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VDB

Gastric Bypass Patients
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  1. Like
    VDB got a reaction from djsambo in Guys who started over 400 lbs.   
    Started at 420+, but had been as high as 460# in the past. Lost about 130, gotten under 300# when my maintenance kicked in at 9 months out (I had gastric bypass), which meant the rapid weight loss period was over and loss became much slower but still is steady, slow and steady. It is great you are thinking of this now. I did not do this until 63 years old and wish I had done it at your age. I had led a full active life, even flying 30 times a year with a seat belt extension, but at 60 years old my normally healthy bod finally did what the docs had always said it would do -- sleep apnea, diabetes, edema, heart problems, bad cholesterol readings, etc. I also was at risk of losing mobility -- walking and running my small farm were huge barriers. I missed alot with my kids because of the weight and it certainly effected my relationship, even though we are going on 40 years together.
    So, now, 11 months out, diabetes 90% better; edema gone; heart strong; blood readings perfect. The apnea goes away for some, but mine is likely genetic as a slim dad and a slim brother both had severe apnea. I will have a sleep study when I am at goal weight but likely will still use the CPAP.... not problem. My mobility is so much better. I can ride a bike again, swimming is much easier. Today, spent the entire day maintaining irrigation ditches and working my greenhouse, no problem at all. Walking my dog three times a day, no problem.
    BTW, my results are fairly typical. Negatives -- the first week was a bit painful, but could get out within 10 days The first month post surgery was challenging, mainly learning to eat so differently, quantity so much less, etc. but now am used to it without any real challenges. I do eat too many carbs, but not to much excess really, am working on that, guess what I am saying that food challenges don't stop. I found that the rapid weight loss was very debilitating -- did not have much energy even though almost always ate healthy according to instructions and took my Vitamins etc. I was actually glad when the loss slowed, as I needed the energy in my work. It is tempting to declare victory and say that with these great results, that is enough. However, I have been fat since I was 3 years old, and I want to experience not being overweight! I did not have any unusual prep instructions, pretty routine.
    You really deserve to have this monkey off your back. I encourage you to reclaim your life!
  2. Haha
    VDB got a reaction from Frustr8 in What can I do with...cottage cheese?   
    I ate tomatoes from 90 days on, with no problems.
  3. Like
    VDB got a reaction from djsambo in Guys who started over 400 lbs.   
    Started at 420+, but had been as high as 460# in the past. Lost about 130, gotten under 300# when my maintenance kicked in at 9 months out (I had gastric bypass), which meant the rapid weight loss period was over and loss became much slower but still is steady, slow and steady. It is great you are thinking of this now. I did not do this until 63 years old and wish I had done it at your age. I had led a full active life, even flying 30 times a year with a seat belt extension, but at 60 years old my normally healthy bod finally did what the docs had always said it would do -- sleep apnea, diabetes, edema, heart problems, bad cholesterol readings, etc. I also was at risk of losing mobility -- walking and running my small farm were huge barriers. I missed alot with my kids because of the weight and it certainly effected my relationship, even though we are going on 40 years together.
    So, now, 11 months out, diabetes 90% better; edema gone; heart strong; blood readings perfect. The apnea goes away for some, but mine is likely genetic as a slim dad and a slim brother both had severe apnea. I will have a sleep study when I am at goal weight but likely will still use the CPAP.... not problem. My mobility is so much better. I can ride a bike again, swimming is much easier. Today, spent the entire day maintaining irrigation ditches and working my greenhouse, no problem at all. Walking my dog three times a day, no problem.
    BTW, my results are fairly typical. Negatives -- the first week was a bit painful, but could get out within 10 days The first month post surgery was challenging, mainly learning to eat so differently, quantity so much less, etc. but now am used to it without any real challenges. I do eat too many carbs, but not to much excess really, am working on that, guess what I am saying that food challenges don't stop. I found that the rapid weight loss was very debilitating -- did not have much energy even though almost always ate healthy according to instructions and took my Vitamins etc. I was actually glad when the loss slowed, as I needed the energy in my work. It is tempting to declare victory and say that with these great results, that is enough. However, I have been fat since I was 3 years old, and I want to experience not being overweight! I did not have any unusual prep instructions, pretty routine.
