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AmareIsGod
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Health

Post by AmareIsGod »

Had my vasectomy about a month ago. They put me under because they also inserted a scope down my urethra to try and get a look and figure out my urinary issues (since my mid 20s, maybe earlier. I'll be 40 this year). Assumed I've had BPH. Come to find out, urologist said my prostate bar is lifted and pinches my bladder neck near the base of the prostate. I tried Flomax. Hated it. Slept terrible for the whole week, had retrograde ejaculation. Always stuffy sinuses. Switched me to Cialis. This stuff is awesome! 5mg a day. Anyone else try it? Not only do I have a larger when flaccid member but I get great boners, a stronger stream of pee and wake up hardly ever at night to go. I also just feel more cognitively sharp, have more libido and have extra confidence. It's a crazy drug. Even urologists don't quite know why it's so effective for urinary issues. I do feel a little lightheaded from time to time because it lowers your blood pressure. A plus if you have hypertension. I've heard there are other benefits as well.

Historically it's always been a challenge to get my urine to release. 20 or 30 seconds sometimes of just standing there straining. Never fully emptying my bladder. Waking up two, sometimes three times a night to go pee.

Anyway, I hope you all are having good health. Seeing if anyone had any recent stories to share. My dad had lower spinal fusion surgery two days ago. Wife got nexplanon removed from her arm today (it's an inserted birth control).
What is smallball? I play basketball. I'm not a regular big man. I can switch from the center to the guards. The game is evolving. I'd be dominAyton if the WNBA would let me in. - Ayton

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Kryptonic
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Re: Health

Post by Kryptonic »

Sorry you're having to go through health issues, but happy you found something that helps.

Best wishes to your Dad... Spinal fusion is no joke (as you and I have discussed in PM's) and if you have any questions or need any pointers with it, let me know. I've been dealing with my spine issues since 2009 and have been through it all between medications and procedures. The only thing I haven't tried is STEM cell and it's only because of the price.

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Superbone
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Re: Health

Post by Superbone »

Sorry to hear your guys' struggles. This life is full of obstacles. We're lucky to be living during a time of great medical technology and experience. I'd probably be dead right now without it. I've had my share of issues to overcome. Diagnosed with prostate cancer at 44. Prostatectomy at 45. My meniscus gave out on me while playing basketball. Got that repaired and it's been as good as new ever since.

I have carried too much weight for most of my adult life. I never felt like I was obese but technically I was at least in the last 5 years or so. I have small bones and was a really skinny kid. My metabolism slowed down and after getting a job, getting married, and doing this daily life thing, I just kept on putting on weight. I used to be 5' 10.5" but I guess that extra weight and time is what pushed me down to 5' 9" now. I averaged about 194 pounds for a long time and then 204 pounds for a period after that. And then ballooned up to 218 pounds at my worst three or four years ago.

I knew I had to do something and tried Nutrisystem, paid a trainer for a year, and got down to about 184 pounds. But then did the yo-yo thing and the pandemic hit and I went all the way back up to 218 pounds again! So, again got serious about losing weight. This time just on a calorie deficit. I was down to about 208 when the heart attack hit me starting in the 4th quarter of game 4 of the Finals. Did the 911 thing and got my first ambulance ride to the hospital where they immediately took me in to the operating room and arthroscopically went through my wrist and put a stent in my LAD (left anterior descending) artery, aka The Widow Maker.

This changed my diet drastically. No more frequent cheeseburgers. Now I'm mostly eating fish and chicken. Went to cardio rehab and learned about heart health, proper diet and exercise. Just worked on eating better and cardio for about six months. I was down to about 196 pounds in April of 2022. I don't know exactly what I read that weekend that spurred me, maybe it was the statement that you have no excuse for not working out at least three hours a week out of the 168 hours we have each week. But I made the decision to start working out three days a week with weights interspersed with three days of cardio.

I went online looking at various workout programs and bought one. Also started watching workout and losing weight content on YouTube. I started consistently doing my three weight workouts a week for approximately an hour plus cardio on non-workout days. Bought three or four other workouts and tried those as well. There's a lot of commonality between them. You just have to stick with one. I continued to lose weight and build muscle. I got down to about 174 pounds by the end of October. It's funny but when you're overweight, you lose track of what your ultimate weight might/should be. I had imagined 174 pounds would probably be about right. Nope. I was now in healthy territory but still had a high body fat.

