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It will stop. I started having dramatic hair loss at 2.5 months post op. I am now 5.5 months out and it is starting to grow back in and hair loss is decreasing. This is exactly what my surgeon said would happen. He said hair loss would start around month 3 and should stop by post op month 6. He said there is absolutely nothing you can take or do to prevent it, but I still tried everything. He said hair loss past 6 months out could indicate a deficiency of sorts, but it doesn't look like I will have to worry about that. It will grow back.

Vicki, Hi, and thanks for that long letter. Obviously I can't write short letters either so we are even. I appreciate all the information and absolutely amazed and excited about your success. Like I was telling you that doctor was a bummer. I was originally signed up for Gastro Bypass in 2006, had 30 lbs to lose and was to go home and work on that in order to get a surgery date. We (hubby) and I were just not comfortable with the surgery, I had told him before back when I heard Ann Wilson of Heart got the lap band done like in 2003 or 2004 that is what I wanted but Kaiser didn't offer it nor did they when I signed up this time. I went home and struggled losing (like I always do) then I got pregnant. I was ok for 3 months then had a miscarrage, had a lot of stress in my life at that time. I instantly losed 25 lbs and kept it off, I'm really good at maintaining. They called me asking if I was still interested as 6 months had passed, I said yes but I really wasn't. Then I went to my new personal doctor a few months ago, still trying to get healthy from the miscarrage, caused irregular bleeding, hair loss. She ordered blood work on me and said I need to consider losing weight. I sent her an email when I got home asking if Kaiser does lap bands and she said yes and sent my request back into Fremont. That is where I am now. My thyroid is functioning normal, it has been for 11 years now. The problem is once it needs medication to function, your metabolism just doesn't work like it once did, the doctors say it should but my experience, other people with the same problem and my books say no it does not! So I get tired of the doctors saying there shouldn't be a problem losing, even the nutritionist said she knows its harder to lose after your thyroid. So it is working, I have been stable. Now I know from my best friend having the gastro bypass that she is able to pretty much eat whatever she wants to, my other ex friend doesn't eat enough Protein and has been losing her hair. I am not worried about not having certain things, I know how to portion myself. So that's why I think the band can really work for me. I am going to take your advise with the research, with bringing in my facts, and talking to my doctor about how comfortable. I'm going to see if there is another option there for me if I decide to change doctors. You really made me feel a lot better, I really thought after talking to him that I was just going to be killing myself. Right now I've been following a 1200 calorie diet, not what they gave me, just one from Slim fast using their shakes, I like that one so far. I'm going to continue to ride my exercise bike the 3 miles a day or possibly up it to 5 miles each day 7 days a week. Some weight has to come off!! I am most defintely keeping in contact with you! Thanks for everything, you've helped me a great deal. I will keep in touch! Leisa

