New

I have just recently started this journey and I'm really encouraged to find this forum.  When I first started researching this I could find a lot of stories on women but not many men that have told there story.  So thanks to all of you! I have always struggled with my weight.  I'm 6'2" 345# currently.  In school I played sports all year long and weighed around 170#  Upon graduating I joined the armed forces for 12 years.  The max they would allow you to weigh was 218# and I allways struggled with that.  I would usually have to crash diet when it would get close to weigh in time.  The last couple of years in a lost that battle and got up to about 260#.  After going out into the civilian world I continued to gain up to my current weight. Now that I have told the long story the reason for my post is I am still struggling with the decission.  I have always approached life as you can do what ever you put your mind to and feel I can beat the weight game if I put my mind to it.  On the other hand I look at how much I have to loose and look at my gene pool and see that my mother and father both are overweight.  As a side note my father had RNY and has lost 145# in 6 months.  This is what got me to thinking about this. Has anyone else struggled with this decision?

I think Everyone who has explored the option Of bariatric surgery has struggled with the decision. I’ve had great results from my procedure, But would recommend that folks consider it as a last resort. It is Not a “Magic Bullet” solution, and it comes with risks. For me, the risks of remaining Morbidly Obese Far outweighed the risks of surgery. Research all you can, and make sure you know what you’re in for Before deciding to go ahead. Beyond the ‘crash-dieting’ to make weigh-ins in the military, Have you tried “Life-Style Diets?” Like Weigh****chers or South Beach? Bariatric Post-Op eating is fairly similar. Healthy foods in sane portion sizes, and increased exercise/activity. The surgical procedures just aid in controlling the typical binging And/or over eating that got most to their un-healthy weights. WLS works pretty much for those who ‘put their mind to it.’ For those who don’t use it to adjust their pre-op habits and mindsets, It can remain a struggle in the future. Welcome to the Men’s Board. Keep tossing out questions, thoughts, etc… Many here are very direct and willing to share their experiences. Best Wishes- Dx

 

I have tried a number of other programs over the last 8 years.  I will lose weight but as soon as I get off I usually gain back more than I lost.  Most of the ones I've tried have there own meals you eat and after time I just can't stomach them anymore. I do know it is totally up to me to make this a success and it won't be easy.  I do feel I'm ready for the commitment.  I love being active but with the weight and wear and tear on my body currently it is hard.  Looking at the 150+# I need to lose is just overwelming some days.

I certainly struggled with this issue preop.  I was given the choice of having trhe RNY or the lap band...i didnt' think i could live with either.   Yes, I wanted to lose the weight, but at the same time, I didn't want to be miserable for the rest of my life, or struggle with regain.  UNtil I found out about the DS, I was going into WLS like a man waiting on death row....lol.   Thankfully, I found a surgery that fit my needs, and was able to have it.  The thing that goet me over the "hump" so to speak was this ....if I do nothing, where will I be in 5 years? 10 years?   The answer was a realitycheck for me...... Scott

First all, I just want to welcome you here and to say, I struggled for a couple of years before I made up my mind to have it and it was the best thing that I could have done for myself.  But you have certainly come to the right place.  This is such a helpful website.  And even though I just lurk here in the men's forum every now and then, everybody on this website is so nice. Good luck on your journey.  We are all here with you. Darla

Get your towels boys, we have a woman in the locker room.  :)

I'm just lurking.

4 posts today is more than lurking.

Oh.  Well, you caught me.

ph, .....  a funny side note… I kept reading the screen name as-"Daral" (as in Darrel or Darryl.) thinking-- "Well Lord, we’ve got our 1st Brother in Drag!" But hey, even a man in a dress holds the remote control! And won't stop for directions.... As long as we have that in common! Best Wishes- Dx