Lester Burnham

@@Lester Burnham I loved your movie!! :)

Thanks, I've never been one to exercise for pleasure, but was hoping that would change. I want to dance and travel and hike....but don't want to collapse!
It would be nice to feel fit again. From being a fat adolescent (14 stone at 14 years old) I dropped a lot of weight when I was 16. From being the panting guy at the end of the race I managed to outrun all but 3 of the normal kids in cross country. I had a brief, incredible period when I was irresistable to the opposite sex, then came jobs and cars in my late teens and the standard sedentary lifestyle began. I put on one stone a year for the next 10 years! I've missed out on so much due to embarrassment, taking my kids to the pool, stripping down to shorts in the sun.
At the turn of each decade I swear to turn things around....when I hit 30 I lashed out at the gym and lost a ton, but then my kids came along and just didn't have the time to exercise any more. It all came back with just a *little* more added by my metabolism as punishment! Age 40 I did exactly the same routine, and the weight never budged an inch, I though oh oh, things are changing. Realistically, surgery is the only option left.

Hi guys, my name is Mark and I just joined this forum to read about as many people's experiences as possible.
My surgery for sleeving is set for next Saturday and the enormity has just bitten hard, have not slept a few nights in abject terror, that is slowly subsiding the more I read the forum, but still comes back occasionally
There's no point in trotting out all the old questions and fears, everyone has said it all pretty much. I was going to title this post "Help I'm scared shitless" or something but it looks like every third post is like that! Nice to know I'm not alone or a total coward.
It's strange how the fears and misgivingss are so common. The last post I read rang a bell about a guy going to miss his craft beers! I'm the same, not a drinker really, but will surely miss that. If in a year I can take a glass of beer over an evening that would be something to look forward to. Similarly I know a bacon sandwich might be out of the question every now and then, but maybe a bite or two?
In building up to the op I have hit a system that seems to work for slow weight loss; I lose Breakfast and lunch and instead carry a palm sizd piece of steak around with me. If I feel hungry (usually on the hour) I take just one bite and I'm good until the next hour. Then have a reasonable dinner with not treats. At the weekend I have a good sized meal, and a treat on Sunday. This sems to have worked quite well, I lost 17 lbs in 12 weeks. It would nice to think I could just continue with this pleasant and tolerable diet until my target, but Know in my heart, and after 40 years of being the fat kid, that my weight would stall after a few months.
One question I haven't seen asked is about enhanced hydration - I see you are supposed to take Water regularly but i wonder what effect climate and activity have on that. If I'm on holiday somewhere really hot I drink Water by the gallon, is it possible to get seriously or dangerously dehydrated by virtue of your stomach capacity? Or will the fact I am not so fat any more reduce the need for consumption?
Well I'm looking forward to seeing this post, not least to see the little ticker thing at the bottom that you create on membership!

During my 1st 6 months post-op, I was doing a lot of moderate intensity walking. In Texas, it hits 95 degrees w/ a heat index of 105 during August and Sept. And I kinda over did it and got to the point of heat exhaustion several times. I'd drink 16oz of Water before my walk and cover my neck and head with a Water soaked towel, but it didn't help. I tried drinking during the walk, but it just made me sick at my stomach.
After the 2nd time I overheated, I started paying attention to the warning signs that I needed to get in the shade and rest.
During the rest of the year, I've never had an issue staying hydrated for my walks. I normally walk 3.25 miles at at pace of 3.5 - 3.9 miles/hr. And never drank before or during the walk.
If I were just starting out with a new Sleeve, I'd be cautious, try some moderate exercise and see what my limits are.
Dropping the lbs definitely reduced my need to drink during exercise. I used to drink 1 - 2 gallons of Crystal Light per day, pre-op. 40+ ounces with a meal.
As I dropped the weight and kept increasing my pace at walking, my endurance went up and I didn't need as much Fluid to stay hydrated.
This is going to be a learning process. Everyone is different. Take your time and watch for signs of overexertion. And keep plenty of fluids nearby. You may not be able to drink a whole lot in one gulp, but you can sip, sip, sip.
P.S. Don't worry about any foods or drinks you can never have again. At 1 year out, I could eat and drink anything I wanted - just in smaller amounts. But for the 1st 6 months, almost everything cause Frankensleeve to get pissed!!! But he learned to adjust.