Hi Erika, I would be worried if you weren't scared or terrified. You are taking some big steps. But, this is the one thing I know for sure, you are going to LOVE having a sleeve vs the lapband. In a few months your life will become pretty normal and you will find that your new healthy lifestyle will be be great. What you eat is important just like anything else you have done to lose weight. I ca promise you ONE thing. You are going to love the staff and Dr. Aceves. I have never encountered such a wonderful, and honestly caring doctor in my entire life---and I am 65. I only wished he could become my Primary Care Doctor. What a soft spoken, gentle man he is. And on top of that he is highly skills as a surgeon. And you wall ALL of these things when it cones to having any kind of surgery. If you have any questions I am here for you. This might be helpful for knowing what to pack when you go to Mexicali for surgery. If you have everything under control then just delete it. Here is what I took and you might want to have when you pack for the Weight Loss Surgery with Dr. Aceves. 1. Gas-X because you will have gas after the surgery and they don't have Gas-X in Mexico. They (the nurses and doctors) will ask you are you passing gas? It is nice to have this on the plane ride home too after the surgery. I bought a box (of 36 tabs) of Gas-X (thin strips) that you just put the strip in your mouth. It tastes good and it is easy to take--no Water required—nothing difficult to swallow either. 2. A comfortable bra & panties--nothing very tight (cotton is nice—what ever you like to wear) to wear home on the plane or if you want to wear these items in the hospital. Everyone was pretty relaxed with what they slept in or wore around the hospital. I didn't bring a robe at all--Just T-shirts and comfortable pants. Maybe a sweatshirt because the air conditioner makes it cool sometimes and then there are times when the air conditioner isn’t working that well. Bring some extra T-shirts in case you spill on yourself. My IV came out and I got blood on one of my T-shirts. I just washed it out in the sink and hung it up in the shower to dry. 3. Drawstring pants or pants with elastic waist—nothing tight around the middle section. I had some Nike walking pants and they were very comfortable—or short, or pants you would wear to relax in. I also had some that I wore to sleep in, walk around the hospital in and wore them home on the plane too (a pair for each day you are going to be away from home). Sweatpants work great too. I was there in Oct and so the air conditioning was going and sometimes it was cool at night when I was sleeping--so I brought some warm socks along too. But in some rooms the air conditioning wasn't working so well in their rooms and they were warmer than some of us were. If it is too warm or too cold tell one of the nurses they will help you with anything you need. They are excellent when you need something—don’t be afraid to ask. 4. A heating pad--I was so glad I had mine (someone had suggested I bring one) because it felt good on my stomach area. When my feet were cold at night I used my heating pad on my feet. Also when I was there with a friend for her surgery in April 2009 I found out at the nurse’s stations they also had heating pads—so if you don’t want to bring your own use theirs. 5. Some kind of slip on shoe for the plane ride home and something to wear in the hospital (I had some flip flops for the hospital and some clogs for the plane ride home. Flip flops didn't take up a lot of room in your suitcase. I also carried on the plane my tote bag carrying some things like, meds, change of underwear—in case my suitcase got lost, a snack so I could eat something after the tests that first day you arrive—because they will tell you not to eat a few hours before you get to Mexicali because of the tests you are going to be having upon arrival at the hospital in Mexicali. Sometimes you have to wait for everyone to have their test before they take you to the hotel and your are soooooooo hungry because you haven’t eaten anything all day long because most of us are flying into San Diego, so bring a snack that you can eat after your tests while waiting to go to the hotel. I brought along some packages of trail mix—bring what you like. 6. Only one (1) small or medium sized suitcase with wheels is really great because you will have to deal with your own suitcase at the airport (coming and going). I also brought along my laptop computer so I could stay in touch with my friends and family—I carried that on the plane too—don’t put it in a suitcase—too much stuff has been stolen out of suitcases. 