Had the Fatman's Surgery on Thursday

[Dirtbag]

Well boys im a few days post surgery. Decided along time ago i couldnt live like this. My knees and back killing me. Wasnt from all the days of baseball but because i have gotten huge. Always been a big dude but when I stepped on the scale at 6'5" 475 lbs I about shit myself. Went to the doc said I need to change my life. The crazy part is all my vitals are of a perfectly healthy human. blood pressure the day before I had surgery was 110/55. All my blood tests come back in the norm.

So I had the robot assisted stomach laproscopy. basically the lap band. They cut out most of your stomach and leave you with a banana size stomach. 5 incisions. (most of the Pain) Had to take a multitude of classes making sure my mind was right. Healthier eating habits and a few more. Whole process from beginning to surgery is 6 months...some can get done in 3. Prior to surgery you are put on a protein drink only diet. 3 shakes a day. I will continue that for the next 3 weeks. these 3 days after surgery is basically water only. can have clear liquids but nothing tastes right. My portions are sips. Crazy how quick it all changes. Not gonna lie I could go for a nice juicy steak right now but I got my mind set on losing 100 lbs the first 3 months. Told the doc i want to get to my High School weight which was 200 and he thinks its doable.

Things im excited for.....not hurting.....fitting in my sxs without banging my knees....but the most important is losing the weight for my family. I want to be around for them.

Insurance had no problem covering me.....If any of yall have any questions let me know. I know we got some big boys on here just not as big as me haha.

Surgery date 7-13-23....Weight 440.

 

[LHC Kirby]

Doing it to stick around for family is a great idea !!!

You got this, keep us updated.

 

[02HoWaRd26]

Hope you keep updates good to see this stuff.
Only thing i can advise is stay away from alcohol all together now, few people i know from work as well a family member, ended up realizing that they needed something now that food wasn’t there for them any longer and took up drinking. So little will get you drunk after these surgery’s then it becomes a problem after. I know of four guys at work to ultimately lose their jobs and family’s from finding the bottle after the surgery. Not saying they didn’t before but it was way different and ultimately worse after.

 

[Dirtbag]

Hope you keep updates good to see this stuff.
Only thing i can advise is stay away from alcohol all together now, few people i know from work as well a family member, ended up realizing that they needed something now that food wasn’t there for them any longer and took up drinking. So little will get you drunk after these surgery’s then it becomes a problem after. I know of four guys at work to ultimately lose their jobs and family’s from finding the bottle after the surgery. Not saying they didn’t before but it was way different and ultimately worse after.

lucky for me i dont have an addictive personality....but i will definitely keep this in mind....i can no longer drink beer because of the carbonation.....thats a good thing!

 

[JFMFG]

I know of a few people who had it. Just stick to the routine and the smaller portion size and never make yourself beyond full one of them is gaining weight again because I think she’s stretching her stomach back out.

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

Good luck on your journey! You starting a workout regimen as well?

 

[Paradox]

Congrats. Big move but definitely life changing. I doubt you’ll regret it.

I’m 14 months post-op from having a sleeve gastrectomy. Same ordeal. 10 or so visits over about 5 months before they agreed to do it. Pyche exam, 4 hours of classes with homework and a test, dietician meetings, several surgical consults, etc.

They used a small sleeve so roughly 80% of my stomach is gone forever. Lost 95 lbs. I was roughly 300 lbs and am now 205.

I was about 1 of 200 that had complications. Internal bleeding known as sleeve leakage. Was in the hospital for 4 days. On the 3rd day it was starting to look like they might have to go back in. Wife and kids crying, the whole bit. Fortunately, they didn’t. Even with that, I do not regret it.

Pretty much eat and drink what ever I want now, albeit in much smaller portions. That said, I am eating healthier and walk a lot these days.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Good luck on this journey. Sounds like you are doing it for all the right reasons!

 

[HNL2LHC]

Thank you for sharing. Best of luck to you with the change in lifestyle. I hope that the pain that you have go away along with the weight.

 

[Boatymcboatface]

100% stay away from alcohol like said before.

 

[FlyByWire]

I had vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) 4 years ago and it saved my life. I’m down 165 pounds. Proud of you Marcus. Biiiiig adjustments (especially if you’re an emotional eater like I am/was), but it’s so worth it.

 

[4Waters]

That's awesome and good luck. I was 237 in January and 232 when I gave up my promotion in March. I have since gotten myself down to 215 working out daily with my son,l. My son and I have gotten a lot closer during this time and I enjoy the time with him, then got in a car accident (pics will be posted once the report is out) and now I can't work out an am up 5lbs in 3 weeks, I was 15lbs from my goal, I hope to be back up and kicking ass soon.