I plateaued at this weight for three whole months! I finally figured out, I have to eat EVEN LESS calories. Started tracking diligently my daily calorie intake and weight so I could calculate my averages each week. I'm now down to 164 pounds. Guess what? I still have more to go! I am on a mission to get into ultimate health. No, not looking to get to 10% body fat like the influencers but 14-15% will do. I want to get rid of most all visceral fat. Looks like my goal weight will be in the 150s! However, it's not about the weight, it's about what body fat percentage you want to be at and how you want to look. Muscle weighs more than fat. I am now quite muscular for my age. It all feels great. It will happen this year. Hopefully, in the next couple months I will hit my ultimate goal. Then it's just a matter of maintaining. Or who knows? Maybe I'll start a lean bulk.

It's been a journey.
"Be Legendary."

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AmareIsGod
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Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 1:24 pm

Re: Health

Post by AmareIsGod »

Superbone wrote:
Sun Apr 09, 2023 11:44 am
Sorry to hear your guys' struggles. This life is full of obstacles. We're lucky to be living during a time of great medical technology and experience. I'd probably be dead right now without it. I've had my share of issues to overcome. Diagnosed with prostate cancer at 44. Prostatectomy at 45. My meniscus gave out on me while playing basketball. Got that repaired and it's been as good as new ever since.

I have carried too much weight for most of my adult life. I never felt like I was obese but technically I was at least in the last 5 years or so. I have small bones and was a really skinny kid. My metabolism slowed down and after getting a job, getting married, and doing this daily life thing, I just kept on putting on weight. I used to be 5' 10.5" but I guess that extra weight and time is what pushed me down to 5' 9" now. I averaged about 194 pounds for a long time and then 204 pounds for a period after that. And then ballooned up to 218 pounds at my worst three or four years ago.

I knew I had to do something and tried Nutrisystem, paid a trainer for a year, and got down to about 184 pounds. But then did the yo-yo thing and the pandemic hit and I went all the way back up to 218 pounds again! So, again got serious about losing weight. This time just on a calorie deficit. I was down to about 208 when the heart attack hit me starting in the 4th quarter of game 4 of the Finals. Did the 911 thing and got my first ambulance ride to the hospital where they immediately took me in to the operating room and arthroscopically went through my wrist and put a stent in my LAD (left anterior descending) artery, aka The Widow Maker.

This changed my diet drastically. No more frequent cheeseburgers. Now I'm mostly eating fish and chicken. Went to cardio rehab and learned about heart health, proper diet and exercise. Just worked on eating better and cardio for about six months. I was down to about 196 pounds in April of 2022. I don't know exactly what I read that weekend that spurred me, maybe it was the statement that you have no excuse for not working out at least three hours a week out of the 168 hours we have each week. But I made the decision to start working out three days a week with weights interspersed with three days of cardio.

I went online looking at various workout programs and bought one. Also started watching workout and losing weight content on YouTube. I started consistently doing my three weight workouts a week for approximately an hour plus cardio on non-workout days. Bought three or four other workouts and tried those as well. There's a lot of commonality between them. You just have to stick with one. I continued to lose weight and build muscle. I got down to about 174 pounds by the end of October. It's funny but when you're overweight, you lose track of what your ultimate weight might/should be. I had imagined 174 pounds would probably be about right. Nope. I was now in healthy territory but still had a high body fat.

I plateaued at this weight for three whole months! I finally figured out, I have to eat EVEN LESS calories. Started tracking diligently my daily calorie intake and weight so I could calculate my averages each week. I'm now down to 164 pounds. Guess what? I still have more to go! I am on a mission to get into ultimate health. No, not looking to get to 10% body fat like the influencers but 14-15% will do. I want to get rid of most all visceral fat. Looks like my goal weight will be in the 150s! However, it's not about the weight, it's about what body fat percentage you want to be at and how you want to look. Muscle weighs more than fat. I am now quite muscular for my age. It all feels great. It will happen this year. Hopefully, in the next couple months I will hit my ultimate goal. Then it's just a matter of maintaining. Or who knows? Maybe I'll start a lean bulk.