7. Please be aware if you use your cell phone in Mexicali they will charge you roaming fees to CALL OUT. For me if people called me from the US to Mexicali and they were calling my Cell Phone there were NO ROAMING charges because they called me from the US. Most all cell phones work in Mexicali; I think they said Cricket was the only Carrier that they had problems with. I didn't have anyone come with me for the surgery, and they were so nice as to call someone (in the US) for me after surgery and let them know that I was doing great. I brought my own favorite small pillow with me (almost sofa size). It was nice to have it while I was in the hospital and on the plane ride home. 9. As far as money someone suggested I bring about $45.00 to $50.00 in one's so that I could have them for tipping—they all accept US money in Mexicali. I tipped Ernesto $25.00 who picks you up and takes you to the hospital, takes you to the hotel, takes you back the hospital for surgery and then back to the San Diego airport. He takes such good care of everyone and I tipped him at the end when he took me back to the airport to go home. I also tipped the hotel guys for taking my bag to my room, and when I had dinner that night at the hotel. I would also bring along a small gift for 4 or 5 nurses or give them a little cash—I understand they really don’t make a lot of money and they might appreciate the cash as a gift. I would suggest that you take enough money or Credit Card or Debit card to purchase the medication that you will need after the surgery. There is a pharmacy about 1/4 block from the hotel--anyone at the hospital will tell you where it is—it is a easy walk. The Nexium that Dr. Aceves suggests you take after surgery for acid reflux for about 3 months cost a lot less —don’t forget they will negotiate over the price of medication in Mexico –even when it is at a pharmacy-they will give a price and then ask them “if I buy 4 boxes will you sell it to me for—ask for a lower price. This medication costs a lot less in Mexicali than in the US—so don’t forget to buy it while you are there. I also bought Prilosec because some people had told me that Nexium did work for them—as it turned out I was one of those people that Nexium didn’t work that well on and so I was glad that I purchased Prilosec. 10. Do not take any jewelry with you or wear any. All I took was my watch. Leave ALL other jewelry at home. 11. Be prepared that Ernesto will be late picking you up--find a place to sit down in the baggage area where they said he would pick you up. Make sure you can see people walking in that area and he will come walking down through there with your name on a sign holding it up. He will have you back at the airport on your return trip home in plenty of time to catch your plane ride home. 12. Bring a camera along to take some pictures of yourself in the “before stage” and maybe a group picture of the other people who are going to have the surgery the same day you do. I have kept in contact with them. You will be so glad you have done this. Take lots of pictures. People really do enjoy seeing the pictures if they are considering doing this surgery. 13. Don’t forget the personal things like toothbrush, shampoo, soap that you may want to use in the shower, a razor, cream rinse for you hair—maybe a hair curler and hair dryer if you want. I don’t know if you want to bring make-up—I did, because I wanted to look ok going home on the plane. Yes, we used their water to take a shower—it is ok for showers… they do give you bottled water to drink. 14. I brought along a book I wanted to read along with my Ipod, so I could listen to my own music. You may or may not get a lot of reading done because you might want to take some nice naps too. Getting up and walking around is good for you and it makes you feel a lot better too. 15. Bring along some chap stick for your lips—they dry out and it is good to have something to put on your lips. If anyone else can add anything please jump in here and help me out! I know you are worried about a few small things and I can tell you not to worry because we all have been where you are. Just keep posting to the web site-- anything you want to say or ask. We all understand and have been where you are right now. I wish you GREAT success and it will be a life changing event and in about 2 months you will be saying the same thing too. Also Linda adds that when they make you drink the vile stuff to make sure your new stomach has no leaks don’t for get to ask for chips of ice. It numbs your taste buds because they are so cold and you can drink their YUCK stuff. She did it and it worked great for her. I didn’t know about it and I wished I would have. I think they do this on the 3 day before you go home. Suzanne This is what someone else added to what I put on my list--you never can have too much help or information I wore and underwire.....so I didn't get that message! I also brought a robe...for sure and maybe flip flops or slippers for doing lots of walking after the surgery. They give you those hospital gowns, but the day after the surgery, I was in my own pjs that were button down the front and elastic band capris...something easy to slip in and out of. Suzanne says-- I put my on PJ’5 on after the surgery when I got up to go to the bathroom. I would definitely take a comfy pillow for on the plane ride too. Just don't over pack! You will need very few things....one outfit for the day you arrive and one for when you leave and just the PJ’s for comfort. You may need to have something on the plane ride....maybe some tea from Starbucks or get some hot water and add some chicken broth to the hot water--(take Chicken broth packets from Top Ramen Noodles works great for the Chicken broth. You most likely won't be hungry at all....but just in case......a clear broth with water works. I realized that most of the stuff that I brought, I didn't even need.....so pack light! You will mostly be walking the halls of the hospital! The best of luck to you! You will do great! Hugs, Suzanne

