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Mutt's New Journey

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7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/16, 08:08 AM OK I need to start this sometime. I am embarking on what for me has been over a year of doctors visits, and nutrition testing and such. I am on Sept 8th have gastric bypass. I plan to hear log my journey through this from start to well where ever it ends. First I thought to start today with some thoughts on this. My first thought is OH S*$T! I mean for the last year or so it has been just another visit, another visit. Now it is reality. I am scared excited and worried all at once. I mean what if something happens during the actual surgery? I am not to worried about that but it is on my mind. Next thing I am thinking about is what if I am unable to lift heavy again? I know I will be able to "lift" weights and exercise after 4 weeks, but will I be able to lift like I am now? Future posts here will be a measurement post, of where I am now. I plan to post pics of me now and then during the whole weight loss process. ALso will be using this to record how I am feeling. MY workouts will still be listed in my journal here. WEll I guess this is a start. -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
KC_72 Posts: 3,249 Joined: 2006/05/19	2006/08/16, 08:33 AM Looking forward my friend...this will be interesting...my thoughts are always with you.:)
asimmer Posts: 8,201 Joined: 2003/01/07	2006/08/16, 08:34 AM Someday you will lift heavy again. i have a client who had gastric bypas and she is progressing nicely with the weights. Hang in there are stay calm - keeping the panic/stress level down will make the surgery and recovery go better. You have a long road ahead of you, but in the end it will be worth it. -------------- You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/16, 08:37 AM Thanks you two. Amy can you give me more details? I mean I know as a woman she most likely is not lifting near what I am now, but in general how is she coping with protein and Muscle loss? -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
asimmer Posts: 8,201 Joined: 2003/01/07	2006/08/16, 08:44 AM She was very mushy when she came to me and very weak, her surgery was a few years back. She had been walking on a treadmill as exercise, but was seeing the weight creep back on, which is why she came to me. She would be doing great if she would eat right:angry: but she progresses well when she comes on a regular basis and has gotten some nice looking shoulders. Her problems stem from mental issues with food/relationships, so she is not a good comparison. If she had your commitment and knowledge (as opposed to not taking my advice...) she would be in excellent shape. Initially, I don't think you can control what you lose as far as if it is muscle or fat. You are basically starving your body. You will be able to eat tiny amounts of food, maybe if you base your diet on liquid proteins you can slow the muscle loss. I think you will lose a lot of you current mass, but I do think you will eventually be able to regain most of it. I am curious to see if any men who have had gastric bypass will join in and relate their experience with muscle loss/regain, etc. -------------- You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/16, 08:48 AM Well from what I saw of my wife she lost little muscle and actually gained a bit. My doctor said as far as he knows no one with my level of weight training has had the surgery -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
asimmer Posts: 8,201 Joined: 2003/01/07	2006/08/16, 09:06 AM Well, your wife makes for a positive outlook, then! Don't foget your body's amazing ability to heal and the amazing phenomenon of muscle memeory. I think you will be fine, as long as you don't rush yourself! -------------- You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
KC_72 Posts: 3,249 Joined: 2006/05/19	2006/08/16, 09:07 AM So Amy's post brought up a question I have always had in regards to these types og surgerys.How DO you deal with the mental issues in regards to food and mental issues.If you use food as a comfort(which I have a great understanding for)...how can you just make that go away?You have the surgery,and to my understanding, it would be dangerous to over eat but if mentally your compulsion to over eat,to comfort yourself in that way, is no longer available...what do you do??Do they adress that?Do they teach you other ways to handle your stress??I'm not suggesting that just overeating is the sole reason for becoming morbidly obese,but I have always wondered how this is dealt with.I see these surgerys have become almost common(even commercilas for them here in San Antonio)and I wonder if any underlying issues are dealt with.I hope this isn't coming across as ignorant...if i came across in a bad way please tell me and I will try to explain my question better.