    You really deserve to have this monkey off your back. I encourage you to reclaim your life!
  4. Like
    VDB got a reaction from djsambo in Guys who started over 400 lbs.   
    Started at 420+, but had been as high as 460# in the past. Lost about 130, gotten under 300# when my maintenance kicked in at 9 months out (I had gastric bypass), which meant the rapid weight loss period was over and loss became much slower but still is steady, slow and steady. It is great you are thinking of this now. I did not do this until 63 years old and wish I had done it at your age. I had led a full active life, even flying 30 times a year with a seat belt extension, but at 60 years old my normally healthy bod finally did what the docs had always said it would do -- sleep apnea, diabetes, edema, heart problems, bad cholesterol readings, etc. I also was at risk of losing mobility -- walking and running my small farm were huge barriers. I missed alot with my kids because of the weight and it certainly effected my relationship, even though we are going on 40 years together.
    So, now, 11 months out, diabetes 90% better; edema gone; heart strong; blood readings perfect. The apnea goes away for some, but mine is likely genetic as a slim dad and a slim brother both had severe apnea. I will have a sleep study when I am at goal weight but likely will still use the CPAP.... not problem. My mobility is so much better. I can ride a bike again, swimming is much easier. Today, spent the entire day maintaining irrigation ditches and working my greenhouse, no problem at all. Walking my dog three times a day, no problem.
    BTW, my results are fairly typical. Negatives -- the first week was a bit painful, but could get out within 10 days The first month post surgery was challenging, mainly learning to eat so differently, quantity so much less, etc. but now am used to it without any real challenges. I do eat too many carbs, but not to much excess really, am working on that, guess what I am saying that food challenges don't stop. I found that the rapid weight loss was very debilitating -- did not have much energy even though almost always ate healthy according to instructions and took my Vitamins etc. I was actually glad when the loss slowed, as I needed the energy in my work. It is tempting to declare victory and say that with these great results, that is enough. However, I have been fat since I was 3 years old, and I want to experience not being overweight! I did not have any unusual prep instructions, pretty routine.
    You really deserve to have this monkey off your back. I encourage you to reclaim your life!
  5. Like
    VDB got a reaction from djsambo in Guys who started over 400 lbs.   
    Started at 420+, but had been as high as 460# in the past. Lost about 130, gotten under 300# when my maintenance kicked in at 9 months out (I had gastric bypass), which meant the rapid weight loss period was over and loss became much slower but still is steady, slow and steady. It is great you are thinking of this now. I did not do this until 63 years old and wish I had done it at your age. I had led a full active life, even flying 30 times a year with a seat belt extension, but at 60 years old my normally healthy bod finally did what the docs had always said it would do -- sleep apnea, diabetes, edema, heart problems, bad cholesterol readings, etc. I also was at risk of losing mobility -- walking and running my small farm were huge barriers. I missed alot with my kids because of the weight and it certainly effected my relationship, even though we are going on 40 years together.
    So, now, 11 months out, diabetes 90% better; edema gone; heart strong; blood readings perfect. The apnea goes away for some, but mine is likely genetic as a slim dad and a slim brother both had severe apnea. I will have a sleep study when I am at goal weight but likely will still use the CPAP.... not problem. My mobility is so much better. I can ride a bike again, swimming is much easier. Today, spent the entire day maintaining irrigation ditches and working my greenhouse, no problem at all. Walking my dog three times a day, no problem.
    BTW, my results are fairly typical. Negatives -- the first week was a bit painful, but could get out within 10 days The first month post surgery was challenging, mainly learning to eat so differently, quantity so much less, etc. but now am used to it without any real challenges. I do eat too many carbs, but not to much excess really, am working on that, guess what I am saying that food challenges don't stop. I found that the rapid weight loss was very debilitating -- did not have much energy even though almost always ate healthy according to instructions and took my Vitamins etc. I was actually glad when the loss slowed, as I needed the energy in my work. It is tempting to declare victory and say that with these great results, that is enough. However, I have been fat since I was 3 years old, and I want to experience not being overweight! I did not have any unusual prep instructions, pretty routine.