Yup, fibers seem to do the job. Google them and there are a number of companies that offer this as a treatment for hair thinning/loss. It's keratin fibers (which is what hair is made of), they are in a powder (like a dry shampoo), puff them on the thinning bits and they stick to individual hair shafts to bulk them up. It creates the impression of more hair and they don't blow away in wind or rain - they need to be shampooed out. From reading others posts, including Mykeld 2 on this thread, a good haircut can also help... fh61, we are in the same boat, my 22 year old had knee cap stabilisation surgery four days ago and I wish it was me not him going through it... He looked after me so well after my surgery, I am doing the same for him now. He was in such pain this morning that when I was showering and watching my hair disappear, it really didn't seem as important... Jen 35, the fact that you are trying not to fret about things you can't change is a great start. When I was young, i worried about everything, as I have got older, I am more selective about what gets my time and energy - and there's not much... lol!!!

I am a cosmetologist myself and about 3 months out from surgery mu hair was coming out in clumps. I asked my doctor and he said it wasn't the band but the anatesia OK can't spell. I wasn't sure how true that was. So I went reading online. I started taking 10000 milagrams of biotin that I found in one tablet. I will warn you biotin can bloat you or give you gas it is a side effect of it. But who cares about gas if you can still have hair. The other thing I found out is to take a zinc pill as well so I have been. I take just one a day. Then I also read even though you eat protein you don't always get enough so I started adding two protein shakes a day with the unjury protein. I like that protein because it is high quality and no fillers. I was using bosley shampoo and conditioner for about a month and then stopped the shampoo and conditioner because it was drying.out mu hair too much. Most those hair loss shampoo conditioner are focusing on healthy scalp so of overly cleans scalp and then also that means your hair. With over cleaning hair it dries it out and can make it brittle and have it breaking off not just falling out. With our hair loss its not the worry of an unhealthy scalp its the inside us we need to focus on like biotin protein zinc. I do recommend using a good moistizimg shampoo and conditioner after all your hair has been through with surgery. Good luck your hair will turn around mine did. My hair is growing back in!

I'm 3 months post-op and I haven't noticed much difference in hair loss. I know I might be shedding a little more than usual, but it's not noticeable. I've always had super thick hair, so I wasn't really too worried about hair loss. In fact, I was almost hoping (key word: almost ) that *some* of my extra hair would fall out. My hair is so unmanageable at times.

Gallbladder is a consiquence of weight loss. At least that was what I was told after emergency surgery to remove mine. I had been on a weight loss diet and dropped 30+ lbs. (2003) I had a steak for dinner and then threw up all night. went to the hospital in a ambulance. So much pain! I had a gall stone stuck in the duct. The surgeon said it is the most common mis-diagnosed problem in the U.S. I had been taking Alka-selsers, pepto bismal, and acid reducers for months. sleeping sitting up, or, with a "wedge" of pillows. I had complained of sever pain under my right boob. My PCP never picked it up. Had words with him about that. Once the gall bladder was out and I had recovered, I felt so darn good. I lost more weight and kept it off for about a year before it started creeping back. We do not need our gall bladders to function. So, if you need to get yours taken out, go for it. It is not worth the pain, and drastic measures necessary to keep it. Oregon daisy, I am so sorry you have to go thru the pain, you will feel so much better when the gall bladder is gone. try not to worry about your hair, it will grow back. Can you ask for proteins in your IV? Just kidding. Get well, be healthy. I am sending Angels to be by your side. God bless.

HAIR LOSS So, I just wanted to post that my hair has just started to fall out. I’m 7 weeks out from surgery but 9 weeks out from liquid diet. So that’s pretty much the two month point. I’ve heard it’s between 1-3 months when hair loss starts. So far it hasn’t been too bad. My hair is really thick and healthy. I’ve read you loose about 30% so I’m not that worried. I’m definitely interested in that scalp spray if needed. Oh and my skin has cleared up a lot. I have so much less acne now. It’s great! My personal training is going well. I still haven’t dropped weight. I forgot to get on the scale today so maybe I’ll see it tomorrow.

Wow! what a journey this has been. this all started 8-8-12. six months of classes, 2 psyche evals, 31lbs gone... got this pre-surgery diet. um, high protein, zero starch. ok. I'm a vegetarian going on 6 yrs now. eat salmon or tuna occasionally. not much on pasta, bread, rice, etc. not big on dairy either. you think I would be a stick person. haha. weight loss has been slow (not a gym rat). I'm excited and terrified at the same time. trying to keep up the protein, and worried about losing my hair (heard the horror stories). supplements? protein shakes? juicing? doing them all... any input from all you advancers would be greatly appreciated... thanks.

