Question:
how many men use this site??

am I one of the few guys here, are there any others? I know you gals are dealing with the wls battle , but us guys are too. I am wondering of what experience the docors have helping males with WLS, if it is mostly performed on Women? do i need to find a special doctor ??    — Robin S. (posted on August 5, 1999)

August 5, 1999
Hey! My husband is a man! I absolutely CERTAIN of it! He just doesn't hang out with email. You can see his before 'n afters at www.vitaldy.com. If you're really interested in talking to some guys, I can give you some emails of guys who've dumped 200 or 300 lbs in a year and are doing very well.
   — vitalady

August 5, 1999
The surgeon I saw said there was one man for 6 or 10? women.
   — Rob N.

August 5, 1999
There are 5 men in our support group. 4 are postop and 1 is scheduled for surgery. There are no differences in the surgery, except most men won't get their period almost immediately postop in the hospital!!!
   — Deborah L.

August 5, 1999
Hi Robin! No, you are not the only male who uses this site, or who has considered or had WLS. I am 14 months post op and have lost about 140 pounds; going from 470 to around 330. Although it seems like mostly women opt for WLS, there are quite a few men who have it done as well, and no, you don't need to find a special doctor for the surgery. This is one of those cases where there are no physiological differences involved with the surgery, so you can rest assured that you'll have no problems in that regard. Your only job is finding a competent and compassionate physician to take good care of you! Good luck buddy!
   — Frank W.

August 5, 1999
Robin, I had R-N-Y on May 7. So far I have lost over 80 lbs, and feel great. I am a health care professional (blood banker) and really recommend that you select a surgeon who specializes in Weight Loss surgery. I investigated several surgeons, before finding my surgeon 30 minutes from my home. I personally know of competent surgeons who have performed this procedure, without any special training, and botched it badly. I really recommend you find a surgeon that has been specially trained for WLS, is a member of the American Bariatric Society, and that has ample experience with this procedure. Since I work in a hospital, I always check out surgeons with the people they work with. Anaesthesia RNs and Surgery RNs are the best people to ask about a surgeon. If they would let him do this procedure on them or their family, then he is probably OK. If they wouldn't let him operate, you shouldn't. Good Luck. Bob
   — Bob M.

August 8, 1999
Hi, I just wanted you to know that altho there are very few men who actually do have this surgery, there are still some of us out there. The truth is that there really is no difference as to how we recover except that women become animic <sp> when it is their time of the month. I have had no major problems to deal with and if you haven't had it yet and are seriously thinking of having it done, i just want you to know that i have no regrets and wish i had been able to do it earlier. good luck George
   — George A.