Figured I'd say Hi, as there doesn't seem to be a lot of men on this board. I'm 28, and just recently relocated to the Northwest, and decided it was time to lose this weight. Moving from Texas, where the majority of everyone is severely obese, I found myself in the extreme minority out here. The looks and rude comments behind my back have led me to this point. I also am having extreme knee problems, from walking up two flights of stairs each day at work.

I attended a WL seminar last week, and I'm still waiting to hear back from their office on insurance verification for surgery. From all the research I've done with BCBS MA, I don't think there's any issue with me qualifying. The doctor told me it's usually a 6-8 week process from insurance verification, so here's looking to two months out

Having never worked out before in a gym, do any of the men have suggestions on where to start, after getting surgery? Is a personal trainer worth it? When I was in the military, I was accustomed to running 5 mile runs every other day, so I don't think cardio will be much problem at all.

Finally, for my first topic, I brew beer. I brew damn good beer in fact. Is beer drinking (even very occasionally) something that I will need to give up? I'm not talking about downing a 12 pack of coors, I'm talking about enjoying a delicious home-brewed coffee chocolate stout with 8.9% abv, once in a blue moon.

Thanks, and I hope it wasn't TMI for my first post.

Welcome, and congrats on your decision of getting sleeve. Is the best decision that I had ever made for myself. An amazing gift of life. Is hard to lose weight here in Texas with all these "All you can eat buffets" and the giant food portions at the restaurants. But I want to live healthy and stay fit so I am not letting that being a rock on my path .

I have a personal trainer but is only for a short time period while I get use my work outs. I think a personal trainer will be helpful if you have never work out at the gym. At least for 1-2 months. Beer…. mmm i hear people have one or two. I am not drinker myself. I used to love Guinness Stout prior surgery and I haven't even try any kind of beer.I am too afraid of the damage since I am only almost 3 months out and the amount of calories/carbs they can cause to my sleeve. But like I said I know people who had 1-2 beers after sleeve occasionally and they are doing great.

Ps My apologies , I didn't noticed this was at the man's room forum lol