I have lost 160# and now weigh about 150# so I used to be twice my current size. I am exactly the person that changed so much people recognize me by my hair, my voice and my laugh which are all apparently quite distinctive! Parts of your question are hard to answer, but some are simple. I have no judgement toward obese people. I know how physically difficult it is, how some suffer from social stigmatism. If any overweight person asks me about my transformation, I share it all in hopes they may find a path to recovery themselves. In general however, I am not interested in what other people eat, do or how they live their lives... it just isn't my nature to be so worried about someone else. I have my own life keeping me busy! It is like, do I judge with appalling disgust someone who is losing his/her hair just because i have a full head of the stuff? No way, that would be a stupid waste of energy in my opinion... and pointless and just plain mean. Now, I think imbedded in your question is way more... "do you feel like a different person?" and I think that is way bigger then do you discriminate against obese people. I feel like I am finally who I always was but buried under mounds of fat and the numbness of overeating. I feel like the personality I exhibited at 300# was a lie and the person I am now is genuine. I am much more open and straightforward, honest about my feelings and needs now. When my relationships don't fullfill me, or meet some need/desire I have - I speak up rather then trying to bury that hurt/emptiness with food. It cost me relationships, BUT it also created for me much deeper and better ones. I welcome people into my life, but somehow don't really need them. I have my insecurities, don't get me wrong but in general I feel blessed with a good life and good looks and good health and good family etc etc. The sadness I have at times is facing that I am 49 and I missed out on literally DECADES of the chance to feel good and enjoy things in life that I take for granted now. It was like I was living only 2/3 of a life before and that is time I can never get back. Regrets are useless... just look forward and make the best of it, but at times, I do feel that sadness of loss. Now as far as eating like a bird. That is the freaking reality for women past menopause whether they had a sleeve or not. The reason most middle age women are at least a little overweight is because they eat too much for their bodies. I know this because i have a couple of fit/trim friends and have paid alot of attention how they eat - very similiar to me! I date now and occasionally get razzed a little for ordering off the appetizer menu but I have no problem looking someone in the eye and saying "that is why I fit into this outfit you just complimented me on"... or something along those lines. I stand up for myself and if someone doesn't like that I skip dessert and eat light... they can take a flying leap...haha Luckily, my family and friends are all just thrilled for me and I have really gotten tons of kudos, love, support and "you're hot" remarks from the lot of them. It really makes me feel good that they care enough about me that they are happy for me and not jealous or mean about it.

Have to admit that I was worried about hair loss too. But 7 months and 110 lbs. later it hasn't happened. All I can say is that I've had a 30-gram Protein shake every single morning for Breakfast since before my surgery. And ever since two weeks post op, I eat at least 80 grams of protein and drink 64-120+ ounces of Fluid every day. And I take a Biotin supplement every night. Maybe the hair loss is still on the way, but my doc thinks I would have seen it by now. Don't know if that's the winning formula, or if I'm just genetically blessed in that regard. But I do know that it's a great formula for weight loss. So for you newbies who are worried about hair loss, why not give it a try? It certainly can't hurt!

My doctor suggested it. I had it in my mind because there is a young girl at my church who did it and lost over a hundred pounds. I just decided that every "ailment" I had was connected to my being overweight. I was still active, but on the border of becoming diabetic. I decided that I wanted my life back. I am 53 and knowing that nothing would get better or easier as I aged, it is up ot me to make the change. I only wish I had thought if this earlier...I don't want to worry about fitting in a seat at the movies or airplanes, etc. I want to feel good and be more active and a good example to my children who also are somewhat overweight. I hope mine goes as well as yours did. Did they have you see a nutritionist and psychologist? I have been working on the chewing and portion size. I do okay when I'm home with not drinking, but struggle when I'm at a restaurant. It's more social I guess. I didn't know about the e-store. I have some whey Protein powder that I got from Walmart...do they give you some guidelines about this stuff. Do they have you take Vitamins? Have you experienced hair loss that they talk about? You have done so well...you are my official "idol"...I want to do it just like you did!!

Welcom everyone! GirlieGirl you have already been through so much and you are still so young! My thoughts and prayers are with you as well as everyone in the "Springers" group! I had two of my 4 pre-op appointments today, the nutritionist and a surgery nurse. It was cool because I also got to meet the other person having lap-band surgery the same day as I am and one that is having it a week before. I also found it interesting to hear more about some things like Pbing, hair loss and other "complaints" I have read about on this site. As we have all read before, follow your doctors recommendations. I remember reading on this site about someone who said their doctor was not worried about them throwing up (Pbing) and someone else adamantly stating that it was not normal and they needed an unfill or something to help. I am glad to know my team does not consider it normal after surgery! They also explained that it was more bile-like than puke-like, not that it really is any better! I hope I haven't grossed anyone out yet. I start my pre-op diet on March 30th. It will be a combination of Protein Drinks and bars, one piece of fruit and unlimited non-starchy vegetables. I think my toughest hurdle will be giving up Coke Zero - I am addicted to the stuff!

