Search the Community
Showing results for 'hair loss'.
Found 17,501 results
-
Hi I haven't posted for a while, but thought I would stop in and see what you all think. I had my sleeve gastrectomy in January 2018. I was 265 lb and am now 190, so 75lb loss. I keep losing around 1lb a month. I am 5'9. My BMI is 28, so I'm still classified as overweight. I am very fortunate that I have absolutely no loose skin, stretch marks etc. That's just lucky genes...I didn't do anything special, and it was the same when I had our children. I am 54 yrs, we are married with 2 adult sons . My concerns are, that after 4 years, I still have no appetite. Even if I think something will be tasty, after 2 bites, I have had enough. Really weirdly, I can sometimes look at a dish, and my appetite just vanishes. It's hard buying groceries, because I don't have any interest in cooking. And cooking (and smelling) a dish just kills my appetite completely. 4 years out, and I still get dry retching every day just by looking at, or smelling food. It's miserable. My surgeon, although sympathetic, has no answers. My recent endoscopy was absolutely normal. It makes it SO hard for my husband and I... he is normal weight. We used to love going out to restaurants, cafe breakfasts, picnics etc. Now we still try and do that, but I usually only order an entree, but I rarely finish that anyway. It's miserable for him to enjoy being eating and see me just watching. I am so happy to be a much healthier weight, I look better, I fit into nice clothes and am way more energetic. But I still mourn eating. It's hard with guests, while they are enjoying their dinner and you are nibbling on a tomato. Forget adding the buffet breakfast to your hotel stay. Cooking up a lovely meal for your husband and boys and watching them eat, while you are completely satiated just from the smell and look of food while cooking. Any thoughts from others who are years post sleeve?
-
Food Before and After Photos
Starwarsandcupcakes replied to GreenTealael's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Random food the last week(?) or so. All keto. The mini bagels also happen to be vegan! Cough @GreenTealael cough. Also, I didn’t get that job I interviewed for but I wasn’t willing to take a pay cut either so. Their loss. -
I'm sad VERY SAD!
LookingForward22 replied to ScaredButReady2.0's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I’m glad to hear you are doing better but sorry you are still struggling. I’m working closely with a therapist (for years now) … since my accident, and talking through my decision to take this step (surgery … I’m scheduled for next Tuesday). I also see a separate therapist with my husband. There are days I feel like both are a waste of time, but usually I feel like it helps and I even look forward to it sometimes. Even sessions when I don’t think are really head on dealing with “things”… usually end up lightening my load and making everything easier to deal with until my next session. My best therapy advice is find someone you connect with and you enjoy talking to. Sometimes you need to go through more than one, and that’s ok. When you find the right person - it will make all the difference in the world. Thankfully my therapist is experienced with bariatric / weight loss issues. If he wasn’t, I would reach out to my bariatric program (they have a great therapist in house) or if I wasn’t comfortable with their person, I’d ask them for a referral. I hope things continue to get better. -
Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first
Nepenthe44 replied to chiquitatummy's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I still have a double+ chin, but I can flex my neck and see tendons now. I watched a video where a bariatric doctor said that not having fat around your neck/upper chest is a good proxy for loss of visceral fat, so I'm stoked. I keep flexing my neck in the mirror whenever I'm alone with one! -
Surgery date postponed due to my PCP . Heartbroken
lindajlue replied to lindajlue's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
My PCP has never referred me to or mentioned a neurosurgeon before. He just referred me to a pain specialist. We are doing conservative treatments right now. My PCP is only sending me to a neurosurgeon because of the position my neck will be in during the surgery. The neurosurgeon is requiring I have an MRI in the last 6 months before they will see me as a new patient. The bariatric team I am working with called me this morning to tell me that my PCP didn't even talk to my bariatric surgeon he only texted him. He told me he talked to him. I am in shock. I never would have thought he would lie like that. The bariatric team told me not to switch doctors right now as it will hold me up. They will help me do the letter my PCP wants me to write to him regarding my weight loss history and why I want bariatric surgery. They also said my PCP usually listens to the bariatric surgeon. If he is only trying to cover his *** why doesn't he just get me to sign something saying I am not going to sue him. -
Sleeve or Bypass Regrets?
