Are their any guys that post in the Maryland Section?

I know for a fact that I am not the only male in Maryland that had indergone WLS. Where are the fellas? I'm already active in the Men's Forum. However, I do visit this one as well. to kind of get a local flavor of support as well. Men of Maryland, stand up and represent. lol Sorry, Ladies. I have no problem interacting with any of you. I just thought it would be better if the men spoke up as well. Big Syd Bowie/Mitchellville, Maryland

I am here. What shall we discuss?

Howdy Dan! I didn't necessarily have any particular topics directed just to the men. I was just noticing the absence of many men in the section when I know there are just about as many men having WLS as there are women. But since you are here, I'll say one thing that only men can relate to. One of the scariest things for me regarding WLS was them putting that tube in to keep the bladder drained. I'll admit, the punk came out of me when it came to that. I'm just glad I was sleep when they put in. And when it was time to pull it out, I think I stopped breathing and stood on my butt cheeks when she got ready to pull it out. lol She told me to take a long deep breath and close my eyes. I guess the silver lining in the cloud was the fact that it was a lady that pulled it out. lol OK, Ladies. I know. TMI. T-M-I. My bad.

*Mine* got STUCK. I'll never forget THAT part as long as I live.

John Doe, I'll never forget the first time I P'd, I mean urinated, after they had taken that thing out. Man, that was a rough feeling.

Mine didn't get stuck, but the young lady who was taking mine out reacted to a groan I made in the middle of it and STOPPED! I looked at her like she lost her mind and she finished up. (Shivers of rememberance.)

Daniel, the ladies wont understand but for you and I, its even painful just talking about it. lol

SYD and Daniel: I'm having my surgery on 10-17 at BayView. I am in no way a wuss, but does everyone get a catheter when they have surgery? Just reading about your experiences is making me cross my legs and wince . I hope I don't have to get one!

I'm pretty sure everyone does. It's a good thing. The odds that you want to get up and go wee wee are slim to none the first day. It's a very strange feeling to just lie in bed and pee, but you get used to it. I got mine out on the second day and it was 5-10 seconds of a burning feeling and then it was fine. I wouldn't sweat it too much. -Daniel

Yes, it was pretty much the same experience for me. When they take it out, I think you mentally feel it for about 5-10 seconds and then you don't feel anything else. Well, the first time you pee, it might sting a bit. But thats about it. Supposedly, the purpose of it is to keep your bladder clear during surgery I believe. They took mine out the morning after my surgery. I'm just glad they put it in while I was under anesthesia or they may have encountered problems getting it in. That and the tube that run down your throat.