Sleeve_Me_Alone

It is 1000000% normal and generally unavoidable. Your hair naturally goes through growth and shed cycles and any major trauma to your body (surgery, stress, pregnancy, etc.) can impact that cycle. You just had major surgery and now your body is losing a significant amount of weight in a very short period of time, which triggers that shed cycle to accelerate. For most folks it lasts a couple months, slows down, and then you start to see regrowth.

Take your bariatric Vitamins, hit your Protein goals, and stay hydrated. Those are your best tools for helping minimize it and ensure regrowth comes in strong. Some people also supplement with collagen and Biotin, which certanily can help, but they won't stop the shed.

Hang in there, its totally normal and doesn't last forever!

Ditto to alllllllll the above. collagen is great for hair, skin, and nails but it takes time and won't stop the "bariatric shed" from happening. I take Vital Protein's brand, I get it in a tub from costco and throw it in my coffee every morning. It does help, but it takes time and consistency, especially for hair. As @Arabesque mentioned, hair is all dead stuff, so you won't see the benefits until it starts to grow out.

I had surgery on Tuesday, was back to work Monday. I have a remote desk job. nothing physically strenuous, and my kids are older (long past the diaper change, carry around on my hip years). I felt ok, pain was very minimal, but I was EXHAUSTED. I took naps everyday for probably 2 full weeks.

I take Just Better Fiber daily and have since very shortly after surgery. Its the only thing that has worked for me consistently. If you're not getting any relief from OTC meds, you may want to reach out to your doctor for something stronger.

19 hours ago, tx2az said:

Jordan's Skinny syrups. I get them at TJ Max for $3.99 for a large bottle 25.2 oz. Amazon has them but cost quite a bit more. I like any of the caramels, but my fav is vanilla Caramel. To me it tastes like it actually has cream in it! My granddaughter like the Dragon fruit Acai mixed with Sprite or 7Up. WORD OF CAUTION- It is really easy to over do it! Jordan's Skinny syrups are strong in flavor. Add just a little, maybe a teaspoon or two until you get what you want. It's not like regular coffee additives where you pour a huge amount to even get a taste.

Ditto to all of this. I find them at Home Goods and Ross occasionally, too. I like the Jordan's MUCH better than other brands, and they have tons of flavors. The only ones I've found that I don't like are the "mocha" type flavors - anything with chocolate. They are just a little funky to me.

I don't have any experience with this specific device but as a general rule, weight can fluctuate from day to day and it is completely normal. I know for myself, if I weigh daily, I sometimes see a 4 or 5 pound variance. I would suggest maybe picking a day each week to weigh and try to stay off the scale otherwise. I know it feels counterintuitive, but weighing daily can actually be somewhat detrimental when we see those very normal fluctuations. I'm sure your partner is doing great!

I have read that some folks have issues with reheated meat specifically, simply because it gets drier/tougher once cooled and then reheated. The leftovers themselves aren't the issue, its the change in texture/moisture that results, as I understand it. I would say if you are trying to eat leftovers make sure they are an appropriate texture for the phase of your post-op diet you're in, chew well, take your time eating, etc. I never had an issue with it and eat leftovers quite often, but everyone is different and things. Also, if something doesn't sit well now, give it a few weeks and they try again. Sometimes we just aren't quite ready for something but find we can tolerate it much better a little later on. Hang in there!

It took a good month before I was able to hit my Water goal consistently. In those very early days, its EXTREMLY hard, so don't get discouraged! It helps to keep fluids handy - I always have a water bottle with me, on my desk, on my nightstand, etc. I also think having a variety of options can help. I drink lots of water, but also tea, zero sugar electrolyte drinks, coffee, etc. Just keep working at it and over time it becomes a habit!

It is very typical to not be allowed anything by mouth until after a "leak" test. They will likely have you swallow some barium and then do a test to ensure that your procedure was successful and there are no leaks along the internal incision lines. This is extremely important, given that if there is a leak, anything you ingest will end up in your abdominal cavity. Possibly ask for mouth spray (Biotene) which can help alleviate dry mouth. Those first few days are the worst but hang in there, it will be worth it!

The only limitation I was given regarding swimming was to wait until my incisions were healed over. If I recall correctly, that was maybe 2ish weeks. Because swimming is so low impact, I don't think most surgeons have limitations on it from an exercise perspective. But, as others will likely advise, always best to check with YOUR surgeon (once you select one) and see what their stance is.

