13.5 month update

I've lost about 255-260 pounds since surgery. I've had no major complications, besides two strictures that required dilations. I take my vitamins and make healthy food choices for the most part.

I have struggled mentally over the past few months with rediscovering myself and  having to learn to live in a thin body (hope that makes sence). It's been a trip losing 59% of my body.

Besides for that things are going well. I started back in school. I'm majoring in statistics. I got a new student ID which makes a cool before and after comparison with last years Id. I would post b4&after, but I'm too much of a technological retard to figure out how to embed a pic. You can see me on my youtube channel thepouchedpotato.

I hope you're all having a good holiday season
 Peace:-)

 I assume from your statements that you grew up heavy and became super morbidly obese.  I can understand how you would have trouble relating to people who have never shared your physical nor mental problem.  Let's face it -- you do think differently when you are super morbidly obese.  Now, in the course of a year, you've drastically changed the size and shape of your body.

While I ask you to continue to post here on the Men's Forum, you may also want to check out the forums for your surgery type and for people who are your age.  
since this Forum tends to run fairly slowly, you can read over past posts and directly Contact other Men who either are in a similar situation or who were in one within the past couple years.  You may also find men who have lost substantial amounts of weight and are now physically active over on the Exercise and Fitness Forum.

You didn't mention plastic surgery but I was wondering if you will need it.  Having a shape like other men your age while carrying around excess skin could also be a daunting experience.  You may be approaching the time to have excess skin removed for both your physical and mental health.

You should be proud of your accomplishments and I say Bravo!  Keep up the good work.  If you continue to actually struggle with your new body image, you may want to get some counseling.  Before you go to pay for it through your insurance, you should see if there are either free or reduced cost services available through your school.  

You should not feel bad if you have to get some therapy.  It's widely accepted among actors, actresses, and many professionals.  Just a few sessions may do wonders for you.  Or, widely spaced sessions may allow you time to grow with some guidance as you become to realize your full potential.

Thanks. I did start some councling recently. Along with some lovely zoloft, It has helped a lot.

My doctor is documenting my excess skin, so I hope I'll get approved for reconstructive surgery. Being young has helped minimize the problems comparing to other guys who were my size, but I am still a mess of skin. It makes me still feel big which makes body image issues tough and wanting to date. Of course my stomach skin and ***** tits bother me the most, so that'll be my first priority with plastic surgery.

Take care

Compression shirts are a god send when it comes to holding the moobs and extra skin in place.  They don't have to be the $50 Under Armour brand the $20 Champion brand at target works just as good.

I wear one around the house as I used to hate wearing shirts but now when I bend over I have more cleavage than my wife. so the shirt stays on.

I have struggled mentally over the past few months with rediscovering myself and  having to learn to live in a thin body (hope that makes sence). It's been a trip losing 59% of my body.

This journey can be such a mindfu**!  Like Bob suggested maybe getting on the couch a few times might help.

I started concling a month ago. I also started an antidepressant which is helping me.

 Hey Spud! - Glad to hear you are getting some counseling help and meds.  Both can be a real Godsend especially after what you've gone through.  As I replied on your post with the before and after pics, it is so great that you were able to have your surgery while you are young!  I hope and pray you are able to get the plastic surgery you want and you continue to get comfortable with the "new" you.  You've done an awesome job and can feel very proud of what you've accomplished!  Keep up the great work!  Mike