Here's my BP last Thurs. that's all me no meds, I'm 47yo and not on any meds for anything.

Edit: When I got my promotion in Oct I was 213lbs

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Awesome Marcus! Can't wait to see the progress

 

[LazyLavey]

Truly admire the commitment! Wish you the best!

 

[zhandfull]

Big life changing move. I admire the commitment you made for yourself and the family.

I need to get my mind straight and work on loosing some weight too.

 

[4Waters]

 

[Kachina26]

Hope you keep updates good to see this stuff.
Only thing i can advise is stay away from alcohol all together now, few people i know from work as well a family member, ended up realizing that they needed something now that food wasn’t there for them any longer and took up drinking. So little will get you drunk after these surgery’s then it becomes a problem after. I know of four guys at work to ultimately lose their jobs and family’s from finding the bottle after the surgery. Not saying they didn’t before but it was way different and ultimately worse after.

Worked with a guy that had it done. I remember he took a 5 hour energy during a midnight shift. The niacin flush was unreal, dude turned bright red. He ended up leaving due to an alcohol problem, wonder if it was related to the surgery.

 

[FROGMAN524]

I had vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) 4 years ago and it saved my life. I’m down 165 pounds. Proud of you Marcus. Biiiiig adjustments (especially if you’re an emotional eater like I am/was), but it’s so worth it.

Do you think part of that was being in a CHP car all day and stopping at fast food joints? I know for me that would be a killer.

 

[FlyByWire]

Do you think part of that was being in a CHP car all day and stopping at fast food joints? I know for me that would be a killer.

I went through some professional and personal things that just compounded everything else. Yeah, sitting in a car snacking all day certainly didn’t help. I was “that cop” for a while… But I got to a point that I was too far gone for diet and exercise, so I needed intervention and it was probably the best decision I’ve ever made.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Well boys im a few days post surgery. Decided along time ago i couldnt live like this. My knees and back killing me. Wasnt from all the days of baseball but because i have gotten huge. Always been a big dude but when I stepped on the scale at 6'5" 475 lbs I about shit myself. Went to the doc said I need to change my life. The crazy part is all my vitals are of a perfectly healthy human. blood pressure the day before I had surgery was 110/55. All my blood tests come back in the norm.

So I had the robot assisted stomach laproscopy. basically the lap band. They cut out most of your stomach and leave you with a banana size stomach. 5 incisions. (most of the Pain) Had to take a multitude of classes making sure my mind was right. Healthier eating habits and a few more. Whole process from beginning to surgery is 6 months...some can get done in 3. Prior to surgery you are put on a protein drink only diet. 3 shakes a day. I will continue that for the next 3 weeks. these 3 days after surgery is basically water only. can have clear liquids but nothing tastes right. My portions are sips. Crazy how quick it all changes. Not gonna lie I could go for a nice juicy steak right now but I got my mind set on losing 100 lbs the first 3 months. Told the doc i want to get to my High School weight which was 200 and he thinks its doable.

Things im excited for.....not hurting.....fitting in my sxs without banging my knees....but the most important is losing the weight for my family. I want to be around for them.

Insurance had no problem covering me.....If any of yall have any questions let me know. I know we got some big boys on here just not as big as me haha.

Surgery date 7-13-23....Weight 440.

Whoa 6'5" 475 ... thats Samoan territory brother. Happy for ya... stay the course!

 

[FROGMAN524]

I went through some professional and personal things that just compounded everything else. Yeah, sitting in a car snacking all day certainly didn’t help. I was “that cop” for a while… But I got to a point that I was too far gone for diet and exercise, so I needed intervention and it was probably the best decision I’ve ever made.


View attachment 1253060

What a difference. Remember, whatever happens, you’re doing better than former chippy Craig Peyer

Former CHP officer who killed San Diego State student in 1986 could see early release from prison

One of San Diego's most notorious killers Craig Peyer who murdered 20-year-old Cara Knott while on duty could be released early from prison due to COVID-19 concerns

www.cbs8.com

 

[Dirtbag]

I had vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) 4 years ago and it saved my life. I’m down 165 pounds. Proud of you Marcus. Biiiiig adjustments (especially if you’re an emotional eater like I am/was), but it’s so worth it.

thought about you a lot Brett. I knew you had a procedure done. So glad you are doing well!

 

[FlyByWire]

thought about you a lot Brett. I knew you had a procedure done. So glad you are doing well!

Thanks bud!

Your life will change for the better in so many ways that you didn’t/wouldn’t think of until it happens.

