336Mike

I do feel compelled to say, however... (though it has been said before)
It seems a lot of us with medical issues that contribute to weight gain (myself included at one point) tend to act as though food has nothing to do with the weight gain. If that is true, weight loss surgery wouldn't help. It is important to be honest with ourselves and realize that our eating habits are indeed a problem. Maybe not the ONLY problem, but a problem.

Many people will die without liver transplants.
But there are conditions for getting a transplant. You have to remain alcohol free for a set period of time to qualify for a liver transplant to save your life.
If you screw up and have drink...you don't get a transplant. And you die. And that's on you. YOU have responsibility in the process. Many people do elect to die.
Just like weight loss surgery. You can elect to comply, or you can elect to die. It's up to you.
To qualify, you have to be accountable and prove that you're serious about changing the behavior that contributed to the damage.
Without behavior changes, weight loss surgery is not only a waste of resources, it also can cause more harm. Particularly, if a patient cannot get hold of their eating habits enough to keep themselves safe.
Yes, you have to lose weight before surgery and prove you can break your addiction JUST EXACTLY like liver transplant patients must give up alcohol.
Liver transplant patients get their blood alcohol tested....weight loss patients get weighed. If you screw it up, the next step is therapy, not surgery.
If the fact that "you're going to die" without surgery is not enough to inspire you to comply with a few months of pre-surgical requirements....you will very likely get a referral to a psychologist to help you work on these issues first.
Not being unkind, just telling you the truth.

Do what you and your doctor think is best.
Do NOT seek to satisfy the narrow demands of your wider family or friends.

Update!

This morning I celebrated 125 lbs gone forever by running & hiking at Hanging Rock to train for my upcoming Trail Half Marathon. A year ago something like this would be a passing thought...dissapointed in myself, unhealthy, afraid to do something for me.

There was something abnormally peaceful at the top. No one else there. No noise but the wind. The scent of the earth, the pines. And me. Maybe it was like that for 5 minutes. Could have been longer, I don't know. A brief moment of solitude and I knew, I could feel, that I remain at peace within myself.

Living life instead of existing in life - Priceless.
   

VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 235.4 GW = 220 (6'5")

VSG 10/11/17
HW = 360
SW = 292
CW = 232.6
GW = 220 6’5”

127.6 pounds gone. 59.6 pounds lost since surgery and 12.6 to go for my personal goal weight.



VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 232.4 GW = 220 (6'5")

Same here...I was never cold before. Once the weight started dropping I feel exactly like you...too dang cold!! But, I'll take it anytime over being unhealthy and obese. It's a fair trade off.

VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 236.6 GW = 220 (6'5")

Couldn't be happier with my results!

VSG 10/11/17
HW = 360
SW = 292
CW = 232.6
GW = 220 6’5”

127.6 pounds gone. 59.6 pounds lost since surgery and 12.6 to go for my personal goal weight.



VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 232.4 GW = 220 (6'5")

VSG 10/11/17
HW = 360
SW = 292
CW = 232.6
GW = 220 6’5”

127.6 pounds gone. 59.6 pounds lost since surgery and 12.6 to go for my personal goal weight.



VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 232.4 GW = 220 (6'5")

Update!

This morning I celebrated 125 lbs gone forever by running & hiking at Hanging Rock to train for my upcoming Trail Half Marathon. A year ago something like this would be a passing thought...dissapointed in myself, unhealthy, afraid to do something for me.

There was something abnormally peaceful at the top. No one else there. No noise but the wind. The scent of the earth, the pines. And me. Maybe it was like that for 5 minutes. Could have been longer, I don't know. A brief moment of solitude and I knew, I could feel, that I remain at peace within myself.

Living life instead of existing in life - Priceless.
   

VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 235.4 GW = 220 (6'5")

Thanks so much. Appreciate the support!!

VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 234.8 GW = 220 (6'5")

I am stepping way out of my comfort zone to do something I have always dreamed of. I'm signing up to do a trail half marathon! http://usnwc.org/play/whitewater-race-series/upcoming/the-new-south-trail-marathon/
Already checked with the race director to make sure it was okay that I walked part of it. I know for sure there's no way I could run the whole thing. My plan is to run a mile or two walk a mile or two. I don't care if I come in last for my age group, my goal is to finish!
Any tips for me on staying hydrated during the race and what to eat before/during/after the race?
VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 238 GW = 220 (6'5")

Beautiful photos. Your smile says it all!