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/16, 09:12 AM Well if you do over eat you do what is called Dumping. Which can include puking, sweating, nauesa, pooping, and generally feeling like a very bad case of the flu. -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
KC_72 Posts: 3,249 Joined: 2006/05/19	2006/08/16, 09:30 AM So are you saying that the mental issues are not adressed?Are you just told if you do over eat you'll feel like crap and wish you didn't?That seems unfair to me.Obesity is a deathly epidemic and should be treated with surgery as any other life threatening illness would be in cases that need to be...but shouldn't the mental issues surrounding the problem be dealt with?It doesn't seem right for the health care professionals to treat only the outcome of the problem.My son has ADHD....if I just gave him the pills and left him on his own after that I would not be taking charge of his problem.We have to do MANY other things to make sure he is maintaining a healthy life.
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/16, 09:34 AM No they have a psych session with you as well and offer help if you need it. I am not mentally tied to food that way, I just like to eat. LOL I probably if we looked into it started eating like I do as a comfort, but now I just love the taste and feeling of good foods. BUT as an adult with a family, I rather be alive and eating smaller amounts then obese and not able to walk. That is what is in store for me if something happed and I could not power lift like I do withing a year I would be 350, 1.5 years 400. easy. -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
asimmer Posts: 8,201 Joined: 2003/01/07	2006/08/16, 09:35 AM Kc - I just read an article the other day that said a new problem is cropping up with gastric bypass patients - they are switching addictions - where they used to have food issues they are coming up with gambling, alcohol and shopping addictions. This is causing the medical communnity to look at the fact that a lot more counseling is needed for these patients (funny how something that seems so obvious to most of us is news the doctors). Obviously if you cannot control your eating and you are to the point that is so endangering your life that you will take the drastic measure of bypass surgery, which is very dangerous and harmful in and of itself, then you have some mental issues that you are dealing with through food behaviors.... No offense intended to you, Mutt. i have a sort of bad opinion of bypass surgery, i see that in some cases it is a necessity, but i do think mnay people see it as a quick fix and fail to see that skinny or fat, happiness will come from dealing with the issues causing the self-destructive/abusive behaviors, not by losing wiehgt. -------------- You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
KC_72 Posts: 3,249 Joined: 2006/05/19	2006/08/16, 09:38 AM I don't mean for this to be targeted to you specifcly Mutt...I'm speaking in just general terms...and because you are in the middle of having this procedure done..I thought I would ask.I'm very proud of you and think you have made a very difficult choice to be of a healthier weight for the benefit of both you and your family.I just see this surgery becoming a quick fix so to speak for many,not all have the wealth of knowledge in regards to healthy bodies that you do.
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/16, 09:39 AM Oh I totaly agree. Infact both my wife and I know at least 4 to 6 people personally that are having this done 2 maybe 3 times. That is what seperates me from them. I know from my reasearch and from seeing my wife,that I one, can eat what I need to and still loose the weight, but I will only really miss out on foods I really do not eat a lot of now. I think that more time should be spent on the psychological side of it, but really it boils down to the individual owning up to the facts. -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
KC_72 Posts: 3,249 Joined: 2006/05/19	2006/08/16, 09:43 AM This is my point exactly Amy...if the food issues are not being dealt with....what is the out come?? I do not have a bad opinion in regards to the surgery itself...people have much more dangerous surgerys for very stupid reasons(ie...having your uterous removed because you're tired of your periods).I back any body considering this surgery...as long as they own why this became a problem to begin with...and are taking back control of their lives.
