MourningTheLossOfBeer

I can see myself in alot of what you said about your husband. I also have had success in losing large amounts of weight and getting fit. I can tell you that to me and probably your husband WLS seems like a copout, or admitting to failure and that you're not as strong as you once were. I had no desire to ever have WLS , no one in my family had ever done it and it seemed like something weak people would do. On the flipside my wife's parents have had it along with another half dozen in her family. So it's pretty normal for them. My wife wanted me to go to a consultation, I didn't want to but went anyway so I could shut her up. At the consultation they told me that my insurance required 6 months of nutritional visits before the would pay for my surgery. Great I thought, I can use the 6 months to drop 100 lbs and i won't need surgery and prove to my wife that i can do it. With each month that passed, i procrastinated until I was ultimately out of months and hadn't done a damn thing. It was an eye opener for me that I needed help. Even the final 2 weeks before my surgery during my pre op diet, I had this sense of dread and wondering if I was making the right decision. I'm now 3 months post op, over 60 lbs down. I have 2 small children and I know that my actions have bought me more time with them. We now go for family walks, impromptu dance parties in the living room and lots of wrestling. As someone who was a hardcore detractor of WLS, I'm 100% on the other side of the fence. Most people say their only regret is not doing it sooner. For me fortunately my kids are young enough to where they will only remember healthy dad. Good luck. If your husband wants to talk to someone and doesn't want to do it in a public forum he can private message me. Also, for the record I opted for the sleeve. I had originally wanted the band like your husband since I considered it a temporary measure, but the more I researched it the more problems I found. Also now in retrospect it was just another aspect of me being in denial about my actual issue.

I had already met my out of pocket max due to 2 other surgeries, so they paid 100%.

55 minutes ago, iwillbethin169 said:

Thank you. Checking it out. Will be posting after my consultation with whomever I end up with. When you had your consult with Dr. Schillingford, did he require you to lose some weight first and then have another consultation or just return the day of surgery? Did you have to complete a psych evaluation and meet with a nutritionist. Everyone has different experiences and the more I see the doctor the better. Do you have regular follow up and labs? Dr. Beltre requires monthly follow appts. and labs at 6 and 12 months. Also required to go to monthly group.

How are you doing with your weight loss? Just curious. Thanks for sending me the info. Appreciate it!

Funny enough, I was with a different surgeon that my wife had found before they decided mid year that they were no longer accepting my insurance. So I decided to do my own research and came across Dr. Schillingford. Aside from the overwhelming responses of good experience with him, I noticed that alot of his patients were self pay. For me, my insurance company required the nutrition visits and psych evaluations, not the Dr. My initial consultation with him was a group consultation which he spelled out the details and what was expected and answered any questions. He did not require any particular weight loss, but did have a 2 week pre op diet, which is normal. I'm nearly 3 months out and have my 2nd follow up next week. Support groups are not required, but they are provided. Their support staff is really friendly if you call, although they don't always answer the phone so leave a message and they will usually get back to you pretty fast. I'm sure @Lolo 2020 can fill in the blanks where I didn't. As for my personal success, started 11/7/19 at 328 lbs, 268 this morning.

Another happy patient of Dr. Schillingford here. He does his surgery at Northwest Medical Center in Margate, so not too far from Miami. @iwillbethin169 I believe the 10,500 is "all in" for surgery, hospital stay and follow ups.

On 1/2/2020 at 6:44 AM, AJ Tylo said:

Way up just got back From Cuba and took on a 20 year old for five days! No way before this surgery would i have had the confidence to do that

F the haters, plow on brother.

No pain to speak of, mostly some soreness, like doing too many situps, which was taken care of by the meds. Was in the hospital for 2 days and didn't need any pain meds once I left.

Not too far from Orlando, but I used Dr.Kahlil Schillingford based out of Boca Raton. He was excellent, no pain, easy recovery, super professional and his rates are right on his website, and reasonable. After doing research, he was one of the best in my area, I have also met a few folks after that have used him with the same experience that I had.

But seriously, I've been pretty big most of my adult life and I'm not trying to brag, but I've never had a problem dating. Personality is important, so is confidence. If you're a shy or reserved person, try working on getting out of your comfort zone and being more sociable. Weight loss will help your appearance but confidence will make you more attractive. Good luck.