    You really deserve to have this monkey off your back. I encourage you to reclaim your life!
  6. Like
    VDB got a reaction from djsambo in Guys who started over 400 lbs.   
    Started at 420+, but had been as high as 460# in the past. Lost about 130, gotten under 300# when my maintenance kicked in at 9 months out (I had gastric bypass), which meant the rapid weight loss period was over and loss became much slower but still is steady, slow and steady. It is great you are thinking of this now. I did not do this until 63 years old and wish I had done it at your age. I had led a full active life, even flying 30 times a year with a seat belt extension, but at 60 years old my normally healthy bod finally did what the docs had always said it would do -- sleep apnea, diabetes, edema, heart problems, bad cholesterol readings, etc. I also was at risk of losing mobility -- walking and running my small farm were huge barriers. I missed alot with my kids because of the weight and it certainly effected my relationship, even though we are going on 40 years together.
    So, now, 11 months out, diabetes 90% better; edema gone; heart strong; blood readings perfect. The apnea goes away for some, but mine is likely genetic as a slim dad and a slim brother both had severe apnea. I will have a sleep study when I am at goal weight but likely will still use the CPAP.... not problem. My mobility is so much better. I can ride a bike again, swimming is much easier. Today, spent the entire day maintaining irrigation ditches and working my greenhouse, no problem at all. Walking my dog three times a day, no problem.
    BTW, my results are fairly typical. Negatives -- the first week was a bit painful, but could get out within 10 days The first month post surgery was challenging, mainly learning to eat so differently, quantity so much less, etc. but now am used to it without any real challenges. I do eat too many carbs, but not to much excess really, am working on that, guess what I am saying that food challenges don't stop. I found that the rapid weight loss was very debilitating -- did not have much energy even though almost always ate healthy according to instructions and took my Vitamins etc. I was actually glad when the loss slowed, as I needed the energy in my work. It is tempting to declare victory and say that with these great results, that is enough. However, I have been fat since I was 3 years old, and I want to experience not being overweight! I did not have any unusual prep instructions, pretty routine.
    You really deserve to have this monkey off your back. I encourage you to reclaim your life!
  7. Like
    VDB got a reaction from exit45sax in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Set for Monday 2/20/17!   
    Good luck! I had gastric bypass, but overall the surgery itself went very well, and in a couple of weeks was up and about. Congratulations on getting to this point. I know from experience that is a huge step. I wish I had done it many years ago, but fear kept me from jumping in. This site is great support. I don't post as much now almost two years out but during the first six months in particular it was very helpful.
    For me, great results although did not lose as much in the quick weight loss period as I had hoped, what I did lose (not complaining!) took away 90% of my health issues -- diabetes, edema, mobility loss, joint pain, high blood pressure, bad blood fats -- some, like blood fats, high blood pressure are 100% gone. I am slowly losing with good portion and content control, it is now up to me and not the surgery alone, but it is so much easier now thanks to the surgical intervention
    And, timing with getting married is great. We are 36+ years married, but both of us wish I had done this much earlier. Also, good on you for dealing with the emotional side, many don't do that and ultimately gain it back.
    You will never ever regret this huge step....way to go!
  8. Like
    VDB got a reaction from Pattiv123 in Hair Loss   
    Hi, even with mondo amounts of Protein my bushy head of great hair fell out in large amounts from 4 to 7 months. I just gave myself a buzz cut. It grew back, although a little thinner but still quite the silver mane.
    I have some sags but overall not bad. My wife of decades does not care, why should I? No more surgery for me! I do have more neck wattle turkey neck than I want, but just grew my beard longer...

  9. Like
    VDB got a reaction from Pattiv123 in Hair Loss   
    Hi, even with mondo amounts of Protein my bushy head of great hair fell out in large amounts from 4 to 7 months. I just gave myself a buzz cut. It grew back, although a little thinner but still quite the silver mane.
    I have some sags but overall not bad. My wife of decades does not care, why should I? No more surgery for me! I do have more neck wattle turkey neck than I want, but just grew my beard longer...

