Finding Myself

I don't know where you work but you cannot be denied your earned vacation, to a certain point. Put in for your vacation time and then schedule your surgery. But regardless, they can't deny you time off. And it's also none of their business where you are going!!! So if it's an issue, reschedule your surgery to fit within some vacation time and tell them you have every right to take time off!!! I own a business and have employees and I can tell you that it makes me angry when people tell me their company won't let them take their vacation time! Or that they have to give a reason for their time off. It's none of their damned business!

It's actually not an effect of the anesthesia itself, but yes this surgery puts a huge stress on the body. If you really think about it, it's VERY unhealthy to lose a large amount of weight in a month, yet a lot of people do lose it - 20-30 in a month is called starvation! So yes when you stress yourself with the surgery, then take away your ability to get in enough Protein and Vitamins for 6 weeks, your body totally dedicates your nutrition to other aspects of your health. It doesn't really care about your hair at that point! So this is why we lose our hair, for the most part, from this surgery. I found a few websites last night regarding this and I understand better now. Working hard on getting in quality protein is going to be the best weapon against it, but with a new sleeve there is only so much you can do. But I think that if you really focus on QUALITY in the long run you'll be okay. I've seen people admit to eating McDonald's one month out from surgery and that's not a good idea if you want to keep your hair or at least minimize the loss!!

Cissie that would be great! My husband will be there too.

I am wondering if this is because of a lack of proper nutrition after surgery?

Why is there hair loss?? Is it a matter of not enough protein?

Hi Veggieladie, While I am still in the stages of planning my surgery, I can tell you that 1.) you might be a candidate through your insurance and should check that out, but 2.) if not and you still want to consider it, think about going to Mexico. The surgeons there are actually incredibly experienced with the sleeve surgery and a LOT of people are having great experiences there. Not that money is or should be an issue, but out of pocket fees are more than half what they would be here in the U.S. But also, you can pay out of pocket here IN the US as well. I was quoted anywhere from $15K to $25K here in the US. (My insurance will not cover me) You are not alone in your feelings. I am a relatively low BMI (just under 25) but I've carried this extra 60-70 lbs around for over 12 years. I tell my husband all the time, "If I wasn't hungry 24 hours a day, I could do this!" but I am. I am obsessed with food and I feel I need to overeat at almost every meal to feel satisfied. Then I feel gross. So this isn't a new battle for me. You found a great tool with this forum!!! I love it and it's helped me learn so much. Good luck in your journey!

Where did you get this supplemental insurance? Can you post more info on it? I have not been able to find any.

You are sooo encouraging!!! I hope mine goes as well as yours!!!

I am planning to use Dr Kelly but my BMI is 35. So you're not alone!

Congratulations!!!! I am so happy for you!!! Then you can give me all the scoop!

If it changes you could go June 18 with me. HEHE!

Just a little word of encouragement... remember that the more slowly you do lose weight, the better chance you have of keeping it off. No matter what, a few lbs of loss per week on average is the best for your body!! So don't fret! You'll be lighter before you know it!

Does anybody have any specific vitamin brand recommendations before sleeve surgery? Would liquids be better? I want to get into the habit of taking them before surgery which is in 3 months.

Awesome response!! !thank you!!

LBeauty, your post is awesome. I am considering Dr Aceves as well, but Dr Kelly is still my pick. I am not planning for sx till June so I have time. Please keep us informed, and if you don't mind send me a private message and stay in touc regarding this? I have been looking for more info on the hospitals, etc and can't find anything. It sounds like you know where to look. That said, the biggest endorcement I can give Dr Kelly is that I made a friend thru these boards who had a GREAT experience with him two months ago and highly recommends him. So much so that she is sending her own sister to be skeeved with him in a few months! Please stay in touch and send me a PM so we can chat!!

I went to my GP today and she totally discouraged me. Is NOT a fan of weight loss surgery at all. I got the same ol, same ol', "diet and exercise and let's send you to a nutritionist". I didn't even WANT to tell her that I was considering going to Mexico. Good god I can only imagine the lecture I would have gotten. I emailed Dr. Kelly to ask how they handle this. I would obviously have to go back to Dr. Kelly if I had any complications. Anybody else deal with their GP being dead against it? meanwhile another friend of mine who had a bypass said her bariatric team here in the US feels that the sleeve surgery is showing a LOT of promise. I feel so let down.

No, but I did want to go to her for follow up labs. It will be completely separate from her now. I'll do all of my follow ups with my surgeon.

Are you talking about a urinary catheter? Why do they use them? I can't imagine why.

CoffeeBean I have the same BMI as you. It looks like this is working out really well for you! I've been feeling like I am just lazy because I am a "lightweight" even though I've carried 60-70 extra pounds around for 12 years. Gain, lose, gain lose... always the same. So I'm happy to see someone else with my BMI who is a success. I am also considering Dr. Kelly, so any more input would be great.

You guys are probably right - things are so overpriced here in the US. I know this because I'm a veterinarian, and we use some of the same drugs, etc. My husband went to the ER last year for his back and was given an injection of a drug I use every day in my patient - it costs PENNIES. A whole bottle costs something like $20. He didn't see a dr and got an injection of this same drug for pain and it cost $3000. So yeah it makes sense. But, I do wonder why some of the drs charge twice as much as the others. I know all costs involved determine the final price but I'm still curious about the discrepancies. I also agree that trusting your surgeon is the biggest part of this. But I also found some lawsuits about failed staple lines from faulty products and that's not the doctors fault. Sigh.

Monterey in CA or in Mexico? I would like to know if Dr Aceves in Mexicali uses the newer one? Good questions. Hopefully we can get an answer.

I am interested too!!! What exactly made you guys decide on Dr Kelly over Aceves? I'm still considering...

There are whole forums for this info. Range is about $5500 to $10K depending on the doctor. It seems like most people are having really good experiences! That's the only reason I'm considering it.

This is the first I've read about this!! Is this true for BC in general? Or for newer users of BC pills? Does it have anything to do for sure with being sleeved?

Oh goodness I can't believe I missed that! Where did you have your surgery??? Are you happy so far? How was recovery??