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.

My surgery date was July 19th and I'm not gonna say I love everything about my sleeve yet I have lost in total 25lbs I started my journey at 262lbs I am now 237 BUT,........ I am missing certain foods & whats even harder is trying to get in my protein all the supplements I've tried are disgusting I've tried isopure vanilla powder it's nasty I've tried syntax nectars it's nasty I've tried unjury chicken powder it's uhm well not as bad as the rest but, still not something thats easy to go down! I just can't deal with the smell the thickness or the taste of any of these protein shakes Any suggestions? I am also worried about hair loss my hair is long & natural but, thin already I'm gonna start taking biotin I've also heard of biosil drops I'm gonna try everything to keep my hair protected as much as I can!

Glad to see you are doing well! Congrats on making it to the losers bench. When are you coming south?

I am not sure my mom told me that Dr Woodson said I should see my surgeon for at least three months.

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My surgery date was July 19th and I'm not gonna say I love everything about my sleeve yet I have lost in total 25lbs I started my journey at 262lbs I am now 237 BUT' date='........ I am missing certain foods & whats even harder is trying to get in my protein all the supplements I've tried are disgusting I've tried isopure vanilla powder it's nasty I've tried syntax nectars it's nasty I've tried unjury chicken powder it's uhm well not as bad as the rest but, still not something thats easy to go down! I just can't deal with the smell the thickness or the taste of any of these protein shakes Any suggestions? I am also worried about hair loss my hair is long & natural but, thin already I'm gonna start taking biotin I've also heard of biosil drops I'm gonna try everything to keep my hair protected as much as I can![/quote']

I can feel you on the protein. I try to eat foods high in protein. I started eating the weight watchers dinners with protein along with other brands. I use the unflavored protein I mix it with applesauce. I cut my hair off. Im doing the no perm thing for good now. I alot of vitamins and drinks like vitamin water has biotin in them. Im just getting to the point were I can eat.

"GOD IS WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF ,SO Keep having faith."<br />Your Sleeve Buddy <br />Zeta<br />

Good Morning,

I'm 15 months out, and I will tell you. I did alot of research on this surgery as well as the others. I knew this would be the best one for me. When I made up my mind this was the surgery I wanted. I started researching vitmamins. I didnt experience the hair loss, because I started taking the potent formula (5k mcg) of Biotin daily 6 to 7 months prior my surgery date which was 4/13/11. I'm extremely happy. My first vist to my bariatric surgeon I was 335. I my heaviest was 371. As of now I've come to a stall and I just cant get out of these 250's.. It's drivng me nuts!! Anyone have any eating plan suggestions???? My Bari doctor told me to get the best results I'm to only eat all protein and no salad, and beans.. he says I need to eat more soild protein vs dense protein. The problem is I've never been a big meat eater. My weight came from the fact I'm a carb monster.. A big one!!!

I eat things like boca burger pattied, or use protein shakes. I use only the best ingredients. However, he states these are no good sources of protein. So I'm now a little frustrated. Does anyone have any ideas or eating plans that I can follow?? I did go grocery shopping and bought alt of protein (real meat) to try and eat.. i ove tuna so I bought plenty of that!!! Prayfully this will work!! Thanks in advance... Also thank u for this thread! happy Sunday everyone!

Hello:

I'm not much of a meat eater,either. Do you like Turkey? Turkey has almost double the amount of protein as chicken! I get Boars head (plain) NATURAL sliced turkey from the deli. I will have a few slices with some cheese for lunch,and perhaps a slice or two for a snack or light meal. Do you like meatballs? Meatloaf? You don't have to choke down a steak! Also, I eat almonds for a snack. Also, Sunflower seeds area a great source of protein.

Good luck!

Zeta I'm gonna try the unflavored & see how that does thank u

Good Morning,

I'm 15 months out, and I will tell you. I did alot of research on this surgery as well as the others. I knew this would be the best one for me. When I made up my mind this was the surgery I wanted. I started researching vitmamins. I didnt experience the hair loss, because I started taking the potent formula (5k mcg) of Biotin daily 6 to 7 months prior my surgery date which was 4/13/11. I'm extremely happy. My first vist to my bariatric surgeon I was 335. I my heaviest was 371. As of now I've come to a stall and I just cant get out of these 250's.. It's drivng me nuts!! Anyone have any eating plan suggestions???? My Bari doctor told me to get the best results I'm to only eat all protein and no salad, and beans.. he says I need to eat more soild protein vs dense protein. The problem is I've never been a big meat eater. My weight came from the fact I'm a carb monster.. A big one!!!

I eat things like boca burger pattied, or use protein shakes. I use only the best ingredients. However, he states these are no good sources of protein. So I'm now a little frustrated. Does anyone have any ideas or eating plans that I can follow?? I did go grocery shopping and bought alt of protein (real meat) to try and eat.. i ove tuna so I bought plenty of that!!! Prayfully this will work!! Thanks in advance... Also thank u for this thread! happy Sunday everyone!

Try following an Atkins type plan or south beach and gradually introducing back carbs till u find that balance where u know how much carbs u can eat to still lose weight. My NUT and surgeon told me that when I get to the point where I can't seem to lose weight for weeks, I need to take a look at my carb intake and that's probably the culprit. Also watch the beans intake cause it's also high in carbs

I have my initial consultation tomorrow and would like to know what I need to do, if anything, to prepare? Im a bit nervous, but Im ready to feel alive again. Thanks for any help given.

Just ask him or her any questions you have....nothing to be nervous about...I dont know how much research you have done on your own, but just ask questions on things you would like to know....

