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I'm about to begin mine and I'm wondering what they need to see and what they will deny me for. Obviously losing 80lbs would get one denied, but what about losing none or gaining.

I have an appointment next week with to get the ball rolling on my six month diet and all that. But, BCN is telling me I have a 50% co-insurance which is odd since my explanation of benefits is for zero co-insurance. Evidently, the fact that I purchased a zero co-insurance policy means nothing since they get to pick and choose which things are not included in my contract that clearly states zero f***ing co-insurance. What other business' can have a contract that states an agreement plain as day and then unilaterally pick and choose when the contract applies and when it does not? Can an auto insurance company sell you full coverage and then after an accident claim that they don't cover damage cause by pick up trucks? Where is the consumer protection when it comes to these criminals? I have it on paper that I have zero co-insurance. I'm no lawyer but last I checked that is called a material misrepresentation or fraud.

You want to see some insanity search youtube for "gixercart." They put an engine from a GSXR in a go cart. Insane!

Actually, I once worked at the center but didn't deal with the bariatrics program. I never was down with the whole Protein shake diet idea and it kind of makes me not trust them. I did attend the bariatrics seminar and got that same "extended warranty" feeling.

Lack of libido can be caused by weight related depression, low testosterone or just age. When I was in my 20s and working out 2 hours per day six days per week (and still a bit chubby) I used to beat the breaks off of my girlfriends for hours. We were literally both soaked with sweat like we ran a marathon. Then, I got older and heavier and found I had to keep them on top most of the time. It was good but just not as athletic or intense. Plus, I just wasn't as enthusiastic. Now, I really don't know if losing weight will return my libido or my stamina to what it once was. I'm sure it will help, but I'm just not sure if anything less than a fountain of youth could restore my former enthusiasm and exuberance. I hope to find out soon.

I think there is an anatomical response to strenuous exercise that reduces hunger for a while. If it's intense enough you might even puke. I know I can not eat for a while after a heavy workout. But, as far as long term - sorry that just isn't going to happen.

Would you or can you just lock or delete this one and keep the other?

OK, I'm not banded but I am knowledgeable in this area. Long term aerobic exercise of the type you are doing burns primarily fat. There could come a time when your calorie expenditure exceeds your food intake but I highly doubt this will be a problem for you. As far as Protein - people only need about 4oz per day. I guess I'm not really sure of your question but it seems you are asking if getting a fill will interfere with your caloric requirements. Like I said, I doubt it will be a problem. Most of those guys look like they escaped from a Russian gulag.

LOL! All that huh? Let me guess - you must be an ardent Feminist, am I close? I know how much you guys hate that stuff. You don't have to shoot the messenger though. And I can get lots of women - I just prefer ones that are drop dead gorgeous.:tt2:

I think 1500 calories is quite low. Average is like 2000 or 2500 if I'm not mistaken. I guess that's why we are fat. Stupid metabolism.

LOL. I doubt it will make the world right but it might make it a little more fun. Anyway, I reposted this in the men's room in a more appropriatly crude manner.

You guys should look for some videos of our "Woodward Dream Cruise." It takes place just N of Detroit and guys bring out all kinds of stuff from miles around. Even tonight there is a classic car show up the street from me with all kinds of radical stuff. I'm talking classic muscle cars fully blown and tubbed out. Guys really get into it here. I'll be putting my money into a nicer boat myself.

What are your experiences with their entire program? I know they have a whole Protein shake diet thing that seems to be a bit of a scam. Did anyone get a similar impression from their bariatric program? I went to their seminar and they passed out the shakes and it just seemed like they offer too many bells and whistles. I just want what is necessary. Opinions?