asimmer Posts: 8,201 Joined: 2003/01/07	2006/08/16, 09:56 AM But is it really taking control of your life to have your stomach reduced to a tiny size so that you can't eat? I would like to see these people put on a serious dietary/training regimen for a year before having surgery, but most people don't have the adherence to follow through with a controlled diet and consistent training. I know they question people and you are supposed to have exhausted your other weight loss options, such as diet and exercise, but i think there is a certain part of the population who would rather undergo dangerous surgey than eat right and exercise. -------------- You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
KC_72 Posts: 3,249 Joined: 2006/05/19	2006/08/16, 11:25 AM I know this is a very debateable question and many will have strong views on the subject...in my opinion this can be an invalueable option to consider.I know it is dangerous...my husband worked with a man who had the surgery,ended up in a coma..and died a year later having never woken up.It was very sad,but that was years ago,many progressions have been made in this type of surgery. I believe the choice to have the surgery should be weighed heavily.People with certain types of diabetes aren't just told they should diet...they are given meds in the mean time.Yes surgery is above and beyond meds...but to me the same principle is applied.I just wish more consideration to the whole mental aspect of why a person is obese to begin with was given before the surgery.
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/16, 11:27 AM Yes death is one thing to look at. Most of deaths are not from the actual surgery but blood clots afterwards. You can have the same thing happen from having you tonsils out. -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
KC_72 Posts: 3,249 Joined: 2006/05/19	2006/08/16, 11:41 AM This is very true Mutt...ALL surgery is dangerous!!!You may have to start a new thread about your progress...this one got a little ide tracked...sorry!:)
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/16, 11:43 AM NO that is ok people are wondering. I just want to keep a honest record of what happens. I may be the first "powerlifter" to go thru this.... -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
KC_72 Posts: 3,249 Joined: 2006/05/19	2006/08/16, 11:45 AM As I said to begin with...this will be interesting!! And I'm happy for you by the way...I know you're excited under the nervousness!:)
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/16, 11:52 AM I am 23 days to go. Usually most people lose 20lbs while in the hosiptal. I go in on the 8th and out on the 10th. -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
KC_72 Posts: 3,249 Joined: 2006/05/19	2006/08/16, 03:24 PM Ok...I have a couple of more questions...bare with me here.. 1.does medical insurance cover this? and 2.What is the difference in lap band,which according to commercials is a same day procedure,and gastric bypass?
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/16, 03:46 PM YEs to 1. Lap band is a device placed around the stomach that is adjustable. Does always work is not covered by most INS. Higher rate of slipping and more surgery. Main differece is with Gastric Bypass the cut and remove intestine and cut the stoamch away and make a new pouch. -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
KC_72 Posts: 3,249 Joined: 2006/05/19	2006/08/16, 04:15 PM Thats great insurance covers it...but it sounds painful...thanks...I think that's it for the time being:)
	2006/08/17, 07:43 AM Mutt I believe you can come back and lift heavy again. Experienced lifters heal better than couch potatoes. The body is used to constantly healing from the damage you inflict on your body through heavy lifting. Muscle memory also will play a big role. It's easier to relearn to ride a bike than trying to ride it for the first time. I also believe that you have a high level of commitment and desire to overcome this. Not sure what the doc told you but I am thinking you can probably get back to lifting in a few weeks and heavy within few months...Hope everything works out for you man. I admire that you took this step after much thought and research.
