Tiffykins

Definitely NSV time ! ! ! I'm with you on getting the goodies out of the house. . . It's been a tough couple of months for me, but luckily, the sleeve is keeping me in check.

I didn't know anyone here when I had my sleeve so to see my hair during the losing phase, no one even noticed because I had so much hair. My husband and son definitely noticed, but ladies that I met around the time I started shedding didn't ever notice any difference in my hair. I did do very little "heat" applications to my hair during that time. I kept the flat ironing and blow drying to a minimum, so I had that "right out of the shower" look A LOT.

If a staple came loose, you'd be having more than just pain in your breast. I've never heard of anyone having just one staple come loose because of the stapler lays the staples out. Do you have any incision close to your chest? My closest incision to my breasts was right below my sternum. It's the one they use the liver trochar in to move the liver out of the way.

I had the same pain under my collar bone. It's not gas as in flatulence, it's gas from when they fill your abdomen with CO2 gas. Bubbles can get trapped under our skin, in different cavities. I was just giving some ideas. I'd call the surgeon if it's too bothersome of you get febrile. Did they have to do a hernia repair as well?

I had my hair heavy highlighted and lowlighted right before I knew my hair was going to fall out. I got it done just about 2 weeks before it started, and didn't color my hair for about 2.5-3 more months. Luckily, the highlights and lowlights grew out pretty evenly, and got layers cut into it to help "hide" the loss.

Could be gas trapped and walking, gasx strips, and low setting heating pad might help alleviate the discomfort?

You betcha chickee. I don't have issues taking huge horse pills so if that's a problem you could always stick with liquid versions. Even Mucinex has a liquid version for the kids and it has an adult dosage on the label as well. I'm a kid deep down inside when it comes to medicine so I like the little meltaways and melty crystals that taste like candy LOL. I have honestly not had any adverse effects from any of the cough medications, even the Advil sinus/allergy works really great. I take Zyrtec on a regular basis, and while I don't pump up on drugs, at the first sign of a head cold, I'm taking something to head it off at the pass. I am a big wuss when it comes to being "sickly", and I'm uber cranky so my husband appreciates it when I can take drugs.

I've taken just about every cold medication under the sun, and my best results have been with the Mucinex fast melt crystals for children. When I got hit with a major head cold, Nyquil liquid caps really worked great at night, and the Dayquil worked wonders during the day. I take a bunch of Vit C as it is in my multi, and an additional supplement. I haven't had any issues with any of the cold medications hitting me faster, harder or making me anymore drowsy now than they did pre-op. I really do like the Mucinex because it's great for drying out the phlegm and sinus stuff during a head cold.

It's only temporary I promise. I used the Folicure extra care shampoo, and I did have new growth coming in long before the shedding stopped. I'm still getting new growth around my forehead and temple hairline, and it's been a year since my shedding stopped. The folicure shampoo only cleans out the buildup and scalp to let new growth come in. The only other thing I did was use a higher quality anti-breakage shampoo on the opposite days of the folicure because the folicure is very drying.

I didn't drink soda until I was closer to 6 months out. When I first tested the soda waters, it was uncomfortable. I didn't have patience to let it get flat because let's be honest, flat soda tastes horrible. I've been drinking regular soda typically non-caffeinated for about a year now without any negative effects. If I take a big drink, I'll burp and it's not a dainty little lady like burp, but my sleeve capacity has not changed. I stick with cream soda, orange soda, and Sprite or gingerale. My surgeon's belief is that soda is wasted calories, but he does not believe there is any scientific evidence that it'll stretch the sleeve. liquids go in, hit the pyloric valve and empty into the intestines. Soda is a liquid just like Water. It's not like it's sitting in our stomachs brewing for hours on end, expanding etc etc. At 18 months out, I can eat the same amounts of food that I did 10 months ago. I'm not advocating going against doctor's orders, just giving you my experience.

