kpekin

Hi there: I used to post on this board under a different user name, but it has been so long that I don't remember what that name was! Anyway, I wanted to come on here and post an update and my story. My doctor posted my story on his blog at http://arturorodriguezmd.com/my-surgery-story-de-banding-and-gastric-sleeve I had the LAP-BAND® surgery in August of 2005 and had lots of troubles with it. Now, that I have my sleeve, I finally feel like I'm moving in the right direction! I'm down 24 pounds since my surgery date, which was 6 weeks ago. I finally have the restriction I had been looking for with the band, and it is amazing how much easier it is to lose weight when you have that restriction. Plus, with the gastric sleeve, I believe it really is true that your hunger hormones are altered and you don't feel hunger. I sometimes feel empty, but I never get that stomach-gnawing hunger I used to get. I know it is early in my journey with the sleeve, but I'm pleased so far. If anyone has questions for me about my experience, I'd be happy to offer support. Kim Pekin Midwife Gentle Homebirth Home Page - Virginia Midwife

Doing great! It is a little slower weight loss than I had hoped for, but I'm steadily continuing to go lower and lower. I am down almost 40 pounds now. Including my loss with the band, I am down almost 80 pounds total. I would still like to lose another 80 pounds, but I'll take whatever I can get! I am now able to shop in the department stores in the mall, which I haven't been able to do for a VERY long time. The only side-effect I've had trouble with is hair loss. It is significant. But, I am hopeful that it is temporary like everyone says it is. It has gotten to the point of being noticeable, and I don't like that at all. I am eating about a half cup of food at meals. I don't really get hungry much. Sometimes, I will feel empty, but not that gnawing hunger I used to get. Hope that helps! Kim