Hey, Hello. Howdy!

Hello all, New guy considering WLS.  Maybe an MGB but not by Rutledge, too arrogant it seems. Still learning, gathering info, thought I could do it myself (the weight loss, not the surgery ), but at 46, 6'1" and 370 I'm not convinced I'm 10 feet tall and bulletproof anymore. A titanium hip last year only served to confirm it. My wife and I like to shoot defensive pistol and bowling pin competitions.  In fact, I asked the doc if I could keep the hip bones to have 'em sliced and scrimshawed for revolver handles.  He said yes.  They crumbled in his hands when he took 'em out.  Hell fire. I'm in Columbus, GA during the week, and a town on Lake Martin in Central AL we jokingly but lovingly refer to as BFE and/or Mayberry during the weekends.  Married 26 years to one woman, 3 kids, 3 cats (dammit) no mortgage and no car payments.  Lifelong paleoconservative, rapidly becoming a Ron Paul libertarian.  Gettin' kinda cranky as I age and deterioriate, I guess?  I really like the first line of Claire Wolfe's book "101 Things To Do 'Til the Revolution": 'America is at that awkward stage; it's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the *******s.' So I've gabbed on enough.  Questions, flames, rebukes and advice are all welcome. Nice to be here.  Hope I can stick around. Regards, Dan

welcome Dan. WLS probally saved my life. I would do it all over again in a heart beat. Good luck to you on your journey

I was in a similar boat to what your describing minus the joint replacement. Eight months ago I was 47 y/o,  6'2" and weighed 455. I had no idea I weighed that much nor really how that much weight got there. Seven months post op and I weigh just a hair over 290. The only regret I have is that I didn't do it 4 or 5 years ago.  I kinda like your book quote. I don't know that I'm as disenchanted with the current state of affairs as you seem to be, but it's really starting to look to me like there will be another civil war in this country in my lifetime. Maybe not an "official" one, but open warfare between factions just the same.

Welcome to the Locker Room, it's great to have you here.  I would suggest you get all the information that you can, ask questions here and find a surgeon that is a perfect fit for you.  If once you have all the information you need, you feel this is the right thing for you, it is a great trip.  Like others have already said, my only regret is that I waited till I was 44 to have this done.

Good luck with your information gathering.  Work hard to get you head in the right spot to make the most of this process and surround yourself with a strong support network.

There is only one thing off limits in the Locker Room, estrogen induced havoc, all questions are fair game (from penis and sex stuff to work out, food choices etc.)  You will find at least one guy has the information that you are seeking.  The guys here will also offer you so much support, just beware, they will tell you how things are and hold you accountable for your actions.  You will not get the oh well do better next time with (((HUGS)) attached, but I find that is the best part of the Locker Room.

Jim 

Jim - I don't think he seems like the huggin' kind Welcome aboard!  Let's grab some beef jerky and turn on the NASCAR 

Welcome, Dan. It is good to have another Georgian on the board. I was born in Augusta, went to high school in Atlanta, and college in Auburn (close enough to Columbus). I live in VA now (which I used to think of as the north, but you can buy grits, so it must be Southern). Anyway, glad to have you here. I think you will find this board to be very beneficial, educational, and quite entertaining. Joe

Hi Dan, You've come to a great place. Many of us, probably most of us, went through or are going through what you are. I know I had to face the fact that big doesn't mean strong or powerful--sometimes it just means obese. I also had to accept my limits and realize I could not get really healthy by myself. WLS is one of the best things ever in my life. Read guys' profiles and posts, ask questions, make comments, etc. You'll feel at home in no time.

Thanks for the warm welcome guys! I'm pretty much in need of just what's here: some guys who can (and WILL) call me on my BS when needed, and point me in the right direction when I get lost. I saw a BUNCH of enthusiasm for the DS in posts on the main board, so I'm going to focus my research efforts there first. Robert: It says alot to say that WLS may have saved your life.  If I don't have it done before long, I could be looking at imminent demise as well. JFish: You look SO THIN! I'm jealous...and appreciate that you stick around to encourage us "Before" pictures.  Re: the State of Things...Hard to know, really, but if we're not there YET, I feel we're on hot rails toward havoc as we see this Red/Blue State fracture continue to increase. IMO the ONLY way it's going to be resolved and we remain United is with a more libertarian (small "L") approach to things, and folks will then begin to migrate to states that are run in harmony with their own convictions.  Just my .02! jdm511 (Jim): 'preciate the welcome, and LOVE your phrase "estrogen induced havoc"! Great one! bajaddict: Got part of it right, for sure! I LOVE beef jerky (and buffalo, and etc.) and make some KILLER jerky.  I'm not much for NASCAR though. Go fast, turn left...  Feh. But, my 16yr old son loves it, and I love him, so we watch it and spend good quality time together.  I've learned to root for Carl Edwards, since my co. sponsors him, and whoever my son (the 'Crown Prince McGregor') is rooting for, usually Junior. JoeBear: Small world! I see you're in Chantilly.  I grew up in Vienna, then Nokesville.  Dad was an FBI agent.  FWIW, you're migrating the WRONG WAY, my brother! hahaha Doug: Anymore, Big just means...big... for me, at this point.  Powerful comes (for me) from integrity, fidelity, the humility to be teachable, and the courage to act on one's convictions.  You know, all that highbrow stuff. To all: Seems like I've found a great place to hang out, learn, and share support. Big thanks all 'round! Dan

Welcome aboard Dan! Glad ya joined us.  I'm 54, 5'10" and weighed 366.  I had my RNY bypass on 4/28/08. I've lost 60 pounds since then, and a total of 93 pounds since Feb.9, 2008.  This is the best thing I ever did for myself and my family - life is getting better each day! Great bunch of hard-ankles here with lots of experience and knowledge about WLS. Also, some good old fashioned bull****tin' too! So go ahead and jump in, ask questions, make comments,  tell a joke or two and toss some turds with us!

Hi Dan and welcome to the locker room.