http://www.lapband.com/en/learn_about_lapband/safety_informa tion/ Patients can experience complications after surgery. Most complications are not serious but some may require hospitalization and/or re-operation. In the United States clinical study, with 3-year follow-up reported, 88% of the 299 patients had one or more adverse events, ranging from mild, moderate, to severe. Nausea and vomiting (51%), gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation) (34%), band slippage/pouch dilatation (24%) and stoma obstruction (stomach-band outlet blockage) (14%) were the most common post-operative complications. In the study, 25% of the patients had their band systems removed, two-thirds of which were following adverse events. Esophageal dilatation or dysmotility (poor esophageal function) occurred in 11% of patients, the long-term effects of which are currently unknown. Constipation, diarrhea and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) occurred in 9% of the patients. In 9% of the patients, a second surgery was needed to fix a problem with the band or initial surgery. In 9% of the patients, there was an additional procedure to fix a leaking or twisted access port. The access port design has been improved. Four out of 299 patients (1.3%) had their bands erode into their stomachs. These bands needed to be removed in a second operation. Surgical techniques have evolved to reduce slippage. Surgeons with more laparoscopic experience and more experience with these procedures report fewer complications. Adverse events that were considered to be non-serious, and which occurred in less than 1% of the patients, included: esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), hiatal hernia (some stomach above the diaphragm), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), abdominal pain, hernia, incisional hernia, infection, redundant skin, dehydration, diarrhea (frequent semi-solid bowel movements), abnormal stools, constipation, flatulence (gas), dyspepsia (upset stomach), eructation (belching), cardiospasm (an obstruction of passage of food through the bottom of the esophagus), hematemsis (vomiting of blood), asthenia (fatigue), fever, chest pain, incision pain, contact dermatitis (rash), abnormal healing, edema (swelling), paresthesia (abnormal sensation of burning, prickly, or tingling), dysmenorrhea (difficult periods), hypochromic anemia (low oxygen carrying part of blood), band system leak, cholecystitis (gall stones), esophageal ulcer (sore), port displacement, port site pain, spleen injury, and wound infection. Be sure to ask your surgeon about these possible complications and any of these medical terms that you dont understand. Back to Top What are the specific risks and possible complications? Talk to your doctor about all of the following risks and complications: Ulceration Gastritis (irritated stomach tissue) Gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation) Heartburn Gas bloat Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) Dehydration Constipation Weight regain Death Laparoscopic surgery has its own set of possible problems. They include: Spleen or liver damage (sometimes requiring spleen removal) Damage to major blood vessels Lung problems Thrombosis (blood clots) Rupture of the wound Perforation of the stomach or esophagus during surgery Laparoscopic surgery is not always possible. The surgeon may need to switch to an "open" method due to some of the reasons mentioned here. This happened in about 5% of the cases in the U.S. Clinical Study. There are also problems that can occur that are directly related to the LAP-BAND� System: The band can spontaneously deflate because of leakage. That leakage can come from the band, the reservoir, or the tubing that connects them. The band can slip There can be stomach slippage The stomach pouch can enlarge The stoma (stomach outlet) can be blocked The band can erode into the stomach Obstruction of the stomach can be caused by: Food Swelling Improper placement of the band The band being over-inflated Band or stomach slippage Stomach pouch twisting Stomach pouch enlargement There have been some reports that the esophagus has stretched or dilated in some patients. This could be caused by: Improper placement of the band The band being tightened too much Stoma obstruction Binge eating Excessive vomiting Patients with a weaker esophagus may be more likely to have this problem. A weaker esophagus is one that is not good at pushing food through to your stomach. Tell your surgeon if you have difficulty swallowing. Then your surgeon can evaluate this. Weight loss with the LAP-BAND� System is typically slower and