Angelmom

Sounds like you need some new friends, maybe?...especially when they cut to "demoting" you to being female for having the procedure.

I have very dry, super thin, curly/wavy hair, that falls out in a men's balding pattern. It really stinks! It's pretty long, so you can't tell all that much at first.
Mine got thinner and stayed thinner because of the hundreds of pounds I have gained and lost over the years. First, I use Pert or Prell to wash out the oils that seem to pile up so much on my hair, and then I use Nioxin Shampoo and conditioner. The shampoo can be used quite sparingly, and the conditioner, I largely put right in the front on the top of my head and spread it out from there onto the scalp. I massage a little, let it sit on top of my head and then use Herbal Essence pink bottle...color me simple I thin it is...on the ends of my hair and work to the top, and let it all sit while I do the rest of the shower. Sometimes, instead of that conditioner, I will use Pantene's conditioner that they have for Black women, or I will follow one up with the other, then rinse it. After that, especially now, I will use Ion's shine oil...just a teeny bit on the ends where it's really in need of care, and work it up...but not too much toward the scalp because it's an oil that will make me have to wash my hair again. I also use an Ion cream for curly hair...it's a white tube with green writing....and only a little...it isn't greasy and makes the curls pop more. Sometimes I spray my hair a little after the shower with Johnson and Johnson detangler after I put the Ion oil on the ends, and that helps too...especially after being layed up and not able to take as many showers...the hair gets knotted up a bit.
I also bought a product called Foltene from a discount store. I don't know if it works, but it can't help and isn't greasy, so I use that too.
I always wanted to try that Wen. However, Morroccan oil and Argon oil absolutely do nothing for my hair but grease it up. Your hair doesn't look too fine, so maybe it will work for you, but if it is fine, I'd buy a sample and try that before making the investment on a larger bottle.

I'm a native too, and I have more than a Master's degree...so you really can't turn it around. I was not referring to the subject matter of education, rather the rest of of it. Really, learn to think, and leave me alone, because you really don't know what you are talking about.

I'm not your sister, and you are wrong. I don't need your redeeming, and as I told you in the personal email I sent back to you in response to your scathingly inappropriately assumption filled message to me. The versuses you site are not relevant, and you need to keep it related to the topic.

My surgery was exactly 28 days ago, and my care at Geisinger hospital in Danville, Pennsylvania was less than stellar! I thought I was going to die between the poor care, being left in supine position in the hallways for hours with semi-collapsed lungs, and the massive overwhelming pain that could not be controlled. My situation was so bad.....I still cry when I think about it, and I am in the process of writing a scathing letter to the hospital nursing coordinator...and maybe seeing a lawyer. I am still in pain and coughing crap up from that procedure...and the lack of care I got afterward. But...when I read your story, I feel fortunate. Personally, I would never go to Mexico to have any procedure...Mexico and Hispanics are tearing our country apart, and I would never want to give them money to continue to do so, or whatever else...and those are my feelings and beliefs on the situation regarding Mexico...but...I am going to have to agree with you 1000% about having someone with you at ALL times in case of poor care, as in my case, and as in the case of complications like you had. My daughter had to tell the nurses what to do, and she's just a child. I could go on and on about it...but you are so right!
Is it worth it? I have lost 35 pounds in 28 days....and 34 of them were in about 20 days. The 35th pound fell today. Ask me in one year if it's worth it. At this point, even 35 pounds is NOT worth it. This procedure should be an absolute LAST resort.
God bless and keep you, and all of us, as you/we recover.

I understand. I heard about those places that are like a spa. I saw something about a woman who had some form of cancer who went to Pakistan or somewhere like that, and the place was like a vacation....unlike the treatment I got after my procedure. One of the rounds doctors tried to send me home the next day. I refused, and ended up there for four nights, and should have been there longer...or they were going to put me in a nursing home. Even if that was to be the case...I would never want to risk problems in another country no matter how spa-like it is. You're braver than me!...but wouldn't super nice treatment after surgery in this country be sweet!

Yep,yep, I feel like I could eat the paint off the walls a couple of days before my period. Twice now, I've thought: "Oh crap, my sleeve doesn't work. I'm going to gain all the wait I've lost." Then a day later, my period starts and I have very little appetite. My periods are irregular so I can't predict when I'm going to have these supercravings.
You are not alone.

