male only All co-morbidities except diabetes

[Getting-used-to-new-me 119]

I'm a 56 year old male, with all the co-morbidities except diabetes, (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, sleep apnea, arthritis in knees and hips, ruptured disc in lower back, and had a TIA about a year ago). All are being treated. I'm hoping for no meds and no CPAP, eventually. I asked my primary about bariatric surgery and he referred me immediately. I was approved by insurance a week later. I have 80 - 100 pounds to lose. My surgeon and his case manager say I'll likely have surgery before Thanksgiving 2013. My surgeon says his staff will be surprised when they see me on the table because my fat is evenly distributed. I was a body builder, (no steroids), and have lifted since I was 15 years old, and done cardio since before that. Is there anyone else out there who has a similar experience?

[PdxMan 4,292]

I was 45 when I had my VSG (07/08/2011). I belonged to the local health club and could do the cardio and weightlifting when I went, but by no means was I an avid participant, but I had maintained some minor level of athleticism over the years. My goal was to lose 100 pounds and be right around the 200# mark. I had sleep apnea and the Dr was ready to put me on meds for HBP and diabetes. I told him I was going to opt for WLS and to re-evaluate me in a few months.

6 weeks post op I started running and hitting the cardio classes and weight room at the gym. I lost 120# in 8 months going below my original goal weight and have been maintaining since. I turned into somewhat of an athlete running races (5k, 8k, 10k & 15k) averaging 7 minute miles and placing top 3 in my age division and winning my division most of the time.

Until I blew a disc between 4/5 and have had two surgeries in the past year. I have been doing P/T and have just recently started back on the elliptical at the gym. I was cleared a few months ago, but it was still too painful. I am hoping to run my first 5k in December. Through this all, with the help of the sleeve, I have been able to maintain my goal weight.

I think the most challenging aspect has been meeting the nutritional needs of a VSG athlete. With the restriction, it just isn't possible to re-fuel your body like you used to. In my signature, I have a few blog posts (outdated) which touch on this. plus some thoughts on clothing I have found useful as I got back into exercise. There is a forum here addressing fitness and exercise HERE.

Good luck and keep reading and posting!

[Getting-used-to-new-me 119]

Thanks pdxman! What you wrote helps!

I hope to get off all three daily meds and cpap.

I know I can handle the diet changes and exercise. I've been doing that almost all my life. I've also been taking multi's and Calcium, and other supps most of my life. I've been on all kinds of diets including Protein powders and fasting. So I'm not concerned about those changes.

I'm concerned that since I've been taking most of my meds for most of my adult life I may not be able to drop them completely.

Does anyone have similar concerns?

[gamergirl 4,609]

Thanks pdxman! What you wrote helps! I hope to get off all three daily meds and cpap. I know I can handle the diet changes and exercise. I've been doing that almost all my life. I've also been taking multi's and calcium' date=' and other supps most of my life. I've been on all kinds of diets including Protein powders and fasting. So I'm not concerned about those changes. I'm concerned that since I've been taking most of my meds for most of my adult life I may not be able to drop them completely. Does anyone have similar concerns?[/quote']

My husband was 298 at his highest at 6 feet tall. By the time surgery came around, he had lost to 278 on his own. He used to have a CPAP but had extremely painful surgery instead. Worked great until the weight crept back on, and then he was snoring again. He was on blood pressure meds, cholesterol meds, meds for pre-diabetes, too much estrogen, not enough testosterone, and I just knew he would be diabetic before the year was out.

He used to work on heavy hydraulic machines so the man was strong and muscular--but the muscle was atrophying. He's 60 now, super active, still strong, and he would hate being weak, or reliant on anyone else.

He fought the surgery for at least 2 years. Finally I told him I was going to do it, and would appreciate his support, which I knew I would get for anything that I care to do. He decided we'd do it together.

Within the first week he was off diabetes meds and cholesterol meds. The blood pressure meds were making him very light headed but he was advised to stay on for slightly longer. Within first 2 weeks, zero snoring or apnea.

Within the first month, off the blood pressure meds. At 8 weeks out, he's now 234 lbs! He's averaging 4-5 lbs a week for a total of 44 lbs in 2.5 months. This for a man that has been overweight all his life. In fact, when he gets to his goal of 195, he will be at the weight he was in high school.

So. worth. it.

[Getting-used-to-new-me 119]

Thanks gamergirl!

I hope it goes as well for me. At least what you wrote is encouraging.

[PdxMan 4,292]

I guess I did forget to mention my blood pressure is great, glucose levels are way down, cholesterol levels are wonderful ...

The sleeve has been great for me.

[Getting-used-to-new-me 119]

Thanks again pdxman!