I would like say hello to everyone especially to all the men quietly lurking about. That's fine if you're comfortable.. but I'd like to encourage you to speak out more. Yes, I know mostly ladies are chatting away on here but sometimes we could really use your male insight too. 

Since my surgery went well, my DH began all the assessments, tests to have wls out of province. Since he was along with me during my wls he knows where to look for help and support. What about those men who don't have a supportive wls partner or trusted friend. I know researching for accurate, helpful information and support can be a challenge. I find that many males tend not to say they are sunk when they need help. For these men is the reason why my DH is editing bits of this post just to make sure a male side is heard through my written words.

Now onto the men who went or will go through WLS with a loved one. You may be seeking some form of support too. I was told during my psych assessment, a high percentage of relationships do not make it to the end of the first year post op. I'll admit it wasn't always the rosiest of times for my DH in the quest for wls. It definitely has had more than its share of stressful moments and laughter. With me now a post op it brought out a few issues to the surface like how do you deal with the moment you realize... oh boy ok now what do we do with all this energy we use to put into getting wls done. It kinda takes the wind out of you when you feel relieved and sadness now that it's over. What about your loved one becoming more active & less dependent on those very helpful hands. Would you feel a loss for words as you want to be supportive but are used to the way it was. It can be a daily struggle in order to adjust to these changes. How do you process all this and focus on the future without feeling hurt or confused. We found ourselves at a crossroads and knew it could happen as we were told outright to expect this but just didn't think it would happen so quick. With a handful of patience we are working out the kinks in the road.

Recently it was brought to my attention that many of these issues are not really talked about here. This is why I see an enormous benefit in getting the men out and about and have them discuss their issues. I'm not sure how to entice all of them out of the background though lol. My DH said...Beer, Sports and Big screen TV and fully loaded Nachos. I said NO to the nachos and a vague maybe to the beer!!LOL.

Looking for suggestions from anyone...

I found this chart online and thought it was interesting as it compares the surgeries along with possible co-morbities resolution expectations. 
 

Type of Operation		Duodenal Switch	Sleeve Gastrectomy	Adjustable Gastric Banding	Gastric Bypass
Excess weight loss		76%1	66%2	413-44%4	50%5
Change in BMI Kg/m2		-17.996	-10.87	-7.144	-16.707
Resolution / Improvement	Type II Diabetes	98.9%7	81%8	59%9	78%10
	Hyperlipidemia	99.5%7	67%11	36%12	61%13
	Sleep Apnea	98%14	80%9	45%11	76%11
	Hypertension	91.8%7	78%14	56%11	66%11
Reversal-revision for failure (Band removal)		0.715-5.7%16	1.5%17	2218-24%4	20-35%1

I AM BEING CHASED IN MY DREAMS BY FOOD!!

Began at a fav resturaunt of mine once inside I was about to order my entree when a case of Glucerna appeared... it chased me out & down the block. A bit startled I fell back to sleep and next I remember I was in the alley boxing a Protein shake which by the way ended up knocking me out cold!! Well I tell you today I drank my Glucerna with no trouble and sipping on my Protein shake as i write this! LOL. OK so there I said it my embarrassing food fright and now for the whole story. I am three days into my pre-op diet and my blood glucose levels are so flipping out on me, I am hypo one moment and hyper the next. I always have strange dreams or nightmares with that much flexing... I just wish it wasn't about being Chased by food or Fighting it. If you're laughing not to worry i'm not offended because my DH already busted himself laughing so hard after waking me out of it and listening to what happened. Hmmm....Am I alone in the food dreams department when you experience sharp blood sugar levels changes or begin reduce calories diets... hmmm could it be?? hope not lol 

Well I have my pre-op apointments all scheduled for the end of month. I actually had to call back and reschedule because of a time conflict. They're all booked now and it's really starting to feel even more real... WOW!! 

 I found I really like them and make them at home with a blender. I'm using unflavored Whey protein from london drugs, Skim milk, 8 Ice cubes crushed, 1/4 banana, 2 drops vanilla extract. YUMM!