  10. Like
    VDB got a reaction from Pattiv123 in Hair Loss   
    Hi, even with mondo amounts of Protein my bushy head of great hair fell out in large amounts from 4 to 7 months. I just gave myself a buzz cut. It grew back, although a little thinner but still quite the silver mane.
    I have some sags but overall not bad. My wife of decades does not care, why should I? No more surgery for me! I do have more neck wattle turkey neck than I want, but just grew my beard longer...

  11. Like
    VDB got a reaction from UpandAtom in Too Much Too Fast? Kinda Freaked out!   
    Hi there, I have my 18 mos check up with Bariatric this week.
    One thing as others such as James M. (he is a great resource) have said -- this is a pretty normal curve. I lost 100# in the same time but it was normal. My maintenance phase started while still overweight, but the loss I did have basically improved my health and life span projections by a huge amount (90% reduction on Type 2 Diabetes; 95% reduction in edema; greatly improved mobiity; stable neuropathy (surgery did not fix it, but kept it from getting any worse); now almost perfect blood fats. I agree with others about Protein. In retrospect, I ate too many carbs during the 6-12 month time.
    However, the other thing you mention is depression and adjustment. I had this in spades. After 50 years fat, I just could not adjust to this new body, it seemed very abnormal. I was depressed alot and although such good improved health, it took me until just recently for this new bod to seem ok... I am now starting to have a self image that is not hugely fat. For example, I would always avoid booths at restaurants. For the first time, the other day, when the wait staff asked Booth or Table, I said Booth! Also, I don't really mind the loose skin. I did grow a longer beard to cover the saggy neck a bit (sorry ladies that option is rarely available to you), but if it bothers you you can fix that eventually.
  12. Like
    VDB got a reaction from highfunctioningfatman in NSV's that no one talks about?   
    OK SK101, you started this....
    at 18 months out:
    Asswiping is much easier actually thinking about not just wearing dark underwear! HA! Always wore clothes too tight but now wear them looser for comfort, never worry about shrinking them in the dryer I fit in all chairs now, even those little booths at the diner, what a relief not to check out the seating before deciding to dine out... My huge 2010 SUV and giant 1999 Pickup truck both now seen really massive whereas before they seemed to shrink every year My fat legs used to keep the boys from getting crushed now always reaching down in public or private and adjusting (hey, I am an old man I can get away with it) I can see my penis when I pee, rather than rely on faith that it was still there. Ok that is enough TMI for now....
  13. Like
    VDB got a reaction from highfunctioningfatman in NSV's that no one talks about?   
    OK SK101, you started this....
    at 18 months out:
    Asswiping is much easier actually thinking about not just wearing dark underwear! HA! Always wore clothes too tight but now wear them looser for comfort, never worry about shrinking them in the dryer I fit in all chairs now, even those little booths at the diner, what a relief not to check out the seating before deciding to dine out... My huge 2010 SUV and giant 1999 Pickup truck both now seen really massive whereas before they seemed to shrink every year My fat legs used to keep the boys from getting crushed now always reaching down in public or private and adjusting (hey, I am an old man I can get away with it) I can see my penis when I pee, rather than rely on faith that it was still there. Ok that is enough TMI for now....
  14. Like
    VDB got a reaction from UpandAtom in Too Much Too Fast? Kinda Freaked out!   
    Hi there, I have my 18 mos check up with Bariatric this week.
    One thing as others such as James M. (he is a great resource) have said -- this is a pretty normal curve. I lost 100# in the same time but it was normal. My maintenance phase started while still overweight, but the loss I did have basically improved my health and life span projections by a huge amount (90% reduction on Type 2 Diabetes; 95% reduction in edema; greatly improved mobiity; stable neuropathy (surgery did not fix it, but kept it from getting any worse); now almost perfect blood fats. I agree with others about Protein. In retrospect, I ate too many carbs during the 6-12 month time.
