RoisinPáircéir

Although I had reflux pre-band, my doctor said that he would fix the hiatal hernia issue during the sleeve surgery. Also he said I should 1) watch out for spicy, acidic foods and 2) cease eating two or more hours before bedtime. It’s pretty basic stuff, but I appreciated the reminder. I’ve been off the pantoprazole since the surgery, and the reflux is gone and/or in remission.

In 2008, I had surgery for the lap band. I never really did lose that much weight with it - I started off at 220 or so. I think the lowest I got down to was 140 or so. I also had reflux before I had the band, so as you might imagine, the band made it worse. In 2017, my band slipped; I couldn't even drink water, nothing could go down, so the band was removed immediately. The surgeon who removed it is a bariatric surgeon, so I mentioned my real concern about gaining the weight back. He then suggested the sleeve. One year almost to the day, I went through surgery for the sleeve. My doctor also fixed the hiatal hernia that had developed from the band. I knew the sleeve surgery had its risks, particularly since I already had scarring from where the band used to be. However, all went well, and I am so happy that I went through it. I feel fantastic, no more reflux, no more antacids, and I lost approximately 105 pounds from when I had the band. I fluctuate between weighing 112 to 115 pounds. I haven't been this weight in 30 years. Part of my concern about the band removal was the prospect of needing to take prednisone in the future. I have a autoimmune disorder (sarcoidosis) that is mostly dormant but flared up once, and I needed to take prednisone for six months in order to function. I must have gained about 50 or 60 pounds while on steroids - my appetite was voracious. I was afraid that if I didn't have something like the band or the sleeve to curb my eating, I could really gain weight if I needed to go back on prednisone. I hope your surgery went well today!

https://www.consumerreports.org/dietary-supplements/heavy-metals-in-protein-supplements/ Has anyone else seen this article? I drink a Quest Chocolate Milkshake protein shake every day... Not to happy about this discovery. I really like the Quest products...

My hair was already extremely thin before surgery; I tried biotin, I tried hair fibers, I tried everything. So when I started losing more, I took a leap and decided to go with hair toppers or "helper hair." I don't think they are terribly noticeable - I did fool a friend of mine who is totally honest with me about everything. Even if it is slightly noticeable, I would feel more self-conscious without it. And they make ones that are extremely natural, with dark colored roots. I actually love my hair now and how it looks on me - it's not too much hair, so it doesn't look garish. ! If you are interesting in trying this out, I suggest going to this site to get some advice: https://cornerofhopeandmane.com For me - fake hair, don't care.