I am thrilled to bits with my band. I have lost about 110% of my excess weight, and feel fantastic (I don't look bad either! lol) So thrilled may be an understatement. What have I done that worked for *me*? Well, for a start, I started eating low GI (The Glycemic Index ) . After trying all the low fat, low carb, low everything diets that are supposed to help with PCOS symptom management, Low GI worked really well for me. I think the reason it was eaiser to stick with was because I wasn't cutting out *all* carbs. I was just replacing them with better options. It kept my blood sugars and insulin lower that with just medication alone. Insulin Resistance, or Type 2 Diabetes is usually the reason for an Rx, but not always. Some Endocrinologist's like to prescribe Metformin to ladies with PCOS to help them lose weight even if their sugars and insulin are normal. There is even going to be a study done here in Oz to see the effect of Metformin on moderately overweight women as a diet drug. I, like you, worried that PCOS would hinder my weight loss. But after banding, I realised just how much I was eating (when I compared it to how little I was eating post op). And I also realised, while my diet was OK while I was trying to lose weight (otherwise I did eat garbage) Even OK wasn't good enough. I had to do better if I wanted the weight to come off. I overhauled my daily diet (the word "diet" in my mind now refers to how I eat. Not a period of time where I try to lose weight, then go back to my "normal" eating) Started exercising (just walking at first, later running and heavy weights) and I saw pretty immediate results. And the better I ate, and the more I exercised, the better I felt. But basicly, these days my PCOS is managed with Low GI eating, and plenty of exercise. I went off my Metformin at about 6 months post op (maybe before that I can't remember) and I have had a perfect 28 day cycle since then. My acne has cleared up, no new hair has started growing, and my blood sugar and insulin are normal. What more could I ask for?

Guys, Have a question. For guys that have been banded, did you suffer hair loss after surgery. What did you do to prevent it or stop it. I am getting banded on the 10th of May and am really worried about hair loss. I have thin hair as it is. Any suggestions/insights will be helpful. This is a great site. Thanks to everyone.

I was SO worried about the hair loss issue that I actually bought a wig that looks just like my normal hair/cut. I do see some extra hair in the shower, but I can't really tell it on my head. What's bugging me is that all of my hair (under the color) is now coming in gray! However, I remember that my grandmother was almost completely gray in her late 40's or early 50's and it looked great on her. Maybe I should just let mine grow in that way. NOT!!

Hello! If this is in the wrong section then I apologise. Where to begin umm I have been a member here for about 2 years I think but I do not post very often but I do read LOTS and I have taken some really great advice from these pages but I have hit crisis point in my life now and I am at a cross road and I really am unsure of what to do next. I have had my band for just over 5 years and I KNEW what I was getting into. I knew that it was only a tool to help me lose the weight and it was not going to be some wonder product that would allow the weight to slip off me over night. I was aware of the life changes, the hard work and the dedication involved and I was fully committed 100%, well that was 5 years ago! I lost over 100 pounds in a very short space of time and I felt wonderful, I had bags of energy and everything that came along with the weight loss and everything was going great. I had found my 'sweet spot' with my fill and I was getting on great until my 'fill' guy called and arranged for me to have a very small amount put in because my weight loss had slowed down to a near stop and of course me being me I trusted his medical knowledge and went along with what he suggested - How stupid can one get??? That tiny adjustment was 3 years ago and since then my life has been hell - if you can actually call it a life that is!!!! I am unable to eat anything apart from breakfast cereal, cookies and chocolate - I can't drink a great deal and NOTHING at all for about 4 hours before bed because if I do then I wake up during the night with it choking me or coming through my nose. My teeth are awful, I have crowns and fillings everywhere now where before my teeth were in perfect health, my hair is awful and falling out, I have no energy oh and of course I have put weight back on - nearly all that I had lost!!! I have been throwing the idea about having my band removed around in my head for about 2 years and I have always told myself no, it will all be OK just give it time but how much more time is this going to need to right itself. I have been unfilled totally and gradually worked my way back up and it is still exactly the same but the worrying part for me is I honestly believe it is now psychological because even when my band is empty I still can't eat healthy foods or even drink water like a normal person. I did raise the psychological issue with my dietician but she just brushed it aside and told me to get on with things and keep trying and that is all well and good I have kept trying but I can't do this anymore, it is killing me and I am putting more and more weight on because I am unable to eat the healthier things so I am filling up on the junk I can eat. What do I do, do I spend the rest of my life fighting this or do I give up and have my band removed. People who have not had weight loss surgery do not understand, they just think it is an easy step, the band is causing problems so just go take it out, if only it was that simple though. If it is psychological then surely I will still be in this position once it is removed, I really feel torn between the devil and the deep blue sea and I really do not have a clue about what to do next - If I decide to keep it and fight on can I really cope living like this but on the other hand if I decide to have it removed will I put more weight on again!! Thank you for allowing me to vent, it has helped a little I think :confused: MsTaylor