From what I've read, creatine can have a positive impact on muscle mass by about 5%. But of course that varies greatly from person to person, being influenced by diet, workout routine, age, genetics, etc. Its considered relatively safe, though there is some concern about kidney function impact. Overall, there are very few thorough, peer reviewed, long term studies, so its really mostly anecdotal.

Ultimately, having a solid, Protein rich diet and lifting weights consistently is what is going to make the biggest difference. But if you're looking to supplement, talk to your doctor/dietitian before starting anything.

I looked into insurance for medical travel and the cost was astronomical. That was 2 years ago and I went from US to Mx, so not sure what other situations would look like.

34 minutes ago, CarmenG said:

If you don't mind me asking, how often in a day do you use the Just Better Fiber?

I usually aim for about 3 tablespoons or so a day (give or take, I don't really measure I just use a heaping spoonful each time). I mix one into my coffee first thing in the morning and then dump the rest into my big Water cup and sip on it all day. It has no flavor, no smell, and no texture, so you can really put it into anything you want.

Try something like Powerade/Gatorade/Vitamin Water (sugar free versions) or a water additive like zip fizz to help with electrolytes. A low sodium Bone Broth might be a good choice, too, if you prefer savory. I use Just Better Fiber for the digestive part, and it has been tremendously helpful. Its definitely a balance keeping hydrated, keeping electrolytes up, getting Protein in.... blah blah blah. The plight of all bariatric patients!

Just now, heatherdbby said:

The everlasting comfort looks identical to the one I ordered.

They denied it saying that it wasnt a medical need, it was a pleasure comfort item

Oh gosh, I'm so sorry! That's really frustrating! I will say, time also helps. Once I had been in maintenance for a bit, I think my body sort of "settled" and I wasn't quite so uncomfortable, though I definitely still can't sit for very long periods of time.

Strength training can help, but it does take time. Getting up and moving frequently, lots of adjusting/squirming in between. I found a chair pillow on Amazon, I think its called Everlasting Comfort, and it does a pretty decent job. As for your office chair, can you request an ADA accommodation? Seems like a different chair would be a pretty simple, easy accommodation for them to make.

14 hours ago, GrannyMaggie said:

Are there any powders that don’t foam up like this?

In my experience they all do it to varying degrees. You could try the Protein waters. You can buy them premade or powder.

Make them ahead of time and let them sit in the fridge for a bit before you drink! That gives the foam time to bubble up and dissipate.

Any Bariatric Vitamin should meet the ASMBS guidelines. More of anything does not always mean better and less does not always mean worse/lower quality. I personally take the ProCare 1x daily capsule (iron free, per my doctors orders based on my lab work) and have had perfect labs since surgery. I tolerate them well and know they meet the ASMBS guidelines.

My plan cut out caffeine the first 2 weeks. I absolutely jumped back in the second I could! Thankfully, it never caused me any trouble, but everyone is different.

I think scar healing and appearance is REALLY variable from person to person. I tend to scar fairly dark and knew that going into surgery so I wasn't worried about it. I did use BioOil for a while, but then got lazy and stopped. I'm almost 2 years out now and I do still have scars, but they continue to lighten and even if they didn't, I would be totally ok with it.

I use JustBetter fiber and LOVE it! I get it on Amazon and have used it since a few months after surgery.

1 minute ago, LindsayT said:

I hit 8 weeks July 1st. So I may try to introduce some more raw vegetables. I have done all kinds of cooked vegetables, fresh fruits, and raw cucumbers and tomatoes with no issues. I miss salads.

If your plan doesn't prohibit it and you've not had any issues so far, I say go for it! Just go slow and listen to your body. ❤️

If I remember right, my plan started introducing raw veggies around 8 weeks, but I also had a very long, very conservative post-op plan comparatively. I think I started with less fibrous items like tomatoes, cucumbers, iceberg lettuce, etc. and slowly worked my way to raw broccoli, carrots, and so on. Thankfully, I never had any issues with fruits/veggies, raw or cooked, but it is good to introduce them one at a time in case you have any trouble.

On 6/18/2023 at 5:04 PM, ms.sss said:

im NOT proud to admit that i am probably (on paper), a full on alcoholic.

Facing VERY similar concerns. I recently joined Sunnyside, which is a subscription based mindful drinking app/plan and am finding it VERY helpful. Just know you're not alone.