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I also lost about 1/3 of my hair, with 3 distinct bald patches. It was quite troubling, but a nearly 100# weight loss (so far) is definitely worth it. I don't think I was getting enough protein for awhile so I increased it plus using special shampoo and biotin supplements. It fell out from about 4-7 months postop...started growing back at about 10-11 months. I'm at 14 months postop now and alot of new hair is coming in. But the strangest thing...I've always had straight hair but it's grown in curly!!! Not kinky or frizzy, but beautiful curls! And I can pull it out straight too. My hairdresser cut a beautiful style and the curls help cover the small bald patches left. Anyone else have their hair grow in different? I've heard of cancer patient's hair growing in differently, but they usually lose it all.

Greetings, all--new Maintainer here! Just a brief intro: I had surgery on March 2, 2019. I set an original goal weight of 150, but when I got closer I decided that 140 was probably better. Now I'm at 136. (I truly can't believe these numbers--I never would have dreamed this a year ago!) I'm still losing a bit of weight, but not at a rapid rate. I'm now trying to figure out what and how much more I need to eat to reach a good balance. Carbs and fats still terrify me, but I may need to increase both to stop losing. The challenge will be eating enough, because I still get full (sometimes to the point of discomfort) when I eat what I've been eating during weight loss. It's all trial and error I suppose. I still think of myself as a fat person and I am sometimes shocked when I see myself in the mirror, but I'm getting used to it. I went back to my old office this week for the first time in two years, and literally nobody recognized me at first. It was only when I started talking that they knew it was me. I guess that's a good thing! Now I'm getting comments from family and friends that I'm too thin, which is absurd. I have a very small frame and weighed ten pounds less than this in high school and college. However, all of my current friends only know me as a fat person and I guess it's a bit shocking to them. I'm going to read through the entire thread this weekend so I'm up to speed. I've already found some great information in the first few page, and I'm really glad this thread was started!

My former "friend" used to be the thin one and I was the fat one...but she has gained alot of weight and, of course, I've lost (nearly 100#). She got so jealous that she began tracking her weight daily and logging her food...but she still ate tons of food and never exercised. She actually gained 10# in 6 months but kept telling everyone about how much she's doing to lose whenever they would compliment me. Maybe your mom is jealous and feels hopeless that she'll ever lose like you are. Just keep following your weight loss plan...maybe encourage her to exercise with you. My family has been totally behind me, which I'm so blessed.

10-22-19 Revision from Lapband to sleeve.

9. I didn't pamper myself yet but I'm sitting here on wet Friday afternoon with a hot cup of tea and the idea of a hot bath does appeal. I'm sure I can take care of that in the next few days. No abs anywhere on the 9th but did get in some yoga on top of cardio at the gym. 10. Cardio at the gym, some abs anywhere but didn't finish them all, no Goodlife group class but I am in a group class with the yoga. 11. Delicious time at the gym this morning...cardio, abs, some legs...more tomorrow. My plot is to do a full yoga routine via video this evening. And I just spoke 3 things I love about me out loud. Happy Friday and long weekend for those who have Monday off. I'm so excited for to have that for myself.

Just yesterday my surgeon told me 7-10 lbs/month in the first 9 mos - a year.

Okay so I’m going to start posting like crazy in the maintenance thread bc many of these issues are now very suddenly relevant to me as well. Today I FINALLY hit goal guys. 8 months, 5 days post-op. I still haven’t “found” my appetite. Still struggle if I try to get in over 800 calorie. Maybe that means my body wants to lose more weight. Who knows, this is all new to me, lol! Hell I set this goal weight without truly believing it was actually possible. I seriously mean that bc there’s no way I thought I’d lose >90% of my excess weight with the sleeve. Maybe my body “knows” there is more to go and it’s just doing its thing. Yours might be doing that as well. At 5’7” and 155, I could still lose 10-15 more and not be overly concerned ( I was 130 most of college) , but I love how I look now and wouldn’t mind if I “only” lost another 5 and stopped cold and stayed right at 150-ish pounds for the rest of my life. I don’t have a great answer, but when I read about forcing some extra calories and carbs, it gives me an unsettled feeling. Mostly bc my whole life has been spent trying to reduce, that trying to force seems so unnatural. Not saying it’s wrong, just saying the whole concept freaks me out.

