Hello – I am new here so would like to introduce myself, give some history and ask a few questions. I have been overweight as long as I can remember. I have taken prescription weight loss medications (two), used slim fast, participated in weight watchers, counted calories, pretty must everything you can think of. I have been successful losing weight on numerous occasions, but like many others cannot keep it off. The last time I dieted, I lost 50 pounds and gained back 71, which puts me at my highest weight ever – 228! The first of the year, I decided it was time to take some serious action. I have some minor medical conditions, but most importantly a family history of heart disease (my father passed away when I was 25, he was just 49) and diabetes and would like to be alive and healthy to raise my family. So, I started the process in January and am scheduled to have Roux-en-Y bypass on June 9^th. I am ready for this; nervous, excited, anxious, happy, prepared, eager, and overjoyed all at the same time! I have done a ton of research and feel prepared, but would like to ask a couple questions.

How many of you came home with your drain tube in? My doctor says about 90% of his patients get them taken out before they are discharged.

What did you take besides Biotin and Ionic Silica for hair loss? This is what freaks me out most about the entire surgery! I have a fair amount of thick hair and I fear losing it.

I look forward to meeting new people and sharing our successes and obstacles!

I didn't come home with a drain (my surgery was 5/1 and I came home 5/3) and I've had no issues since.

I'd love to know about hair loss too. Mine is starting! Eeek.

My surgeon didn't use a drain. So, I can't answer that question.

As far as hair loss, I too have very thick hair so probably wouldn't miss much if I did lose a lot. I think that you will inevitably lose some hair due to the trauma of surgery and anesthesia. The only thing I would recommend (based on my research) is to make sure you get enough Protein post surgery. It's important not only for your hair and nails but for your overall recovery and weight loss.

Best of luck with your surgery.

Edited: due to stupid autocorrect.

The supplement Biotin and you can also use regain or vivid cal to,promote growing.

Not vivid cal. Viviscal

Your story sounds like mines, just tried of being tried. I just finished 3-4 months of behavior health and healthy eating classes. waiting for final approval and then I can make an appointment with my surgeon and get a date, can hardly wait. Will keep in touch and compare progress reports, if that's okay with you.

Hi Spicy! Glad to hear you made a good decision for you and your life. I know its scary at first but, it will all be OK! As to the drain, I got mine out on day two in the hospital. really almost nobody I have spoken to has gone home with the drain but, it's not hard to empty if you do, or they wouldn't let us go home! lol As to the hair loss, you will loose less than when you had your babies for sure! The key is GET YOUR PROTEIN! Take all the Vitamins your doctor tells you, and get your Fluid and your hair loss should be really minimal. We all worry about that but, honestly...how well were we eating and being nourished before surgery, right? A lot of obese people actually have malnutrition! At first all of it seem just overwhelming, like all big life changes do, like the first time you take a newborn home or when you first learned to manage being diabetic but now your an old pro! Soon, this will be old hat too, just trust in yourself and the team you choose and in the process and take it all one step at a time. You won't believe you ever worried like this a year from now! Keep in touch and good luck!