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/17, 07:45 AM I can go back in 4 weeks. You are able to "lift" weights at that point. MY question that no one can answer is this: Can I get enough food in my system to lift heavy again. I know from my wife that lighter, higher rep routines are not only possible but a good thing. In fact the doctors urge a good strenous workout is needed. However they do not have a clue inmy case as I am not lifting like a normal lifter. -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
BILL06 Posts: 755 Joined: 2006/08/08	2006/08/17, 08:12 AM Mutt, you have the chance to help alot of patients and doctors answer questions that probsbly have been asked many times and they didnt have a test subject to base their answers against, treading on new new ground so to speak. just knowing that would motivate me to the point of keeping records and such of your recovery and training process, the good and the bad, and to seek out someone to report that infomation to. i wish you luck mutt, from the heart, hang in there bro and if you ever get real anxious/worried/scared before the surgery, ill be right here, ive been through a few situations with my illness that i needed to talk to someone other than loved ones, that can give you a different view on things ok ? Godspeed mutt.. -------------- \"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.\" ~ Mark Twain
ATIGER Posts: 992 Joined: 2003/02/26	2006/08/17, 12:26 PM I would have to say that you may eventually be able to lift heavy but it will take a while (in my opinion). If I am not mistaken, you will only be able to eat about an egg per meal for a good while. do not see how that will not leave you weaker at least for a while. then the Culture Club that you have on your mp3 player will not be so out of place
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/17, 12:29 PM Oh man a Boy George burn. My stomach will be reduced to a 2-4 oz pouch. I will be on a liquid diet for about 2 weeks, purereed(sp) foods for 2-3 weeks the soft foods for 2-3 weeks. I will be weaker I know that. And Atiger we all know you have WilsonPhillips on your MP3 player! -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
ATIGER Posts: 992 Joined: 2003/02/26	2006/08/17, 12:35 PM Now one of them did have the same surgery that you are having so you may have alot more in common with them then me. You can get in touch with your Wilson side i do have vanilla ice on it ICE, ICE, BABY
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/17, 12:40 PM ADmit it you got every "boy Band" there ever was on it! -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
ATIGER Posts: 992 Joined: 2003/02/26	2006/08/17, 12:46 PM nope - no boy bands at all. I leave that to the NYers
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/17, 12:46 PM Well that is good the city folk can have them. -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
	2006/08/17, 12:52 PM Mutt, best of luck on your procedure. -------------- Sometimes life is like herding cats. Charlie
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/17, 12:53 PM Thanks charlie. I hope it goes like I envision -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/18, 08:50 AM I had bad dreams about this whole thing all night long. I am starting to freak out that I am going to end up like a stick boy. I asked my wife about that and she just laughed it off. AM I crazy? -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
KC_72 Posts: 3,249 Joined: 2006/05/19	2006/08/18, 08:56 AM No...just nervous!!!It's Ok to be nervous.Think about the positives...try and let go of the negatives.When you told your wife did she KNOW you were serious...or did you sound like you were joking.Let her know you are serious about your fears and I bet she'll be more sympathetic.
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/21, 08:27 AM Thanks KC. Heres to the hope that weighing 100lbs less will help reduce the pain gout causes.:surprised: -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/22, 10:10 AM Well the other night I measured my waist and biceps Waist 55 in Arms 17.5 Yes I have lost a inch off my arms I was depressed until I realized that this meant that I need to work them out more often! LOL -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
KC_72 Posts: 3,249 Joined: 2006/05/19	2006/08/22, 10:19 AM Looking forward to the measurements post op!:)
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/22, 10:23 AM OH man I can not wait for that! I will post a full body measurement when we get closer to the actual date. -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
BILL06 Posts: 755 Joined: 2006/08/08	2006/08/22, 10:54 AM hey mutt, your arm measurements, do you measure them flexed or at ease, so ill know when i measure myself tonight .. -------------- \"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.\" ~ Mark Twain
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/22, 11:26 AM I measure them flexed. I have not lifted in about a week to 10 days and really have not done a real bicep workout in about a year so losing a inch is not too bad -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
gangstershoes Posts: 641 Joined: 2005/05/27	2006/08/23, 03:57 PM Mutt I wish you the best in surgery man. The only thing I would be nervous about is that you will lose the weight and then when you try to increase your food intake to build muscle later on you might find it hard to get the protien and calories needed. Either way though I wish you the best.
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/25, 10:04 AM I am going to be fine with making muscle, to tell you the truth I think that for my body I am about tapped out in that respect. Went for pre op testing. All is well. -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
KC_72 Posts: 3,249 Joined: 2006/05/19	2006/08/25, 01:31 PM Glad all is well...should be smooooth sailing from here!:love:
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/08/28, 09:35 PM Insurance company called............................................it is offical they offically approved the surgery! -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com
	2006/08/28, 10:00 PM glad to hear everything is on track
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2006/09/03, 12:26 PM Well it is Sunday, just a few more days. I hope to have a complete list of measurements and pics up soon. -------------- Less Talk, More Chalk! The Men and Boys are Separated by one thing: The Squat Cage! 7707mutt@freetrainers.com

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