A guy's perspective...

Hello ladies (since I seem to be the only guy on here)! First of all, I emailed the head of the surgery group that did my RNY with a list of those symptoms I was having a few days back, and guess what...HE NEVER GOT BACK TO ME! Glad I wasn't dying! Good news is, they've pretty much subsided, and I have an appointment on 9/21. But enough about that. I read through all the posts, and it seems like you guys (the ladies) have different challenges, opportunities, etc. I know I can't offer alot of advice, but I thought I'd give you some insights of WLS from a guy's perspective. PROTEIN-My last bloodwork showed that my protein levels were right where they need to be. This in spite of the fact that I only get 10-15 grams per day. Go figure. However, just today I tried a Slim-Fast chocolate peanut butter bar that has 16 grams of protein, and was actually pretty tasty! MEALS-Surgeon says 3X per day, 4 oz per time, no exceptions. I'm very lucky to eat twice per day, but usually only once. A typical meal might be a Wendy's jr. cheeseburger w/o the bun, or 1/2 of a small chili or something like that...so, I do try to eat protein, just not enough of it or frequently enough. WATER-Before WLS, I wouldn't drink watter to save my soul. I could easily down 64 oz. of Diet Pepsi a day, and usually did! Now, however, I LOVE water. Crazy, huh? I feel horrible if I don't drink enough of it. Oh-speaking of drinking-Bacardi and diet w/a lime is breathtaking! And, Bacardi has 0 carbs, 0 sugar and 66 calories. Probably won't make you loopy, but it allows you to be social in the club! EXERCISE-There should be a CURVES FOR MEN!!! This is my biggest pet peeve! I work out and walk at home, but to join a gym I have 2 choices-24 Hour Fitness or Las Vegas Athletic Club. You know, the places where all the "beautiful people" go to show off their bodies? Curves and similar concepts are nonjudgmental, flaw-friendly gyms with just one problem-NO MEN! I hear so many good things about these gyms (fun, friendly, supportive), and in fact a colleague of mine quit and bought a Curves franchise because she liked working out there so much. So, enjoy this "ladies only" exercise oasis... That's about it. Today I'm 58 days post op and down 58 pounds. I'm lucky I haven't plateaued yet, and knock on wood, I won't for a while. I'm sure my surgeon will give me a good talking to on the 21st about not eating enough or whatever, but I exercise and feel good for the most part, so I am happy with what I'm doing. So, WLS sisters, though our challenges may be different, our goal is the same: To lose weight, permanently, without complications, and ultimately improve our quality of life. I wish you all every success in achieving your goals, and remember--Keep smiling and keep the faith! Your WLS brother, -Jeff RNY7/7/4 338/280/188-38.7% to goal

thank you for giving your perspective. i was really interesting reading about what you are going through...i is quite similar. EXCEPT you are losing soooo much quicker. congrats on losing so much!! you are doing great. i too hear so many good things about curves...i might have to look into it...sorry you can't join...just wear a wig. lol take care!!!

Sounds like you're doing terrific! Your weight loss is impressive. I probably won't hit 50lbs down until I'm over three months out, but I'm looking forward to that day. Exercise is great, proteins are fine, and liquids suck. I STILL can't get 64oz in. I keep plugging away at it, though. Congratulations on your 58 pounds!

Thanks for the perspective Jeff. It's funny how different people have different experiences. I love to hear how everyone is doing - it really helps to not feel so 'special' . I know how you feel about eating one meal a day. I still have no real appetite. The thought of food makes me nauseous for the most part, so I don't think too much about it. I had tuna and FF mayo today for the first time with a little bit of tomato. It went down very easily, but when I get full, I get full fast. I was chewing some and thought that I was feeling full. I swallowed the last bite down and ugh...I thought I was going to barf . I can't drink water - it sits like a stone in my stomach. I have been drinking Fruit Refreshers and that stays down ok. I'm getting about 50-60 g of protein a day thanks to GNC Liquid Protein - 3 tablespoons = 18g protein. I just can't manage those protein drinks anymore. I'm only getting in about 400-450 calories though. Well, I guess we all move at our own pace. Thanks again for the update and I hope all continues to go well for you! Hugs, Nancy