    However, the other thing you mention is depression and adjustment. I had this in spades. After 50 years fat, I just could not adjust to this new body, it seemed very abnormal. I was depressed alot and although such good improved health, it took me until just recently for this new bod to seem ok... I am now starting to have a self image that is not hugely fat. For example, I would always avoid booths at restaurants. For the first time, the other day, when the wait staff asked Booth or Table, I said Booth! Also, I don't really mind the loose skin. I did grow a longer beard to cover the saggy neck a bit (sorry ladies that option is rarely available to you), but if it bothers you you can fix that eventually.
  15. Like
    VDB got a reaction from UpandAtom in Too Much Too Fast? Kinda Freaked out!   
    Hi there, I have my 18 mos check up with Bariatric this week.
    One thing as others such as James M. (he is a great resource) have said -- this is a pretty normal curve. I lost 100# in the same time but it was normal. My maintenance phase started while still overweight, but the loss I did have basically improved my health and life span projections by a huge amount (90% reduction on Type 2 Diabetes; 95% reduction in edema; greatly improved mobiity; stable neuropathy (surgery did not fix it, but kept it from getting any worse); now almost perfect blood fats. I agree with others about Protein. In retrospect, I ate too many carbs during the 6-12 month time.
    However, the other thing you mention is depression and adjustment. I had this in spades. After 50 years fat, I just could not adjust to this new body, it seemed very abnormal. I was depressed alot and although such good improved health, it took me until just recently for this new bod to seem ok... I am now starting to have a self image that is not hugely fat. For example, I would always avoid booths at restaurants. For the first time, the other day, when the wait staff asked Booth or Table, I said Booth! Also, I don't really mind the loose skin. I did grow a longer beard to cover the saggy neck a bit (sorry ladies that option is rarely available to you), but if it bothers you you can fix that eventually.
  16. Like
    VDB got a reaction from TexasguyEP in Finally approved   
    Way to go Texas! Wahoo! Next week I have the final follow up appt (18 mos) and my life has been changed forever, have not regained a pound, and have been transformed physically.
  17. Like
    VDB got a reaction from TexasguyEP in Finally approved   
    Way to go Texas! Wahoo! Next week I have the final follow up appt (18 mos) and my life has been changed forever, have not regained a pound, and have been transformed physically.
  18. Like
    VDB got a reaction from highfunctioningfatman in NSV's that no one talks about?   
    OK SK101, you started this....
    at 18 months out:
    Asswiping is much easier actually thinking about not just wearing dark underwear! HA! Always wore clothes too tight but now wear them looser for comfort, never worry about shrinking them in the dryer I fit in all chairs now, even those little booths at the diner, what a relief not to check out the seating before deciding to dine out... My huge 2010 SUV and giant 1999 Pickup truck both now seen really massive whereas before they seemed to shrink every year My fat legs used to keep the boys from getting crushed now always reaching down in public or private and adjusting (hey, I am an old man I can get away with it) I can see my penis when I pee, rather than rely on faith that it was still there. Ok that is enough TMI for now....
  19. Like
    VDB got a reaction from djsambo in Guys who started over 400 lbs.   
    Started at 420+, but had been as high as 460# in the past. Lost about 130, gotten under 300# when my maintenance kicked in at 9 months out (I had gastric bypass), which meant the rapid weight loss period was over and loss became much slower but still is steady, slow and steady. It is great you are thinking of this now. I did not do this until 63 years old and wish I had done it at your age. I had led a full active life, even flying 30 times a year with a seat belt extension, but at 60 years old my normally healthy bod finally did what the docs had always said it would do -- sleep apnea, diabetes, edema, heart problems, bad cholesterol readings, etc. I also was at risk of losing mobility -- walking and running my small farm were huge barriers. I missed alot with my kids because of the weight and it certainly effected my relationship, even though we are going on 40 years together.
    So, now, 11 months out, diabetes 90% better; edema gone; heart strong; blood readings perfect. The apnea goes away for some, but mine is likely genetic as a slim dad and a slim brother both had severe apnea. I will have a sleep study when I am at goal weight but likely will still use the CPAP.... not problem. My mobility is so much better. I can ride a bike again, swimming is much easier. Today, spent the entire day maintaining irrigation ditches and working my greenhouse, no problem at all. Walking my dog three times a day, no problem.