more gradual than with some other weight loss surgeries. Tightening the band too fast or too much to try to speed up weight loss should be avoided. The stomach pouch and/or esophagus can become enlarged as a result. You need to learn how to use your band as a tool that can help you reduce the amount you eat. Infection is possible. Also, the band can erode into the stomach. This can happen right after surgery or years later, although this rarely happens. Complications can cause reduced weight loss. They can also cause weight gain. Other complications can result that require more surgery to remove, reposition, or replace the band. Some patients have more nausea and vomiting than others. You should see your physician at once if vomiting persists. Rapid weight loss may lead to symptoms of: Malnutrition Anemia Related complications It is possible you may not lose much weight or any weight at all. You could also have complications related to obesity. If any complications occur, you may need to stay in the hospital longer. You may also need to return to the hospital later. A number of less serious complications can also occur. These may have little effect on how long it takes you to recover from surgery. If you have existing problems, such as diabetes, a large hiatal hernia (part of the stomach in the chest cavity), Barretts esophagus (severe, chronic inflammation of the lower esophagus), or emotional or psychological problems, you may have more complications. Your surgeon will consider how bad your symptoms are, and if you are a good candidate for the LAP-BAND� System surgery. You also have more risk of complications if you've had a surgery before in the same area. If the procedure is not done laparoscopically by an experienced surgeon, you may have more risk of complications. Anti-inflammatory drugs that may irritate the stomach, such as aspirin and NSAIDs, should be used with caution. Some people need folate and vitamin B12 supplements to maintain normal homocycteine levels. Elevated homocycteine levels can increase risks to your heart and the risk of spinal birth defects. You can develop gallstones after a rapid weight loss. This can make it necessary to remove your gallbladder. There have been no reports of autoimmune disease with the use of the LAP-BAND� System. Autoimmune diseases and connective tissue disorders, though, have been reported after long-term implantation of other silicone devices. These problems can include systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma. At this time, there is no conclusive clinical evidence that supports a relationship between connective-tissue disorders and silicone implants. Long-term studies to further evaluate this possibility are still being done. You should know, though, that if autoimmune symptoms develop after the band is in place, you may need treatment. The band may also need to be removed. Talk with your surgeon about this possibility. Also, if you have symptoms of autoimmune disease now, the LAP-BAND� System may not be right for you. Back to Top Removing the LAP-BAND� System If the LAP-BAND� System has been placed laparoscopically, it may be possible to remove it the same way. This is an advantage of the LAP-BAND� System. However, an "open" procedure may be necessary to remove a band. In the U.S. Clinical Study, 60% of the bands that were removed were done laparoscopically. Surgeons report that after the band is removed, the stomach returns to essentially a normal state. At this time, there are no known reasons to suggest that the band should be replaced or removed at some point unless a complication occurs or you do not lose weight. It is difficult, though, to say whether the band will stay in place for the rest of your life. It may need to be removed or replaced at some point. Removing the device requires a surgical procedure. That procedure will have all the related risks and possible complications that come with surgery. The risk of some complications, such as erosions and infection, increase with any added procedure. LapSf Study that I swiped from MacMadame's profile LapSF Educational presentation to FACS - includes some 2 year results LapSF Two Year Study LapSF Five Year Study - abstract only LapSF Five Year Study - presentation (requires Windows to play) Literature review on the sleeve - requires $ to get the full text unfortunately Sleeve best for over 50 crowd Video of a sleeve with lots of education discussion Video of a sleeve that is more about the operation Ghrelin levels after RnY and sleeve Ghrelin levels after band and sleeve Diabetes resolution in RnY vs. Sleeve Comparison of band to sleeve - literature review