Update!

This morning I celebrated 125 lbs gone forever by running & hiking at Hanging Rock to train for my upcoming Trail Half Marathon. A year ago something like this would be a passing thought...dissapointed in myself, unhealthy, afraid to do something for me.

There was something abnormally peaceful at the top. No one else there. No noise but the wind. The scent of the earth, the pines. And me. Maybe it was like that for 5 minutes. Could have been longer, I don't know. A brief moment of solitude and I knew, I could feel, that I remain at peace within myself.

Living life instead of existing in life - Priceless.
   

VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 235.4 GW = 220 (6'5")

Congrats!!! You are soaring!!!

You’ve gotten a ton of great advice so I don’t want to duplicate.

But to add... having done a lot of road and trail runs from 5k to full marathons (Ultra on the books for September)... trail running/trail runners are different.

First of all, they all embrace the run/walk... most of them do not run the whole time. And they fuel differently. Don’t be surprised to find boiled potatoes with salt, PB&J sandwiches and pop tarts among the things at the aid stations. As everyone has said make sure you know what fuel works for you, but Gus and Gels and such are the province of road racers. They have watermelon slices and Oreos at trail racing stops.

The other thing, I have found trail racers and races to be the most supportive and helpful of any runners. They embrace all types and speeds and help make you successful! Ask questions and let them help you!

You can do it!

Update!

This morning I celebrated 125 lbs gone forever by running & hiking at Hanging Rock to train for my upcoming Trail Half Marathon. A year ago something like this would be a passing thought...dissapointed in myself, unhealthy, afraid to do something for me.

There was something abnormally peaceful at the top. No one else there. No noise but the wind. The scent of the earth, the pines. And me. Maybe it was like that for 5 minutes. Could have been longer, I don't know. A brief moment of solitude and I knew, I could feel, that I remain at peace within myself.

Living life instead of existing in life - Priceless.
   

VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 235.4 GW = 220 (6'5")

Thanks. Woke up to a new beginning. New day. Staying positive and knowing I will get to my goal weight. Thanks 336Mike

from: Jamica

Beautiful in both pics! Definitely can see the difference in the second. Nice job. Congrats!

VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 236.6 GW = 220 (6'5")

Congrats brother! Keep it up!!

Awesome job!!

VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 235.4 GW = 220 (6'5")

1. Your wound opening after 5 weeks is not normal...it s/b fully closed by now. I rec. you see your Dr.
2. I can't help you there...I'm almost never hungry and have to remind myself to eat.
3. It gets somewhat better with time...but I've read it'll always happen at least, from time to time.

Don't sweat the stall. What works for me during a streak is to switch up what I'm eating. I get stuck in patterns eating the same things over and over and that seems to help break the stall.

Good luck on your journey!

VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 235.4 GW = 220 (6'5")

I've worked in drug and alcohol treatment for the past 30 years, currently running a long term residential program for men returning to the community from the county jail. What has been amazing to me since I had my sleeve done 1/22/18 are the similarities between my emotions and thinking and those that client have expressed they struggled with early in their recovery. Acceptance is a b***h, whether it's acceptance of my addiction, acceptance of a medical condition or acceptance that my days of eating a 16 oz steak are over. There is a very old reference in AA's Big Book that goes once a pickle, never a cucumber again. I have told this to clients for 20 years but it didn't settle in for personally until yesterday when I was feeling resentful after seeing a burger king ad and realizing that I could never sit and eat the hamburger. I got angry and resentful and even told myself that it was ok to have piece of ham because I deserved it. Yeah, that entitlement lasted about 1 minute which is how long it took for me to throw up from the cramps I was having. I'm working on embracing/accepting my "pickleness" today. What I has seen over the years is that acceptance brings serenity.

Here's my latest - very happy with my results both health and looks. Last pic from New Year's Eve.
 

VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 243 GW = 220 (6'5")

336Mike your stats are pretty cool, you and i,started out at the same weight. I haven't had my surgery yet but you give me hope I can emulate your weight loss in 3-4 months. Thanx for being here.

Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

2012 HW 270
SW 220 3/13/17
GW 150
CW 146

First pic was taken at my highest weight in 2012 next to my most current pic.



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I’m almost 9 months post-op. 235 to 160 pounds.