sparkly_keeks replied to maintenanceman's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I had a bypass earlier this year and so far zero regrets. My weight loss, even with bypass, has been slower than average due to a screwed-up metabolism from years and years of dieting. I know if I had gotten a sleeve I may have had slower weight loss and more stalls, so I am happy with my choice to get the bypass. Since the surgery, I have a really strong sensation of restriction, next to no hunger, food aversions (sweet and fried foods) and I can taste things way more intensely. I can eat very small portions of junk foods like ice cream (1 or 2 tablespoons). Anything more than that and I just feel icky so I just avoid them. I lost my sugar cravings, which was the cause of my weight gain in the past. I hope those sugar cravings are gone for good because not having them will help a lot with maintenance. The only struggle so far, however, is dehydration. I have to be so focused every day on meeting my water goals. If I don't, I wake up in the middle of the night with the most awful dry mouth. Other than that, all is good. -
This seems too easy...
Shepherdess1 replied to simplysmile's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Same story here! VSG June 14 with Bhatti GI & North Memorial in MN. Recovery has really been a breeze. I took 1 week off from my desk job for surgery recovery. At almost 8 weeks, 32.5 lbs down. Including a recent 10-day vacation, eating normal foods at restaurants, but small amounts. On vacation we walked 3-6 miles a day. Normally I barely exercise…yeah…I know I need to do better, but I do physical farm work too. No food intolerances, nausea, pain, hair loss, or dumping. I get my 65-90g protein, hydrate, and have my vitamins & probiotic. 900-1200 calories/day. Too often my carbs are too high (>75g). It’s hard to get fiber. The “hardest” part for me and the only deviation from the plan that I have committed (besides erratic levels of exercise) was clear liquids. I was prescribed 3 days CL before surgery (lost 4lbs) plus 2 weeks CL after surgery. 2w after was way too long. I got dizzy and weak because I couldn’t get enough protein. Switching to full liquids was like paradise. Did that a week early with no issues. North Memorial’s diet plan is very conservative. I also got Covid for the first time at 4w post-op. I only had a scratchy throat for 3 days and was tired for a week, but had no problems keeping to the dietary guidelines. Almost zero movement b/c I did strict quarantine for 10d to not spread it. I am surprised I’ve done so well given how crazy it all sounds in retrospect. Major abdominal surgery, FT work, life with 3 kids, Covid, harvest season on the farm, and lengthy travel all in 8 weeks. But it’s been great! I have tons of energy! Fear of complications and lack of insurance coverage kept me from doing this for probably 8+ years. It’s nice to hear positive stories collected in one place. I feel for those of us struggling. I still fear something will crop up. We are fortunate. -
New Here! Looking for Friends!
athrash87 replied to athrash87's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hello. How are things going for you on your pre-op liquid diet? Good luck to you on your surgery. I'm sure this is an exciting but scary time. This definitely seems like a very supportive place for people like us on all types of weight loss journeys. If you would like to talk and become friends send me a message. [emoji2] Sent from my moto g power (2021) using BariatricPal mobile app -
Surgery date postponed due to my PCP . Heartbroken
lindajlue replied to lindajlue's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
It is horrible you had to wait so long. my PCP told me their are weight loss drugs now. I asked him what drugs don't either interact with my blood thinner or increase my heart rate. There is 1, Semglutide which is $600 per month. -
VSG to ESG Surgery??-Why??