Yeppers, every month during my high and peak ovulation day I'm a junk food junkie. It never happened pre-op, but now I look like a Hoover vacuum sucking down the Cheezits. I wish I could tell you it gets better, but I found that the cravings, moodiness, bloating, and cramps all have gotten worse since losing all my weight. My periods are regular now, and super light. My husband said "so that's why skinny girls are so grouchy, you used to not be like this when you were my chunky monkey." He tries to be sweet, I still would like to smother him gently in his sleep during my PMS week ha ha ha.

For the first time since surgery (May 4, 2010) I seem to be experiencing PMS cravings. You know the ones, you just want to eat and eat and eat. I am not even hungry really, I just want to eat. It is freaking me out a bit because I hardly ever experience hunger, but I suppose they took the hunge hormone and not the other ones! When I go to eat my meal, I find I fill up very quickly but then an hour later my head and mouth just want to eat. Is anyone else experiencing this? Does anyone know of a supplement or herb that might help?

Hi All!

I was 'sleeved' on August 23, 2012 and although I did a lot of research there was a lot I still had/have to learn!

I've struggled with my weight my whole life. A few years ago I seriously considered getting the lap band but didn't go beyond researching options. My weight has steadily crept up and these last couple of years have been depressing; I could not lose the weight. Most recently I tried adipex, lost weight temporarily, and then gained it all back.

My health insurance does not cover weight loss surgery so I knew I would have to pay for the procedure my self. I considered lap band, and then gastric plication, and then through research decided on gastric sleeve.

I researched doctors in the US and Mexico, cost, expertise, etc. I choose (verified) a doctor in Mexico that is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery; and the surgical center is designated as an International Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. I felt comfortable with my choice, as the credentials of the doctor and surgical center in Mexico are the same as in the US. I considered purchasing 'catastrophic/complications' insurance but figured that I'm healthy and need to save money for the procedure and follow up back in the US. (NOTE--This was just one of my misjudgments,)

I was to arrive in Mexico, have the procedure that same day, stay two nights at the surgical center, two nights at a hotel, and return to the US on the fifth day.

I went to Tijuana, Mexico, by myself, for the procedure. (NOTE--I do not speak Spanish.) I arrived on Thursday around 11 am and was picked up by the surgical center at the airport as planned. I had the procedure early that evening and the doctor said all went well (good surgery, no enlarged liver, etc.). The next day (Friday) I was informed that during the night when I was moving around I must have pulled stitches loose (or something) because there was abnormal/excessive bleeding from my drain; the doctor would need to go back in to resolve the problem; the doctor cauterized all the surgical sites and said all went well. Saturday, the doctor said there was still bleeding and needed to go back in to see/resolve the cause. At this point I was SCARED! I had to have blood transfusions, plasma, etc. Saturday evening the doctor informed me that they would be transferring me by ambulance to a US hospital in response to several serious complications that had developed: liquid in lungs, breathing, etc. The doctor called my sister in the US and told her to come to the hospital where I would be transferred. (I found out later that the doctor had my sister pay $2500 additional for surgeries, blood transfusions, etc.) Saturday evening I was transported by ambulance to the Mexico/US Border, met by a US hospital ambulance, and transported to a US hospital emergency room.

(I have to admit at some point I thought that the ambulance would stop, roll me into an alley, and leave me. Moreover, I thought, "I'm so out of it, I can't even run to save my life". )


I was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit on Saturday evening. I had every test imaginable and I was seen by every type of specialist: cardiologist, pulmonologist, internist, infectious disease, surgeon, etc. I remained in ICU for three days while they resolved my complications (pneumonia, pulmonary, etc). The specialist 'cleared' my sleeve and indicated that all digestive processes were fine. (That was relief!) I stayed in the hospital two more days and was released on Thursday to go home (with the recommendation not to fly). We flew back to the Midwest and I’ve been adjusting to the sleeve ever since.

I don’t regret the surgery, or even going to Mexico; I would however recommend taking a friend/companion and having a plan for complications/transfer to a US hospital if one ever wants to engage in any type of Medical Tourism. I wish the doctor would have sent me to a US hospital sooner, I don’t think I would have been in such a critical condition, I could have received acute care, and had potential for insurance (or indigent) pay.

I’ve lost about 23 pounds since my surgery. Initially I felt somewhat discouraged but then I read postings on the message boards indicating that 20-25 pounds is an average weight loss for the first month.

I’m hoping my medical bills and follow up care is covered by insurance and that I continue to lose weight and get to my goal of 140 pounds!
Did I mention that I have a $5000 health insurance deductible? After all is said and done it may have been less expensive to have stayed and had the procedure in the US!