Don’t be too quick to buy new clothes cuz the size changes happen FAST!!

 

[Wheeler]

Well boys im a few days post surgery. Decided along time ago i couldnt live like this. My knees and back killing me. Wasnt from all the days of baseball but because i have gotten huge. Always been a big dude but when I stepped on the scale at 6'5" 475 lbs I about shit myself. Went to the doc said I need to change my life. The crazy part is all my vitals are of a perfectly healthy human. blood pressure the day before I had surgery was 110/55. All my blood tests come back in the norm.

protein drink only diet. 3 shakes a day. I will continue that for the next 3 weeks.

Surgery date 7-13-23....Weight 440.

I wish you well in your quest for good health.

What type of protein shakes and what size is the portion?

 

[clarence]

Just came across this:

Yikes.

Good reminder that you can control how you live/age.

Running Preserves “Motor Units”

Study of octogenarian runners reveals remarkable muscle properties.

www.runnersworld.com

 

[SoCalDave]

My older sister always had a weight problem and had the procedure done some 20 years ago and is still fit to this day. It takes a lot from an individual to keep on the right path...

 

[zhandfull]

Honest question. Do you really need the procedure? I mean is it possible to just eat differently like you had the procedure and lose weight fast. Or is it physically impossible without the surgery?

 

[RiverDave]

Well boys im a few days post surgery. Decided along time ago i couldnt live like this. My knees and back killing me. Wasnt from all the days of baseball but because i have gotten huge. Always been a big dude but when I stepped on the scale at 6'5" 475 lbs I about shit myself. Went to the doc said I need to change my life. The crazy part is all my vitals are of a perfectly healthy human. blood pressure the day before I had surgery was 110/55. All my blood tests come back in the norm.

So I had the robot assisted stomach laproscopy. basically the lap band. They cut out most of your stomach and leave you with a banana size stomach. 5 incisions. (most of the Pain) Had to take a multitude of classes making sure my mind was right. Healthier eating habits and a few more. Whole process from beginning to surgery is 6 months...some can get done in 3. Prior to surgery you are put on a protein drink only diet. 3 shakes a day. I will continue that for the next 3 weeks. these 3 days after surgery is basically water only. can have clear liquids but nothing tastes right. My portions are sips. Crazy how quick it all changes. Not gonna lie I could go for a nice juicy steak right now but I got my mind set on losing 100 lbs the first 3 months. Told the doc i want to get to my High School weight which was 200 and he thinks its doable.

Things im excited for.....not hurting.....fitting in my sxs without banging my knees....but the most important is losing the weight for my family. I want to be around for them.

Insurance had no problem covering me.....If any of yall have any questions let me know. I know we got some big boys on here just not as big as me haha.

Surgery date 7-13-23....Weight 440.

I know I haven’t seen ya in awhile but I woulda never guessed 475..

I am hoping for your continued success!

 

[4Waters]

Honest question. Do you really need the procedure? I mean is it possible to just eat differently like you had the procedure and lose weight fast. Or is it physically impossible without the surgery?

It's tough as you will be left hungry all the time, there are other ways such as cutting carbs but that gets very difficult for long periods. For someone that wants to lose 275lbs that's no carbs for at least 18mo but probably over 24mo, that kind of dedication is almost impossible but pretty easy for 6 months to lose 30lbs. This truly is the easiest way for that amount of weight loss.

 

[Paradox]

I

Honest question. Do you really need the procedure? I mean is it possible to just eat differently like you had the procedure and lose weight fast. Or is it physically impossible without the surgery?

I was quoted a study that essentially stated, that at my age and weight range, there is a 1 in 1,800 chance that I’d be able to lose the weight and keep it off without intervention.

 

[Dirtbag]

I wish you well in your quest for good health.

What type of protein shakes and what size is the portion?

https://www.costco.com/premier-30g-protein-plus-energy-and-immune-support-shakes%2c-chocolate%2c-11-fl-oz%2c-18-pack.product.100651919.html

3-4 per day

 

[Dirtbag]

Honest question. Do you really need the procedure? I mean is it possible to just eat differently like you had the procedure and lose weight fast. Or is it physically impossible without the surgery?

i think its doable without the surgery....but would require much more time....i have basically been on a liquid diet for two weeks already....i just dont know how long that is sustainable for....at a certain point you need the nutrients food give you

 

[Wheeler]

https://www.costco.com/premier-30g-protein-plus-energy-and-immune-support-shakes%2c-chocolate%2c-11-fl-oz%2c-18-pack.product.100651919.html

3-4 per day

Thanks for the link. I gotta loose 50 # then decide what I'm doing wrong in life.

