to surgery. Every one of these things is easier (by a lot) now. Now for the challenges:
Eating: It’s taking me a while to learn how to eat slowly. I’ve found that speed of eating has the highest correlation to digestibility and comfort, even more than type of food. Like a lot of obese people, I used to cram food down really quickly. That doesn’t work with the sleeve and is a habit that has to be broken. Social stuff: I haven’t told anyone but my wife a few family members about my surgery. I used to be the guy that everyone wanted to dine out with for food extravaganzas. This change has been manageable but definitely takes effort. I still go out a lot and most people are so busy shoveling food in their mouth, they barely notice what I eat. Other times, I use the “I had a late lunch/dinner” excuse as to why I’m eating like a bird. Since I’ve chosen to keep the surgery to myself, this is just a new reality. As you can tell from the above, I’m really happy with the surgery and only regret not having done it sooner. Would love to hear other peoples revelations good and otherwise, post-surgery.

I'm 8 weeks out as of yesterday. Starting to become part of regular life. I've lost 40 pounds and have gone from a waist size 42 to 36 (which is like going 15 years back in time). I feel great, sleep well, no complications whatsoever. I have eaten too fast twice and was pretty uncomfortable for about 30 minutes each time. Now I try to choose foods that go down better, which isn't that hard.
Life is so much easier now..........

Buckfever --
I was in exactly the same boat -- about 260 and 5'11". I struggled over making the decision on everything from the medical stuff all the way to the social impacts. Ultimately, I convinced myself of three things, 1) that I didn't wan't to live the rest of my life carrying around all the extra weight, 2) that I couldn't reliably lose it on my own, and 3) that relative to doing nothing the surgery was safe. I was sleeved on November 25th and now I'm down to 216 and it feels amazing. Everything feels better -- clothing, sleeping, sitting, walking, breathing, on and on. I haven't felt this good since I was 25.
My surgery and recovery were basically a breeze -- two days of feeling like shit and then a very rapid recovery. I took a week off work (office job) and that was plenty. I don't eat a whole lot and that feels fine (in my new world). The social stuff (which had me freeked out) is actually simple. In group settings, no one notices. For sitdown meals, I go to a restaurant and order something small and easy to eat and enjoy it. It's actually quite liberating not obsessing about food all the time.
Clearly a very personal decision, but as a guy who was worried about many of the same things as you (in a similar lower BMI situation), my only regret is not having done this sooner....good luck.

This is a fascinating topic and now that I'm 4 weeks post opp, I have definitely asked myself a few times "why didn't I just eat like this instead of having the surgery?" After all, besides the cost, it does come with some serious life changes that are not always that simple to deal with.
However, pre surgery, I would have thought that the quantity of food I'm eating now would have made me pass out. Now, I eat very little and have tons of energy.
Pre surgery, I would have loaded up a big plate of whatever food was available and then gone back for seconds. Now, I put the smallest amount of food and a salad plate and end up walking away with left overs.
Pre surgery, I would have salivated at even a whiff of something that smelled good, now things that smell good are interesting but don't have anywhere near the same effect.
Pre surgery, I would have given myself breaks from any diet I was one (birthdays, anniversary's, football games, etc, etc). Now, there's really no way to take a break.
Definitely want you to be successful in whatever you choose to do. For me, the sleeve created some profound physiological and mental changes that I couldn't find on my own.

This is a fascinating topic and now that I'm 4 weeks post opp, I have definitely asked myself a few times "why didn't I just eat like this instead of having the surgery?" After all, besides the cost, it does come with some serious life changes that are not always that simple to deal with.
However, pre surgery, I would have thought that the quantity of food I'm eating now would have made me pass out. Now, I eat very little and have tons of energy.
Pre surgery, I would have loaded up a big plate of whatever food was available and then gone back for seconds. Now, I put the smallest amount of food and a salad plate and end up walking away with left overs.
Pre surgery, I would have salivated at even a whiff of something that smelled good, now things that smell good are interesting but don't have anywhere near the same effect.
Pre surgery, I would have given myself breaks from any diet I was one (birthdays, anniversary's, football games, etc, etc). Now, there's really no way to take a break.
Definitely want you to be successful in whatever you choose to do. For me, the sleeve created some profound physiological and mental changes that I couldn't find on my own.