Really only you can make this decision. The sleeve works but if you are not sure, don't do it since it is non-reversible.
Ask yourself:
Where will I be in another year if I have VSG? Dream big.
Now where will you be if you don't have surgery.
Why have I failed in the past?
Do I need this tool to be successful long term?

Be brave while being reasonable. I know you will find an answer. Good luck!
No regrets, I love my sleeve.

While no one can answer this for you, I will say this much.
3 and a half years ago, I went through every bit of the 6 month prep requirements, then did not go through with it. In that time, I gained 20 more pounds. On april first this year, i weighed 373 lbs. I got sleeved on June 5 of this year and now on October 1, I weigh 243. I have went from a 56" waist and a 5-6x tshirt to now a 40" waist and a 1-2x shirt. I ran a 5k race with my teenage son in august. And I no longer feel like my body is betraying my desire to have a full, fun life. I am still losing 2-5 pounds a week on average.
This surgery has it's risks. Many people have a really rough first couple of months. But many of us only have a bad couple of weeks. After week 2, I was feeling better everyday. And now, I live normal. If they have a local support group, I suggest going and sitting in. Then, you get to here all the ups and downs from folks that are really doing it.
as for me. I would do it again tomorrow. I finally feel like I have control over my life, and my future looks good. I love my new life.

I was having a stall, which I knew was normal. I figured since my weight wasn't moving I would "cheat" and have a bite of chocolate. I ate two squares of a hershey bar. The next morning, I had dropped 2 lbs. I think my body just needed a little more sugar. Won't make a habit of it by any means, but it did help with my cravings and pushed the stall along!

My understanding is that most people will gain 10-12 lbs once they get to their goal and change the dieting behaviors a bit....seems like you got close to your goal and added some normal things in....but a bit too soon. I'd say just cut the carbs, increase some activity, recommit to weighing yourself daily--to watch for creep-ups, works for me--and counting your calories, again. You can do it.
I'd like to get 10-12...maybe 15 lbs below my ideal weight...so when I gain the 10 lbs that are normal, back, I will be right at my ideal planned weight.

My understanding is that most people will gain 10-12 lbs once they get to their goal and change the dieting behaviors a bit....seems like you got close to your goal and added some normal things in....but a bit too soon. I'd say just cut the carbs, increase some activity, recommit to weighing yourself daily--to watch for creep-ups, works for me--and counting your calories, again. You can do it.
I'd like to get 10-12...maybe 15 lbs below my ideal weight...so when I gain the 10 lbs that are normal, back, I will be right at my ideal planned weight.

Have you tried cold water....may be soothing to your belly and help with swelling a little bit.

I felt the same way - I was sleeved on Sept. 21st. My son picked up some Muscle Milk Lite from
GNC (suggested by my surgeon) and that really helped relieve my feelings of hunger. I also like the Unjury chicken, and the Isopure vanilla blended with ice and Water fills me up without all the sweetness. Yesterday was the first day I was able to get all my Protein and it made a HUGE difference in the way I feel today. Think I'll go to work tomorrow!

Mini BabyBel Lights by Laughing Cow. They're in a mesh bag and are individually wrapped in wax. They are soft, only 50-cals but 8 gm of Protein. They are easier on me than the string cheese and taste better too.

Perhaps after you reach your goals, you can treat yourself and ask the restaurant to go easy on the oil, and eliminate the salt....since they make it fresh. Don't do it now, while you are reaching your goals. It will just slow you up...and no one want that.
I, too, wish for some food...I really do, but I'm not allowed food, yet, and when I am, I have to be careful...I really want to stick to the Protein shakes and get all the weight off before eating foods.
I wonder if just a bite would fill you up, as so many people say on here, that once you eat actual food...you cannot eat as much as you can drink of a Protein shake.

That's awesome!!!! Your achievement gives me hope and motivation...staying power. I like it. I see that you haven't smoked in 121 days...that's awesome, too! Good for you, and those around you. I hate smoke in doorways of gas stations and grocery stores...festivals, etc. I just think that's wonderful that you quit!!!
I realized just a bit ago, that I have less than 100 lbs to lose....99lbs!!!! Granted, I picked 160 as a midpoint of where I'd really like to be and where I was once before. At 189, the last time I had lost 63lbs....I was happy...then I gained it and more back. I was 165 or so when I got home from the Army, years ago, and that was ok...but when I was my thinnest, and felt the healthiest...I was 145-150. I had starved myself down to 138 one time, when I was going in the Marines...but honestly, I was sick as a dog and if I ate anything, I could not maintain that weight. I remember thinking I wanted to eat a houseplant that was in one of the offices I was in at that time, because I could not maintain that horribly small weight and eat. So, anyway, about 160 would be sweet. I'm just going to keep working at it....just like you are!

