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Okay, this post is not to bash the newbies or newts (not a newbie/not a veteran), although I can see how it could look that way. My sense of humor is dry/sarcastic and it's hard to convey that in print. I thought I'd start compiling some of the most commonly asked questions I see posted on weekly basis, just to show that you are not alone with your thoughts and concerns. Will all my hair fall out after VSG? "Individuals don't begin to notice the increase in hair loss when showering or brushing the hair until about three months post-surgery. Although the resting hair is being pushed out of the scalp by new hair that is already growing, it can take anywhere from about six months to a year for the hair to return to its normal fullness. Individuals who have undergone gastric bypass or other operations of the digestive tract designed to reduce obesity are more prone to hair loss post-surgery. This is due to the reduced intake of food in the weeks and months immediately following these procedures. The body needs an adequate amount of proteins and vitamins to maintain hair production. Protein-enhanced shakes are often recommended for these patients as a substitute until solid food can be better tolerated. Hair loss related to surgery typically reverses itself without any medicinal intervention or the need for over-the-counter hair loss tonics or treatments. However, maintaining a diet rich in protein and iron is believed to help promote and speed up healthy hair growth. Suggested foods include salmon, beans, eggs, spinach, broccoli, nuts and whole-grain cereals. Avoid foods that can inhibit hair growth, such as those that contain high levels of caffeine and fat." Losing Hair After Surgery | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/...l#ixzz2Maz1GjQH Can I take my leftover stomach home in a jar? Man, what kind of sickie... um I mean, that's a very astute question. I didn't ask my doctor about it, but from what I've read, it's considered medical waste and a biohazard in the U.S. So you can't have it as a trophy or to tan and make a beanie out of it. If you're having surgery out of the country, then they may let you take it home, just be careful going through customs. If they ask about it, just tell them you found proof that the Chupacabra exists in Mexico. Can't I do this with out the surgery? You know, eat the crazy small amounts and still lose weight? Why isn't that ok? You can eat the small meals to lose weight, and it is okay. I just couldn't live that lifestyle for very long. It was a non-stop battle to keep myself from eating more. How did you choose your doctor, how much did it cost, and how did you pay for it? I don't want to recommend my doctor, since I wasn't happy with the aftercare, but I paid about $5k between the doctor and hospital. I put it on a credit card and will have it paid off before the end of the year. I found my doctor by calling my insurance company and getting a list of approved WLS doctors. I did a Google search for each doctor and read the reviews before choosing my surgeon. Do you regret having WLS surgery? I do not regret it for a minute. Even with all the discomfort of the 1st 10 days, I am very happy with the result. Food is no longer the focus of my life and I love sitting at a buffet restaurant knowing that I will only eat about 1/4 plate of food. What do I need to pack for the hospital? Here is a long list of suggestions on things you might want to consider taking with you. http://www.verticals...surgery-thread/ How soon after surgery can I start drinking alcohol? I'm sure every doctor has their own recommendations, but my doctor said wait 6 months post-surgery before drinking alcohol again. I'm not a big drinker to begin with, so I didn't miss alcohol. But I did drink about 2 oz. of Tequila at month 6 or 7 and was buzzing immediately, more so than I would have been pre-surgery. So, if you're going to start drinking again, just be aware that it may take less alcohol to impair your system. :-)

It's almost getting to be a routine. Veg soup and Protein at every meal. An SF popsicle to wash down dinner. Yesterday was the first time I didn't need a nap and was alert, and productive throughout the day. The previous few days, I'd really started to worry about how I was going to work because I couldn't string two thoughts together and all I wanted was a nap. It's funny, I'm not really hungry, but today, I want to BITE into something--or someone, when I'm feeling cranky I haven't been as cranky as I thought I would be--but I want to CHEW something. I feel grateful that I have this opportunity to do something that seemed impossible, and win at it. It sends me into surgery with a feeling of power and control. And I need that. Being--or feeling--powerless over my weight for all these years really affects my self-image. I don't feel this helpless about anything else in my life. Tomorrow, we drive 11 hours to go to my ex-husband's wedding reception. Then Sunday we do it all over again, except in reverse. I can't eat anything at the reception. R and I will just have to have our shakes before. He's in the kitchen, getting the "travel soups" ready. Anyone who says this is the easy way out has no idea what they're talking about. I have a feeling i will be saying this with even more vehemence after the surgery when I'm in pain But hey, 7 days down, and I'm still on track. Yay me!

Ok so I am a new person on this site, I have never blogged and I have no idea what I am doing but what heck! So here I go... In the beginning I was a normal sized baby and kid... Puberty hit and curves came out and kept going and going and going... Now 37 years later I go to my dr's office and the nice PA who weighs 95 lbs soaking wet says have you ever considered weight-loss surgery... I wanted to ask her if she ever considered eating a quarter pounder but I refrained... However rude she was it did get me thinking and I started researching. First thing I learned - I had to quit smoking... Damn it. I love smoking but I knew it was horrible for me and my babies (9 and 6) both hate that I smoke... So got a prescription for Chantix and two weeks later smoked my last cigarette on April 23. Step one completed! Next I started looking into what I had to do to get my insurance to pay for this crazy idea... First thing is get an approved surgeon. Looked at all the websites of the surgeons and randomly picked one. Next I set up an appointment and watched an online seminar. I got a letter of approval from my dr, had a mental evaluation done (that was fun), had a sleep study done and got a CPAP, and now I am just waiting for approval. I am starting to get a little nervous with this whole waiting thing... I am the type of person who gets an idea in their head and goes for it... I push and push till I get what I want and waiting is not my thing... I just want to get it done so I can get started with the rest of my life! I am going to try and do an entry every couple of days to let you know where I am at and basically so I can just keep track of everything that happens along the way

wow. it has been that long already? wow how time flies. I think that is the greatest thing to come out of having surgery. I feel, for the first time, that my weight goal is attainable and maintainable. Keep going sistah!

Don't be hating on all the post surgery horny women...that is in your favor I thought the whole thing was hilarious and have a couple more for you to add: 1. Can I eat _______ (fill in the blank) and oh yeah I am driving home from the hospital 2. I haven't lost a pound in two days and I am three weeks post surgery 3. My sister's cousins brother's wife had surgery and regained all their weight...I am unsure why this one bugs me so much.

Keep your chin up and push forward. Those little ones will love having their healthier momma around for a very long time!

I love your response. Although I have just begun my journey (waiting for insurance approval), I have also been reading the blogs and there is just as much negativity as there are positive responses. One of the things that people need to keep in mind is the implications of NOT having the surgery. Possible candidates need to weigh the pros and cons of any decision that affect his/her life. Once this is done, the decision should be easier to accept. For me, my final decision focuses on my trust in God. If it is meant to be and I have done everything that I can, I place my life in God's hands.