defibvt

Not really appropriate on a gay thread, dude. Unless you're not a dude.

It's been a couple months since I posted, life has been really hectic. I'm in the midst of studying to change careers, since moving back to my home state of Colorado...started becoming evident that I wasn't going to have much luck finding work in my field (video editing), after having spent 17-18 years growing a career in Los Angeles. Not exactly sure why, but it does appear that my amount of experience combined with having spent my career in LA is working against my finding work. So I'm studying for my real estate license.
I've continued the weight loss, although I did hit a nasty plateau that lasted for about three weeks. Pretty frustrating, but it eventually broke about a week ago and I dropped three pounds that week. So I'm now down to 258lbs, which I haven't been since I can't even remember...probably the early 1990s, I would guess. I'm developing that loose skin "apron" at the bottom of my belly now, and my muscle mass has been annihilated by the restriction. That's probably part of why the plateaus happen...the body just isn't burning the way it used to. It's almost time to start hitting the weights, I think.
One really fun experience was when my three young nephews came over for my daughter's birthday. We all went out and played basketball in my parents' driveway, and I was running, shooting and playing like I hadn't done since I was young. My stamina was great...probably played for at least an hour. Of course, my muscles were incredibly sore the next couple of days, but I had all kinds of motor. It was a really fun feeling.
My food consumption is sitting at somewhere in the neighborhood of 1600-1800 calories a day now, I think. Still trying to keep the focus on Protein, but I've incorporated a variety of other stuff and am having no problems with anything, anymore. I can eat a 6" flatbread turkey sandwich at Subway now...but that's the whole meal. I can also chug fluids again pretty well, on an empty stomach...which is a nice thing to be able to do again, since sipping got real old!

This guy looks like a fool, but he is actually very knowledgeable and incredibly strong:

He's also pretty funny. That being said, he reiterates several points I have made on here and thought you guys might get a chuckle as well as some insights.

Thanks guy. I did a lot of research on here today, and I think i am going to hire Lindstrom Obesity Advocacy to handle my case. I am sick and tired of dealing with my insurance company. Time to bring out the BIG GUNS!!! hahah

How are you feeling/doing since your surgery?

I'm a 59yo male, 6 days post op from gastric bypass at the Medical University of South Carolina. I thought I'd share because while the ladies are oh so willing, I had a harder time finding info from a guys perspective. I lost control of my weight maintenance when hip issues related to injury forced replacements. I'm 6'2", and at surgery weighed right at 300lbs.
TRICARE required three months of medically supervised weight loss. My co-morbidity is sleep apnea (which I had at 200lbs in my younger days).
I had surgery at 9am on St Patrick's day. My surgeon is from Ireland. How could I go wrong? Waking up from anesthesia, I had pain in my abdomin (8 of 10). I told the nurse that it hurt, and I had no desire to prove my manliness and that he should fix it quickly. He did, and I was fine. I spent one night in the hospital. The attending said I could go home if I was up to it. I said hell yea. That afternoon was probably the worst...who knew that gas pain could be so miserable. Went to bed early on Saturday and woke up Sunday feeling dang near normal. By some strange fate, most of my aches and pains seem to have disappeared. I thought it was the meds, but they haven't returned. I took It easy on Sunday. My boss called to check on me, and I told him I'd be in on Monday. He ixnayed that plan, so I waited till Tuesday. I'm a heavy construction superintendent these days. After about seven hours of superintending, I became desperately sleepy, so I headed for the hacienda. Since waking up Wednesday morning, I've felt ten years younger. I've lost 10-12 lbs since surgery.
Ill be glad to answer any questions if I can help anybody.

Right here....from Nebraska. Pre-op. Have surgery on March 28th for the sleeve.

Here are a few of mine from a couple weeks post op to last week.

Future Sleever.....February 22nd is my surgery date. I live in Nederland, Texas

Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Flower Mound, Tx. Doesn't look like much activity lately on this thread though. Bummer.

Still rocking the deadlifts. I had seen a coach a few months back and she had me reset my form and lower the weights. I just getting back to where I was before.

That's a really good one for the obliques! Glad to hear you started with it as a base. No workout plan will (nor should) be identical for everyone. Try as I might, I just don't think I can continue much longer on the Starting Strength routine I have been doing. I just cannot take in enough food. The lifts are perfect for my goals, I just cannot do the plan as it is written. So I am working on and testing out a variation for myself.
Keep it up man. Establish your habit so that becomes the replacement to your food addiction!

I've been using your routine as a foundation for one of my own and it's been working out great so far. It helped get me out of a short stall and I am feeling stronger already (4 weeks of using the routine).
My favorite exercise thus far: Woodchopper...it's just fun and some of the people at the gym look at your like you have 3 eyes when you are doing it.

