So let me set the stage before asking the question.

I've never been a mouthy, cocky, arrogant person. But I've never been afraid to speak my mind and I've got a bad habit of jumping into the fray if I feel a need to. For example if I see someone shoplifting at the store I'll grab them by the ear and drag them to a manager or security. If I'm at a bar or restaurant and someone smacks their wife/gf I'm more than happy to knock them on their ass.

At 6'1" 350ish this wasn't a big challenge and although I've never looked "intimidating" I've rarely been challenged simply because of size. I've never been one to pick a fight but I've always been one to stand my ground. Walking through bad parts of town or even downtown late at night has never concerned me and my wife and many friends always want me to accompany them in those situations for that very reason.

So now the question, having the surgery and losing the weight do you ever feel more vulnerable? Like physically vulnerable? I'm not like scared out of my mind over this but you lose a certain edge giving up the size.

For myself I've decided to enroll in Krav Maga lessons, I figure along it's good exercise (along with the gym) but also very practical and might alleviate those concerns. And I'd rather have the ability to defend myself and never need it rather than risk a confrontation going wrong.

Am I the only one who has thought this?

Some role model you are....

Lol!

I was on full liquids the whole post op time. Who even knows with all the differences.

Otr driving all the time, how do you fond time to post?

Otr driving all the time' date=' how do you fond time to post?[/quote']

Honestly, I miss a lot. I see weeks & months old threads revived all the time that I missed when they were started.

I see people driving down the road all the time typing something into their cell phone. Truck drivers are no exception. My wife can drive, text and do her makeup all at the same time.

I see people driving down the road all the time typing something into their cell phone. Truck drivers are no exception. My wife can drive' date=' text and do her makeup all at the same time.[/quote']

Unfortunately if I get caught with a cell phone in my hand while driving its a $2500.00 fine. Not that I think distracted driving is a good thing, but I find it egregious that truck drivers are fined so heavily for something that isn't even enforced for cars.

I was always in the same boat as you....big strong guy' date=' no one messed with me, I felt safe. But as I get older, and in better shape, I think a lot of the security I had was an illusion. Yes I may have been able to manhandle somebody....for about 30 seconds, before I started sucking wind. My speed and cardio were non existent and I've realized that those things are way more important than strength against someone who knows anything at all about fighting. Now, at 235 I look like somebody who works out and takes care of himself. Heck I got pecs for the first time in my life. But I also got a concealed handgun license (thank you state of Texas) so I'm not as worried about it.[/quote']

Love it

But Lol

OP

From a woman point of view. You getting healthy is what matters. Sure get your exercise in but what you loose in weight your actually gain in other areas like increase confidence and hey U know. Skinny Sexin!!!!!!

My family member is a 3rd degree black belt at about 180lbs. So size does not matter. I say focus on what good things you are gaining.

Unfortunately if I get caught with a cell phone in my hand while driving its a $2500.00 fine. Not that I think distracted driving is a good thing, but I find it egregious that truck drivers are fined so heavily for something that isn't even enforced for cars.

Oh I feel you....I still have my CDL and I'm afraid to even get pulled over for speeding because I know I can't take defensive driving. It will go on my record. Even in our personal car we still are held to a higher standard. But you know who isn't? Cops. Judges. Go figure.

Oh I feel you....I still have my CDL and I'm afraid to even get pulled over for speeding because I know I can't take defensive driving. It will go on my record. Even in our personal car we still are held to a higher standard. But you know who isn't? Cops. Judges. Go figure.

What's a CDL, Butter? What do you do for a living?

Deano

Commercial drivers license. I used to be a truck driver for a short period of time. O.T.R .(over the road) Sleever still is. Here in the states CDL drivers have stricter regulations than regular drivers, even when we are in our personal car.

Here in the states CDL drivers have stricter regulations than regular drivers, even when we are in our personal car.

That's harsh!!