This is a fascinating topic and now that I'm 4 weeks post opp, I have definitely asked myself a few times "why didn't I just eat like this instead of having the surgery?" After all, besides the cost, it does come with some serious life changes that are not always that simple to deal with.
However, pre surgery, I would have thought that the quantity of food I'm eating now would have made me pass out. Now, I eat very little and have tons of energy.
Pre surgery, I would have loaded up a big plate of whatever food was available and then gone back for seconds. Now, I put the smallest amount of food and a salad plate and end up walking away with left overs.
Pre surgery, I would have salivated at even a whiff of something that smelled good, now things that smell good are interesting but don't have anywhere near the same effect.
Pre surgery, I would have given myself breaks from any diet I was one (birthdays, anniversary's, football games, etc, etc). Now, there's really no way to take a break.
Definitely want you to be successful in whatever you choose to do. For me, the sleeve created some profound physiological and mental changes that I couldn't find on my own.

This is a fascinating topic and now that I'm 4 weeks post opp, I have definitely asked myself a few times "why didn't I just eat like this instead of having the surgery?" After all, besides the cost, it does come with some serious life changes that are not always that simple to deal with.
However, pre surgery, I would have thought that the quantity of food I'm eating now would have made me pass out. Now, I eat very little and have tons of energy.
Pre surgery, I would have loaded up a big plate of whatever food was available and then gone back for seconds. Now, I put the smallest amount of food and a salad plate and end up walking away with left overs.
Pre surgery, I would have salivated at even a whiff of something that smelled good, now things that smell good are interesting but don't have anywhere near the same effect.
Pre surgery, I would have given myself breaks from any diet I was one (birthdays, anniversary's, football games, etc, etc). Now, there's really no way to take a break.
Definitely want you to be successful in whatever you choose to do. For me, the sleeve created some profound physiological and mental changes that I couldn't find on my own.

I went to all my favorite places and ate whatever I wanted. But then again, that's sort of what I did for years and why I was headed for surgery in the first place. If you want to, I say go for it.
Will it be satisfying? I doubt it.

This is a fascinating topic and now that I'm 4 weeks post opp, I have definitely asked myself a few times "why didn't I just eat like this instead of having the surgery?" After all, besides the cost, it does come with some serious life changes that are not always that simple to deal with.
However, pre surgery, I would have thought that the quantity of food I'm eating now would have made me pass out. Now, I eat very little and have tons of energy.
Pre surgery, I would have loaded up a big plate of whatever food was available and then gone back for seconds. Now, I put the smallest amount of food and a salad plate and end up walking away with left overs.
Pre surgery, I would have salivated at even a whiff of something that smelled good, now things that smell good are interesting but don't have anywhere near the same effect.
Pre surgery, I would have given myself breaks from any diet I was one (birthdays, anniversary's, football games, etc, etc). Now, there's really no way to take a break.
Definitely want you to be successful in whatever you choose to do. For me, the sleeve created some profound physiological and mental changes that I couldn't find on my own.

I'm in a week 3 stall and HAPPY about it! First of all, loosing weight at lightening speed has got to be less than healthy. Second, I'm keeping my procedure to myself, so having a more gradual loss seems more natural to my friends and co-workers. Third and MOST important, these stalls just demonstrate how biologically difficult it is to lose weight. If I were on a traditional diet and this happened, I'd be super frustrated and questioning whether I could succeed at all. In fact, I'd probably just bail on the diet all together and go back to my regular routine. But this time, I'm 100% sure that the weight is going to come off and there's zero chance of "bailing out." I get to just sit back (while following the rules) and wait for it to happen!

I use the New Whey shots if I'm behind on Protein and want to catch up. They're only 4oz's with a whopping 42 grams of Protein. They taste like sh.t and are VERY filling, so I can't imagine getting two down in one go.

Aroundhky -- great info thanks for replying.

I'm in a week 3 stall and HAPPY about it! First of all, loosing weight at lightening speed has got to be less than healthy. Second, I'm keeping my procedure to myself, so having a more gradual loss seems more natural to my friends and co-workers. Third and MOST important, these stalls just demonstrate how biologically difficult it is to lose weight. If I were on a traditional diet and this happened, I'd be super frustrated and questioning whether I could succeed at all. In fact, I'd probably just bail on the diet all together and go back to my regular routine. But this time, I'm 100% sure that the weight is going to come off and there's zero chance of "bailing out." I get to just sit back (while following the rules) and wait for it to happen!

I'm with you. Someone said to me "Whats the liklihood of you getting down to a healthy weight and staying there for the rest of your life on your owm". For me the answer was very low. So, the choice became "do i want to deal with this surgury or do i want to be obese and unhealthy the rest of my life? I chose the surgury.
Im 12 days post op and honestly am in no pain with a ton of energy. You cant hardly eat anything, but thats sort of the idea.
Good luck with your journy.