Hi guys, my name is Mark and I just joined this forum to read about as many people's experiences as possible.
My surgery for sleeving is set for next Saturday and the enormity has just bitten hard, have not slept a few nights in abject terror, that is slowly subsiding the more I read the forum, but still comes back occasionally
There's no point in trotting out all the old questions and fears, everyone has said it all pretty much. I was going to title this post "Help I'm scared shitless" or something but it looks like every third post is like that! Nice to know I'm not alone or a total coward.
It's strange how the fears and misgivingss are so common. The last post I read rang a bell about a guy going to miss his craft beers! I'm the same, not a drinker really, but will surely miss that. If in a year I can take a glass of beer over an evening that would be something to look forward to. Similarly I know a bacon sandwich might be out of the question every now and then, but maybe a bite or two?
In building up to the op I have hit a system that seems to work for slow weight loss; I lose Breakfast and lunch and instead carry a palm sizd piece of steak around with me. If I feel hungry (usually on the hour) I take just one bite and I'm good until the next hour. Then have a reasonable dinner with not treats. At the weekend I have a good sized meal, and a treat on Sunday. This sems to have worked quite well, I lost 17 lbs in 12 weeks. It would nice to think I could just continue with this pleasant and tolerable diet until my target, but Know in my heart, and after 40 years of being the fat kid, that my weight would stall after a few months.
One question I haven't seen asked is about enhanced hydration - I see you are supposed to take Water regularly but i wonder what effect climate and activity have on that. If I'm on holiday somewhere really hot I drink Water by the gallon, is it possible to get seriously or dangerously dehydrated by virtue of your stomach capacity? Or will the fact I am not so fat any more reduce the need for consumption?
Well I'm looking forward to seeing this post, not least to see the little ticker thing at the bottom that you create on membership!

I tell and will tell openly. I just had it done 2 weeks ago and it's already gotten me a date. And she asked me out. I was introduced to a couple friends of friends at a pub where I was drinking tea while my friend and others had beer and burgers. Of course one of the women asked if I wanted a bite of hers and I told her I had the surgery. They all became fascinated and amazed at my progress and journey. And one by one everyone at my table started talking about their food struggles and past addiction issues. I was not looked down upon for having the surgery but as a hero for conquering my foe. And at the end one women asked if I wanted to catch a movie or go on a hike with her. I said yes. That's more interest in me that I've had from a women in a couple years. I felt like a rockstar, and no way would that have happened if I kept my mouth shut.

My Sleeve is on Thursday 12/18 and I am indifferent.
I am excited to get it over with I will say that but then having attended 2 parties this weekend having a few of my Favorite beers and thinking "well this won't happen again" was a bit depressing....not that I am a power drinker I just like quality craft beers...but then I also realized how uncomfortable i felt, just big and tired.....realized if all goes well that won't happen again either...which is an awesome to look forward to, but the time at home with the food or lack thereof is a bit concerning....especially over holiday. Then I think " what if it doesn't work, what if my thyroid is slowing it down as well" Dr feel all will be fine, i have asked all my questions, finish stocking up today, (broth and broth..lol)
My biggest concern is not being able to go to gym, when i am at gym the discipline that allows me to eat right is on point, without it I tend to lose focus....but time will tell.

Everyone gets the nerves, fears about losing out on the good times of eating whatever you want. It's normal and you will have those concerns until you wake up from surgery. Then, at least in my case, all those concerns are gone and I'm just thrilled at the success I'm seeing.
I was sleeved 11 days ago. My heaviest was 310, I lost 27 pounds pre op and in my 11 days post surgery I've lost another 17 pounds. To put that in perspective, in the last two months I've lost about the same weight as a medium sized dog. I would take that over cheesecake any day.
Also, once I really got going on the pre-op diet and especially the post op one, my focus on weightloss became so great that I am now actually getting as much or more happiness (in the way of pride) skipping calories then I ever did eating them.
I had that amusement park ride issue once too. So embarrassing right in from of the kid you want to be a hero to. Well, now you get a chance to be that hero. To show him how to accomplish a goal no matter what, to show him that you will be alive when he/she goes off to college, gets married etc. To have more energy to play baseball or scuba dive with the kid. I think all that makes nachos a little less important in the grand scheme.
Good luck, this has been one of the best decisions I've ever made, I hope you feel this way too one day soon.

@Aprile3211 Great post, I completely agree.
@xmaleengyx - I did have a catheter but they put it in after I was under anesthesia and removed it before I woke up. And ask your doctor about it if it makes you that nervous. Also, if you are really anxious about surgery, there's no shame in asking your doctor to prescribe something to help calm your nerves that you can take even up to the morning of surgery. Surgery and recovery is such a brief part of this that you forget about it very quickly.
As for the alcohol and such, my psych said there is nothing we can't have (once we're healed) but there are things we shouldn't have. You will not explode if you have alcohol within a year of surgery. I am choosing not to drink alcohol because I don't really like it and it's not worth the calories but that's just my personal choice. You will not die if you drink diet soda after surgery. Doctor's generally say we should stay away from it but some people choose to have it again once they are healed. Same with caffeine.
I think taking tiny bites is important early on but I think they get a little bigger than a eraser size as time goes on. It is important to chew well and I'm trying to break myself from a lifetime habit of not chewing my food up well. When I don't, I do get sick because the food gets stuck and it's a little painful. Some people never have a problem with this but I am a slow learner so I'm still working on it.
I take one Multivitamin a day and my 3 month labs came back with everything completely in the normal range. It's something I really should have been doing before so I don't look at it as difficult.
Hang in there and do a lot of reading on this site. It really helped calm my nerves about a lot of things.