 

[FlyByWire]

https://www.costco.com/premier-30g-protein-plus-energy-and-immune-support-shakes%2c-chocolate%2c-11-fl-oz%2c-18-pack.product.100651919.html

3-4 per day

I can go the rest of my life without seeing one of those.

You will too. But it’s so worth it.

 

[v6toy4x]

I just might message you-- 61yrs old 6-2/315 back hurts, bad balance, tough to get up, would love to see 205 again and a waist size close to my inseam!!

Good luck and thx for posting

 

[4Waters]

I'm going tell you what I have found out, some recently some a few years ago.

What I recently learned was I was eating dinner too late and most of the time a little too much. At the end of April I started having bad acid reflux issues at night, talked to my doctor and things are better but not perfect yet, I take 2 omeperazal a day and 1 pepcid and eat dinner before 5pm best if I eat around 4 and keep it kinda small, I've almost always had a couple pieces of fruit for lunch.

What I learned a few years ago was the closer your gym is to home the more likely you will go. When I was at 24hr fitness a 1/2 mike from my house I went at least 4 out of 5 days a week. When they closed it I had to drive to the other side of town to the other 24 and I stopped going, 24 was the only gym on my side of town. I joined a different gym but it was still 3.5 miles away and still couldn't get into a good groove. Planet Fitness opened 1.2 miles from my house and I'm there 4-5 days a week again.

Eat earlier and smaller for dinner and join the gym closest to your house and hopefully it's not more than a couple miles, I've lost over 15lbs since March with the above.

 

[pronstar]

Best advice i can give:
Diets are temporary.
Change your lifestyle/eating habits.

There are no cheat days when you change your lifestyle.

Don’t “reward” yourself with crappy food for maintaining a healthy lifestyle…the reward is a long life with your family.

It’s not super easy to do, but its not impossible and it gets easier with each day.

You got this

 

[Dirtbag]

I just might message you-- 61yrs old 6-2/315 back hurts, bad balance, tough to get up, would love to see 205 again and a waist size close to my inseam!!

Good luck and thx for posting

feel free to message me anytime...i know @FlyByWire will help at as well. hes a couple years down the road after surgery

 

[FlyByWire]

feel free to message me anytime...i know @FlyByWire will help at as well. hes a couple years down the road after surgery

Yep! There’s a couple different procedures like this out there. I’m the same with mine as I was about my mental health, I’ll talk to anyone who wants to listen.

 

[C-2]

Congrats DB and thanks for sharing your story.

 

[C-2]

What I recently learned was I was eating dinner too late and most of the time a little too much. At the end of April I started having bad acid reflux issues at night, talked to my doctor and things are better but not perfect yet, I take 2 omeperazal a day and 1 pepcid and eat dinner before 5pm best if I eat around 4 and keep it kinda small, I've almost always had a couple pieces of fruit for lunch.

Yup. Things you learn by experience...

I used to drink a lot of beer. Started off innocently, a beer or two every night...but then it progressed to squeezing in as many beers as I could before going to bed - even if that meant extending my bedtime until 1-2 am. Alcoholism runs in my family and I knew drinking would end badly, so at age 38 I simply quit; that was 18-years ago. But years of heavy drinking (started at age 16) comes with a price...

One of my complications is acid reflux. Like you, I get it bad. My throat swells, I can't breathe and need to ice pack my throat, and many times I've been ready to call 911. A few months ago I ended up at urgent care after an attack lasted nearly 3 days. Doctor said short of the esophagus surgery, I'm screwed and need to manage it.

1 omeperazal in the am and 1 pepcid after dinner if I eat something with a trigger food.

But like you, the best prevention method I learned thus far has been eating before 6 pm. If I eat a trigger food, then I need to stay awake until at least 11:00 p.m..

Something else that helps a lot - no beverage at dinner, not even water. That way, nothing complicates the digestive process. It's a bit odd at first, but you will survive and can drink a little water a couple of hours later. Plus, you wont interrupt your sleep to take a wizz later in the night.

Good luck guys

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

I was going to do it because I had a major health scare last year, but have stayed on the Liver Shrinking Diet since November and decided to stay the course. I'm going to lose another 35 pounds before Christmas, but I already feel great...back in the gym, jogging, etc. I'm down 90+ pounds, but slowed it down so my skin could tighten up. Be sure to drink lots of water and take 2000-3000mg of vitamin C (helps with skin tightening). There will be a point where the skin is going to be a bigger problem than the weight. I would recommend taking a number of vitamins, but talk to you doctor.

