Six Months Out

Guys I'm having my six month check up tomorrow. Are there questions I need to ask. I haven't weighed in a couple of weeks because I haven't been home and all scales are different but I still seem to be loosing 1 to 2 pounds a week and haven't platued for a couple of months. I'm active outside as I coach HS Football but I'm not walking for distance like I was this summer. I'm also turning 59 in a couple of months. There are only so many hours in a day. Just as soon as the season is over I plan to begin my cardio walking again and start lifting as I have lost a tremendous amount of strength. I'm rambling I no but any of you guys who have words for me I would appreciate them. I'm not going to a support group any longer because they always seem to be so negative.

Congrats on your success to date, Gerald. A couple of thoughts regarding your exercise program or lack thereof (don't mean to sound negative). First of all, two words which I'm sure you can relate to: Charlie Weiss.  It really bums me out that he didn't grab the bull by the horns and take advantage of the WLS gift. I obviously don't know the details but it's amazing to me that the leader of the young men couldn't kick it up to set a better example. I've read quite a bit about his complications but, to me, the bottom line is he didn't get with the program.  Secondly, carpe diem my good man. Your one year (or thereabouts) "WLS honeymoon" is going to be over soon so you need to be where you want to be when the rapid weight loss end. In other words, you need to have your nutritional and exercise habits in place so you can maintain.  Don't know what being in your fifties has anything to do with it. Plenty of successful 50+ WL men (including myself) who have kicked some big time ass with the gift. Take advantage of it while you can, Gerald. Boner

Thanks for being so frank. I've lost 115 since surgery date. Waist has gone from 56 to 40 regular jeans. Shirt from xxxl to l/xl. Charlie Wise has more problems than his waist line at ND Football. I just wanted to no what you guys asked your doctors at the six month mark. I no my weight loss hasn't been as much as some but from 346 to 230 in six months by my standards is pretty incredible. Thanks again.

You're right Gerald -- you have kicked butt with the weight loss so congrats. I was more focused on the "not right now" with the exercise bit in your message. By no means did I mean to bust your chops with my comments so my apologies if it sounded that way.  At the six month mark, I went over my lab results in detail to make sure my vitamin program was working. I also asked about what to expect from a weight loss perspective for the next 6 to 12months and what to be on the lookout for regarding potential problems due to the rapid weight loss and WLS in general (i.e. gout, losing hair, loss of energy, loose BMs, gallbladder, ulcers, etc.). Talked to him about my sleep apnea and diabetes. I also talked to him about all my floppy skin and whether it would ever go away without plastic surgery. I went over my nutritional stuff with the nut and also my exercise program with the physical therapist.  Good luck, Gerald. Boner

Well, I'm almost 3 months out and thanks for the post.  I needed the kick in the butt regarding the exercise and ha*****anging that needs to be done during this period.  BUT, I encourage you to continue with the support group meetings.  Your results have been no less than amazing and you can be a positive influence on others who are receiving the negative feedback.  One's mental outlook is vitally important to success....if you're not being helped, make a difference in the direction of the meeting and help others; the more you give, the more you get back.  I personally have made up my mind to attend those meetings for at least a year.  Take care and hang in there; you're an inspiration to me and others.

Gerald, Have ‘em check the hell out of your Blood-work. Make sure you are getting your B-12- (need it sub-lingual or shots. Pills won’t do it) If that gets behind, the neuropathy and nerve damage is a "No fix" problem, So make sure you’re right on track there. Same with Iron, Calcium, sodium and Protein levels. (albumen) Those can all be adjusted and caught up on. Even ask if there is any "Downward trend" With any of your nutrients. If your iron has fallen by several points each check-up, But it’s still within the normal range, it could easily be low And start causing problems before the next check-up. Yes? Once it’s low enough to "cause problems" It’s a Biotche to catch-up. PREVENTION is winning the battle before the fight breaks out. Yes? Chew the Doc’s ear off. "What are some problems that others are having?" "Why do you suppose I’m not having them?" What can I do to prevent them?" Sorry your support group is a whiney/negative bunch. Some are. Sounds like your weight loss is cruising right along. Keep it Up! Best Wishes- Dx

Everything went well. I weighed in on the official scales and was down 112 from 346 /234. My neck has gone from 21/17, my waist from 59/42 and I have no ass left! All blood work was positive. B12 was very high and told to cut back. Secondary Iron was low but total iron was fine. Getting ready for football game tonight, we're playing for the conference title tonight. Thanks for the encouragement! I am a LOOOOOOOSER.