Sigh... I really didn't want to get into a debate about the question. What I was hoping for is a few guys who have been down that road to weigh in on the issue. Yes, one could always attribute their success to increased confidence and in some cases they may be correct. But, I'm sure there are guys like me who have confidence in spades but find it doesn't overcome the negative image of being fat. See, I know all kinds of techniques for appearing confident that most people are not even aware of. The science of attraction goes way beyond the goofy stuff the amateurs in the VH1 series do. And no, I never use any of those corny bits. That is pure amateur stuff. For instance, the way a man sits indicates his level of confidence. Open body language and a relaxed position are a couple - body language is a science in itself and it is powerful when used correctly. Confidence can be expressed vocal tonality, by proximity to others including other guys, in the way one touches someone and in the way one approaches. Politicians are trained in how to shake hands in such a manner as to appear confident and so am I. In fact, I have a special handshake I use specifically to give the impression of confidence. All of these things (including confidence) are meant to give the guy the appearance of high social standing which women find attractive. This trips their attraction switches because a man with high social status is seen as more able to ensure the survival of the woman's offspring. Numerous studies have shown that a man's height is of the utmost importance in attracting women. Tall men are viewed as better protectors. The problem with being over weight is that it has a strong negative social stigma. Fat guys are seldom the center of the "in crowd." The impression of a negative social status is incredibly unattractive to women - especially if the guy is short. So, it is more than just a visual thing. See, guys are simple. We look for signs of health, youth and fertility. That is how our brains are wired. But that also includes a woman with good values in the end. Women, are much more complex as explained above. But, in todays age of pressuring women to act like men, more and more women are imitating male sexuality and seeking "boy toys." So sure, back in the day when all the fat guys were in the Chief's or the King's inner circle, that was seen as attractive. (Actually, heavier women were seen as more attractive back then too.) But today, being fat means you are an outcast and that is unacceptable for women who have a great deal of options.

I'm not banded yet but my weight has fluctuated considerably through the years. I have noticed a significant correlation between my weight and my ability to attract women even though I have never truly been thin by most standards. MY weight is currently around 290 although being very muscular I carry it well - so I'm told. But I'm not sure what your question has to do with anything.

I don't know why you would feel the need to insult me or make this a personal issue. Are you familiar with the term "argument ad-hominem"? I fully understand that conventional wisdom holds that women are not interested in a man's appearance. I know that men firmly want to believe that this conventional wisdom is correct and I wouldn't expect too many women who have had bariatric surgery to say they would only date a thin guy. That is why I was specific about wanting to hear from (single) men who have lost a great deal of weight and have noticed an improvement in their ability to attract women. So far nobody who has replied has really been in a position to answer the question. Perhaps I should find the men's section and posit the question there with very specific instructions about who should reply.

I am a grazer and that bothers me. I do eat when board and like I said, it's as if my body wants something that I can't figure out and I keep eating to try to satisfy the craving. High fat and calorie foods tends to do the trick but I avoid it. I do know what is healthy and what isn't. I studied nutrition in college and have been a fitness buff all my life. Finally seeing abs is one of my great wishes in life. Anyway, I do worry that my tendency toward constant grazing might defeat the band. But if I can only eat 4oz every few hours, I fail to see how it is even possible unless I just eat ice cream or sip butter all day. A while back I got down to 235 doing the South Beach Diet but as soon as I went off phase 1 I gained it back plus another 30lbs. Staying on phase 1 forever doesn't work though. But sugar free Jello is a good nervous food.

The same thing happens to me! If I eat candy, it feels as though the sugar is absorbed straight through my mouth like some kind of drug. It almost feels like a tiny...well you know. I have trouble buying the whole "nervous eating thing" because if that was the case, anxiety medications would be effective for obesity. I honestly believe that Leptin insensitivity is the chief cause of obesity for most people but because people are so prejudiced, and doctors are people too, the research doesn't receive enough attention. Anyway, I'm just hoping and praying that this is successful for me.

I'm interested to know about people's eating habits; especially those who are banded and not losing weight. I am an over eater. I eat healthy food for the most part. I snack on Healthy choice fudge bars, Dannon "light and fit" yogurt, Sandwich Thins with natural Peanut Butter, sardines on crackers with mustard, air popped popcorn with some melted Promise spread and the like. I eat tuna with Hellman's canola mayonnaise, lean turkey breast sandwiches and a lot of boneless, skinless chicken breast. Only occasionally do I eat bad stuff but not too often. I almost never eat fast food, I simply eat way too much. But, I'm wondering. Do some of you who are banded just eat a lot of junk food? Why if your food intake is so limited are you not losing weight? Do you sit with a quart of Ben & Jerry's and just take your time with it until it's gone? Do you replace all your meals with chocolate, cake or potato chips? I'm not trying to insult anyone. I just want to know why people fail with the band and whether or not I might be one of them. I guess I just don't get how someone with a 4oz stomach can fail to lose weight and I'd like to know.