    BTW, my results are fairly typical. Negatives -- the first week was a bit painful, but could get out within 10 days The first month post surgery was challenging, mainly learning to eat so differently, quantity so much less, etc. but now am used to it without any real challenges. I do eat too many carbs, but not to much excess really, am working on that, guess what I am saying that food challenges don't stop. I found that the rapid weight loss was very debilitating -- did not have much energy even though almost always ate healthy according to instructions and took my Vitamins etc. I was actually glad when the loss slowed, as I needed the energy in my work. It is tempting to declare victory and say that with these great results, that is enough. However, I have been fat since I was 3 years old, and I want to experience not being overweight! I did not have any unusual prep instructions, pretty routine.
    You really deserve to have this monkey off your back. I encourage you to reclaim your life!
  20. Like
    VDB got a reaction from djsambo in Guys who started over 400 lbs.   
    Started at 420+, but had been as high as 460# in the past. Lost about 130, gotten under 300# when my maintenance kicked in at 9 months out (I had gastric bypass), which meant the rapid weight loss period was over and loss became much slower but still is steady, slow and steady. It is great you are thinking of this now. I did not do this until 63 years old and wish I had done it at your age. I had led a full active life, even flying 30 times a year with a seat belt extension, but at 60 years old my normally healthy bod finally did what the docs had always said it would do -- sleep apnea, diabetes, edema, heart problems, bad cholesterol readings, etc. I also was at risk of losing mobility -- walking and running my small farm were huge barriers. I missed alot with my kids because of the weight and it certainly effected my relationship, even though we are going on 40 years together.
    So, now, 11 months out, diabetes 90% better; edema gone; heart strong; blood readings perfect. The apnea goes away for some, but mine is likely genetic as a slim dad and a slim brother both had severe apnea. I will have a sleep study when I am at goal weight but likely will still use the CPAP.... not problem. My mobility is so much better. I can ride a bike again, swimming is much easier. Today, spent the entire day maintaining irrigation ditches and working my greenhouse, no problem at all. Walking my dog three times a day, no problem.
    BTW, my results are fairly typical. Negatives -- the first week was a bit painful, but could get out within 10 days The first month post surgery was challenging, mainly learning to eat so differently, quantity so much less, etc. but now am used to it without any real challenges. I do eat too many carbs, but not to much excess really, am working on that, guess what I am saying that food challenges don't stop. I found that the rapid weight loss was very debilitating -- did not have much energy even though almost always ate healthy according to instructions and took my Vitamins etc. I was actually glad when the loss slowed, as I needed the energy in my work. It is tempting to declare victory and say that with these great results, that is enough. However, I have been fat since I was 3 years old, and I want to experience not being overweight! I did not have any unusual prep instructions, pretty routine.
    You really deserve to have this monkey off your back. I encourage you to reclaim your life!
  21. Like
    VDB got a reaction from VictoriaCa in Depression and anxiety   
    I think depression is a natural and adaptive reaction to surgery as major as WLS. Unlike other surgery, this one brings up from the depths all of our "stuff" about being obese. In my case, I knew I needed this surgery, having been fat since age 3 (64 now), and that all the hundreds of attempts to do this on my own were going to be over. Honestly, I got depressed just contemplating my journey in this area, and was reacting to the huge changes coming. I am now 3 weeks post surgery, no depression, and am looking forward. Good luck!
  22. Like
    VDB got a reaction from halfdaman in Newbie with Surgery Date   
    As a guy 18 months out, I echo Ignatius...Welcome to the beginning of a better life. That may sound maudlin, but it's true. Tuesday will be here before you know it, and then gone with the wind...
    I can't tell you what this has done for me. At 65, one heart attack, diabetes, I was facing lack of mobility and early death. My weight, which went to over 450 at it's highest, was lower for a year (430) but I knew it would go back and that 500 was waiting. I can't express how much my weight kept me from life enjoyment with my kids, all grown now.
    Now -- functionally, almost no diabetes symptoms, all blood readings perfect, I can get up off the floor without supports, I have always been able to run my small farm and do my professional life, but it was with enormous effort. Now, little effort. I can prune my orchard without stress. I can walk my dog without any heavy breathing. And on and on.
