Hi All!

I wanted to start a thread for African-American sleevers (no worries I HEART all sleevers from the rainbow). I just thought, no scientific proof, that African-American sleevers may respond to the surgery different than our lovely non-African American sleeved sisters and brothers. I wanted to know if we had the same skin issue, hair problems, and other surgery related issues. Also, how to deal with the culture shock. African-American "soul food" may be something of the past... or not. So I was just looking for a space to voice culture related issues and concens.

PS- I TRULY :heart: ALL SLEEVERS.

I puréed mainly turkey meatballs, deli turkey and chicken breast or deli chicken breast. I bought a mini food processor from Walmart to use since the amounts were so small. Not absolutely necessary if you have a blender, but I was pureeing like 2 meatballs at a time. Everything has to be very very moist, so I made sure not to overcook anything. My crockpot was great for this. I made basic seasoned meatballs and used them in different ways (with gravy, taco flavored, etc). If I liked something, I ate it until I was sick of it and then changed it up. I also researched puréed diets on the internet and tried some recipes. I would just make really small amounts of things because in the beginning, you really don't eat much. I could only eat a tablespoon or 2 (you may have a different capacity because my doctor is known to do a very small sleeve). Good luck to you

Ok thanks. So u didn't have any veggies with it? U just had the 2 meatballs & was full?

I puréed mainly turkey meatballs, deli turkey and chicken breast or deli chicken breast. I bought a mini food processor from Walmart to use since the amounts were so small. Not absolutely necessary if you have a blender, but I was pureeing like 2 meatballs at a time. Everything has to be very very moist, so I made sure not to overcook anything. My crockpot was great for this. I made basic seasoned meatballs and used them in different ways (with gravy, taco flavored, etc). If I liked something, I ate it until I was sick of it and then changed it up. I also researched puréed diets on the internet and tried some recipes. I would just make really small amounts of things because in the beginning, you really don't eat much. I could only eat a tablespoon or 2 (you may have a different capacity because my doctor is known to do a very small sleeve). Good luck to you

Thank u. Did u have any veggies with it?

I puréed mainly turkey meatballs, deli turkey and chicken breast or deli chicken breast. I bought a mini food processor from Walmart to use since the amounts were so small. Not absolutely necessary if you have a blender, but I was pureeing like 2 meatballs at a time. Everything has to be very very moist, so I made sure not to overcook anything. My crockpot was great for this. I made basic seasoned meatballs and used them in different ways (with gravy, taco flavored, etc). If I liked something, I ate it until I was sick of it and then changed it up. I also researched puréed diets on the internet and tried some recipes. I would just make really small amounts of things because in the beginning, you really don't eat much. I could only eat a tablespoon or 2 (you may have a different capacity because my doctor is known to do a very small sleeve). Good luck to you

Thank u. Did u have any veggies with it?

Hello all. I was sleeved 3/31/14. All is well so far with the exception of so pain caused by the repair of a hiatal hernia. Hopefully that will subside soon. I so excited about what is in store for me.

As far as hair, I'm natural and have been for almost 6 years. Besides VSG, my husband and son,the best decision of my life.

I am 3 days post op and am finally starting to see a light at the end of this tunnel. I too am worried about hair loss, my question is how much biotin are you ladies taking? I'm assuming the msm stands for magnesium??? would you please give me the amount of both I should be taking daily....thanks!!!

I am 3 days post op and am finally starting to see a light at the end of this tunnel. I too am worried about hair loss, my question is how much biotin are you ladies taking? I'm assuming the msm stands for magnesium??? would you please give me the amount of both I should be taking daily....thanks!!!

Biotin made my hair grow all over my body. Needless to say, it works.

I am 3 days post op and am finally starting to see a light at the end of this tunnel. I too am worried about hair loss, my question is how much biotin are you ladies taking? I'm assuming the msm stands for magnesium??? would you please give me the amount of both I should be taking daily....thanks!!!

Biotin made my hair grow all over my body. Needless to say, it works.

Ok thanks. So u didn't have any veggies with it? U just had the 2 meatballs & was full?

Oh ok thanks. My greedy but looking to make a meal. LOL

Biotin made my hair grow all over my body. Needless to say, it works.

I have attached a pic of some hair, nails & skin vitamins w/biotin that that my doc suggested.

[ATTACH]43143[/ATTACH]

Where do you get biotin supplements from?

Where can you get biotin supplements?

Walmart, Walgreen, CVS....i ordered mine 7500 mcg from Online and Free shipping they were buy one get one free $4...puritanpride.com

I have yet to be sleeved, but have had a Lap Band since 2009. The band is also a restrictive procedure that makes it difficult to get protein and may result in hair loss. I never experienced any, so I am not worried with the sleeve. I am going to focus on a high protein diet and take the multi-vitamin and calcium supplements, but I want to avoid taking anymore supplements if I can. I am spending my time now looking for high protein meal options other than shakes and meat. I love to cook, so it should be fun.

I have been natural for about 6 years and I love it. Having natural hair may be beneficial since it has not been broken down by any chemicals and is somewhat stronger than processed hair. But I don't know if the follicles are even affected by relaxer or dyes so everyone may be equally prone.

Hi everyone I was sleeved 6 days ago. Everything went great I was up walking around in the recovery room. No stomach or gas pain, no back, neck, knee or elbow pain. I just had left shoulder pain & in both thighs & both arms in the muscle area. I guess that wasfrom being strapped down I was doing so well I was sent home the next day.

Im not hungry but having major brain hunger. I'm the sucker/licker lol. Hubby dont eat the skin of his chicken so the other night he had rotisserie chicken from the spanish restaurant & I just sucked all the seasoning out of that thing. The other morning he left a half slice bacon on th stove & I sucked the flavor out of that. For lunch yesterday he had tuna fish & I ran my finger around the inside of the bowl 2 twice & today I had half of a chicken nugget mmmmm.

I had my first issue today drink broth, I think I drank to much & it just kept rising up in my throat. I walked around & once I belched I was fine. I didnt hurt.

Ive been able to sleep on both sides since the day of surgery & 4 days out I was able to lay on my stomach. I go tomorrow to have my dressing removed.

I took my first outside walk today for 20 minutes. I was borderline diabetic, high cholesterol over 300, sleep apnea, major back, neck, knee & elbow pain from a car accident 4 years ago.

Im 5 1, I started at 219 my first visit, 208 the day of surgery & today 6 days later im 197, 11 pounds in a week.

What soft foods did everyone start with, I still have another week on liquids.

Since im a brown girl/AA im looking for support & to support others like me. Im loving mysleeve so far.

Lol...the sucker....that's hilarious! Sounds like I may be a potential for that category...

I have yet to be sleeved, but have had a Lap Band since 2009. The band is also a restrictive procedure that makes it difficult to get protein and may result in hair loss. I never experienced any, so I am not worried with the sleeve. I am going to focus on a high protein diet and take the multi-vitamin and calcium supplements, but I want to avoid taking anymore supplements if I can. I am spending my time now looking for high protein meal options other than shakes and meat. I love to cook, so it should be fun.

I have been natural for about 6 years and I love it. Having natural hair may be beneficial since it has not been broken down by any chemicals and is somewhat stronger than processed hair. But I don't know if the follicles are even affected by relaxer or dyes so everyone may be equally prone.

Sounds like you are ready.. woohoo good luck.