"Mrchris" this is a really good topic and I'm glad you brought it up. It's really interesting! Whether I'm more vulnerable or not (and I don't feel that I am even post op), if I decide to stand up for what's right and it's important enough to me to get my a$$ kicked, I'm still going to stand up for myself. I think the key for me is "importance" of the situation and is there a physical threat to me or my family/friends. If someone honks their horn at me for switching lanes abruptly and coming over on them, that's rude of me and I deserve it. But if that person later pulls up beside me at a traffic light and wants to make it a bigger issue than it is, and advances towards me physically, well, then it's on. Because I have a right to defend myself/family/etc and I will, even if I think I'm going to get my butt kicked. To answer your question on if I feel more vulnerable, I think the answer is probably no for me. In my 20's, I was 6-4, 320 ish and though I was strong, I feel that my current self at 6-3, 228 (yes I think I've shrunk in height), can kick the crap out of my "20 something self". I'm quicker, more fit, now taking Muay Thai lessons, and with my current lifting approach, probably even more explosive than I was in my late 20s. I think that if I was in this hypothetical battle with the younger version of myself, that as long as I stay on my feet and not make it a floor (wrestling) event, that I would win. Even if it did go to the mat, I think I may be able to tire out "20's Mark", then move in for the hold and defeat this younger version of myself.

With that said, if Brock Lesnar, or similar type fighter, was really mad at me and came at me to kick my a$$, I would probably feel VERY vulnerable. But if I felt the situation was important enough for me to defend myself, I'd still give a futile try. So for me, I guess it's all relative.

First, I was surprised at how many women responded to this post in "The Man Room". I'm new to this, but thought there would be more men in here. I am scheduled for sleeve on 1/17/13 and this has been my only worry. Keeping my strength on a starvation diet. Anybody been sleeved and have any issues with this. I have no problem with working out, but can the diet keep up? And I think Jiu Jitsu is great for cardio and muscle. I've never had such a great workout with any other martial art.

"Jacob"...it can be really challenging. For me, I have to be ever mindful of what I eat and when. I do add in more low glycemic carbs on the days I workout, after my workout and later that night. On days I don't lift, Sat, Sun and sometimes on Wed, I eat less carbs and slightly higher fats, all while trying to get in at least 100-120 grams of Protein. It can be done, but like you said, it's a bit challenging, especially the first few months post op. Now that I am a year+ out, it's fairly easy for me to get in my macros. Hang in there!

"Mrchris" this is a really good topic and I'm glad you brought it up. It's really interesting! Whether I'm more vulnerable or not (and I don't feel that I am even post op)' date=' if I decide to stand up for what's right and it's important enough to me to get my a kicked, I'm still going to stand up for myself. I think the key for me is "importance" of the situation and is there a physical threat to me or my family/friends. If someone honks their horn at me for switching lanes abruptly and coming over on them, that's rude of me and I deserve it. But if that person later pulls up beside me at a traffic light and wants to make it a bigger issue than it is, and advances towards me physically, well, then it's on. Because I have a right to defend myself/family/etc and I will, even if I think I'm going to get my butt kicked. To answer your question on if I feel more vulnerable, I think the answer is probably no for me. In my 20's, I was 6-4, 320 ish and though I was strong, I feel that my current self at 6-3, 228 (yes I think I've shrunk in height), can kick the crap out of my "20 something self". I'm quicker, more fit, now taking Muay Thai lessons, and with my current lifting approach, probably even more explosive than I was in my late 20s. I think that if I was in this hypothetical battle with the younger version of myself, that as long as I stay on my feet and not make it a floor (wrestling) event, that I would win. Even if it did go to the mat, I think I may be able to tire out "20's Mark", then move in for the hold and defeat this younger version of myself.

With that said, if Brock Lesnar, or similar type fighter, was really mad at me and came at me to kick my a, I would probably feel VERY vulnerable. But if I felt the situation was important enough for me to defend myself, I'd still give a futile try. So for me, I guess it's all relative. [/quote']

My favorite part is that you've actually been contemplating a fight between old you & new you lol! It's obvious that this isn't the first time you've gone over this in your head. Love it.

I don't know about a physical fight but I could definitely win in a battle of wits with 20 something butterthebean. I was such an idiot.