First I was told 3 months supervised diet, then my insurance at the time required the following:
6 months supervised diet with physician or qualified nutritionist
Had to use a Bariatric Center of Excellence
Phyche eval
sleep study or in my case latest history from bi-pap
EDG study
Cardiac Clearance
The whole process actually took 9 months and at the time I was told 6 months I was very ill with kidney disease. It did not matter and I can remember being both pissed and scared to death all at the same time. I wanted to do it right away.
I am so very glad that I had that time to prepare myself. The classes and research I did was instrumental in my success so far. I likely would have chosen the wrong surgery and would not have had the time to build excellent habits. It allowed me to focus on small changes and follow them through.
I still believe that the most important habit I built was tracking absolutely every thing I put in my mouth. I know exactly where my Protein, calories and carbs are from the moment I take that first meal in the am. I use myfitnesspal and I track it good or bad. It allows me the opportunity to know what is in my food and to make better decisions throughout the day. I definitely make better choices because of this and I also have such an excellent understanding of nutrition because of it.
People think it takes so much time, it literally takes just a moment or two and your food is logged. In the beginning I used to measure everything, over time you learn how much a couple of ounces of meat or a real 1/2 cup of cottage cheese.
Also, learning to pay attention to my body while eating was an important tool as well. I used to mindlessly eat and of course when you pay attention you actually savor the food you do eat and can recognize when you are full.
Many good habits to learn and you need the time to truly make them habits which will set you up for success.
Best of luck to you!

There is no way around it, you will lose muscle mass. I know I lost quite a bit. There is just no way during the rapid weight loss phase to take in enough Protein to keep the amount of muscle we fat guys needed just to move. The most important thing is to establish the new habits that will endure the rest of our lives (hopefully). After about 9 months, that is when I started seeing body shaping. My shoulders and arms and dare I say, my glutes, started to become more prominent.
Barbells? I started those at 6 weeks. It was pitiful. 10lbs and I would literally be panting by the time I left. Luckily the gym I go to is predominately senior citizens and just a few younger people that are in shape. No one judges that I have ever noticed. There are the occasional meat heads, but other people opinions carry very little weight so I was fine ignoring them. Though I don't see them anymore. Like most meat heads, they always injure themselves doing stupid crap.
I recommend finding a good whey Protein Powder. Don't care what it cost, as long as it is a good one. What is a good one you are probably wondering? A good protein powder is one that has about 25 grams of protein per scoop. And it can be whey isolate or concetrate, but pass on anything taurine, soy, egg, and casein. They are decent Proteins, but if you want to have muscle gains, there is no disputing whey is king. Oh, and the most important thing is that it is a powder that you will actually use. There are some damned expensive powders out there that IMO taste like crap. I personally use Gold Standard. Very trusted name and fair price.
Oh, don't even consider GENEPRO. It's is utter crap. I've said my mind about that stuff plenty so I won't go into it again.
My caloric intake right now is 2000-2500 calories. My protein is 150 - 200 grams a day. Here is an example of my tracking that I do, it should give you plenty of info:

Man, the thought of even attempting Crossfit fresh out of surgery is beyond me. I know that everyone is different and some bounce back quickly, but I was puny for several months after. I just checked my records and at about 6 months out I was able to eat about 1200 calories consistently. That is when the performance in the gym started to improve.
During the weightloss phase it is going to be exceedingly difficult to build any muscle mass. So focusing on the cardio is a good idea. I would say by 2 or 3 months out you should be able to do any cardio as hard as you can handle. Unless of course there is a heart condition.
As for sex, I'm thinking it was few weeks at least for me. Though I had some minor complications with a hematoma and partially collapsed lung.

I just ordered some of these bad boys and am anxiously awaiting their arrival. I will review upon receipt!

I basically now use boxer briefs now not super long legged. But athletic types light compression. They definitely help.

https://www.ufmunderwear.com/ I use these! They work great.

Ok Guys I don't quite know how to say this so I'm just gonna come out and say it. I keep sitting on my balls! It seems that with the receded thunder thighs and reduced fat pad in the pubic area, the sack hangs much lower than it used to. Everytime I sit down i squash the nads just beneath my now bony butt! Needless to say this causes discomfort and the embarrassing need to furtively glance around while reaching in to rescue the little fellers. Anyone else have this problem and have an suggestions? Maybe some drawers that work better than others?

Well, this is my first post on this forum. My Gastric Sleeve surgery is Monday morning at 9:45 and i'm very excited and slightly nervous. I am definitely ready for this! I've been on quite a journey- overweight or obese most of my life but things are looking up. In two months I'm getting married to the most wonderful, beautiful, supportive woman. I've been seeing a therapist to deal with my emotional eating for almost 8 months now and her support has been invaluable and will continue to be post-surgery. Would be great to have even more support from the from the guys on this site as well. Any wisdom you could offer, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks Yazoo71. I just found out my Dr has a peer-to-peer with my insurance company on Friday. Fingers crossed he gets me approved!

Me too! I'm waiting waiting for my insurance to get their act together. I hope to be sleeved in the next month or so.

Present!

Gay here... but having the RNY on Monday! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App