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.

Hello everyone. New here but I'm a band revision who was having bypass but canceled the day of surgery and am now having sleeve on May 16 so I've been on all these boards! Look forward to talking more with all of you!

Welcome to all those who are getting there sleeve, newly sleeved and been sleeved and just happen to find this forum. There is helpful info from those going through different stages and sharing their journey. I am a low BMI sleever...but had every metabolic problem in the book.My mother had triple heart bypass. And my father has health issues as well which prompt me to change food habits for me. My children are also learning vicariously to change their food habits which is makes me happy because then I know those in my family who come after my generation will benefit from me becoming more self aware of healthy choices...before they pack on the pounds. I was sleeved December 26th. 2012. I was 230ish at my HW and I am now 168. My goal is between 145 and 150. Now that I have gotten this far along. I must admit even though I am taking Biotin my hair thinned. I know it will start growing back after 3 to 6 months so I keep it short and when I want something different, I go to the local beauty supply store and by me a cute wig and keep it movin' Now that I am this far along and I can eat more than in the beginning stages. I find I need a little more discipline because I know I can eat pretty much anything. Including the carbs that got me this way in the first place. I have slowed to 11/2 to 2 pounds a week. And if I don't keep my metabolism up and exercise 3 times a week I don't lose weight. so I know that plateau is coming soon. My point is those who are newly sleeved..work on your inner self as well as your outer self so you do not go back to old habits or become complacent after you've healed.Or at least learn to do it in moderation. My sleeve is my tool. And sometimes when I eat too fast or one bite too much it reminds me to slow down take my time and eat less. And let me just say sometimes that reminder came in public places where I had to make a mad dash to the restroom.lol. Let me also say this which I have said many times on this forum. I don't regret this surgery. I feel so much healthier, I am off all the meds. I travel a lot more. Hubby is more happy because I feel better about myself. I am more productive. And best of all when I go visit my Grandkid I am able to keep up with her at age two where she is just a ball of energy. And my second Grandchild is on the way so staying healthy is paramount because I know my son and daughter in-law are gonna need some help and a break every once and a while. God Bless

I love that you started this! I was sleeved 3/29/13. I have a LOT of reading to catch up on it seems

I'm right where you are as far as so-called being "selfish". I've told myself that in some ways I am & I'm not appologetic either. Now it's MY TIME TO SHINE. I deserve it.

Um....agreed! I have 4 little boys. All were breastfed. I have been selfless with my body for long enough!

So glad we have a safe support system with out all the judgement. WLS has been given such a "bad" reputation, why I'm not really sure. But most in our cmmunity speak of it as "that" surgery. I really think there is so much ignorance about all this life change requires/brings/demands and changes and improves that most would say this is not the "easy" way out. And why such a stigma to doing something to give you a better quality of life, potentially saving your life! So a big thank you for sharing your story, your comments, goals and even short comings. 37 days and counting. And I'm striving to not feel any type of "shame" about MY decision for MY life!

I love this thread also. I have been checking in periodically and it has been so encouraging and informative. I had my surgery on Aug 17th 2012' date=' HW 348. Best decision I have ever made just for me. I have had a lot of struggles including having my gallbladder removed a month later but would do it all again to feel this good. Blessings to you/us all on this journey;-)[/quote']

Did the give you meds to prevent gallstones after you were sleeved?

I started at 346' date=' surgery was October 16 2012 and today I'm 263. How much have you lost so far, if you don't mind me asking?[/quote']

Don't mind you asking at all. My CW is 245. I have been stalling and that is frustrating but I know I have to get to it with exercise and make sure I keep tabs on the intake. Easier said than done most days but my goal weight is 165, I am 5'10. I think that will work for me.

Did the give you meds to prevent gallstones after you were sleeved?

No. I didn't get stones. I had back pain/discomfort and couldn't keep the little bite of food I was eating down. I had tests and found there was no functionality of my gallbladder.

I am 5 days pot op. I feel good but just can't get my liquids in. I finally went potty though. Today will be better.

I am 5 days pot op. I feel good but just can't get my liquids in. I finally went potty though. Today will be better.

As you heal your liquid intake will get better and better. BM get better after cessation of pain meds and more water.

Hi everyone. I had surgery on 4/8. So far doing good. No major pain or nausea or vomiting. Yesterday I got in about 45gm protein. I also had a small hernia repair. I still have a slight heavy feeling in my throat. It may be gas still. Hopefully all will continue to be well.

Hello all...just wanted to check in. I just came across this forum. I got sleeved march 22nd. My start weight was 307. Last week I was 278. I was weighing myself daily but seemed I was getting obsessed with the pounds. I want to startt weighing myself every week. I want to focus on being healthy but its so tempting to weigh myself. Does anyone else go through this?

Glad to hear someone with a hernia repair doing well. I've been told by others that will be the worst part of recovery for me. Thanks to my lap band I'll be having one repaired too.

Hello all...just wanted to check in. I just came across this forum. I got sleeved march 22nd. My start weight was 307. Last week I was 278. I was weighing myself daily but seemed I was getting obsessed with the pounds. I want to startt weighing myself every week. I want to focus on being healthy but its so tempting to weigh myself. Does anyone else go through this?

I weigh daily, but I only do it to gage how well my eating plan is working for my body. For instance, I added a few carbs like bananas, and it was nice to see that I actually started losing FASTER! I would definitely stop if it ruins your day emotionally though.

BTW, I was sleeved exactly 1 week after you

Wow. I will try bananas. I havent tried that yet. Yeah, I think switching up may help. I think the body doesn't respond to the same routine. Thx for the tip. How much have you lost so far?