hair loss is a combination of several factors. Anesthesia does play a part, as does drastic change in diet, and insane hormone flux that occurs during rapid weight loss. No amount of Protein, Vitamins, supplements are going to save your hair. Plenty of patients on here and ones that I know in real life, have been able to get their protein in from week 1, and they are losing hair just as fast, and in the same quantities that I lost hair. http://emedicine.med...071566-overview http://www.aocd.org/..._effluvium.html I appreciate your thoughts, and observations. I agree with you whole-heartedly on the "dietary guidelines". Grant it, the guidelines didn't steer me wrong, and I did succeed by following the prescribed plan to the letter, but I also had no - comorbidities, I didn't exercise for 4 months, and all I really had time to focus on was a full recovery. I experienced the same thing with the butt and boobs disappearing first. But, good news is the belly followed soon thereafter ! ! ! Best wishes on your continued success! ! !

The fundus is the stretchy part of the stomach that is removed during VSG, and that tissue remains with RNY and the Band. I think this might help illustrate the differences. Anatomy This procedure generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is restricted by stapling and dividing it vertically and removing more than 85% of it. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a very slim banana and measures from 1-5 ounces (30-150cc), depending on the surgeon performing the procedure. The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing the volume. By comparison, in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is divided, not removed, and the pylorus is excluded. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass stomach can be reconnected (reversed) if necessary. Note that there is no intestinal bypass with this procedure, only stomach reduction. The lack of an intestinal bypass avoids potentially costly, long term complications such as marginal ulcers, Vitamin deficiencies and intestinal obstructions. Gastric Bypass - The Digestive Process To better understand how the gastric bypass weight-loss surgery works, it is helpful to know how the normal digestive process works. As food moves along the digestive tract, special digestive juices and enzymes arrive at the right place at the right time to digest food and absorb calories and nutrients. After we chew and swallow our food, it moves down the esophagus to the stomach, where a strong acid and powerful enzymes continue the digestive process. The stomach can hold about three pints of food at one time. Food is slowly released into the small intestine where absorption of the nutrients, Vitamins and minerals takes place. The rate at which foods and fluids are released into the small intestines is controlled by a sphincter on the outlet of the stomach. Empty time can be over several hours. Procedures Procedures Bariatric operations currently performed include gastric restriction (vertical banded gastroplasty; laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding), malabsorption (biliopancreatic diversion; biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch), or both (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass). Two of the most commonly performed bariatric surgeries are the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery The most common bariatric surgery procedure performed in the United States, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) combines a restrictive and malabsorptive procedures. A small (15-30 cc) gastric pouch is created to restrict food intake and a Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy provides the mild malabsorptive component. Bariatric surgeons can perform the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure using minimally invasive surgical techniques. The advantages of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass include superior weight loss when compared to vertical banded gastroplasty, with excellent long-term weight reduction and resolution or elimination of co-morbidities (80 percent resolution of Type II diabetes after surgery). Early and late complication rates are reasonably low, and operative mortality ranges from 0.2 percent to 1 percent. Disadvantages of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass include the potential for anastomotic leaks and strictures, severe dumping syndrome symptoms and procedure-specific complications, including distension of the excluded stomach and internal hernias. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is technically more challenging to perform than the restrictive procedures, particularly when using the laparoscopic approach. In experienced hands, the conversion rate of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to open is 5 percent. Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding A restrictive procedure, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) involves placing a silicone band with an inflatable inner collar around the upper stomach. The band is connected to a port that is placed in the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal wall. The inner diameter of the band can be adjusted according to weight loss by injecting saline through the port. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery is performed laparoscopically, offering less surgical trauma in the wound and to the viscera, improved postoperative pulmonary function and decreased incidence of wound-related complications such as hematomas, seromas, infections, hernias and dehiscence. LAGB is technically the simplest bariatric surgery to perform and requires less operating time than other procedures. No anastomoses are created, and the morbidity and mortality are low. The procedure is reversible and, if patients fail to lose adequate weight after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, it can be converted to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The disadvantages of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding include the need for frequent postoperative visits for band adjustments and band slippage or gastric prolapse through the band (5 percent to 10 percent), which requires re-operation. Band erosion into the stomach, gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal dilation and dysmotility also can occur. With these illustrations, you can see that the fundus is intact, and the pouches are both involving some fundus tissue. Stoma(opening from pouch to intestine) stretching is pretty common among RNY which allows food to dump into the intestines faster, and allows patients to eat more.

The Oh Yeah protein wafer bars are "okay". Most of the ones out there are chalked full of carbs and sugar alcohol which gives me horrific gas. I wasn't willing to eat them when I could chew up 3oz of beef jerky, and kick the carbs and sugar alcohol.

Women are competitive, catty bitches. Sorry, it's the truth, and I can't tell you how many times I've had my "skinny" girlfriends comment on how they feel about me now that I've lost weight. It's been eye-opening, and hurtful at the same time. My one "friend" that I had here during my revision told my mother while I was in ICU on a ventilator, clinging to life (literally), she actually looked at mother and said "I'm going to be so hot when I have this surgery!" My mom just looked at her and started bawling. This was not the first horrific comment she made either. When I told her I was getting the band she actually told me "Well, I better get back on Nutrisystem because I can't have you looking hotter than me." Like the only way I could be hotter than her is if I was skinny ? ? ? Least to say, we are no longer friends, and haven't spoken to one another in over a year. She actually broke up with me via a Myspace message at the ripe age of 32. . . Nut case extraordinaire ! ! ! I believe ugliness runs deep in people's souls, and no matter what, there will be those people that just so miserable with themselves that they prey on our emotions, and try to destroy what little hope we have. I have never tolerated bad behavior. We were friends because our husbands are friends, and colleagues. But, now I have no love lost on not having her in my life. I only tolerated her because of my husband. I knew it was not a lifelong friendship because so many "red flags" went up early out in the friendship. I've been wanting to run into her around our small town, and I'm sure we've crossed paths here and there, but she never believed I would get smaller than her, or get hotter than her. Well, here I am today, not only smaller, but so much happier to not have her in my life.

Could you be dehydrated? It can cause constant nausea. Are you still taking the acid reducer Nexium? If it's not working for you, you might need to switch to something else? How far out are you? If your lacking fluids, try some Gatorade for the added electrolytes. I used the Pedialyte freezer pops, and didn't care about the carbs/calories because hydration was my main goal. You'll need to contact your surgeon if you can't get resolution.

Go to your profile, click your name at the top of the forum. Once your profile pops up, in the top right hand corner, there is a button that says "EDIT PROFILE". Click that, then on the left-hand side it says "Change the about me section".