To xmaleengyx..... I was extremely nervous and anxious about getting the sleeve done. I thought "why do I have to take such a drastic measure to lose weight..... OMG, I'm having 80% of my perfectly healthy stomach removed.... why why why ???". I found the reason.... my stomach was NOT making me healthy..... it had become my enemy during my life-long battle with the bulge. It had to go ! I was so tired of yo-yo dieting.... I wanted to put a stop to it once and for all. That's why I chose the sleeve.... because it was permanent.... no going back..... weight loss gone forever !!!
So I bit the bullet and had it done on Oct 7th, 2014. I had a difficult time in hospital after the op, because the hospital staff would bring me food (only chicken broth, apple juice, cup of tea) and I thought "if they gave it to me, I can eat it all". How wrong I was !! Only have a few sips of the broth and STOP ! Only have a few sips of the juice and STOP. Forget about drinking the tea. You will NOT starve.... Don't eat all the food they place in front of you..... you WILL feel excruciating pain !! For a few weeks post op... only consume about a quarter cup of liquid food until you heal.
I am now 3 months post op and can eat anything I like, but in extremely smaller portions. I can now eat and drink socially without too many problems. People know that I am "on a diet" and they respect my choices to eat only small amounts.
I do sometimes feel as though I'm missing out. I went to a Chinese restaurant with a group of friends last week.... while everyone else tucked into the banquet, I just ordered Satay chicken and placed 3/4 of it into my tupperware container (which I always carry with me now). I felt sad because I could no longer eat what everyone else was eating and trying all the different dishes.... but had to remember.... that's why I was so FAT !!
I would also think it's not fair.... all these other people can eat like horses and they're not fat, so why can't I ?? Probably because my metabolism isn't like theirs, and I hate exercise and therefore don't exercise.
I hate seeing people waste food.... when I see left-over food, I want to eat it. But I can stop myself now and try not to look at it. I take all my left-overs home, so I feel good knowing that I'm not being wasteful.
I don't miss being ABLE to eat, because I CAN still eat.... and eat anything.... even chocolate !! However, my portion sizes are extremely small, but that's okay, because when your sleeve tells you you're full, you don't want anymore anyway.
I'm now extremely grateful that I've had the sleeve done. I have so far lost 28 kilos. I can now get out of my chair much easier... my clothes fit me better.... my friends compliment me all the time..... I have more energy..... I no longer take blood pressure medication.... and I'm feeling more "normal".
I still have about another 20 kilos to lose and it's coming off much slower now (about half a kilo a week), which is okay. Sometimes I still go the fridge and want to pig-out, but I know I'll feel sick afterwards and wonder "why did I do that", so I try not to go there now.
I still struggle with "head hunger", but I'm sure that will ease with time.
I no longer think "why me... it's not fair".... because I feel so good now, it doesn't matter.
Oh by the way... the monetary savings are great.... no more big food bills.
On a funnier note.... you'll also save on toilet paper, because you don't to the toilet half as much after the having the sleeve. And I love NOT having to get up in the middle of the night now to go to the loo.... which means more sleep... fantastic !!
So, I say... "go for it.... have the sleeve.... have no regrets.... learn to love life again and forget about food ruling your life and dominating every thought in your head like it did before.... food is an addictive habit that's well worth kicking !!"
I wish you all the very best with your new zest for life !!
Cheers.

I think my post came off sounding really negative. I didn't mean it that way. I'm really happy with my results, and I'm very glad I did the surgery. I just think you have to take the bad with the good. I worry that people looking into surgery read how few people regret having the surgery and think it's not going to be hard. And it might not be, since everyone is different, but for me there are definitely some minor struggles. I think it's good to go in eyes open.
I'm glad there's essentially no bad effects for some of you! I'm still only a few months out of surgery so things might change, but there are lots of foods I just can't seem to tolerate, and when I eat what my stomach can handle, it just tends to be foods that don't really do it for me.
That's fine. There's plenty of other things in life to enjoy! It was totally worth it for me, overall.

Yes, I have regrets.
It sucks that I don't enjoy food anymore. I'm sorry that I can't eat even half a normal amount of food without feeling sick or even vomiting.
But I don't regret the surgery overall.
If you're considering the surgery, you can think of it like I did: a variety of sucky options. Option A: you work your ass off, feel hungry and cranky all the time, lose weight, and probably gain it back plus more (statistically). Option B: surgery. It hurts, you still have to do exercise, you don't enjoy food as much (if at all), and it's easy to make yourself sick, but the weight will come off with a much higher likelihood of staying off. Option C: Stay fat, enjoy food.
There is no choice where you get to enjoy as much as you want of all the foods you love and read books all day in your chair and be thin.
You have to pick which sucky thing you can put up with -- being fat in a society that really hates fat people (never mind if they're the majority) and accepting the possible health detriments that seem to go along with that, being sick sometimes and not being able to enjoy food, or being hungry and grouchy all the time and working out hard for the rest of your life.
Sorry if that sounds negative. I feel like it's realistic. And I really don't regret having the surgery. I couldn't succeed long-term with regular dieting and exercise, and I didn't want to be fat anymore. To me, making myself sick by accident a few times a month and never really enjoying my food seems a small price to pay.