Sounds like you have an opportunity to raid her closet as well. Congrats.

Not sure if you're on gallbladder meds yet, but that stuff gives me a burning sensation the doc says everyone reacts differently.

You're over 40, at your highest weight, on blood pressure and cholesterol meds. Your arrow is clearly not trending in the right direction. You obviously recognize this and want to change it. If you feel like you can control portions, count calories and dedicate yourself to the gym then go for it. But if you think surgery gives you the best chance for health then you should do it regardless of what your bf thinks, any person that cares about you should support your decision. On a personal note, I was/am in a similar situation health wise, less than 3 months post surgery I am down 60 lbs, off triglyceride meds, and diabetic meds, sleep apnea is gone. I was apprehensive before surgery, slightly concerned that I made a bad decision shortly after surgery, 3 months later, I would do it all over again, no regrets.

I haven't gone through that, but what I can tell you is that there are no roadblocks with self pay. Your insurance company may have you go through 3 to 6 months of nutritional visits first before they approve, or possibly other requirements.

I had a heart to heart with my surgeon during my last (2 month) checkup. About alcohol and soda. He said in reference to alcohol to "live your life" it won't hurt your stomach any more than someone who hasn't had surgery, but encouraged me to drink in moderation, which I do. He even went so far as to say a few glasses of wine or beer is fine. Which led me to ask about soda/beer, he said that it wouldn't stretch my stomach, but could give a false feeling of fullness and lead to me not getting in all my Protein and nutrients. But as long as I'm hitting my nutrition marks then I should be fine. I've had soda a few times with no issue and despite the username, I've only had 1 beer in a social setting, I don't really want go down that path yet until I get closer to my goals, I can justify a 0 calorie soda but not a 100+ calorie beer.

Sorry that your wife isn't supportive, but there's tons of data to prove her wrong. Since you are about to be a dad, being healthy is in the best interest of your family going forward. Hope she has a change of heart.

2 minutes ago, Superman84 said:

6ft - 183cm

By the BMI my "healthy" range is 180lbs.

I'm now 196 and I still have some flab on my belly and thighs so I'll keep going.

I know another guy who got to 175lbs.

Thanks for the quick reply. Im 6'1", my ideal weight is 185, but i never thought I'd actually see that number. Guess I'll have to reevaluate when i get closer. Currently at 278.

I've noticed when I've gone on high Protein diets that my skin will get dry and peel.

On 1/14/2020 at 7:51 AM, Superman84 said:

I'm feeling AMAZING.

I've hit 198 as of yesterday so I decided to treat myself by going and buying some new clothes and some brand names even 😀

I managed to find the smallest size I could fit into and I was shocked.

Thought I'd share my latest progress photo for everyone.

I've come along way from 322-198 has taken me 4.5 months so far.

Please be kind 😀

I know I've gotta start really working out soon so I'm picking up a rowing machine next week which that should help a lot with my stomach area..

I really hope I can get down to 180-185

Thankyouuu.

MIKEY.

How tall are you? I started 6 pounds heavier than you and can't really fathom being in the 100s. I set my goal at 215, but after seeing you, maybe i should aim lower.

Started out at 328, been stuck at 286 for about 2 weeks now. I guess i am in the dreaded stall. Seems like it happened when i moved to solid foods. I'll keep pushing on tho.

4 hours ago, momof3_angels said:

