Hi,

I'm new to the forums and in the starting stages of obtaining a VSG. Just looking to see if there are any other men who were above 400 (or even close to 500) pounds before starting this journey and how life after surgery has been. Did you suffer any complications from surgery due to your size? Did your doctor make you do anything extra or warn you of any possible issues? Did you lose more rapidly than average patients? Did you lose any motivation when you had lost enough weight to lead a fairly "normal" life, even though you might still have a good amount of excess weight?

A little background...I'm 31, 5'10", and honestly can't bear how difficult my weight has made my life. Just this weekend my wife went alone to her sister's engagement dinner at a restaurant due to my fear the chairs wouldn't be supportive enough. (I typically avoid restaurant situations unless there's a booth with a table I can adjust, ideally half booth/half chairs.) I've avoided flying for a couple years, will only attend theatre or sporting events where I can be guaranteed an aisle seat, etc. It seems like in the last 60 or so pounds many social situations involving sitting have escalated from very uncomfortable to more or less unbearable. Healthwise, I have hypertension and am very likely will be diagnosed with sleep apnea once the results of my sleep study last week come in.

Look forward to hearing from any of you have started in similar situations.

48 minutes ago, Ignatius said:

@sgc I know you've worked out consistently before and after surgery. How do you split your exercise between cardio and strength training?

My strength training has been on and off. I started doing it and I just get pains so I quit. I'm getting skin surgery soon. After I have that done, I'm going to work with a trainer. My doctor thinks I probably won't even weigh 160 after the skin removal. I'll focus heavily on strength training and try get back up to 180. Not going to lie, I would rather be in a position where I had to gain weight than lose weight.

Scale read 399 today. First time in 6 years to see the 3's. Feeling pretty good about that one.

Scale read 399 today. First time in 6 years to see the 3's. Feeling pretty good about that one.

Just hit the 350s here. Started at 640. It feels awesome don't it?! I can't wait to hit the 2's.

Had my sleeve on 8/9/2017 and doing great. Started 481 (college I was 215 ugh). Down 50 with pre-op and first week. Looking to hit under 400 by Halloween!!

SW: 481
CW: 434
GW: 230

Sleeved 8/9/2017

Any one where compression shirts .. I'm at 350 from 583 I need something to help hold everything in places during work out and stuff any one have any suggestions ???

12 minutes ago, bill1130 said:

Any one where compression shirts .. I'm at 350 from 583 I need something to help hold everything in places during work out and stuff any one have any suggestions ???

I tried compression shirts, but I never found ones that worked well for me. They would constantly roll up on me, which was uncomfortable and kind of defeated the point. I had better luck with high waist compression briefs like these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D1C8FKG/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I tried compression shirts, but I never found ones that worked well for me. They would constantly roll up on me, which was uncomfortable and kind of defeated the point. I had better luck with high waist compression briefs like these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D1C8FKG/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you

On 8/28/2017 at 9:37 PM, bill1130 said:

Any one where compression shirts .. I'm at 350 from 583 I need something to help hold everything in places during work out and stuff any one have any suggestions ???

I like these shirts https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BXBWT5O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

On 8/28/2017 at 9:51 PM, Thucydides said:

I tried compression shirts, but I never found ones that worked well for me. They would constantly roll up on me, which was uncomfortable and kind of defeated the point. I had better luck with high waist compression briefs like these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D1C8FKG/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use these suspenders to prevent the shirt from rolling up https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DZXUH4C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm about 10 months out and have hit a self-induced stall. Unfortunately, I've learned I can eat virtually anything without real repercussion. Fairly active on the weekends, but I lost steam during the workweek. Considering a personal trainer for a couple weeknight appointments. Really focusing on weighing my food (why do I need 7 oz. when 4 or 5 will keep me satisfied?) and packing snacks I enjoy for long workdays.

On 9/2/2017 at 10:02 AM, Ignatius said:

I'm about 10 months out and have hit a self-induced stall. Unfortunately, I've learned I can eat virtually anything without real repercussion. Fairly active on the weekends, but I lost steam during the workweek. Considering a personal trainer for a couple weeknight appointments. Really focusing on weighing my food (why do I need 7 oz. when 4 or 5 will keep me satisfied?) and packing Snacks I enjoy for long workdays.

I set up a strict routine where I eat the same foods on each day of the week. It worked and I never hit a stall and actually lost maybe too much. Now that I'm looking to maintain and possibly gain, I've added a little more calories and protein to the routine. If I notice I'm gaining to much, I have a proven routine in place that I can always go back to.

Friday I go for skin removal surgery. Having a lower body lift and tummy tuck did. Finally will have a normal waist line. Not getting my chest or arms done, at least not yet. Still going to wear a chest binder as my chest really isn't that bed. My arms meanwhile are a different story. I've started to just wear long sleeve shirts and roll the sleeves up to my elbows. I would like to wear short sleeve shirts some day. Anyone know if there is such a thing as compression sleeves for upper arms that are flesh colored? Something from my elbow to my shoulder. Doesn't matter I guess if it's made or men or women.

21 hours ago, sgc said:

Friday I go for skin removal surgery. Having a lower body lift and tummy tuck did. Finally will have a normal waist line. Not getting my chest or arms done, at least not yet. Still going to wear a chest binder as my chest really isn't that bed. My arms meanwhile are a different story. I've started to just wear long sleeve shirts and roll the sleeves up to my elbows. I would like to wear short sleeve shirts some day. Anyone know if there is such a thing as compression sleeves for upper arms that are flesh colored? Something from my elbow to my shoulder. Doesn't matter I guess if it's made or men or women.

Good luck with your surgery. Would love to here how it goes for you. I'm considering a LBL for 2018 and would appreciate hearing about your experience.

HI All I'm bout a month away and Im still trying to figure out if I want the sleeve or Gastric Bypass looking at this forum I see that the sleeve guys have some huge losses What made you go with the Sleeve ?

I would recommend sleeve. Bypass is for life. The weight will come off either way. The lifestyle changes will be the same and no dumping with the sleeve.

Good luck!

Yea, I think the sleeve is the better option for me but my Surgeon is pushing the Bypass. Next week is my Pre-Op meeting so hopefully by than we can get on the same page.