    Still have 30# to go, but due to the small pouch size, you really can't eat much, and I am pretty good about all the habits now --- Water, Protein, slow eating, etc. I lose a little bit each month. Those habits are ingrained at 18 months and I don't even have to think. Still working on meshing my actual size with my mental picture of myself as a fat guy. It is better, but I guess 50+ years of self image will not go away overnight. Still have challenges with sugar, but so much better. I never overeat as I do not want to stretch the stomach out. I avoid fizzy drinks for the same reason. I can go into any restaurant and eat, just make choices for small appetizers because I simply can't begin to finish an entree.
    At home, we now eat pretty normally only with much less carbs. My wife is skinny, so she already had great habits. My goal for this year is not to think about my size -- just go with the flow of health, focus on joy, and MOVE!
    You have done the right thing. Unbelievable things await.
  23. Like
    VDB got a reaction from halfdaman in Newbie with Surgery Date   
    As a guy 18 months out, I echo Ignatius...Welcome to the beginning of a better life. That may sound maudlin, but it's true. Tuesday will be here before you know it, and then gone with the wind...
    I can't tell you what this has done for me. At 65, one heart attack, diabetes, I was facing lack of mobility and early death. My weight, which went to over 450 at it's highest, was lower for a year (430) but I knew it would go back and that 500 was waiting. I can't express how much my weight kept me from life enjoyment with my kids, all grown now.
    Now -- functionally, almost no diabetes symptoms, all blood readings perfect, I can get up off the floor without supports, I have always been able to run my small farm and do my professional life, but it was with enormous effort. Now, little effort. I can prune my orchard without stress. I can walk my dog without any heavy breathing. And on and on.
    Still have 30# to go, but due to the small pouch size, you really can't eat much, and I am pretty good about all the habits now --- Water, Protein, slow eating, etc. I lose a little bit each month. Those habits are ingrained at 18 months and I don't even have to think. Still working on meshing my actual size with my mental picture of myself as a fat guy. It is better, but I guess 50+ years of self image will not go away overnight. Still have challenges with sugar, but so much better. I never overeat as I do not want to stretch the stomach out. I avoid fizzy drinks for the same reason. I can go into any restaurant and eat, just make choices for small appetizers because I simply can't begin to finish an entree.
    At home, we now eat pretty normally only with much less carbs. My wife is skinny, so she already had great habits. My goal for this year is not to think about my size -- just go with the flow of health, focus on joy, and MOVE!
    You have done the right thing. Unbelievable things await.
  24. Like
    VDB got a reaction from highfunctioningfatman in NSV's that no one talks about?   
    OK SK101, you started this....
    at 18 months out:
    Asswiping is much easier actually thinking about not just wearing dark underwear! HA! Always wore clothes too tight but now wear them looser for comfort, never worry about shrinking them in the dryer I fit in all chairs now, even those little booths at the diner, what a relief not to check out the seating before deciding to dine out... My huge 2010 SUV and giant 1999 Pickup truck both now seen really massive whereas before they seemed to shrink every year My fat legs used to keep the boys from getting crushed now always reaching down in public or private and adjusting (hey, I am an old man I can get away with it) I can see my penis when I pee, rather than rely on faith that it was still there. Ok that is enough TMI for now....
  25. Like
    VDB got a reaction from highfunctioningfatman in NSV's that no one talks about?   
    OK SK101, you started this....
    at 18 months out:
    Asswiping is much easier actually thinking about not just wearing dark underwear! HA! Always wore clothes too tight but now wear them looser for comfort, never worry about shrinking them in the dryer I fit in all chairs now, even those little booths at the diner, what a relief not to check out the seating before deciding to dine out... My huge 2010 SUV and giant 1999 Pickup truck both now seen really massive whereas before they seemed to shrink every year My fat legs used to keep the boys from getting crushed now always reaching down in public or private and adjusting (hey, I am an old man I can get away with it) I can see my penis when I pee, rather than rely on faith that it was still there. Ok that is enough TMI for now....

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