I'm new

Hi everyone, I have been lurking around OH for a few months now, a little disappointed that there was so much support for women but so little for men.  A couple of days ago I discovered I wasn't looking in the right place and I found the Men's Forum.  The more I have read the more I feel like this is the place for me.  I am scheduled for open Roux-en-Y at St. Vincent's Hospital in Carmel, IN on 12/6.  My surgeon is Dr. Huse.  I have been up and down with this decision for a long time (like 5 years) and finally made the committment.   I'm not that nervous about the surgery but I am sure shakey about the lifestyle change. I have never had to watch anything I ate (nothing made me sick), how much I ate (obviously), what meds I took or anything else.  Now I am plunging into a life where I will need to pay attention to all of that.  Did that worry any of you pre-op? Looking forward to joining this group, Charlie

First of all, welcome.  This is a great place to be, so much knowledge and "real" advice.  I've learned so much since I've been here.

What you are worried about was the same thing for me, however, I did this for a reason.  I have specific goals in mind for myself.  Yes, I have had to change how I look at food.  Yes, I nbeed to be careful of what/how much/how fast I eat.  Yes, there is a huge change. 

But at the same time, the changes have allowed me to really "live" for the first time in so long.  I play with my kids and now it's them that get tired before me.  I coach my daughters soccer team and can really participate.  My knees don't hurt after I take part in any sport.

My advice is to focus on your goals and go for it.  If you've been thinking about this for 5 years I'm sure the research has been there and a lot of thought around the whys.

There are a great group of guys on this site.  Ask anything and I'm sure someone has experienced it and will share from that experience.

Good Luck and welcome again,

BRian

Hey Charlie...come on in lad, the locker room is THE place for us guys! Lotsa room over here on the postOp side too....in fact, take that locker right next to me! Glad you found us! We've got quite an eclectic mix of lads here....we have our resident guru Dx who offers up great knowledgeable posts on just about every question you'll ever have. And, if he doesn't know...he'll find same and post it here! So....get ready for the rest of your life -- we all worried before the WLS day and all of us are much much better as thinner men....read posts here on just about anything and you'll see! I love my new life AND the fact that I got it back too....to to many years being a couch potato....actually, a whole pallet of potatoes would be more like it! Enjoy. Ask. Post your opinions and help one another...i.e. join us as we all get thin and healthy! Jim

Nope, I was too ignorant to have even thought about that. I was also desparate to improve and willing to do what was needed to get healthier and willing to conform to the limitations I learned about post op life and actually looked forward to the oportunity to do what was required to have a slimmer future. I also perceived that the fathre out from surgery yo got the wider range of food you could partake of if you so choose too.  Now being on this side of WLS, open RNY for me, I find I choose to not push the envelope because I don't want to redevelop old habits and craving and its easier to just say no and make other selections or do something other than eat. For example, just yesterday I was asked to sit in on an Office Christmas party planning meeting and the Christmas lunch menu was beat to death; regular lunch buffett offering or special request traditional holiday menu, yadda yadda yadda.  Me of all people, and even I couldn't believe I was the one saying this, interjected,..."Guys, its food,..its a Christmas party, isn't there other significant stuff to plan more important than the menu?"  A year ago, I would have been down to the level of brown or white gravy for the turkey. The mens board is an excellent support forum. I love it here.  Glad you found it.  Chime in anytime.  The only stupid question or comment is the one not expressed. ANd we ride one another as much as advise and encourage, so feel free to have some fun as well as give and get some solid advice. And be warned.  Sometimes the advice come right betweemn teh eye or swiftly in the butt, but it is all good stuff and well intended.  Its part of what makes the Men's forum so great. Glad you posted. May the FARTS be with you!

Welcome to the board! Like you I found this locker room almost by accident. I count my blessings every day for having done so. Good luck on your journey. It's like one of the guys says in his signature: If you want to change your life, you have to change your life. Yes, you will be burning some bridges, but contrary to popular opinion, some bridges are best burned. Eyes to the future, whats behind you don't matter. Stay in touch. Doug

I agree with all above, This is the best place I've found for help and support. welcome aboard my friend..........

Charlie I found this board only after surgery. I went to the main board and felt as if I was the only man in the world who had this surgery. I got lucky one day and very seldom go back. All your experiences or ours.Good luck !!

Thanks, guys!  I feel at home here.  I get so much more from the men's stories and successes.  As I have read through the main board, I realize that I don't think about obesity in the same way women do.  Have a great weekend! 

Welcome to the Locker Room, Charlie! The lifestyle change is the whole secret to success post-op! The surgery is a cake walk. Hell I slept all the way through mine!    There is the risk of complications....ask Dx and Bob M..........but the odds are in your favor. It is a new lifestyle that leads to a new LIFE.  If you aren't a litte bit scared, you must be crazy. Rest assured in the fact that you have a great source of information and support right at your fingertips here on this board.  We look forward to hearing from you and sharing in your journey.

Hello Charlie, I'm a little late to this party (been offline today), so here's a belated welcome! This is a great forum. Give yourself a big pat on the back on the back for realizing that surgery is just one part of a whole life change--then relax, follow your doc's and nutritionist's rules and you'll find that many of your old taste preferences and desires will change post-op. for lots of reasons. Your body will different, you'll be forced away from sugar and other current foods long enough to maybe lose a lot of cravings, etc. We're all different and WILL have to pay attention, but the whole experience is way different after surgery than before. You'll be surprised and amazed at how much better life is!