Jim in Utah

I am 11 days post op. People have talked about hair loss at some point, but maybe it is mostly women posting that? I was curious if men have had the same problem and if it is noticeable or problematic. I always wear my hair short anyway. Experience/advice?

I was sleeved on a Thursday and drove on Saturday. Drove two hours on Sunday. No issues.

I agree with STEVEHUD regarding artificial sweeteners. There is no convincing research that aspartame, saccharin etc are bad for you or cause disease in any way. There was a NY Times article just the other day outlining this whole issue. Google it.

Not incredibly helpful in that I think nutritionists and dieticians take a one size fits all approach to advice. For example, she told me I could never have carbonated beverages again after my sleeve. But I have seen from others who have the surgery that they do (at least occasionally) drink them. Mostly I felt like it was something I just had to do for the insurance. You can find plenty of good reliable (free) info on the internet. Just have to consult different sources and consider where the info is coming from.

I can't imagine how you can fake it. The insurance company wants to see that straight from the doctor (my doctor's office submitted all that stuff for me). And they also worked with me on the payments. As long as you have insurance that will cover the surgery (which your surgeon's office will look into for you) I can't imagine what the problem would be. And, there are going to be tons of other expenses anyhow for all the tests you have to get done before. So I find it an odd query frankly.

What experiences have ppl had with drinking WINE and coffee (black drip coffee, not lattes and frappuccinos and the like)? At what point after surgery could you drink these beverages and how did it go?

I am day 6 post op and the pureed diet is fine. The key for me is to have adequate flavoring/seasoning in there. Still I have 3 weeks to go of this..... I know eventually I can eat pretty much anything (in small amounts) so I am just waiting this out.

Friendships go through ups and downs for all kinds of reasons. In this case it may be your weight loss, something else entirely, or a combination of things. It is impossible to know, even if you ask her. Who knows if you will get an honest answer. I would not spend too much time on it. If she is a true friend, at some point you will work it out. You need to focus on yourself.

How long is the recovery, what were people's experiences? I am being sleeved in a couple days.

branden2011, I guess you just had to take very small bites, (plus chew a lot)?

I have checked the information they gave me, it just sounds so unappealing I thought I would see what others did. Thanks to everyone for their comments on this so far!

juice, even mixed with Water is really not a good idea. It is just sugar, maybe has some Vitamins, but not worth the calories.

I am being sleeved in a few days. I've been on the pre op diet which is going OK. I am curious about the post op diet though. I am supposed to be on pureed foods (or liquids) for 4 weeks, with the exception of the first couple days which are Clear liquids. My question is did anyone really eat and enjoy the pureed foods? The sample recipes they have given me (normal foods such as eggs, chicken, Beans, tuna, veggies (but all pureed) do not sound very appealing. And baby food (another suggestion) I can't imagine eating. I was thinking of just doing the Protein shakes, greek yogurt, Soups, for those four weeks. What were other people's experiences during the first few weeks of post op diet before going on regular foods?

"diet and pilates"

how long after surgery did people start driving? I have heard different recommendations...4 days to a month! I need to be able to drive as soon as possible after, being sleeved July 23.