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to teedsg's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Everything I've seen on here about getting a revision from sleeve because of GERD has been to the bypass. I've heard the bypass actually greatly diminishes or even eliminates GERD. And gives additional weight loss (although less than initial surgery, it still gives some). It might take another year, but you should be able to get that last 65 pounds down with the bypass, and have relief from the GERD. I would talk to your doctor again, and if he still won't budge from the ESG, find another doctor. -
Surgery date postponed due to my PCP . Heartbroken
lindajlue replied to lindajlue's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
The letter from him was my last requirement for my insurance. I have gone through 5 months of preparing for surgery. He wasn't for it but gave me a referral to the weight loss surgeon. He didn't think the surgeon or cardiologist would approve it, which they did. I have to write him a letter stating why I want the surgery, everything else I have tried. He said there are new weight loss drugs out there. I called his office and left him a message regarding what weight loss drugs are out there will not interact with warfarin or increase my heart rate as I take blood pressure meds to regulate my heart rate. He has never treated my neck pain just sent me to pain Dr. and now he wants to be concerned about the position my neck will be in for surgery. So now an MRI before I can even see the neurosurgeon. I will have to call and see how long my insurance will let me go after I finished my preop phase. -
$18K Out of Pocket or wait a year for full insurance coverage or just diet?
I♡BypassedMyPhatAss♡ replied to SoCalGuy6622's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
If I were in this situation, I would wait and go through insurance. Spend the time while you wait fixing any habits that would be counterproductive to life post weight loss surgery. Stop eating fast food and focus on healthier foods so you know what to expect after surgery. Look at the year you spend preparing for surgery as an investment, and how you will be more successful if you're not battling food issues. Best wishes! -
VSG to ESG Surgery??-Why??
teedsg replied to teedsg's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Thank you for your response. I haven't gotten my GERD checked out for a couple of years, but I know it's getting worse. Part of the regain issue is due to binge eating disorder. I'm still getting treated for that and learning to do other things besides eating. It's been helping, but not really a lot of weight loss (3 lbs since last month), but I can't really get below 220 at all anymore. I'm on HBP meds since last Friday and managing to get it down. I'm totally self-pay for now and the surgeon can correct the gerd, but it won't cover anything dealing with bariatrics under my insurance plan. I guess his office doesn't know how to get it to clear the insurance. I have insurance it just won't cover me for surgery. -
VSG to ESG Surgery??-Why??
RickM replied to teedsg's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Likewise, I don't see the sense of it The ESG by its nature is more limited in what it can do by virtue of its limited surgical procedure - they just can't do as much endoscopically as they can do by going in laproscopically. And, from what I have seen the ESG doesn't have as good results as the basic VSG, either. A few other random considerations: Revisions of any kind tend to have less performance than a virgin procedure - my simple minded picture is that you have already had your stomach reduced from 32-64 oz capacity down to 2-4 oz and you have learned to eat around that; even if it has stretched out some, cutting it back to 1-2 oz isn't going to do much. The RNY isn't markedly different than the VSG in weight loss or regain performance, so don't expect a lot from that, maybe 20 lb would be typical, mostly from a return to the extreme dieting one has to go through around surgery time. If you have had significant regain, first step is to evaluate the cause and treat that; as noted above, the RNY isn't markedly better than the sleeve, so unless you correct what went wrong in the first place, you will be back here again in a couple of years, but with fewer options (the RNY is a trickier thing to revise once you get it, so consider it to be a one way street.) Are you insured, but not covered for WLS, or not insured at all? if you have a significant GERD problem, then correcting it may/should not be considered WLS. but correcting a threatening health condition, possibly the result of an earlier surgery. Check it out before giving up on that avenue. How severe is your GERD? have you had it evaluated? If it is beyond treatment with meds and lifestyle changes, then surgery may be called for. It might be an RNY type procedure (don't refer to it as an RNY to your insurance as that will guarantee a negative answer if they don't cover WLS; there are a number of procedures that derive from the same procedure that gave rise to the RNY, and they are used for treating multiple problems; but they may go under a different name, so let your chosen surgeon work that out with the insurance company. Again, have your issue evaluated - if surgery is needed, a resleeve may do the job without going to the RNY, or it may not as it depends on what's going on with your sleeve. -