My sleeve was 3/22/2010 and I have lost 37 lbs to date. I am not worried about rapid weight loss as it causes hair loss!!!!. So the slower the better. I am with Tiffikins. Eat the protein first. I find I don't have room for much else. Being that I am only at 7 weeks, I think I have done really well. My son came home frm college nad told me he thought I looked thinner. Getting a compliment from him is rare so I loved it! Guess I shouldn't be giving advise to a 5 monther! I know sometimes I weigh the same for 4 days then all of a sudden a couple lbs drop off. Hang in there!

I started having hair loss at about 3 weeks post op I'm 4 months post op now and the loss has been massive I had extremely thick naturally curly hair that grew like a weed the 13 th I went to get my hair done cut and color didn't need a cut more than half my hair has fallen out I wake up to hair all over the bed brushing hair ends up with wads of hair in brush same in shower I can barely make a puny ponytail used to be I could barely get the elastic tie around the hair I'd stretch them out after a couple weeks and have to use new ones constantly it's getting scary I'm eating everything I'm allowed can only manage a few bites per meal drinking fluids like crazy taking all vitamins I was told to take and to add insult to injury my weight loss has slowed a lot last three weeks is about three lbs a week before was at least 6 lbs a week I'm down about 90 lbs since surgery in late February having an appt at bariatric July 10 my first since my post op appt I'm worried I'm going to get told I'm not losing enough which is just going to bring me major anxiety which I don't need on top of the hair loss the one thing I didn't hate about myself when I was fat uhh ok still fat but now losing the one nice feature I had so depressing.....

Hair loss is something I am worried about as my hair is naturally thin anyway. My NUT says protein is the best tool against hair loss, but it seems that almost everyone has experienced it, regardless of protein intake. What levels of protein were you each taking in?

Sleeved 9/17 & so far no hair loss at all. That's not to say I won't wake up tomorrow & it will begin. Don't really know if there is a "safe" period where you can say - ok, don't have to worry about hair loss anymore.... I'm always on the lookout! Glad it doesn't last too long.....

