Qwalla

I am 61 years old. I had the sleeve surgery almost one year ago. I have lost 100 pounds and doing extremely well and lots of energy. I had a few problems after surgery bee stings etc. allergic to an arthritis med but mostly smooth sailing! I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Hubby and I go dancing and having a great time. Weight has kind of leveled off right now which I am ok with. I would like to lose another 15 pounds in the future but not worrying about it! Loving life more than ever!!! Good luck to all!

I am 61 years old. I had the sleeve surgery almost one year ago. I have lost 100 pounds and doing extremely well and lots of energy. I had a few problems after surgery bee stings etc. allergic to an arthritis med but mostly smooth sailing! I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Hubby and I go dancing and having a great time. Weight has kind of leveled off right now which I am ok with. I would like to lose another 15 pounds in the future but not worrying about it! Loving life more than ever!!! Good luck to all!

I have 4 large bags of cute clothes. Various brands. 3 and a few 4 x. Let me know. Thanks. Some still have the tags on and are brand new. Reasonably priced!

You will do awesome. I am there for you! Believe and it will happen!

Just when did this love affair with food begin? Well I wasn't overweight when I was growing up. After getting married at 17 and having 4 c-sections in the years to come I just never got back to my pre baby weight along with the stress of a failed marriage and the challenges of children, I turned to the love of my life .....food...glorious food. It comforted me at bad times, lonely times, bored times, as well as good times. Food was my center of any celebration as well. Any social event that I had or went to, food was always my plus one. It never turned me down or disappointed me. Fast forward 100 pounds later and 60 years old I needed a change. I suffer from psoriatic arthritis, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and being on lots of various prescriptions. Many red flags were being raised right in front of my face. After talking to my supportive and loving husband of almost 27 years we began checking out bariatric sleeve surgery for me. I told him I wouldn't even consider surgery without his blessing. After attending a class I could finally see a glimmer of hope for me. Perhaps I could live out the rest of my life in better health. It took me six months of various classes and doctor appointments to get qualified for insurance coverage. As of July 27th 2016 I am now the proud owner of a brand new sleeve surgery. The emotions and stress leading up to this was somewhat overwhelming at times. There were nights and days of crying not knowing if I was making the right decision or not. Without the love and support of my wonderful husband, I am not sure I could have done it. He was supportive no matter what decision I would have came to. I can now see a life of better health and peace of mind. I feel the whole journey up to the surgery has been a love affair with food. I was always the aggressor, having to search the food out...it never magically appeared to me. It was an abusive relationship. I know there are 2 sides to every relationship. I made the mistake of abusing my love for food. I didn't choose wisely. I made poor choices. Now that the surgery is done, I had to end this unhealthy affair we had. I know I can't totally get "my then love" out of my life completely because I need "it" to survive. It had to change with new standards. It will no longer be a love affair. We will have to remain "just friends". Friends that don't abuse, and that make better choices so it isn't an easy road but I have been given the tools to succeed. I will try to remain positive throughout my journey. I know the relapse of going back to my bad choices will always be there. I have to be mindful of my actions and choices to not slip back to previous unhealthy behaviors. One day at a time. I am not perfect and you never forget a love that provided pleasure. I will push through the tough days, climb back on the wagon on my weak days, and remember the journey that has gotten me to this point. Breakups are never easy but sometimes necessary to pursue happiness and health. It has been nine months since surgery and I went from 264 pounds at 5 ft 2 inches to 175 pounds. I live in Boise Idaho and Dr. James Valentine was my surgeon. Best decision that I have ever made. Off most of my prescription drugs except thyroid and arthritis meds. Life is truly a gift and I feel like I have been given a second chance. I am blessed. This journey might not be for everyone ....but if it is for you , or not, I wish all of you health and happiness!!!!!

Yes I used the sprays and powder before I did the wig thing. They help some I just have sooo much thinning the only cover up for my hair is a wig unfortunately. It took me some time to do this. Thank goodness my husband is very supportive or not sure I could have gotten through this! 1/2 inch a month is going to take me a very long time. When and after it grows out I will probably do a shorter cut! We will see! Feel free to message me if you have any questions!

I have only been using the rogaine for about 3 weeks. It will take about 4 months to see the new hair coming in. I had my surgery last July. I take biotin from Walmart. Not sure it helps or not. Now it is a waiting game! Ugh! Good luck all!

My dietitian let me purée chili and also have fat free refried beans. I put a tiny bit of cheese on them. ( fat free)Any fat free soups as long as no starchy pasta or potatoes. Bean soup was good or pea with ham canned was good. Good luck!

I could drink with a straw day one after surgery. My doctor said there is no damage from it. They used to ask not to but since a study no harm was done. After a few months my dietitian at my 6 month visit said I could have caffeine limited and carbonated drinks as long as they agree with me. I would check with your care provider. There is a huge difference in doctors opinions on here. Just follow yours!

Also they said use the name brand rogaine in the men's and generic or store brand for the lady 2%. This came from a doctor that has had great results and gives seminars to other docs!

My doctor said to use men's 5% at night and women's 2% in the morning after showering. It has been proven to help. I am not very patient waiting but yes it will come back....eventually!

I had sleeve surgery last July. 3 months later I started the hair thinning and shedding. It is still thinning but slowing down a bit. I bought a wig because of vanity. I cried so much! I know it grows back but crap in the meanwhile...eeek. I was getting the correct amount of protein etc. my doctor said it doesn't matter what you take some patients will just shed in fact most of them do. My labs were always good. I did go see a dermatologist that specializes in hair loss. She said with the stress of surgery along with the loss of 80 plus pounds lost...it was the cause. I now take women's and men's rogaine. One in the morning and the other at night. She said I would not notice new growth for about 4 months.! She said it was important not to miss a day of treatment or the shedding would start again! Wish I would have had this info before surgery because I would have started it 4 months before surgery and continued on it. Her info is that keep taking it until your hair is lush and full. It won't hurt to stay on it forever. Good luck all. I first bought a wiglet which is a clip in partial wig. Once it thinned too much to clip in I went to a full wig. Expensive yes...but my confidence level got much better! Ugh such trade offs in life! The bright side is my health couldn't be better! Hang in there everyone. This to shall pass!

Just no cafffinated drinks!

Hi I had gastric sleeve surgery July 27 of last year! I am 61 years old. Best thing I have ever done. Had a few hiccups along the way but still worth it! I am Dow 80 plus pounds. The weight loss is slowing down but I am fine with that. I have more energy than I have had in years. I don't weigh myself every day more like twice a month. I know what got me into my "food" situation and will do everything I can to learn from my past. Good luck to all of you to a healthier future! That is truly what it is all about. Feel free to message me if you want me to share my experience with you, or if you have any questions![emoji847]

I do the Bariatric Patches also. Had surgery 4 months ago. I use them at night on my tummy or chest. So far they have always stayed on. No low lab values yet so we will see! Good luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App