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.

On 9/22/2017 at 1:51 PM, Brian B said:

I personally found losing weight to be the easy part... I think it will take years to overcome the mental aspect. I'm 17 months post-op and still feel weird getting into elevators.. basically anything in a social setting... constantly thinking... everyone is looking looking at me... the elephant in the room.. I lost 183 lbs and I think it just takes time to visualize and be comfortable in your new body. Believe me it will all be worth it. You don't even realize the depth of your depression until it's gone. Happiness is in your future my friend.

I'm the same way. After losing 216 pounds, I still struggle with seeing the old me sometimes. And being newly single (after 8+ years, no less) and back "out there," it is weird to me that I am getting hit on by all of these hot guys constantly. Trust me, I am adjusting to all of it, but it is still so much to take in sometimes.

A few weeks ago, I went to Dillards to buy a couple of new outfits to wear out that weekend. I had to buy a small shirt and size 32 jeans. When I tried on the Medium, the sales guy was like "you need a smaller size." When I said that would be a small, he said "then you need a small." As I stood frozen in amazement, he asked me what was up and I took him through the whole story. While he was flatteringly amazed (he was cute, btw), I think I was more amazed.

It is certainly a very different life, and no matter how long this journey has been going on, and how strong you are, it is a lot to adjust to...

On 9/22/2017 at 1:57 PM, Brian B said:

I remember my last trip to casual male .. the woman said this will probably be the last time we see you... it was such a strangely happy moment.

I, too, remember this day. At my Casual Male, they almost looked at me like some kind of traitor. Damn, that **** was so expensive. It is amazing how many cute things I can get for cheap from the mall on just about any day these days!

On 9/23/2017 at 10:29 PM, JohnnyCakes said:

truly unbelievable.

Thank you!

So I just got the call this is all really happening got my insurance approval ( Only took 3 days) and this afternoon is my Pre-Surgical visit so looks like come Oct. 16 will be my surgery date

So I just got the call this is all really happening got my insurance approval ( Only took 3 days) and this afternoon is my Pre-Surgical visit so looks like come Oct. 16 will be my surgery date

Congratulations...

I have a question for anyone that can answer. I have lymphedema in my legs. It is from being overweight, My doctor even said I carry more weight in my legs than any other part of my body I was wondering if anyone else has this and if they have had surgery does it help it? My doctor basically said it will never be like when I was young. I am just wondering how much the surgery does help. Thanks guys...

I have severe varicose veins in one leg. That leg is always larger than the other one. It was never diagnosed as lymphadema, but it IS retained fluid.

Anyway, I am 6 months postop and have lost 92lbs. Both legs have decreased in size. My normal leg decreased by 2 inches in circumference, while my bad leg has decreased by 3 inches. There is still an inch and a half difference between them.

I don't ever expect them to be equal, but at least the leg does shrink as the fat decreases. I expect yours will do the same.

18 minutes ago, Berry78 said:

but at least the leg does shrink as the fat decreases.

And, in time, there's better than an 85% chance that the circulation will improve ... as long as you're not smoking or hiding from regular exercise.

My valve is fubar, so even with surgery on the veins, I don't hold my breath as to long term "cure". But at least my legs are now getting small enough to consider wearing the compression pantyhose.

@Berry78Thank you so much for the information.. Yeah my right leg is much much bigger than my left. But I also get it wrapped twice a week.. I am looking forward not having to do that..

This thread has been very helpful, thank you to everyone who contributed so far! I am getting sleeved in a few weeks and it's motivating to hear stories from other guys in similar positions

On 9/30/2017 at 9:02 AM, Berry78 said:

I have severe varicose veins in one leg. That leg is always larger than the other one. It was never diagnosed as lymphadema, but it IS retained Fluid.

Anyway, I am 6 months postop and have lost 92lbs. Both legs have decreased in size. My normal leg decreased by 2 inches in circumference, while my bad leg has decreased by 3 inches. There is still an inch and a half difference between them.

I don't ever expect them to be equal, but at least the leg does shrink as the fat decreases. I expect yours will do the same.

because you are a man? who has been thru this? advising another man? who posted his question in The Guys Room? in a thread titled "Guys who started over 400lbs"?

please... jesus christ, it's not that hard. READ THE FORUM NAME YOU ARE POSTING IN BEFORE YOU POST. and if that doesn't clue you in, here's another: WOMEN STAY OUT OF THE GUYS ROOM.

I ha some severe swelling in one leg, due to fluid and some lymphedema in both legs. The swelling is gone, but the discoloration is still there. It doesn't look awesome, but it's not hindering me like the swelling was.

Well guys I made it thru 2 days post op went from 416 to 391 on my 2 week liquid diet right now learn to eat has been the hardest part

Congratulations @DaAlchemist.. Sounds like you are doing great. You have made me really look forward to my surgery. Keep going strong!