Jeff, From a middle-aged, obese female's perspective on gyms. Please don't stop yourself from joining a gym and working out. Most of the "beautiful" people there are more interested in looking at themselves than worrying about folks like us. As fast as your weight is dropping, you will be one of those buff hardbodies soon enough anyway I bet if you went and worked out regularly, you would find that they respect your efforts and will offer encouragement. You are a good looking guy....don't sell yourself short. Denise

I always love your upbeat attitude and cheerful responses and posts I think you are doing so well with your weight loss! And the earlier poster saying not to worry about the "beautiful people" at the gym? Well I concur! I say go to the gym, whatever is closest and most cost effective, and do your thing! We do have a Curves here that I could go to if I so chose to go. I have heard nothing but great things about Curves. But I happen to live on a military base where I have free access to a wonderful multimillion dollar, newly renovated facility. So I was unable to justify the cost of another gym to myself. I was so worried about going to the gym with the "beautiful people", especially with all the military men and women who are in phenomenal shape. This specific gym is also the place in town where a group of body builders do their weight lifting and cardio. Of course there is a huge wall of mirrors too (GULP). But you know what? I went. Once. Just to "see how it would be". And my worst fears were NOT confirmed. Nobody cared what I was doing, or what size I was, or how little I could do originally. So I sweated for nothing. I now walk in and realize that the concept that people in good shape will judge us working out in the gym is just plain wrong. As a matter of fact, the more health concious and workout oriented the members of this gym are, the friendly they are. I catch them watching me from time to time. But you know what? I finally realize that they aren'****ching to judge. I think they are actually respecting my efforts at becoming physically fit. They smile and chat with me now. They have no idea about my weight loss surgery and I don't plan to tell them either. I figure they'll just be so impressed at my dedicated gym time and subsequent weight loss (WINK HAHA). So really Jeff, don't let them "beautiful people" we all worry about bother ya. As a matter of fact I've found most of them come over if they see me checking out something new I haven't done and give me great tips! You may just meet a great bunch of new friends I am also happy to see you say that you aren't getting your protein. I too am not getting all the protein that is recommended, but my blood tests are coming back just fine too (so far, knock on wood). I am down from a lifetime high of 270lbs to 220lbs. I feel great, my blood tests say I'm fine, and my weight loss is steady so I'm not stressing the protein issue. Perhaps I'd lose quicker with more protein, who knows? I just know I'm perfectly happy with this rate of loss since i only had surgery July 28. I don't feel the need to lose faster, I'm down from a size 24 to a size 18 (loose too!). That works for me If I hit a plateau I will work on upping the protein. I do wish I could fit more liquid. I find I could do better with food and fluids 2 weeks ago than I have been able to lately. I'm trying to make myself eat all my mini meals, but sometimes just quite frankly couldn't fit it all in me if I wanted to. Mind you the odd day will come up where I'm hungry constant (well nagging hunger, not weakening hunger). What a learning experience this has all been! Thank you so much for the "male perspective". My boyfriend has mentioned the possibility of surgery for him, only in passing. He's I think hoping to lose on his own, but has said that if it doesn't seem to be working he is considering surgery more and more. I will share your experiences and progress with him since the men here on the site are far fewer than woman. Again Jeff, way to go! Keep up the good work, and gosh darnnit, you'd look great working out at the gym, and feel great too! Melissa

What an awesome update!!! What a positive inspriation for those of us needing it.... I had to pop in to make a 'comment' to you about Curves.... Here in MN, I was told by several different locations, that at least here they can't call it "Curves for Women" due to a lawsuit claiming discrimination against men. The location where I live had letters from the "main guy/owner" of them, that if a man wants to join, they have to allow him that opportunity. There is one guy that is a member of the one here, for the same reasons that you sited. While it may not affect all locations, maybe it would be something to look into, whether you contact a local branch, or go to the top of the company and check? Traci

Jeff, I think our quite handsome...so if you decide to go to the 'beautiful people's gym' just remember that your naturally handsome (no enhancements )and go on!!!! Congrats on all your weight loss!!!!

Jeff, You sound like such a nice guy....If only I was single!! LOL I do wish you all the best, and I always love reading your prospectives, keep up the good work and feel free to hang with all us ladies anytime!!! Best wishes, Nadine 203/180/?

Jeff I always love reading your posts. They always seem to brighten my day. You have such a good fun outlook on life which makes you such a wonderful indivdual. We are blessed to have you as a July baby. Keep up the good work and keep up the great posts. Heather