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Quick FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

joatsaint

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Okay, this post is not to bash the newbies or newts (not a newbie/not a veteran), although I can see how it could look that way. My sense of humor is dry/sarcastic and it's hard to convey that in print.

 

I thought I'd start compiling some of the most commonly asked questions I see posted on weekly basis, just to show that you are not alone with your thoughts and concerns. :rolleyes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Will all my hair fall out after VSG? 

    "Individuals don't begin to notice the increase in hair loss when showering or brushing the hair until about three months post-surgery. Although the resting hair is being pushed out of the scalp by new hair that is already growing, it can take anywhere from about six months to a year for the hair to return to its normal fullness.

 

    Individuals who have undergone gastric bypass or other operations of the digestive tract designed to reduce obesity are more prone to hair loss post-surgery. This is due to the reduced intake of food in the weeks and months immediately following these procedures. The body needs an adequate amount of proteins and vitamins to maintain hair production. Protein-enhanced shakes are often recommended for these patients as a substitute until solid food can be better tolerated.

    Hair loss related to surgery typically reverses itself without any medicinal intervention or the need for over-the-counter hair loss tonics or treatments. However, maintaining a diet rich in protein and iron is believed to help promote and speed up healthy hair growth. Suggested foods include salmon, beans, eggs, spinach, broccoli, nuts and whole-grain cereals. Avoid foods that can inhibit hair growth, such as those that contain high levels of caffeine and fat."

Losing Hair After Surgery | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/...l#ixzz2Maz1GjQH

 

Can I take my leftover stomach home in a jar?

  

     Man, what kind of sickie... um I mean, that's a very astute question. :P I didn't ask my doctor about it, but from what I've read, it's considered medical waste and a biohazard in the U.S. So you can't have it as a trophy or to tan and make a beanie out of it.

 

   If you're having surgery out of the country, then they may let you take it home, just be careful going through customs. If they ask about it, just tell them you found proof that the Chupacabra exists in Mexico.

 

Can't I do this with out the surgery? You know, eat the crazy small amounts and still lose weight? Why isn't that ok?  

     You can eat the small meals to lose weight, and it is okay. I just couldn't live that lifestyle for very long. It was a non-stop battle to keep myself from eating more.

 

How did you choose your doctor, how much did it cost, and how did you pay for it?

   

     I don't want to recommend my doctor, since I wasn't happy with the aftercare, but I paid about $5k between the doctor and hospital. I put it on a credit card and will have it paid off before the end of the year. I found my doctor by calling my insurance company and getting a list of approved WLS doctors. I did a Google search for each doctor and read the reviews before choosing my surgeon.

 

Do you regret having WLS surgery?

     I do not regret it for a minute. Even with all the discomfort of the 1st 10 days, I am very happy with the result. Food is no longer the focus of my life and I love sitting at a buffet restaurant knowing that I will only eat about 1/4 plate of food.

 

What do I need to pack for the hospital?

Here is a long list of suggestions on things you might want to consider taking with you.

http://www.verticals...surgery-thread/

 

How soon after surgery can I start drinking alcohol?

I'm sure every doctor has their own recommendations, but my doctor said wait 6 months post-surgery before drinking alcohol again. I'm not a big drinker to begin with, so I didn't miss alcohol. But I did drink about 2 oz. of Tequila at month 6 or 7 and was buzzing immediately, more so than I would have been pre-surgery. So, if you're going to start drinking again, just be aware that it may take less alcohol to impair your system. :-)



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I want to hand you an award. Many times I want to make posts about using google and the search funtion before asking really simple questions but I always hesitate. I think the use of that meme was PERFECT.

I feel bad but I wont even look at hair loss posts anymore or anything asking about "who has XYZ insurance" or "how much money does it cost blah blah blah"

all of that stuff has been covered ad nauseum and questions about insurance companies rely totally on your own plan so even if you have blue cross and I have blue cross, our coverage will NOT be the same.

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NurseGrace,

Hopefully this post comes across as it was meant, to be funny and informative.

I work in IT and know that not everyone knows about using the search box on the forum or using Google.

I am sure that I've gone looking for help from a mechanic or store clerk, in their mind they are thinking, "Well, why didn't he just ____________."

Many times I want to make posts about using google and the search funtion before asking really simple questions but I always hesitate. I think the use of that meme was PERFECT.

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the questions and answers on this thread is what this forum is for. everyone has a different opinion,so some may want different views. like I have said before we were all new here at some point and asked questions,so please dont be judgemental to the newbies .

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so please dont be judgemental to the newbies .

I reread my post and I don't see any judgment passed on anyone. You seem to be the one jumping to conclusions.

AND if you've read any of my other posts, you would have known that everything I write has a humorous twist to it.

Haters gotta Hate. :-)

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It was funny. jeeze lighten up...some folks need to remove the stick from their hiney and eat a cookie every once in a while.....nobody's judging. There just seems to be the same flipping questions getting asked all the time. joatsaint, you left out the one about how soon after surgery can I start banging at the bar again.

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It was funny. jeeze lighten up...some folks need to remove the stick from their hiney and eat a cookie every once in a while.....nobody's judging. There just seems to be the same flipping questions getting asked all the time. joatsaint, you left out the one about how soon after surgery can I start banging at the bar again.

Sorry, you're right. I kinda forget to add questions to the post. I try to remember as I see new common questions posted on the main forum.

I also need to add the one about all the post-surgery horny women. :-D

So can I consider you one of my Haters now, I'm starting a following for my cult. :-)

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Sorry, you're right. I kinda forget to add questions to the post. I try to remember as I see new common questions posted on the main forum.

I also need to add the one about all the post-surgery horny women. :-D

So can I consider you one of my Haters now, I'm starting a following for my cult. :-)

Not haten' ....totally supportin'

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03/07/2013

Hi All,

I am fairly new to the site. My profile says I have been around for awhile but I hadn't used the site.

Unfortunately, It takes a long time to manuever around the site looking for answers even though this site is really appreciated.

The insurance question is a hard one for many people. Like myself I am trying to learn not only which ones cover WLS but about insurances in general.

When I started out I didn't realize such things like policies were differant state to state. The size of your group determined what was sold/given to you without your knowledge. There was all these games you had to play!

So if there is people on the site who are experianced and can help I know that would be deeply appreciated by people like me who have had a insurance nightmare.

Other questions are very much appreciated too as we are all in the same boat. We all have weight issues and have struggled with them.

Thinking about a serious life change like WLS is very scarey. It is so niced to be able to talk with others about life changing events.

I bet most of us "newbies",(people who are new to or have not gone through WLS), give those of you who help us a great big THANKYOU for your help!

Most of us do realize it takes up your time to help us and most of us really do appreciate it.

"A GREAT BIG THANKYOU TO THE HELPERS - YOU ARE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED"

Sincerily,

STILL Searching

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Sorry, you're right. I kinda forget to add questions to the post. I try to remember as I see new common questions posted on the main forum.

I also need to add the one about all the post-surgery horny women. :-D

So can I consider you one of my Haters now, I'm starting a following for my cult. :-)

Don't be hating on all the post surgery horny women...that is in your favor :P

I thought the whole thing was hilarious and have a couple more for you to add:

1. Can I eat _______ (fill in the blank) and oh yeah I am driving home from the hospital

2. I haven't lost a pound in two days and I am three weeks post surgery

3. My sister's cousins brother's wife had surgery and regained all their weight...I am unsure why this one bugs me so much.

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I haven't even been sleeved yet, but I am so prepared for the dreaded three week stall. I never want to see another post about that again. :)

Thanks for the blog. It was super refreshing and very funny.

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