I will say, Crystal Lite Peach Iced Tea is the bomb with some soft ice. I drink a lot of it! The Crystal Lite Fruit Punch is good, but you'll have a smile on your face and look like a clown.

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

Thanks bud!

Your life will change for the better in so many ways that you didn’t/wouldn’t think of until it happens.

Don’t be too quick to buy new clothes cuz the size changes happen FAST!!

@Dirtbag Speaking of clothes, I have a ton of 2x and 3x clothes in a bag if anyone needs them. I have suits, button down, short sleeves, lots. The wifey wants them gone so there is no chance of going back.

 

[bonesfab]

As one of my long time customers used to say. When the clothes don't fit, Quit eating, don't buy the next bigger size.

 

[Willie B]

… Damn… you guys with the overweight problems… I was just the opposite. I ate like a bird for 6 to 8 years… Figuring little in a little out… minimal exercise… At the end no exercise… well it came back to bite me big time… I ended up in a full health care facility for two months… none of you ever want that to happen to you… I had to learn how to do everything …which had previously been normal… all over again…
…Now at home… I may be eating frozen food, breakfast, lunches, and dinners… But at least I’m getting three meals a day and I walk every morning…
…Many words of encouragement to any of you partaking in or facing the surgery

 

[25Elmn8r]

Good job Marcus. Happy to hear you're taking control, and for the right reasons. Wish you well in this journey.

 

[HBCraig]

Good luck dude. Great decision. I used to be a professional racquetball player. Just ran out of time and stopped playing. Put on about 20 lbs after I stopped but its coming off slowly now.

 

[fat rat]

I have been on a protein diet for 7 years, had major dental surgery. Haven’t been able to eat since. I can’t eat anything without gagging, very sensitive soft palate. I have maintained 165 down from 185, I feel weak sometimes, but overall not bad. My blood work always comes back good, blood pressure is good.

 

[Cole Trickle]

I was going to do it because I had a major health scare last year, but have stayed on the Liver Shrinking Diet since November and decided to stay the course. I'm going to lose another 35 pounds before Christmas, but I already feel great...back in the gym, jogging, etc. I'm down 90+ pounds, but slowed it down so my skin could tighten up. Be sure to drink lots of water and take 2000-3000mg of vitamin C (helps with skin tightening). There will be a point where the skin is going to be a bigger problem than the weight. I would recommend taking a number of vitamins, but talk to you doctor.

I will say, Crystal Lite Peach Iced Tea is the bomb with some soft ice. I drink a lot of it! The Crystal Lite Fruit Punch is good, but you'll have a smile on your face and look like a clown.

Good advise.

my wifes sister had the surgery and there is no doubt it saved her life. She was like 400lbs big and has lost a ton of weight and completely changed her lifestyle. She has gone so far the other direction i would almost say she turned the food addiction into a workout addiction....I think she is scared to death if she doesent work out daily she will gain all the weight back. (kid and husband are not really a major focus anymore)

The biggest issue is the loose skin is really really bad and i don't think it will ever go away without surgery. I'm not sure i have ever seen a surgery that turned out better than just the loose skin.

 

[Dirtbag]

a little update....

10 weeks have passed.
I weighed in this Morning at 378. 62 lbs since surgery. Almost 100 lbs since i made the decision to get healthier. I havent really worked out yet. Knees are still an issue. But i am so much more active. So much more energetic. And my happiness is up 100%. Doctor is satisfied with 10 lbs a month. Im doing 25+ without working hard.

Changing the way you eat is difficult. But its simply mind over matter. I am basically eating only protein...chicken eggs cheese protein drink. I have been able to mix in a couple different foods here lately. Had my first fruits in a long time. Added cooked vegetables and turkey sausage. The portions tho would make anyone laugh. It started with 1 ou portions and im up to 3 now. I plan to keep it there for as long as possible. Still drinking water only (with crystal light lemonade packs 0 calories) 64 ounces + per dday. Less than 700 calories a day. Pissing like a race horse and only poopin every 4 days. Some of these poops have ripped my butthole apart. Probably the hardest thing about this whole thing. Its like having a baby every 4 days. Push, Scream, wait 2 minutes, Push, Scream, wait 2 minutes, and when it finally releases o man....Butthole hurts for few hours after.

The cool thing about all this is knowing you are full. Man if i eat too fast or too much it hurts for real. Its an awful feeling. Have to eat slow, chew a lot before swallowing, but my mind still thinks gobble gobble. Thats a tough transition. But when you screw up you pay the price.

Im happy but ill be honest. I want it all gone now. Have a long road ahead but seeing the weight drop off is really cool. Next milestone is to get in the 350s...If i could get working out this fat would fly off. I just hate working out.