Probably a dumb question, but here it goes! I have been looking around and got some info but was looking for a little more long term, as this is the biggest thing standing in my way right now.

What are some of the long term things that will never be the same (aside from food, I get that) :-)

Will life always require a pill box of Vitamins?

Will I ever be able to take the refreshing gulp of Water?

Will energy always be low (B12)

Will I ever be able to get strength back again with such low intake of essential nutrients?

Can I ever do a tough mudder without a supply of protien bars ?

Ect.

What are some of the "life will never be the same's". I'm ok with all the food changes because that's what got me here in the first place, but I'm scared of the stuff the Dr.'s don't really talk about or brush off. I want the brutal honesty of what little things I can expect the rest of my life

Thanks!

Now I have a dumb question...what is a tough muder...

It's a 10 mile insane obstacle course that will test every part of you. It was designed by special forces and has freezing water, mud, electricity, you name it! Check out the website! Toughmudder.com

Not a dumb question at all. Very good questions to know the answers to.

Will life always require a pill box of Vitamins?

You will get to the point where you are able to eat anything and everything. I got to that point at about 7/8 months out. If you eat a balanced diet, no, you will not need to supplement with the exception of B12 as that is something which is absorbed in your stomach, which 85% was just removed, so ... Also, depending on where you live, you may need Vitamin D, which is better absorbed when you pair it with Calcium. I am in the NW where the sun comes out twice a year for 15 minutes, so as long as I am here, I will also need these two.

Will I ever be able to take the refreshing gulp of Water?

Well ... your stomach capacity is going to be about 8 oz after all the swelling has gone down, so, no ... you are not going to be able to chug a 12 ounce glass of water. I was worried about this, too, as I was a HUGE water drinker. Trust me, it isn't a big deal.

Will energy always be low (B12)?

For the first month my energy was low. My nutritionist suggested I increase my carbs and that did the trick. I take my B12 every few days and all my levels are great.

Will I ever be able to get strength back again with such low intake of essential nutrients?

You will lose some muscle mass during the first few months. That is where you have to do some work. Ensure you get your Protein in and hit the gym and you'll be fine. There is a whole sub-forum on fitness and exercise.

Can I ever do a tough mudder without a supply of protien bars?

Yes. I am a competitive runner (just took 1st place in my division two weeks ago at a 5K) There are some challenges, but if we all work together and learn what works, it can be done. No problem.

Now I have a dumb question...what is a tough muder...

Haha...I'm with you on this one I had to google it.

Will life always require a pill box of Vitamins?

At 5 months I take 1 chewable multi with Iron, 1 calcium chew and 1500 mcg of B-12 a day. I think I will probably stick with this, but I don't care. These are my candy substitutes. My multi tastes like a Sweet-Tart and my calcium chews are lemon, raspberry, chocolate and caramel.

Will I ever be able to take the refreshing gulp of Water?

I can chug pretty good, but the capacity isn't there. Just wait a few minutes between chugs. It empties out pretty fast I think.

Will energy always be low (B12)

My energy was always good. From what I hear it gets better, but like PDXman says, we will always have to take that. It gets to be habit like brushing your teeth.

Will I ever be able to get strength back again with such low intake of essential nutrients?

I do some pretty intense workouts, You will eat more as time goes on and it's easy to pack in more nutrients within the space you have. I lost a good amount of muscle in the first few months. I'm just now rebuilding it. It has slowed the weight loss, but I have lost inches, look better and feel better.

Can I ever do a tough mudder without a supply of protien bars ?

I was just on a long hike this past weekend and I learned that I need a lot more energy to keep going that my normal daily diet gives me. I took a half a Peanut Butter sandwich, an orange, fig newtons and a tiny bit of dried fruit and peanuts and some cheese. I didn't eat it all, but a had a bit of each.

10 mile obstacle course? Really? I'm not sure you could get through it without a nosh. Can you run and eat?

Here's mine: Will I ever be able to go out and eat with family and friends or simply go to someone's house for dinner without having to special order?

Wherever you go there will probably be some form of Protein. I have done a lot of eating around bread and noodles, but it's easy. Usually there will be chicken, steak or sausage and I eat that with a bit of green salad or vegetables.

Going out is easy too. Share meals, get senior meals, order appetizers, get regular meals and take leftovers home. Just skip the bread, Pasta, rice, potato, etc. or have just a little. Get the mixed vegetable side instead of the potato or rice or mac and cheese. Get a baked sweet potato (many places offer that now). Ask the water to leave sauces off or ask for them on the side if possible.

I got this seared ahi the other day and saved 300 calories because I asked for soy sauce on the side rather than the sugary sauce they were going to dump on it.

U will do fine. All the things you mention are concerning, but I have had no problems with anything so far.

The things I can do is ride a bike.

Go walking!

Sway when the wind blows me.

I can gulp Water.

I can buy really cute cloths for my skinny body now. And they are so cute.

I am more confident.

Oh I can't do a tough mudder though! Those people are tough! Actually I can, but I chose not too. LOL

These are all important things that change our life for good.

I might be able to do my own tough mudder that I make myself in my back yard. We have a kids pool I can incorporate in there some how

Btw..excellent questions. It is scary when you are considering the sleeve ...

Yeah, I'm into my last month before we submit everything and it's starting to get real. Which is hitting me hard, I'm starting to feel extreamly disappointed that I couldn't do it on my own... I feel as a 26 year old guy that played college football I should be disciplined enough to lose 130lbs. But after careful consideration and so many failed attempts and yo-yoing I know this is what I want/need!