That's awesome!!!! Your achievement gives me hope and motivation...staying power. I like it. I see that you haven't smoked in 121 days...that's awesome, too! Good for you, and those around you. I hate smoke in doorways of gas stations and grocery stores...festivals, etc. I just think that's wonderful that you quit!!!
I realized just a bit ago, that I have less than 100 lbs to lose....99lbs!!!! Granted, I picked 160 as a midpoint of where I'd really like to be and where I was once before. At 189, the last time I had lost 63lbs....I was happy...then I gained it and more back. I was 165 or so when I got home from the Army, years ago, and that was ok...but when I was my thinnest, and felt the healthiest...I was 145-150. I had starved myself down to 138 one time, when I was going in the Marines...but honestly, I was sick as a dog and if I ate anything, I could not maintain that weight. I remember thinking I wanted to eat a houseplant that was in one of the offices I was in at that time, because I could not maintain that horribly small weight and eat. So, anyway, about 160 would be sweet. I'm just going to keep working at it....just like you are!

I went from 393 lbs to 301 in 3 mos. I just can't believe it. It's awesome

I've about decided that I think I'm a success story already. I was sleeved yesterday. I went in very calm, rested and so ready. Even the doc was surprised at my calmness. He said he doesn't see that very often. I felt bad since the girl next to me in the pre-op room was having a meltdown.
I was the first surgery of the day. I was back in my own room by 09:00. When I was really with it, the first thing I wanted to do was walk. My hubbs was the GREATEST.
I'm not sure how it happened (probably because I was up and at 'em first) but at the 2 in the morning walk, I met up with a handful of VSG patients. I was whipping around the floor pretty quickly. I'd stop nearly everyone and gave them words of encouragement, helpful hints.
By morning I was considered the floor's head cheerleader. My reputation preceded me, I guess. It was so cool to see everyone out there getting their groove on!
THE BEST HELPFUL HINT:
I can't remember who told me this, but after surgery, may people can't pee. I was one those people. If you have trouble peeing, (I am NOT joking) put your tongue to the roof of your mouth and push. I swear! It works. Once you take your tongue from the roof of your mouth, your stream stops! This trick alone allowed me to finally pee. It's crazy, I know!!
I've also decided that the hospital is no place for sick or recovering people! I didn't sleep a wink last night. I would no more and fall into never never land then someone would come in to poke, prod, take temps and all that. It wasn't horrible or anything, but I didn't sleep at all. Why does the internist find it necessary to do a basic exam at 03:00? Really? That couldn't have waited until morning?
My largest incision gave me some grief. It was very weepy. That bandage had to be changed several times. By the time I was discharged today, it was under control.
Every single person I came in contact with from admission to discharge was THE BEST! I strongly believe that if you go in with a positive attitude, your outcome will be positive. By this afternoon, I had not only hospital personnel stopping by, but I had fellow patients stopping by to say hi and just chat. It was THE BEST experience!
Now that I'm home, I took a 3 hour nap. I'm finding that when I finally settle into a comfy position, I'm apparently not moving from that position. I'm waking up very, very stiff. But once I get moving, it gets better. The liquid Tylenol definitely helps. I'm not waiting for the pain to get out of hand. I'm trying to nip it in the bud. Hopefully tomorrow I'll need the pain meds even less.
My surgery was a complete success. I did have a tiny hernia that Dr. Kim repaired while he was in there. I don't feel any worse for the wear from it. One stop shopping! Can't beat it!
Water is going down nicely. I have had no nausea at all. I'm going to re-incorporate my diluted Crystal Light tomorrow to get the variety back in my liquids. I'm on liquids until my post-op visit next Friday. Sipping is VERY important! Constant sipping. It was very rough not having anything by mouth yesterday after surgery. I don't think my mouth has ever been so dry in my life.
The leak test was interesting. The liquid you have to drink is probably the worst thing I've ever had in my mouth. After that swallow, I was so afraid I'd throw it up. Luckily I didn't. I passed the leak test and was able to start sipping one ounce at 15 minute intervals for 4 hours. I passed that with flying colors, too.
I'm tired, for sure.

He might have heart burn, acid reflex. I was told that would cause the hunger feeling. I am taking medication which helps with the acid reflex. I was sleeved a little over a month ago and I had almost 2 week stall and have read TONS of people go through that. Good Luck. Remember when he does start losing again it might not be as fast. 2 lbs a week is a great goal.