New to th Mens Forum

Hi Everybody,  I'm 47 years old, 6 feet tall, and 442 lbs. My BMI is almost 60. I have been on the OH website for a while and didn't realize there was a mens forum. I've been reading for a few days and can relate. so I thought I would introduce myself. I've been big all my life , I've lost and gained a 1000 lbs. I have always dealt with my weight well but the past few years my body has began to fall apart. I have 2 bad knees and a bad ankle. I've had 1 knee surgery and need another. I suffer from chronic back pain. I can no longer exercise and fell tired all the time. Since June of last year I have dealt with 2 different (EVIL) insurance companies. Both of which had iron clad exclusions. I have decided to self pay. I am in the process of taking a hardship withdrawal from my 401k. I've had my psych evaluation and been to a seminar. I have an appointment with my surgeon next Thursday. Well I just wanted to introduce myself. Sincerely, Steve White

Welcome Steve!! You will find that there is a lot of wisdom in this stale musty locker room. Pull up a stool, have a seat, and take a load off. This group is the best support group you could ever hope to find. No question is off limit, but be prepared for the answer... we don't hold back, and tell it like it is. No Shoes, No Shirt, Who Cares!! Congrats on your decision to pursue WLS... Sorry to read about the exclusions, but there are many here who have self paid. Take care, and type atcha l8er.

Welcome! Glad you found the "Locker Room". Several of us have gone the self-pay route, myself included. Best investment I have ever made! Take care. JP

Welcome Steve,

You've come to the right place. I'm sorry you have to self-pay, but believe that you'll find the cost a bargain when you reap the gains from surgery: vitality, increased physical and psychological comfort, less self-consciousness, the return of joy. and too many more to mention.

Best of all, after srgery, most of us change from feeling *apart from* to feeling *a part of*.

We're glad to have you here.

Doug

Welcome Steve
 I to am a newbie to the mens board and I have been welcomed with open arms so to speak. I have posted several questions and have gotten many responses. I am also your size and waiting for surgery. Once again welcome to the board.
                                                                Dan

Steve, Welcome to the board and good luck. Floyd

Welcome to the board Steve,

 

I am on my second, and last, appeal with my insurance company. I have paid for both my wife's and my Lap Band from a loan. Fortunately the operation itself is covered by the government. Still... that's 10,5K I'm fighting for. 

 

She got the Laparascopy on Valentine's day and is recuperating very well, and I'm scheduled for March 19th. 

 Even if they don't pay, I figure I'm still ahead by becoming a loser.

 

So... Good luck to you, and hope you end up a loser with us.

 

Regards,

Marcel 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve, you are looking out for yourself, and doing the right thing. I remember when I was anticipating the surgery. Even when I was approved by insurance, and had a date, I just couldn't believe I was eventually going to lose my excess weight. Even after the surgery, and when I went for my one month visit and had lost 37 lbs, I simply didn't believe I was going to lose all of my excess weight. When I got down to 260, I didn't think I'd get down to 250, and so on and so forth. This is a life changing experience, and sometimes it's hard to believe. So I can relate as to where you are now in your life. The only suggestion I have is, do what you have to do, and proceed with the surgery, because it *will* change your life. Even right now, at a size 38, I have doubts that I'll get down to a very thin status, but it's going to happen. I simply keep losing, getting in better shape, and having a more active lifestyle. You'll change your life, and once you've taken off all of the weight, you won't completely remember what it was like to be so heavy.

Hey Scuffy, There are a lot of former sport greats in here, welcome aboard and take notes.   I look forward to going back to the gym myself.  At least our muscles are still there, maybe even bigger because of the 2-3 50 lb. bags we've been carrying around called fat. The Preach, Bob.

I think you'll understand if I say...."what a broken record...."  you'll find that we're all pretty much coming from the same story as you.  Welcome "home". I think you're going to like what you find in this ol' Locker Room we've built up.