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.

Thanks back2barb78. I was just trying to get an idea. My surgeon says I can drive when I feel ready as long as I am clearly not taking pain meds. But just was trying to get a feel for others. I hate feeling stuck and stranded.

No problem The driving will be fine just getting in and out of the car will be a little uncomfortable as well as if you hit any bumps in the road. I did all my running around myself and asked staff or mall security to carry my heavy bags to my car (I didn't even know they did that but the sales lady offered it up). I also stayed close to home because I would get tired quickly. Good luck with your surgery.

Edited May 16, 201412 yr by back2barb78

Just wanted to share my progress. Congrats everyone on all accomplishments no matter how big or small they may be. Highest 293 Surgery about 237 on 121213 (5 months out) Goal weight 175 Today 170 even (been fluctuating low to high 170s past few weeks or so) I'm 5'7"

Edited May 17, 201412 yr by sandisleeve

You go girl, congrats!!!!!!!!

Hi Everyone....Im in Jacksonville Fl...Lapband 2010 converted to sleeve 2014....Newbie with sleeve but excited to have motivation from all of you

Sandisleeve, you look amazing girl! Congrats

Sandisleeve, you look amazing girl! Congrats

Thanks doll. Your avatar is flawless, I need some hair & makeup pointers ASAP!

Hi Everyone....Im in Jacksonville Fl...Lapband 2010 converted to sleeve 2014....Newbie with sleeve but excited to have motivation from all of you

Welcome & good luck on your 2nd wls journey!

Hi I am 2 weeks post op. I am very happy about having my wls but already feeling pressure regarding keeping the weight off. Does anyone else feel this way?

I have felt that since I was a preteen as the Dr "dieted"me since elementary ; incorrectly, of coarse. We know now that children shouldn't be told to skip meals, but rather be encouraged to play , eat healthier choices and grow into their bodies. Then in 8th grade he gave me Ionamin, anyone remember that yellow capsule?

I feel that since I have dieted and lost 20's, 40, 57, and 3 yrs ago 78lbs on my own, that this has to be my answer. Goodness knows that I can do without. So I prayed and I hope that since I will follow diet instructions ( of my diet manual & Surgeon) to a "T" I can do this this time because of the restriction of my tool which will help me to prevent eating mindlessly large portions.

And also on the last diet I gave up sugar, bread, and starches. It was one of the most difficult things I have voluntarily done. So I have not had a problem on the liquid diet because I have already overcome my sugar addiction.

I have always LOVED healthy foods ( in addition to unhealthy ones) so that fact will help tremendously. I am so thankful for my new tool. This has to work for us! I signed a contract in my Surgeon's office that I will follow his instructions, take my vitamins and supplements, and follow this eating plan. I just feel differently about this life plan- more optimistic than ever before.

We can do this, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day; then weeks, months, and years will pass and we will still be successful. Why? Because of our determination, our direction and support from our medical team, and last but not least, all the wonderful people who daily lift us up, advise and care for us on this website. You and i can do this just as our friends, mentors, and buddies have.

Just wanted to share my progress. Congrats everyone on all accomplishments no matter how big or small they may be. Highest 293 Surgery about 237 on 121213 (5 months out) Goal weight 175 Today 170 even (been fluctuating low to high 170s past few weeks or so) I'm 5'7"

You look great!!

Hello Everyone,

Today marks my 3 week post op. So far I have lost about 20-25 lbs depending on when I start counting. I ended up gaining about 10lbs of IV fluids in the hospital so I had to loose that first…. To be honest I feel much better but still struggling to hit all the targets, I have not started formal exercise as I still feel very tired most days. When and how much did you start exercising? This week I also went through the dreaded week 3 stall (a little early)….

Glad to have found this forum!

Hello Everyone,

Today marks my 3 week post op. So far I have lost about 20-25 lbs depending on when I start counting. I ended up gaining about 10lbs of IV fluids in the hospital so I had to loose that first…. To be honest I feel much better but still struggling to hit all the targets, I have not started formal exercise as I still feel very tired most days. When and how much did you start exercising? This week I also went through the dreaded week 3 stall (a little early)….

Glad to have found this forum!

@@plumlove

Glad to hear you are feeling better. At 3 weeks out I was extremely fatigued even walking up stairs was a challenge. Could barely get my fluids in due to hernia repair pain. I was out of work for 6 weeks. I did occasional walks around the block at 4 weeks or so for like 10 minutes but my serious fitness began at about 6-7weeks out when I started spin classes again. I'm 5 months out now and back to my normal routine of a healthy spin addiction. I walk and do moderate strength training occasionally at home for about 20-25 minutes or so. Take it easy but do your best to keep moving so the fat comes off without losing too much good muscle. Good luck I'm down 67 since surgery and 90 since last October -- woohoooo!!! My diet is very restricted due to gastritis but I'm hoping that heals up soon cause I miss sushi sooo sooo sooooo bad!

Well all I have 3 days left before surgery day. I'm not really nervous about being successful, just a tad nervous about the surgery itself. I have cleaned up my closet, got all of the suggested things, Chapstick, etc., so I guess I'm ready. I have a hernia repair also. How have any of you done with that right after surgery (hernia repair)? And about how long did it take for your incisions to heal? Just curious. Thanks.

Well all I have 3 days left before surgery day. I'm not really nervous about being successful, just a tad nervous about the surgery itself. I have cleaned up my closet, got all of the suggested things, Chapstick, etc., so I guess I'm ready. I have a hernia repair also. How have any of you done with that right after surgery (hernia repair)? And about how long did it take for your incisions to heal? Just curious. Thanks.[/quote

I had hiatal hernia repair which was complete surprise to surgeon and me -- hard time healing lots of pain and difficulty sipping became dehydrated 11 days later

Incisions weren't so bad for me only 4

Good luck!

Thanks Sandisleeve, I look at you and am motivated that it will all be worth it.

Hey guys....Happy Sunday almost Monday!....im bored and my mind is going into VSG overload!!!!!