Dub

I began the bariatric process last summer. I thought I remembered it being in June, but it was actually the beginning of July 2015. I weighed 478 pounds. On high blood pressure & cholesterol meds. Been suing a CPAP machine for 10 years prior. Had a herniated T-12 disc, spinal stenosis and severe advanced arthritis in both knees. I had the sleeve surgery in mid October 2015. Surgeon also repaired a large umbilical hernia at the same time (third surgical repair for the same issue). I weighed 422 lbs on the day of my surgery. Hospital stay was short....released the next day. Came home and recovered. Slept in a recliner for the first couple weeks. I highly suggest this, too. So easy to get in & out of....and very little stress on the abdomen. There have been absolutely zero complications from my sleeve surgery. The hernia repair is not doing well, but I was advised to think of it as a temporary repair that would have to be addressed as the abdominal muscles were no longer being pulled outwards by excess fat and gravity. I go back at the one year mark to see where I'm at with the hernia. I feel good....great on some days. The back is healing on it's own. Arthritis is more tolerable. Blood pressure meds are cut in half. I don't snore near as bad. I used to take 800 mg of Advil twice a day just to get around......now I go through most days without taking any. I exercise by walking and through some light weight training. I am limited in the movements I can make due to healing back and pending hernia stuff....but I get around the gym and do the stuff that feels good. I now, for the first time since high school, weigh under 300 lbs. I am closing in on my goal weight and have high confidence that I'll beat it and live at a lighter, more lean weight. I'm very happy with all aspects of the progress and can say without reservation that I would do the sleeve surgery again without a seconds thought. My surgeon has given me very simple yet effective instructions to follow and as long as I do so.....the scale number keeps getting smaller. I'm very grateful for this. My only regret is not doing this sooner. Much sooner. You are doing the right thing in doing your research and making sure you are getting the best from your surgeon and best nutritional advice upfront. The sleeve is very easy to live with and the weight loss is is going to happen for you.

I'm starting to feel like a pic ho......but for so damn long I feared cameras. Here's a family pic taken 6 months ago followed by a pic taken this week. In case you can't tell who is who......I'm the one in the orange shirt....looking like The Great pumpkin or whatever. Fun stuff getting rid of this weight. Long way to go, but I can see getting there now. For so long I just couldn't grasp how.....how to get it off and fight every single day to keep it off. Now....it's feeling natural and attainable. So damn grateful.

I hit my 6 month mark this week. Last week I snuck in a cigar on our deck aboard a cruise. I'd made friends with our "neighbors" so I didn't think they'd mind if I enjoyed watching the sun go down and a nice robusto sized cigar. Couldn't get my hands on a Cohiba.....so I made due with what was available. I had a couple ounces of Johnny Walker in a glass to go along with it. No music.....no noise......just some good sips and a good smoke. Relaxing moments prior to joining in on the loudness that seemed to be everywhere else but that peaceful deck and the sounds of the sea blowing by. Good stuff.

Folks.....Dr. Stapleton is a real treasure. I had the supreme pleasure to have her perform my psych eval while on my path to my wls. Sitting and chatting with her was a wonderful way to spend an hour. I only wish we had occasion to spend more time chatting. That hour with her helped me find myself. Her pre-work videos struck home some ideals and tenets that have proven themselves to be truth. @@Connie Stapleton PhD , I am very glad to see you here. You helped me in a big way. The wonderful people in this place have helped me on many days since. Do your thing and help us find our way so we can do ours.

October 12, 2015: February 26, 2016:

Back in October 2015....the day prior to my surgery.....disgusted with the state I'd fallen to: Taken today:

A couple recent pics. I don't consider them AFTER pics but simply DURING pics. I've got a long way to go to reach AFTER status. Having fun along the way getting there, though. My BEFORE pics required wide lenses to shoot. Tripping out at the Under Armour theme shirts now. I'm wearing one of their snug fitting 3XL shirts on my way out to the gym: Here's a funny "after" pic. This is after being conned into going out with some friends.......getting home way late.....or early the next morning, depending on how you look at it. Long night.......too old for those shenanigans....but had a blast.

I'll have to check in and see it. I've never been in it.

A few minutes after becoming coherent in my hospital room. Sprung and ready. Couldn't be helped. My surgeon had 4 smoking hot med students with him during my pre-op appointments and throughout my surgery and first post op visit. They were all leaning in....hair down...surgical gear off....leaning in and speaking soothing voices as I woke up. I thought I'd died and was in greener pastures for a second.

First pair was taken on Oct 12, the day before my sleeve surgery. This pic was taken yesterday morning.

Amazing thread. Great success stories made or in the making !!!!

And their shyt doesn't stink ???????? Febreeze the hell outa the bathroom afterwards and get on about your bidness. Don't sweat the small stuff...................and most of it is truly small stuff. You've lost 73 pounds in the past few months....and are rocking a 30 BMI. Tell the whole world to kiss your butt.

Super proud of you, bro. Amazing.

Every single time I look at this thread I get pumped up and enthused all over again. Amazing progress evidenced. A lot of smiling faces in here. Gotta love it !!!!!!!!

Dude.......you have done GREAT !!!! Very inspiring.