Surgery date postponed due to my PCP . Heartbroken
lindajlue posted a topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
My surgeon's office called me yesterday to schedule my surgery. Only thing I needed was a letter from my PCP recommending surgery. He gave my a referral to the weight loss surgeon but reluctantly. He said he would be shocked if the weight loss surgeon would do it. Well he did. I got my cardiac clearance no problem. Now my PCP requires me to write him a letter of my weightloss attempts, why I want it done etc before he will write the letter for surgery.. Now he requires that I see a neurosurgeon due to how long my neck will be in the position required for surgery. I am heartbroken and in tears. -
Does this make sense? I live in Atlanta, GA and I've had two consultations for sleeve revisions. Both doctors are pushing for an ESG. To me it doesn't make sense. Sure it's less invasive and through the endoscopy route, but, I'm a little apprehensive. Neither of them said it will help GERD nor did they mention a good weight loss. An average of 15-20% weight loss is not good stats to me because it'll only give me approximately 40 lb weight loss. It seems like a quick fix that won't last long. Can anyone suggest any good Atlanta surgeons for a sleeve to bypass surgery? My google search is coming up short. There's one surgeon in Johns Creek I would like to try but it's out of reach monetarily because I'm self-pay. I'm 223, 5'4 and 5 years out of VSG. I want a revision because of GERD and weight re-gain. Any insight is helpful.
-
I gained 3 lbs one month post op
Arabesque replied to Mphthegreat's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Stalls are part of the process. We all experience at least one. They usually last 1-3 weeks. Think of them as your body judging needing a time out to catch up on the changes: change of diet, weight loss, etc. They pass when your body is ready. Just stick to your plan & you’ll be fine. We all have fluctuations in our weight. Everyone. You may not have been aware of your natural fluctuation in the past unless you weighed yourself as regularly as you do now. I fluctuate a kg - 2.2lbs. Can be fluid retention, constipation, diarrhoea, what you ate or drank yesterday compared with today, hormonal fluctuations, etc. (I used to gain a good 3 kgs in the days before my period & would lose them in the first days of my period.) The thing to remember is that your weight loss will never be a straight downward line. It will zig & zag, up & down, plateau, drop more slowly or quickly one week to the next. As long as the general trend is downwards you’re golden. PS Congrats on your weight loss so far . -
November Surgery Buddies!!!
Pete-TheTimeIsNow replied to Tristenhilpert97's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Same boat. Sometimes I work really late, and around 8-9 pm, the hunger monster attacks.. :). I started having a fat free, protein yogurt, this didn't cut it. A bit later, I started adding some granola, because "I don't eat enough carbs during the day"... and it went downhill from there.. :), weight loss went down to ~1 lbs / week. Had to stop, and go back to basics. Now, when hungry, and still have some ways to go before bedtime, I eat an omelet (even if it's 9 pm). After I started doing this, weight started going down again. -
Surgery Date 7/27/22, New Life in Progress!
LookingForward22 replied to SurfingMama's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
@SurfingMama my ultimate motivator was my liver function numbers were not good and my liver was enlarged about 3 times the size it was suppose to be. My endocronolgist said my best option was significant weight loss to hopefully reverse the damage. He explained that there was a chance it wouldn't help, but there was really no other treatments for NAFLD & NASH, than weight loss. If I did nothing and my function continued to deteriate, I would eventually need a liver transplant. So I worked my butt off to loose as much weight on my own as I could to see if there was any improvement. 40 pounds later, my numbers started to improve and there was a palpable diffrence in my liver size. My family and I talked about it and with all the risks, the rewards way outweighed them so I made plans to move ahead (my surgery is next week). I am thrilled at the prospect of the weightloss and the benefits that alone brings, but if it hadn't been for my liver I am not sure if I would be on this path right now, but I am grateful for the opportunity to become all round healthier and feel confident in my decision to have the surgery. Congrats on your progress and I am so glad you were able to remove all the cancer! -
Pre op diet weight loss
Spinoza replied to KimA-GA's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
That's amazing - you will be so pleased you did this when you get to the other end of your weight loss journey and those 61lbs aren't still ahead of you! I stayed on my 800 calories, any way, pre-op diet (give or take) for 2 months because my surgery was cancelled first time round. I lost 25lbs in those 2 months and I am so glad I did even though it was tough at the time. Best of luck - I bet you cannot wait. -
September Surgery Buddies!!
