Finding Myself

Where, artichokes??

Very good to know, as I want to start taking them now and wondering what is good... Sx in June.

Hi Cathy! I am shooting for June 18th! Where are you having your sx? I'm headed to Mexico - I live in SoCal. PM me if you wanna chat and add me as a friend!!

Thank you. . I needed to hear that. I told my husband this and he said not only would he shave his head so we could be twinsies but also that he'd buy be beautiful scarfs to wear while it's growing back. . I'm gonna start adding protein and vitamins NOW in hopes that it won't be too bad. . I just know I'm gonna lose a lot cause I already do!!!

I appreciate everyone's responses as much as the original poster! I am hitting a wall over the hair loss thing. It's making me reconsider because I already have such thin hair! Reading all of these positive things gives me more confidence.

Yeah that's my fear - I'm starting with already baby fine, thin hair.

What do you mean "prepared"? Did you actually have bald spots in your hair? Or just thin?

I love this forum. I have not been sleeved yet, as I am still contemplating it and weighing my options. I'm a fairly low BMI, just under 35, and despite many failures and attempts to lost it, I also feel like maybe I have been lazy and not put enough effort into making this work. I'd much rather go and overeat a good meal than have to think about the extra 60 lbs I'm carrying! I was all ready to move forward, then I had this dream two nights ago that stopped me dead in my tracks: I dreamed I went bald. So of course I've been reading about the hair loss and all and now I am talking myself out of surgery because 1.) I am not *that* fat and I should be able to do this and 2.) I already have thin hair and if I lose it all that will be a HUGE slam to my self esteem. I admit I have a hard time "seeing" myself how I am. I feel normal. I only feel fat when I see pictures of myself and I think, "my god I am FAT!" Does anyone else experience this weird body self image? How can I get past this feeling of "I do NOT need to remove my stomach to do this! I CANNOT lose my hair!" Of course I've carried these extra 60 lbs for nearly 15 years. Sage advice? Esp. on the mental aspect of the hair loss.....

I'm sorry I should have posted this in Pre-op but hit the wrong button I guess... Any replies are much appreciated though!

I love this forum. I have not been sleeved yet, as I am still contemplating it and weighing my options. I'm a fairly low BMI, just under 35, and despite many failures and attempts to lost it, I also feel like maybe I have been lazy and not put enough effort into making this work. I'd much rather go and overeat a good meal than have to think about the extra 60 lbs I'm carrying! I was all ready to move forward, then I had this dream two nights ago that stopped me dead in my tracks: I dreamed I went bald. So of course I've been reading about the hair loss and all and now I am talking myself out of surgery because 1.) I am not *that* fat and I should be able to do this and 2.) I already have thin hair and if I lose it all that will be a HUGE slam to my self esteem. I admit I have a hard time "seeing" myself how I am. I feel normal. I only feel fat when I see pictures of myself and I think, "my god I am FAT!" Does anyone else experience this weird body self image? How can I get past this feeling of "I do NOT need to remove my stomach to do this! I CANNOT lose my hair!" Of course I've carried these extra 60 lbs for nearly 15 years. Sage advice? Esp. on the mental aspect of the hair loss.....

Asche, that sucks! But even so they can't deny you vacation for a whole year! That is a crime! CA is an at-will state too but people fight it all of the time and win. So don't lose hope... (and remember I say this as a business owner with employees!!)

That's essentially what I've been told by Dr. Kelly as well as Anaid. In all honesty, the #1 reason I'm even considering Mexico is because of my experience when calling around to local places here in So Cal. I feel like a number and unimportant at the drs here, but the ones in Mexico have all been GREAT! Which is why it's been a tough decision!! ( picking a doctor, I mean) Even when they say that I can do my follow ups in Mexico, they say "well it might cost $150" and I'm like, "Dude that is GREAT! " I can't get that kind of attention and care here in the US.

I looked at their website - thanks! I might order some and give it a try.

Indymom, are you seeing scalp and bald patches or just thinning?

Well that vanilla with crystal light is wonderful!!

I ordered their sample pack, which came with two samples of a few of the flavors, plus a chicken Soup flavor. I know my tastes might change, but even for the pre-op diet, I thought it would be good to test them out. Someone recommended the unjury vanilla with orange flavored crystal light - and it is AWESOME! It tastes like an orange julius! I can definitely do THAT one! I'm also gonna test out the strawberry flavor with lemonade - supposedly it's really good, too! The chicken soup... it's okay. Like having a cup of soup. But each one has 20 grams of medical quality Protein and that makes me happy. Just wanted to share the info.

I read that too, and I have a friend who thinks those shots are awful! So Im anxious to hear what you think!

Oh my I didnt mean to sound like I think its YOUR fault for hair loss... but if you don't follow good nutrition it could worsen it... that's what I meant. I wouldn't put myself through this surgery and then go back to eating McDonald's because that's really poor nutrition! From what I can find out, yes, that is true... it's very likely gonna happen and you can't stop it, unfortunately. I'm really scared about it. I can't really do the wig thing and I hope it grows back!!

Supposedly it happens a few months out! I'm really worried about it.

How come nobody is commenting on this? LOL

I have opened a post on hair loss... I am super super concerned about this! The last thing I want to do is become skinny and bald. LOL Can you guys comment over there? I don't wanna hijack this thread.... I am pretty sure I am going to Dr. Kelly but Dr. aceves is next on my list.. My husband wants me to look at Aceves because he feels he is the best but I'm not sure, I also feel comfy with Dr. Kelly....

I don't know where you work but you cannot be denied your earned vacation, to a certain point. Put in for your vacation time and then schedule your surgery. But regardless, they can't deny you time off. And it's also none of their business where you are going!!! So if it's an issue, reschedule your surgery to fit within some vacation time and tell them you have every right to take time off!!! I own a business and have employees and I can tell you that it makes me angry when people tell me their company won't let them take their vacation time! Or that they have to give a reason for their time off. It's none of their damned business!

It's actually not an effect of the anesthesia itself, but yes this surgery puts a huge stress on the body. If you really think about it, it's VERY unhealthy to lose a large amount of weight in a month, yet a lot of people do lose it - 20-30 in a month is called starvation! So yes when you stress yourself with the surgery, then take away your ability to get in enough Protein and Vitamins for 6 weeks, your body totally dedicates your nutrition to other aspects of your health. It doesn't really care about your hair at that point! So this is why we lose our hair, for the most part, from this surgery. I found a few websites last night regarding this and I understand better now. Working hard on getting in quality protein is going to be the best weapon against it, but with a new sleeve there is only so much you can do. But I think that if you really focus on QUALITY in the long run you'll be okay. I've seen people admit to eating McDonald's one month out from surgery and that's not a good idea if you want to keep your hair or at least minimize the loss!!

Wanted to keep this in this forum... For those already sleeved, how is the hair loss???

Cissie that would be great! My husband will be there too.