Everything went well. Here's an update: Day 1 - got to hospital at 7:30 and got registered and changed. Was provided a hanging garment bag for my fancy clothes (hoodie and jeans lol). Then was walked over to talk to the anesthesiologist who asked some questions. After about 10 minutes I said goodbye to my husband and I went into surgery. About 5 minutes before it was about to happen I was told I would be intubated. I didn't realize I had to be so yeah... I woke up, went to recovery and was there for a couple of hours. When my room was assigned hubby was there setting up my iPhone and tablet chargers. He was upset with them for not letting me come back from recovery sooner but they didn't have rooms. It was cool to see him standing up for me while I was so out of it. I needed to use the restroom immediately so I did and they had this "hat" thing that is in the toilet to measure your output. I guess it's really important because apparently my neighbor wasn't going at all so they had to insert a catheter in the middle of the night for her. Anyways, I couldn't talk for real because when I was intubated my throat was scraped really bad so I just wanted my meds and wanted to sleep. Hubby left and the nurses took really good care of me. I had pain meds consistently. No tablets - they were all shot through my IV. The one tablet they did give me was Levsin which is for spasms in the abdomen and it dissolves under your tongue. It really helps so ask for it! Day 2 Doc came in early with his assistant Julie and he asked if I wanted to stay a day longer and I said yeah. He said good because his patients who stay two nights at least never wind up in the ER. I was on IV the entire time except for when I wanted to walk; I had them disconnect it. He ordered a throat lozenge for my throat and had them up my pain meds. He also clarified that I was having a little discomfort swallowing because he had to put two stitches in my diaphragm because he had found a hiatal hernia. He said it would be better once it wasn't swollen anymore. He left. The nurses were great. They had ordered my clear bariatric Breakfast tray and gave me shot cups for the Protein shake. The Protein drinks used were by health wise and had 15g of protein in one. They were so fruity and good - not chalky at all so my hubby ordered some for me for home. (Since they're not going to get here till Tuesday he went to a local medical weight loss clinic and got me 8 of them to tide me over). Anyway, I had to sip the protein and Water and that's all I did for the most part. I slept and walked. Hubby came back by and brought my house shoes, my Fitbit and two comfy pillows off my bed. He hung around for a while. I passed out a couple of times. Dr. Jossart came back and gave me the script for my meds (Ativan and Percocet) and told me not to worry if i was 15lbs heavier when I got home because I had been on the IV the whole time and with that I might gain water weight staying another night. He left, after a while hubby left and then it was just me. As soon as I got my second shake down I was ready to go to bed. That's 30g of protein. Maybe 20 ounces of water. Thank God for the IV. Day 3 Woke up. Feeling the best I ever have. Was actually awake when they brought my tray and the broth was still hot so I ate half of that - went down faster than water had been. Also drank half a cup of black orange pekoe tea. That went down well too! So now I know hot things go down well for me! Julie came in and discharged me. Hubby texted he was on his way. I cleaned up, did my hair and packed up all my stuff. I had requested a fan bc my room was a little hot so when I left I had it sent over to my neighbor Mary. She was really happy to get it bc she had been warm too. I sat in the wheelchair and asked for the last pain meds for the road - they shot Toradol, meds to settle my stomach and the last of my Vitamins in my IV. I mixed up an orange pineapple shake for the road and then we left. Made it home. Immediately weighed myself for a baseline. I was 1 lb less than when I left the house. So much for gaining 15 lbs lol! Hubby helped me get in bed, he brought me water and was ready with shakes and Popsicles but I was good. I did drink a 30g protein premier chocolate shake that evening though. So I had a total of 45g and about 35 or so oz of Fluid. Almost at goal. Best I could do. Went to bed and slept like an angel. Day 4 Woke up. Feeling fine. No more bad soreness. Throat is still sore though. Got on the scale. Down another 3.6lbs! I had acquired one of those fruity shakes from the hospital so I immediately had it for breakfast. lunch - 4oz chicken broth and a sf Popsicle. dinner - premier Protein Shake. Water. Right now I'm at 16oz of water for a total of 44oz of fluid. Trying to drink maybe 4 more. Overall, I feel fine. No pain at all in my incisions. Haven't tried lifting anything and won't be trying to until I'm cleared. Hernia repair is there - can feel when I drink like its funneling things through but it lasts for like 2 seconds. The Levsin helps reduce those spasms though. All is well! Tomorrow I will try harder to actually hit my protein and liquid goals.

I've only told a few close girlfriends and my family (which is small). Work knows I had a hiatal hernia repaired and I said I had some acid damage repaired in my stomach. I was able to use the GI surgery to explain my post-op eating. I too, didn't want to deal with the catty remarks and judgement. I had a co-worker tell me she thought I'd had lap-band or gastric-bypass and I just said no, I hadn't had either of those procedures and left it at that. People can think what they want. I feel pretty private about this so I'm not broadcasting it. I did tell the gal who cuts my hair because she was getting a little worried about my sudden hair loss. The one good thing she said is she sees quite a bit of regrowth! Thank goodness!

I'm really worried about hair loss myself. My hair has always been my blanket. No matter how fat I was growing up, I was always complimented on my hair lol I wrote down a few suggestions mentioned on another thread. The main one that stood out to me was "biotin" (sp?) which I haven't been able to find yet. I desperately want to prevent hair loss but some say you can't.

Hello everyone, I've been reading ur posts for a while, my name is Cindy, and I live in Camdenton-near Lake of the Ozarks, so I'll just pipe n about the hair loss....i am a hairdresser and biotin is what i tell my clients to take for hair loss...also u can buy a hair/skin/nails combo. at wal-Mart or any drug store....Anyway I have been worrying about that issue myself...I have to say it does scare me alittle, I have VERY thick hair so I could afford to lose a little but dont want to.....So u guys think the key is protein??? Also I am being banded on April 8th in Mexico....Cindy