It's been a journey.
Wow! That is quite the journey and we're all thankful you're still alive! What a battle you've had with your heart health and your weight. Just curious, have you tried ChatGPT to help with fitness and dietary planning? If you give it all the specifics of your background (heck, you could literally say "Help me build a diet and exercise plan based on the following information: COPY + PASTE ALL OF THE ABOVE" and it would do some incredible stuff.
What is smallball? I play basketball. I'm not a regular big man. I can switch from the center to the guards. The game is evolving. I'd be dominAyton if the WNBA would let me in. - Ayton

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Superbone
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Re: Health

Post by Superbone »

AmareIsGod wrote:
Mon Apr 10, 2023 2:29 pm
Wow! That is quite the journey and we're all thankful you're still alive! What a battle you've had with your heart health and your weight. Just curious, have you tried ChatGPT to help with fitness and dietary planning? If you give it all the specifics of your background (heck, you could literally say "Help me build a diet and exercise plan based on the following information: COPY + PASTE ALL OF THE ABOVE" and it would do some incredible stuff.
Man, that's a great idea. I will try it. I need to start thinking about utilizing that thing. Just started having fun with it to start out. Saw a blog the other day of how you can use it to plan your itinerary on vacations.
"Be Legendary."

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Superbone
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Re: Health

Post by Superbone »

OK, back with my findings. I did exactly what you said. First of all, it's amazing that it can dig out all the information it needs from a block of narrative. Secondly, since I've been doing this for a year now as of next week, I already know what I should be doing and ChatGPT nailed it for the most part.

There was only one thing that I took exception to:
Monitor your calorie intake: You mentioned that you have been tracking your daily calorie intake, which is great. Continue to do so and aim for a calorie deficit of 500-1000 calories per day to continue losing weight at a healthy rate.
That's pretty extreme. I've learned to eat at a calorie deficit of 300-500 calories a day which is about a pound per week. More than that is hard to do and especially hard to maintain. I've learned that it's better to go slow and enjoy the process rather to push yourself too hard and fall off the wagon.

Another thing that went unmentioned is IF, aka intermittent fasting. In order for me to eat at my calories deficit, this has been a must. This way I can eat a more fulfilling meal at dinner. It did take practice to stretch it longer and longer. I have coffee every morning but then sometimes don't eat until 6 or 7 pm for dinner. But days like today, where I did my weights workout, I usually have a protein shake or protein bar for lunch.
"Be Legendary."

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Superbone
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Re: Health

Post by Superbone »

Funny how it always says to talk to a doctor or health professional before taking any of its advice. Smart.

Me:
500-1000 calorie deficit seems extreme.

ChatGPT:
A 500-1000 calorie deficit is a common recommendation for safe and sustainable weight loss. This calorie deficit typically results in a weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week, which is considered a healthy and realistic goal for most people. However, it's important to note that calorie needs can vary based on age, gender, weight, height, and activity level. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine an appropriate calorie deficit and overall nutrition plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals. Additionally, it's important to prioritize nutrient-dense foods and engage in regular physical activity to support overall health and well-being.

Me:
What about intermittent fasting?

ChatGPT:
Intermittent fasting is a pattern of eating that involves cycling between periods of fasting and eating. There are several different approaches to intermittent fasting, but some of the most common ones include:

16/8 method: This involves fasting for 16 hours each day and eating during an 8-hour window.

5:2 diet: This involves eating normally for 5 days of the week and restricting calorie intake to 500-600 calories on 2 non-consecutive days.

Alternate-day fasting: This involves alternating between days of normal eating and days of restricted calorie intake (typically around 500 calories per day).

Some people find intermittent fasting to be a helpful tool for weight loss and improving metabolic health. It can also be a convenient approach to meal planning for some individuals. However, it's important to note that intermittent fasting is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it may not be appropriate for everyone. It's always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine if intermittent fasting is a safe and appropriate approach for your individual needs and goals. Additionally, it's important to prioritize nutrient-dense foods and engage in regular physical activity, regardless of the approach to eating you choose.
"Be Legendary."

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Superbone
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Re: Health

Post by Superbone »

Me:
Is intermittent fasting good for you?

ChatGPT:
Intermittent fasting can have potential health benefits for some individuals, but it's important to note that it's not necessarily suitable for everyone. Here are some of the potential benefits and drawbacks of intermittent fasting:

Benefits:

Weight loss: Intermittent fasting can lead to weight loss by reducing calorie intake and increasing metabolism.

Improved insulin sensitivity: Intermittent fasting may improve insulin sensitivity, which can help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Reduced inflammation: Some studies have found that intermittent fasting can help reduce inflammation in the body, which may have positive impacts on health.

Improved heart health: Intermittent fasting may improve heart health by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and improving blood sugar control.

Drawbacks:

Hunger and cravings: Fasting can lead to feelings of hunger and cravings, which can make it difficult to stick to an intermittent fasting plan.

Potential nutrient deficiencies: Fasting may make it difficult to consume enough nutrients, especially if calorie intake is severely restricted.

Negative impacts on mental health: Some people may experience negative impacts on their mental health, such as irritability or anxiety, when fasting.