I got all of my clearances done!!! Finished up my psyc eval and I'm just waiting now on my date...I'm so nervous and excited at the same time.

Don't be nervous. Trust God. He will be in the or and recovery room with you . He will guide your doctors hands.

Be Blessed. You will be ok. I had issues with surgery .im still having issues. I don't regret my decision.

"GOD IS WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF ,SO Keep having faith."<br />Your Sleeve Buddy <br />Zeta<br />

Don't be nervous. Trust God. He will be in the or and recovery room with you . He will guide your doctors hands.

Be Blessed. You will be ok. I had issues with surgery .im still having issues. I don't regret my decision.

"GOD IS WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF ,SO Keep having faith."<br />Your Sleeve Buddy <br />Zeta<br />

Thank you so much, I needed that. My thoughts have been going a mile a minute mainly about being put to sleep. I had two cesarians to compare major surgery to, but I was awake for those. I know the Lord will keep me, but keep me in your prayers! Still waiting on the nurse to call me. I think I will call them today. Praying for you too!!

My surgery date was July 19th and I'm not gonna say I love everything about my sleeve yet I have lost in total 25lbs I started my journey at 262lbs I am now 237 BUT' date='........ I am missing certain foods & whats even harder is trying to get in my Protein all the supplements I've tried are disgusting I've tried Isopure vanilla powder it's nasty I've tried syntax nectars it's nasty I've tried unjury chicken powder it's uhm well not as bad as the rest but, still not something thats easy to go down! I just can't deal with the smell the thickness or the taste of any of these Protein shakes Any suggestions? I am also worried about hair loss my hair is long & natural but, thin already I'm gonna start taking Biotin I've also heard of biosil drops I'm gonna try everything to keep my hair protected as much as I can![/quote']

Girl, I hear you. The first couple of weeks are a challenge, but it will get better. I was sleeved on June 19th.

First, congrats on the weight loss. Second, I am not crazy about the protein shakes either. What helped me, in the beginning, is Bariatric Advantage's white grape elixir & Adkins Cafe Caramel. Honestly, at six weeks out, I'm sick of them too. Hopefully, that will change soon.

I was getting in 60-70g of protein a day (mostly through my food)...now it's more like 40-50g of protein (due to newfound tummy restrictions). So, I might have to go back to drinking an Adkins shake a day. I'm worried about hair loss too. My hair is already thin as well. So, I feel your pain.

Thank you so much' date=' I needed that. My thoughts have been going a mile a minute mainly about being put to sleep. I had two cesarians to compare major surgery to, but I was awake for those. I know the Lord will keep me, but keep me in your prayers! Still waiting on the nurse to call me. I think I will call them today. Praying for you too!! [/quote']

I will pray for you. I had my surgery june 26. Iv lost over 50 lbs. I've been sick. In and out the hospital. My cycle, after the sleeve I found I had gallbladder and liver issues. Im getting better. Im able 2 eat and drink. I don't regret the surgery. Im happy I had it done Its just taking my body a second. God helps me to overcome. I have to push myself . I had to learn to trust God more and not my doctor.

I love the support group on here. Littlebits, is a very good source. She has a youtube video. She is always positive .

You have to have positive people along this journey.

My sorority sister 15 Gold is another good source. She helped me too.

"GOD IS WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF ,SO Keep having faith."

Your Sleeve Buddy

I will pray for you. I had my surgery june 26. Iv lost over 50 lbs. I've been sick. In and out the hospital. My cycle, after the sleeve I found I had gallbladder and liver issues. Im getting better. Im able 2 eat and drink. I don't regret the surgery. Im happy I had it done Its just taking my body a second. God helps me to overcome. I have to push myself . I had to learn to trust God more and not my doctor.

I love the support group on here. Littlebits, is a very good source. She has a youtube video. She is always positive .

You have to have positive people along this journey.

My sorority sister 15 Gold is another good source. She helped me too.

"GOD IS WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF ,SO Keep having faith."

Your Sleeve Buddy

Thank you! and God Bless you! I'm so excited, the nurse called me today and my surgery is scheduled for August 30th! I will make sure of this though,because I have a seminar to attend on the 13th where I do paper work and schedule another appointment for my labs and everything. I'm so looking forward to this, and thanking the Lord in advance that NEXT summer I WILL be at or almost to my goal weight. I can't wait to enjoy my family and start running, jumping rope, and teaching my girls how to roller skate, I miss that so much.

Girl' date=' I hear you. The first couple of weeks are a challenge, but it will get better. I was sleeved on June 19th.

First, congrats on the weight loss. Second, I am not crazy about the Protein shakes either. What helped me, in the beginning, is Bariatric Advantage's white grape elixir & Adkins Cafe Caramel. Honestly, at six weeks out, I'm sick of them too. Hopefully, that will change soon.

I was getting in 60-70g of protein a day (mostly through my food)...now it's more like 40-50g of protein (due to newfound tummy restrictions). So, I might have to go back to drinking an Adkins shake a day. I'm worried about hair loss too. My hair is already thin as well. So, I feel your pain. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

Yes what a challenge but, it's been okay so far thank u... they just put me on the puréed diet so I blend a banana with isopure creamy vanilla Protein Powder almond milk a piece of a sugar free fudgesicle and that is about 56-62 g of protein & the great part is it tastes great I really hope the hair falling bypasses I can def do without that!

Hi. If you like crystal light type drinks get the isopure ready to drink. They have 40g of protein mix with water if you need to cut the sweetness. Not thick at all like a shake. Refreshing actually!