Trinity321

MY surgery is scheduled for 11/10/10 with Dr. Macik.

hey I'm in macon:)

I was wondering too about maybe taking a prenatal Vitamin before the surgery (staring now I guess...)

my hair and nails were PERFECT during my pregnancy:)

Yeah you can get 100% of the daily value of Biotin in most Vitamins. I use Melaleuca Vitality for Life vitamins which have a proven 85% absorption rate. I've been using them on and off for years but I am now preparing for the surgery and will be sticking to them from now on.

How is it doing now? Were you also taking the Nioxin Vitamins or Biotin? From what I hear Biotin is easily absorbed into the body and you can't overdose on them. Perhaps dealing with it from the inside out would help.

Ok I found it. It was under USER CP at the top of the screen. I used the edit Avatar link...duh.... Sometimes it takes a little longer for me. :001_tt2:

Thanks so much:) So a pic has to be added for every message? Is there a way to have the photo there for every message. Standard? I guess what I meant was that your pic is near your name. How did you get it to do that?

How do I add the photo to my posts?

I couldn't find a help link..sorry:(

I went to my support group meeting this week and 2 surgeons from the hospital were taking questions. I asked specifically about hair loss and they both said that it is not hormones or anesthesia. It is lack of Protein. Since hair grows slowly Hair loss can be traced back to the diet pre-surgery. They said that all the research points to poor Protein intake. They suggested getting your daily protein and eating healthy.:thumbup:

I also spoke with my hairstylist and she agrees.:001_tt2: Although some hair loss can be traced to illnesses it all comes down to nutrition. If you are exposing your hair to extremes in temperature or coloring or perming then it can be weakened especially if you are not consuming your protein.

By the way the surgeons were Dr. Macik and Dr. Daly at Northside Hospital in Atlanta.

So here's what I'm going to do...I will take my supplements now including the Nioxin Vitamins, Biotin Vitamins and make sure I practice good hair care rituals for the next 12 months. I figured if I eat the daily recommended amount of protein, take the vitamins and protein supplements, use Nioxin Shampoo and conditioners I ought to be able to prevent the hair loss thing. I'll let you know how it goes. Right now my hair has never been healthier and I won't lose it without a fight.

@educationrulz

What was the date of your surgery and how much have you lost so far?:biggrin0:

I've been reading all sorts of different reasons for the hair loss. I am expecting to have my surgery in November 2010. I'm a bit nervous because I have a full head of thick, beautiful, long hair right now. This scares the hell out of me. :confused: It's funny because the surgery doesn't scare me a bit. I have researched everything and read everything so that I am very comfortable. But this Hair loss has got my heart racing.:mad0:

For the inside of me....

I have been reading and learning that it is hormones or the anesthesia or nutritional deficiency. If it's hormones I'm thinking of using a Natural hormone supplement made from plants for the first year to balance my hormones. I also plan to take my Vitamins which have an 85% absorption rate so that should help with any nutritional deficiency. (Absorption rate is important) Eating sushi and anything high Protein. Also, Biotin nettle root extract, silica and nioxin supplements. As for the anesthesia the only thing I can think of to help with that is to flush it out. Am I right in thinking this? Using Fiber, lots of Water, getting a colon cleansing, and eating beets.

Look I've gotta fight this hair loss ...

For the outside of me I'm thinking that I can fight it with;

Nioxin Shampoo and conditioner

Hair Plus shampoo and conditioner

ooKisa shampoo and conditioner

Infusium 23 leave in condirtioner

A low maintenance hairstyle like corn rows or a wig.

Any other tips on how you were able to slow down or eliminate the hair loss?

Shadowwolf549,

Get yourself a Ticker and keep us posted. I'm so happy about your progress! I don't have a surgery date yet but I expect to be sleeved in November 2010. Post some pics too:)

Thanks for sharing your story. I was thinking that you should stay hydrated. You will lose weight with the sleeve so the sauna is probably not necessary this early. Post some pics at some point so we can Celebrate your progress. I'm still going through the 6 month supervised diet. this is my 2nd month. I expect to have surgery in late October, early November 2010.

I have to do 6 months of supervised diet under the care of a licensed nutritionist, registered dietician or a doctor. If I chose a doctor would that be the surgeon or my PCP?

Would weight watchers qualify?

Maybe there's some lactose intolerance mixed in there too?

One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to one cup of warm Water. Drink it to get rid of the headaches related to withdrawal. Old wives remedy from my Mom.

Trinity, it really does vary from person to person. There are so many factors involved. Age, metabolism, diet, exercise. Some lose more rapidly than others do. The good thing is that we are all headed down. I'm 15 weeks out and have lost 53 lbs as of this morning.

That is AMAZING!! You have my heart racing now! I can hardly think of anything else. Congrats on your success. Post some pics. I don't see the before and after pics of those who have already been sleeved.

I was told that the carbonated drinks would stretch your stomach over time. Is that true? Also empty calories can slow down weight loss. It's a good idea to plan the lifestyle change you are about to make. What do you want it to look like? Make your behavior match your goals.

Yeah Zephra you did get off track with the chocolate description but as I read it the picture of the chocolate was so vivid in my mind...lol. I had to laugh and remember which forum I was in. Good luck with your surgery:)

I'd like to hear from some of you in regards to your weekly weight loss. Can you give me an idea of the number of lbs. you lose a week?

Those are awesome! I feel so close to you now..hehe

Well, let's say that Weight Watchers is okay to substitute for the 6 month diet. Is the psych evaluation a one time visit or is that over a period of time as well?

Yes, I have a coordinator. I haven't chosen a surgeon yet. I've been considering Dr. Macik as well. I will speak with my nurse coordinator/caseworker on 5/17/10 for the first time. The time requirement may be an issue. My documentation for Weight Watchers is about 4 years old.

With a BMI of 36, that means you are overweight. How far are you from your goal weight?

I have participated in 4 different diet programs 2 of which were supervised by a doctor prior to making the decision to have WLS. The most recent one was in 2005 and then again in 2007. I am wondering if I will be able to use those medical records in lieu of having to do the 6 month supervised diet under UHC Choice Plus. Anyone know?

PS. Would online programs count, like We**ght Wat***ers?

I am trying to decide which hospital to choose. I am in the beginning process of getting the Sleeve. My insurance company is UHC Choice Plus. If you have any experience with the following hospitals please let me know. I'd am having a little trouble choosing.

Atlanta Medical Center

Emory University - Midtown

Dekalb Medical Center

Northside Hospital