May not be suitable for everyone: Intermittent fasting is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with a history of disordered eating, or individuals with certain medical conditions.

Overall, intermittent fasting can be a helpful tool for some individuals to improve their health, but it's important to approach it with caution and speak with a healthcare professional before starting an intermittent fasting plan. Additionally, it's important to prioritize nutrient-dense foods and engage in regular physical activity, regardless of the approach to eating you choose.
"Be Legendary."

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AmareIsGod
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Re: Health

Post by AmareIsGod »

It's pretty crazy how it can adapt to a string of follow up questions and clarifications. It saves your conversation history too and you can go into any of those and it keeps the history for any continuation without repeating.

I pay for ChatGPT-4 and it's even more comprehensive, accurate and impressive. $20 a month for the amount of work it helps with me with daily in my job and in general is well worth it for the added capabilities.
What is smallball? I play basketball. I'm not a regular big man. I can switch from the center to the guards. The game is evolving. I'd be dominAyton if the WNBA would let me in. - Ayton

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Nodack
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Re: Health

Post by Nodack »

It sounds like you have a good handle on keeping your body in the best shape you can Super. I think when you get to a certain age you have a list of medical conditions you have dealt with. Going through something as traumatic as a heart attack will motivate some people to change their habits to a more healthy one. My step dad had a triple bypass surgery when he was in his forties and was told to stop smoking, exercise and eat healthier. That didn’t happen. He smoked a pack a day and did zero exercise up until his last day. At that point he had lost his use of his legs due to all his. Wins being clogged. They did a surgery a year or so ago to replace the main veins in his legs and that was scary. The veins were hardened and became like shards of glass when they tried to work with them. It didn’t help him at all and he refused to do any therapy of course. He passed away about two months ago in his sleep in his mid eighties. He was skinny as a rail though. He and my mother both passed within six months of each other, which I hear is common.

I feel pretty good about my weight. It says my ideal weight for being 6’1” is between 166-202. I am at 185 right in the middle. Having a doctor take a skill saw to my breast bone and open me up for open heart surgery was a good wake up call. I exercise just about every day and get a lot of exercise on gigs. Yesterday we played a corporate gig at a resort and had a long load in. We are our own roadies. Multiple trips of pulling carts full of gear to the site of the stage was a lot of work. Then set up, then playing, then tearing down and then making those trips back to the trailer. I was exhausted sand stiff by the time I got home. No need to join a gym. I have a tendency to go back and forth on heathy food. Sometimes I go back to drinking sodas and eating sugar too much. I love sugar. Overall I think a decent diet and exercising often will get you in the ballpark of a healthy life.

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Superbone
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Re: Health

Post by Superbone »

I’m trying to think when we met in person, Nodack. I think it was 2021 before my heart attack and not long after your open heart surgery. Yeah, you looked to be in good shape. I think I’ve lost at least 40 pounds since we met. I’m back to probably moving to Arizona this year. Hope to see you again and once I get my chops back, maybe we’ll even play together one of these days.
"Be Legendary."

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AmareIsGod
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Re: Health

Post by AmareIsGod »

Superbone wrote:
Thu Apr 13, 2023 5:39 pm
I’m trying to think when we met in person, Nodack. I think it was 2021 before my heart attack and not long after your open heart surgery. Yeah, you looked to be in good shape. I think I’ve lost at least 40 pounds since we met. I’m back to probably moving to Arizona this year. Hope to see you again and once I get my chops back, maybe we’ll even play together one of these days.
I'd love to be a part of that meet up! I've never met anyone here, other than BAMF through pure luck (was my hair stylist and an extremely small world situation) and UODucks through being friends since high school and introducing him to this site.
What is smallball? I play basketball. I'm not a regular big man. I can switch from the center to the guards. The game is evolving. I'd be dominAyton if the WNBA would let me in. - Ayton

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Nodack
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Re: Health

Post by Nodack »

July 8 2021 almost a month after my surgery. Playoffs against the Bucks
Image

Superbone front left, me behind left, Cap front right and Dusty Chap behind right

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Superbone
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Re: Health

Post by Superbone »

AmareIsGod wrote:
Fri Apr 14, 2023 8:59 am
Superbone wrote:
Thu Apr 13, 2023 5:39 pm
I’m trying to think when we met in person, Nodack. I think it was 2021 before my heart attack and not long after your open heart surgery. Yeah, you looked to be in good shape. I think I’ve lost at least 40 pounds since we met. I’m back to probably moving to Arizona this year. Hope to see you again and once I get my chops back, maybe we’ll even play together one of these days.
I'd love to be a part of that meet up! I've never met anyone here, other than BAMF through pure luck (was my hair stylist and an extremely small world situation) and UODucks through being friends since high school and introducing him to this site.
Let’s do it!
"Be Legendary."