OMG, how are all of you coping? Where I work, everyone has been celebrating since before Thanksgiving, with food of course. And mostly crap food (also known as yummy sweets that I can't have). Fortunately, my cubicle was moved away from the kitchen/break room and the table that is often used for storing most of the food for the days festivities (which I could always smell as i worked). But where I am now... there is another table of just sweets about 8-10 feet away max. I see it every time I get up. It is always full of sweet/salty Snacks that I can't have. There is never anything healthy on this table (the other one at least had some good stuff). And if seeing this table of sweets was bad enough... the staff around me are talking about the sweets ALL.DAY.LONG. Overall, I am doing pretty well despite the temptations. At most I have had 1 very small shortbread cookie, but I have had a little caramel popcorn the last few days. Not much, just enough to satisfy me. So all is good there. I certainly haven't gone crazy with my eating. But, I have to listen to the people around me talk about food/sweets ALL.THE.TIME. I do a decent job of tuning them out half of the day, but it is really getting on my nerves yesterday and today. Add to that, my "biggest" co-worker keeps going back for sweets again and again and always say really loudly "calories don't count during the holidays". Being my first post-sleeve holiday season, I am extra sensitive and that statement bugs the heck out of me. I know it shouldn't lol. Ugh. I am sitting here at my desk trying to ignore and certainly not judge those around me for enjoying the holidays and the food associated with it, but it is so hard! And I don't want them to half to change because I chose to have surgery to improve my own health. I think at least the people near where I used to sit were much more aware of my struggle and more thoughtful and supportive about it, and I really appreciated that. They at least didn't "rub it in my face" all day (not that these people are TRYING to do that), and they tried hard to be considerate when by not parading around with their food in front of me. Tomorrow is our "Christmas" lunch. It is our most fun celebration every year. I did OK with our Thanksgiving feast at work, but there were several foods I could enjoy within my diet. I hope to do well again for our upcoming Christmas dinner tomorrow, but not sure if it is possible. I won't grab sweets, but I will probably sample what I can of the regular food. Unfortunately, it sounds like there won't be a lot I CAN eat. I know the main dish this time is sandwiches. I know I can take off the rolls, but I don't really want to eat just the meat/cheese (sick of that). There will be a salad, but I am still not digesting salads very well yet. Then the rest is supposed to be potato/pasta salads and such that I really shouldn't eat (and have no desire to eat). And lots of deserts. And if I don't eat the meal, then the deserts will be calling out to me (my co-workers bring great deserts every year... that I can't eat!). I don't know if I should even go or just go home for lunch instead. I don't know. I don't want to miss out, but I fear this particular dinner might be torture. And not sure what I would want bring to eat instead. I wish I didn't HAVE to bring something as a substitute. They change the type of meal every year, and the last 2 years the food would have been great for me... this year... not so much. Anyhow... sorry for the vent, but I figured some of you would understand whereas no one around me will!

Look on the bright side, the "calories don't count during the holidays" people are gonna die before you.

Im not even 4 weeks out, so my experience is limited compared to some others on here. First, i never thought of myself as a candidate for surgery. I guess i was in denial and always thought that i could just lose the weight if i "wanted to". We'll I've wanted to for the last 8 years, finally my wife convinced me that something had to change, add in the fact that i have a 4 year old and 1 year old. So if a little sacrifice now will keep me around for them longer, then I'm willing to do whatever it takes. My insurance company required 6 months of nutrition visits before paying for my surgery, so i had 6 months to get my act in gear and lose weight on my own, i didn't. Ultimately that was the final affirmation that i needed to know that i would be better off with the surgery. I can tell you in just 4 weeks, I'm sleeping better, feeling better, off all meds and have more energy and i still have another 70 lbs to lose. I can tell you that there were some concerns on my behalf about gas pains, stomach pains and recovery, i had none of that and I credit that to the surgeon and the care that i received. As for the actual surgery, do your research, find a reputable surgeon, make your decision and go for it.

Only 42 lbs down so far, but definitely have some extra energy in the bedroom.

Had surgery 11/21. Started at 328, 310 day of surgery currently at 286. Post op was pretty painless. I'm easily getting in all my fluids and Protein. There's already a noticeable difference in my appearance. I saw a buddy of mine that i have seen in a few months last Friday to watch the Heat game and he couldn't believe it. He also told me he was proud of me for making the decision to have surgery, so that felt good coming from someone other than family. I definitely have more energy already and I'm killing my wife's honey do list. I'm not missing much in the way of food except for beer obvs, and since it's the holidays there are rib roasts everywhere, but other than that I can cope. Finally, i will have a reveal of sorts this week as I have not shaved since pre surgery so i have no idea what my face looks like under this scruff. But it feels like my double chin is now a 1.5 chin. Hope everyone else is doing well.

On 12/8/2018 at 3:02 PM, cheesedoften said:

feeling great, lost 100 plus lbs since surgery. biggest issue i have is the gas and flatulence that occurs too often. stinky farts all day mostly. at times accompanied with loose bowel movements. any thoughts idea on how to stop this or at least control it. is there any specific pro biotics or digestive enzymes i may need. help would be appreciated. thank you.

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