You can do it chickee ! ! !

Send a message to this member here. Her and her husband live in the Keys. I live in Florida, but we live up in the northwest panhandle closer to Alabama so I can't help you with that area. Here is the link to her profile, She's a fabulous sleevester, friend and lady ! ! ! http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/user/1242-keys-pirate/

I had a bubble stuck under my collarbone for over 10 days. Stretching my arms and crossing them over my head helped get it to move. The heating pad was a lifesaver.

They are nowhere near close to Pasta noodles, not within a million miles. The smell is horrific, I washed/rinsed/dried over and over and over, and the smell and texture was horrific. Spaghetti squash is much better in my opinion. I actually mixed it with regular angel hair pasta noodles and my husband and son gobbled it down. For me, personally, the shirataki noodles are disgusting.

Great job ! ! ! I walked for 30 minutes today, and did some leg lifts.

I absolutely love my sleeve. I had a band so I know that hunger came with having that big fundus stretchy part of the stomach. Plus, research doesn't lie. I've attached some links for your review. The interesting ones are listed here, if any of the links do not work, let me know, I've copied and pasted these from my blog on here. You can add me as a friend, and have full access to my blog. I'm 18 months out, and have zero regret. I eat any and every type of food. I do not diet. I easily maintain, and my labs have been stellar. I am never hungry, never truly physically hungry, I enjoy eating, and have zero medication restrictions. There's nothing I don't like about the sleeve. It's given me a life full of fun, excitement, and I honestly eat and feel like a normal person. There are links below that show the ghrelin plasma drops and remains lower than that of band and RNY patients that have the fundus left behind producing the hunger hormone. Continue to do your research, ask questions, and just be as fully informed as possible. LapSF Two Year Study LapSF Five Year Study - abstract only LapSF Five Year Study - presentation (requires Windows to play) Literature review on the sleeve - requires $ to get the full text unfortunately Sleeve best for over 50 crowd Video of a sleeve with lots of education discussion Video of a sleeve that is more about the operation Ghrelin levels after RnY and sleeve Ghrelin levels after band and sleeve Diabetes resolution in RnY vs. Sleeve Comparison of band to sleeve - literature review http://www.iabsobesi...veDietGuide.pdf http://www.cornellwe...gastrectomy.pdf Some of this is outdated, but some of it is great information: http://www.sleeveguide.com/ http://www.ssat.com/...ts/08ddw/O4.cgi http://www.hopkinsba...tion_sleeve.pdf Eglin surgeons use small bougies so this is just for informational purposes: http://www.ncbi.nlm....aultReportPanel http://www.medpageto...age/ASMBS/20937 http://www.associate..._pg2.html?cat=5 5 year post-op stats http://www.ncbi.nlm....um&ordinalpos=1 http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/20338286

It has NOT gone away for me in the least. I've been having major issues with wanting plastics right now. My poor husband is so fabulous about reassuring me that I don't look old, and withered, but I seriously look and nitpick every damn wrinkle on my face (that I should add are not visible until I smile which is apparently NORMAL), but for me, when I was fat, I could smile for days and never see a wrinkle. I'm start counseling after the 1st of the year, and I'm sure this is a topic we will cover. I'll report back with what we discuss. I'm not seeking counseling due to VSG, or my weight loss. It's family therapy/counseling since we are trying to conceive, and my husband is legally adopting my son. It's a requirement we have to fulfill to please the courts, and I figured, I'd do some individualized counseling for my "issues" as additional support. No amount of reassurance from my husband or closest friends here can convince not to have a BOTOX party and load up my face with fillers. It's a battle I can honestly say that I was not mentally prepared for. The kicker was when I was photographed recently posted on my FB, my friend said "you look so much like your mom!" That was the nail in the coffin so to speak. . .

Just my personal opinion: Our livers are tasked double time during the rapid weight loss phase, with the liver issues warnings from the FDA on these drugs, I would not be willing to take it. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm213038.htm I honestly don't think it's necessary. We eat such little fat, and the whole side effect of anal leakage is one thing that would keep me from taking these drugs. I mean it's bad enough post-op to follow the whole "never trust a fart" mindset, but to add a drug that causes fat evacuation via our bowels is a bit too much for me. Our bodies need fat to function properly. I think a lot of times people can't really believe that we'll be successful with just the surgery tool until we really see it for ourselves. I thought I would have to "diet" for the rest of my life, or even to maintain, but it's been very effortless for me.