Sleeve_Me_Alone replied to happilylacey's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
How is everyone doing??? I'm 6 weeks away from exactly 1 year and honestly, feeling a little defeated that I'm not further along. I'd really hoped to be at goal (about 25lbs to go) or AT LEAST have hit 100lbs down (about 11lbs to go). The weight loss has slowed to a creep the last couple of months, so I'm fairly certain neither will happen. In fact, I'm starting to wonder if I'll really lose any more weight at all! Of course, I have to look back and be grateful for how far I HAVE come and what I HAVE accomplished. Nearly 90lbs lost, better mobility, back pain gone, asthma significantly improved, some 47 inches lost across my body, labs all perfectly normal and within healthy ranges, finally feeling at peace with my body..... The list truly goes on and on. This is the work of WLS though, isn't it? Balancing the good with the bad, the hard with the joyful, the work to be done with the progress already made. How are you all doing? -
Life after 168 pounds down.....
Rachael101 replied to Rachael101's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
You've done amazingly well.... You most definitly will get to where you want to be. My weight loss has also slowed down there's odd weeks where i will loose 2 KG and then maybe nothig the week after then i will loose another KG. Just keep up the good work and the results will follow. :)) -
Pre op diet weight loss
LookingForward22 replied to KimA-GA's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Congratulations on your loss and getting a head start on those changes! That will certain help when you get back to a regular diet! I’m on day 3 of my 8 day liquid diet … (3 Protein Shakes a day, 24 oz 100% fruit juice [no sugar added] & a minimum of 64 oz of Water. I can also have unlimited sugar free Jello, popsicles, broth/bouillon or zero electrolyte drinks that count towards my water goal). So far I have had broth every day, it helps cut the sweet of the juice and Protein shakes, but I haven’t felt hungry or the need for more… yet. (The high protein diet is only 7 days, day 8 is all clear liquids - 60 oz of juice, 64 oz or more of water, plus I can have unlimited amounts of broth/boullion, sugar free popcicles, “zero” electrolight drinks, low calories water flavor aids… nothing red though). As of this morning I have lost 10 pounds on my liquid diet (I have a lot to loose) - which brings me to 62 pounds lost so far since June 2021 (my highest weight). -
August surgery buddies!
LookingForward22 replied to Connie88's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Day 3 of pre-op diet (5 more to go). I’m down 10 pounds since staring the pre-op diet (62 total since I started trying to loose weight last year). Today was the first time I really “saw” weight loss in myself. My clothing have been looser, but I hadn’t noticed obvious body changes until this morning. It hit me - there’s going to be a lot of skin.. lol. Already getting some “wings”, but honestly I don’t mind it’s a badge of accomplishment at this point. I’ve earned those wings. 🤣 Today is the first day I have felt actual hunger, but I’ve been more active today than the last two days and it wasn’t bad, the protein shake helped. I also was around food and ok… but I have to stay off FB and avoid ads…. Those pictures kill me!! My plan is to get all my requirements in (shakes, juice, water) and if I feel like I need something more I’ll add in broth, jello… or one of the other allowed “free foods” to tide me over. I’m hoping I can drop at least another 11 or 12 lbs before Tuesday. That would put me in a really good position to get under the 300 lb mark before the end of the month and I have seen the scale point to anything in the 200’s in a looong time. I’m almost as excited to hit that number as I am to get to onederland! Lol. Now that will be a celebration!! -
I am two weeks out today too! Such a huge change! I wish I had been kept overnight for pain management, but I survived Great job on the weight loss! I am loving the scrambled eggs with a touch of reduced fat cheese, definitely has become my staple! HW: 293 SW(before pre op diet): 289.4 CW: 250.1
