JLOR

I didn't look at journals but rather liked online at webmd. Also looked at articles from doctors like David Kim and nick Nicholson.

Of the 80+ in my Facebook group almost all lost hair starting at month 4. For me my hair thinned all over but no actual bald Patches. As for my weight BMI. I was a 33 BMI pre surgery at 195 pounds, but lost 20 on pre op diet and then am now down to 137ish. I started at a size 14 pants and now wear a size 2. I'm 5'5". As for normal activity I was back walking all over by about 4 days out, but no hard core running until week 4. I live in Dallas where there are a lot of doctors and options and I feel like dr Kim was a good doctor that provided lots of guidance on what to do and when. Also look for a doctor with support groups and visits for one year out to check Vitamins and progress. Goodluck!

So you asked about downside. I am about 9 months out and the only downside is sometimes I will go out to eat and I really want to enjoy a big dinner but that is just not possible. But I look at that as a positive. But nevertheless when u r craving something special and then you can only take a few bites its sometimes disappointing. Lol some things you should consider if u are serious. A lit of people end up with gallbladder problems and end up having them removed. I would ask your doctor if he would consider doing that whole he is doing the sleeve. Also most everyone I know had hair loss at 4 months. It can get pretty thin but it dies eventually grow back in. I'm lucky I had thick hair. Also re first 24 hours after surgery was HELL! I was so sick from anesthesia. But u can't drink or eat so u just have to tough it out and know it will go away as soon as u r Cleared for liquids. Finally and this one is good and bad....buying new clothes is very expensive! Lol. Seriously though I really didn't think about the fact that literally everything in my closet would be discarded. I'm talking bras. Undies. Hose even shoes. Really suggest you get used to shopping at goodwill, platos closet, clothes mentor, eBay, etc. I've lost weight a million times thru the years but never to the extent that I literally had nothing in the right size. So keep it in mind.

All- I started this thread last year before surgery and haven't checked back very often. Let me update everyone. I am 5'5" was 195 pounds but lost 20 on the pre op diet. Today I am 137 pounds and very healthy and feel great! My only complication throughout the whole process was hair loss at month 4 but no matter what u do u wont avoid that. And yes I took my Vitamins and ate a ton of Protein. It's just a side effect you'll have to deal with until it grows back. And it does grow back! Now comments to some of the replies here- 1. It seriously pisses me off when people call thus a vanity surgery. I was overweight for 20 years. Pre diabetic, tired all the time, and could barely look at myself in the mirror. Just because I'm not 500 pounds you call it vanity? Well news flash being overweight no matter how much is unhealthy. 2. Do your research. No one knows better than u what risks you are willing to take based on your circumstances. Understand the options, give alternatives a try, and ask around. For me this was the best option but it may not b for everyone. You still have to do the work and you still have to eat watch what you eat. 3. Take before and after pictures. I have no before pictures because I couldn't stand to look at myself. Now I live the camera! Never thought id say that!!! 4. You will go they plateaus but lose clothes sized during those times. Just stick with it and it will continue to come off. 5. Follow your doctors advice. I see people concerned with why they stopped losing and yet they are eating all the time and the wrong things. You still have to be diligent about eating the right things. 6. You will likely need cosmetic surgery to fix loose skin, baggy arms, etc. Plan for it but don't be in a rush. Let you skin shrink on its own for 18 months before you do anything. It will minimize what you need done. 7. Get a support group! I wax lucky enough to find a great group on Facebook and they are all so encouraging! It really helps. Goodluck!

I barely squeaked by but I did it!! Now 10 more pounds by Christmas!

You are all going amazing! Great work!

Ok update. I had surgery at 175 on 8/28. And as of last week was 155#. (sorry been out of town this week and no idea on weight) but I've bougt clothes this weekend in a size 7/8 and that hasn't happened in 20 years!! So when the scale stops moving dont worry you are still losing inches!

I was thinking about tis today and it occurred to me that there is a very easy reply for this that your friend will get and will be pretty light hearted. there was this Guy stranded in the ocean one person in boat came up and said come on get in the boat, the man says no I'm fine God will help me, then the Guy in the boat takes off and says fine, another one comes and says the same thing to him and he says the same thing back to the second person then he says okay fine. hours later he drowns and goes to heaven and asks God why didn't u come save me. God says I did dummy I sent two boats. This surgery is your life boat. glad to hear surgery went well. Welcome to the losers bench!

The burning on your left is where the largest incision is and where they pulled stomach through. It will b the most tender but it goes away very quickly.

Good for u! That has got to feel great!

I will try to get some stuff together this weekend Thanks

I have some suits and dress clothes on size 12. Let me know if u are interested. Thanks.

I am almost 5 weeks post op. have 60 pounds excess and I'm down 38 already. So I think it's possible to lose more! Hope that helps.