I knew most women would disagree before starting the thread. That is a whole other subject. Had I asked if women find it easier to attract men after losing a great deal of weight and if their weight loss was the main factor 99% would say yes. Men can not make the same admission. The belief that women are attracted to so many other characteristics of men (one they still believe) is kind of a through back to the days when women weren't self sufficient. Also, keep in mind that years ago being fat was synonymous with wealth and power - things that women are attracted to. Now it's all much different. Women are often self sufficient and being fat is associated with poverty rather than wealth. Being thin is now associated with wealth and high social standing. But what about you? Do you attribute it all to the uniform and mustache?

I had a girlfriend like that - she drank in the evening. :smile: Sorry, couldn't resist. Thanks for the reply. I'm still confused on why that would occur but...

I'm looking for success stories. I'm looking for guys who have admitted to themselves that their weight and not "lack of confidence" was what was limiting their ability to attract the women they wanted and who have taken the necessary steps to remove this obstacle from their lives. I know there are guys on this forum that have noticed a huge improvement in their ability to attract women. I'd like to hear from them. Funny thing - it is such an easy thing for women to admit and yet so hard for men.

Please excuse my ignorance because I am not yet banded. How can you keep eating in the evening? Isn't the whole point of the band to make it impossible for you to do so? I'm a bit confused.

I found this article on emotional eating and I think it partially describes me. If so, is it true the band will not work for me? food issues: I am always hungry and never feel satiated. Even with a full stomach I may feel like the food I ate didn't do the trick. To me, food is like crack; I will wear out the carpet walking from the sofa to the fridge trying to figure out what will make my hunger go away. I do eat quite healthy but just can't stop and my portions are way too big. Another odd phenomenon is that when I begin to feel even a little hungry, I begin to panic as if I'm not going to have another chance to eat and am going to starve. So, I often eat what ever I can get my hands on and as much as I can. I even use this fear to rationalize eating bad food. I think to myself "I know it's bad but I might not get another chance to eat and it's going to hurt." I can not think of a reason I might have a fear of starvation but I do. Of course there are times when I decide I just want to hide in my house with a movie and some junk food - but only on occasion and I think that is normal. Aside from that, I don't see any emotional link to food. I do take Xanax for anxiety and I would think if anxiety was causing my over eating, that would solve the problem. It doesn't. Personally, I think there is not nearly enough attention paid to the issue of Leptin insensitivity and I suspect that is my real problem. I guess I just want to hear as much input as I can as to whether or not the band will work for me. I should also mention the procedure will be covered by insurance.

Funny you should mention that because I used to teach guys how to pick up women. It is a lot more involved than just knowing how to talk to them. There is an entire science to it. Perhaps you have seen the VH1 series "The Pickup Artists"? While involved in that community, I learned a great deal about the science of attraction and I also learned its limitations. Now, the guys who charge $5,000 for their boot camps (I was asked to be an instructor by these guys) want guys to think that nothing matters but having "good game." The fact is, if you are decent looking guy (thin) of at least average height and you can't pick up women, those techniques make the world of difference. But, if you are fat none of it is going to help you a whole lot. Now I know some fat guys can get a woman - I still do occasionally. But you aren't going to see many fat guys leaving the club with a hottie based on game alone. Now I know guys HATE to hear this. Guys always want to believe that there is something they can do besides losing weight or buying a yacht that will attract super models. I believe this is because society has always told us that men are the superficial ones and women are supposed to look for things like good character and stability. The thought that maybe this isn't true just pisses us off. In our minds, that just isn't how it is supposed to work. Well, I hate to break it to you but women look at fat guys the same way men look at fat women. And where height is concerned, there have been studies that show that a difference of 1.5 inches significantly changes the chance that a man has children. Taller men also make more money and have better chances at promotions. I'm sure there are a lot of guys who can say "I'm fat and I'm married." But, I doubt there are many men here who are 70lbs over weight who can say they pull tail like Chachi from Happy days. I'm betting there are guys on this forum who have experienced the difference.