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Superbone
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Re: Health

Post by Superbone »

Nodack wrote:
Fri Apr 14, 2023 12:46 pm
July 8 2021 almost a month after my surgery. Playoffs against the Bucks
Image

Superbone front left, me behind left, Cap front right and Dusty Chap behind right
Wow, that was exactly one week before my heart attack. I’ve lost 45 pounds since then.
"Be Legendary."

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Kryptonic
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Location: Florence, AZ

Re: Health

Post by Kryptonic »

Superbone wrote:
Sat Apr 15, 2023 1:52 am
Nodack wrote:
Fri Apr 14, 2023 12:46 pm
July 8 2021 almost a month after my surgery. Playoffs against the Bucks
Image

Superbone front left, me behind left, Cap front right and Dusty Chap behind right
Wow, that was exactly one week before my heart attack. I’ve lost 45 pounds since then.
Good to hear you guys are all taking the steps to better health and doing better :)

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Nodack
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Re: Health

Post by Nodack »

Superbone wrote:
Sat Apr 15, 2023 1:52 am
Nodack wrote:
Fri Apr 14, 2023 12:46 pm
July 8 2021 almost a month after my surgery. Playoffs against the Bucks
Image

Superbone front left, me behind left, Cap front right and Dusty Chap behind right
Wow, that was exactly one week before my heart attack. I’ve lost 45 pounds since then.
Both our major heart surgeries a month apart. We are like brothers from another mother.

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Kryptonic
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Re: Health

Post by Kryptonic »

Nodack wrote:
Sat Apr 15, 2023 11:02 am
Superbone wrote:
Sat Apr 15, 2023 1:52 am
Nodack wrote:
Fri Apr 14, 2023 12:46 pm
July 8 2021 almost a month after my surgery. Playoffs against the Bucks
Image

Superbone front left, me behind left, Cap front right and Dusty Chap behind right
Wow, that was exactly one week before my heart attack. I’ve lost 45 pounds since then.
Both our major heart surgeries a month apart. We are like brothers from another mother.
Be honest…. How much did the suns play a part in those heart attacks? Joking aside…. Glad you’re both doing well. I lost a friend from a widow maker back in October. One of the healthiest people I know…. Died on a hike in the middle of nowhere, but doing what he loved.

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Superbone
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Re: Health

Post by Superbone »

Nodack wrote:
Sat Apr 15, 2023 11:02 am
Superbone wrote:
Sat Apr 15, 2023 1:52 am
Nodack wrote:
Fri Apr 14, 2023 12:46 pm
July 8 2021 almost a month after my surgery. Playoffs against the Bucks
Image

Superbone front left, me behind left, Cap front right and Dusty Chap behind right
Wow, that was exactly one week before my heart attack. I’ve lost 45 pounds since then.
Both our major heart surgeries a month apart. We are like brothers from another mother.
We were feeling good here. This was game one and I went to game two.

Dude, you went through a LOT more! Yours was planned and they had to get the bone saw out. Eesh! I was amazed how well you were doing less than a month out. Mine was a surprise and I was in and out in one night! Stent went up the wrist and into the LAD.
"Be Legendary."

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Superbone
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Re: Health

Post by Superbone »

Kryptonic wrote:
Sat Apr 15, 2023 11:43 am
Nodack wrote:
Sat Apr 15, 2023 11:02 am
Superbone wrote:
Sat Apr 15, 2023 1:52 am
Nodack wrote:
Fri Apr 14, 2023 12:46 pm
July 8 2021 almost a month after my surgery. Playoffs against the Bucks
Image

Superbone front left, me behind left, Cap front right and Dusty Chap behind right
Wow, that was exactly one week before my heart attack. I’ve lost 45 pounds since then.
Both our major heart surgeries a month apart. We are like brothers from another mother.
Be honest…. How much did the suns play a part in those heart attacks? Joking aside…. Glad you’re both doing well. I lost a friend from a widow maker back in October. One of the healthiest people I know…. Died on a hike in the middle of nowhere, but doing what he loved.
I honestly don't know. Had to play a part for sure. No doubt. It literally started half way through the 4th quarter as we were blowing a lead. Probably the difference in the series to be honest.

Wow, man, about your friend. Let's me know how close I was to the other side.
"Be Legendary."

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