@mlbdl I decided at this time to not revision to Gastric Bypass. My gerd started with bad eating and stress. I first needed to work on my eating and stress level. My acid reflux is under control with a PPI. I still have little spikes of acid but I'm down to a Level 1 on a scale 1 to 10. I have been eating extremely slow and chewy my food completely. I cut out coffee and gerd triggered foods. It has helped 100% I am giving myself until June 2020 that would put me at 3 years post op to see if the gerd has improved. For me, diet changes and less stress have helped me. Another surgery, especially the bypass is major. I need to first exhausted all other options before undergoing the Gastric Bypass. Let's stay in touch. I am praying for your surgery and help.

I always had problems with getting stuck, I just dealt with that, but right around the 10 year mark I started getting insane nausea and reflux with projectile vomiting instead of just getting stuck. My band appears to be in place despite these sudden onset of symptoms. Even if something is wrong with mine, they don't make it anymore, so there are no replacement parts and I'd have to get it out. I honestly feel like my quality of life has gone down over the past year, so I'm choosing to revise. That said, there are plenty of people that have had their bands in for well over 10 years and are still doing quite well. The thought is that they should stay in lifelong. I'd be interested in knowing how many revisions are because the band itself aged and failed versus the other symptoms causing people to seek revision.

Hello all, I had my surgery on 10/8 and I'm glad to report that my gastric sleeve went well. My Doctor was very happy about the outcome and how much I've been walking. Luckily I didn't have lots of pain from the gas, but it was hard to keep any fluid down while I was in the hospital. I believe it was from all the medication I was receiving, because once I got home the nausea and vomiting stopped. I didn't have any issues swallowing any pills also. I've been taking gas x, prilosec along with the recommended vitamins. No abdominal pain just slight discomfort from the gas and drinking fluids. I really need to work on my liquid intake, it seems impossible to get 64 ounces in when your just taking little sips, but I will find a way. Much success to all. Let the journey begin!!

Regain. Slippage Reflux Erosion Poor diet Oesophageal failure My surgeon told me that the average life span is approx 10 years. That eventually they all fail or cause issues. One of the disturbing things they are finding is the increase in oesophageal failure caused by the oesophagus having to work so hard to push food through. Also years of reflux can lead to cancer.

Im November 10 Sent from my LM-Q710.FG using BariatricPal mobile app

Yep I get it. I was sleeved 9/10/19. Doc said dehydrated. Not getting that though as I feel like I drink plenty of water

And how long should a band stay in? I’ve heard it should stay in for life but now I’m hearing 10 years?

Hi! I'm currently 14 mo post op. Starting weight: 321 3mo post op: 246 6mo post op Currently 180. But I'm in personal trainer school, working out 8-10 times a week and packing on some muscle. Ive gone down 2 sizes without losing a single pound. Don't forget how important those other stats and progress pics are! I'm so excited for you!!!❤

I regretted it right after because of all the pain and I literally did not think i would mourn food but I did. It was the Spring and I couldn’t enjoy food and never realized how much of an impact food had on my social life. Needless to say as time went on , it did get better. I had only minor complication of an ulcer and for the most part over the last 5 years it has been ok although having doctors keep you on a vitamin regimen so that you your not anemic has been a challenge. Over the last year I noticed I was having issues with food getting stuck and throwing up and finally went in for an EGD, turns out I had a hiatel hernia and needed a partial gastrectomy . Had that on 9/19 and I was put on a clear liquid diet for 2 weeks. I am so sorry for what you have been going though and for those of you whom had severe complications , I think sometimes it’s all about the surgeon , the support staff , and the follow up the helps us recover. There are also genetic and hereditary factors that are beyond our control. I would so do it again . I started out 5 years ago at 298. I have been maintaining 178 -182 for 2 years . Because of the recent liquid diet, I’m at 170 . Good luck and prayers for everyone

I am just getting on to these forums. I just had my revision surgery on 9/26/19. I am interested in your Revision Journey.

As I understand it, I will be in the hospital for at least two nights after the surgery. I'm driving myself up the morning of the surgery for an AM admission, and then the day I get discharged my DH will be taking Amtrak to get to DC and then he'll drive us both home in the car I drove up. It's a minivan with room in the back to stretch out so I can lay down if I need to. I hope this is OK but I will definitely run it by my surgeon. Thanks for all the quick replies! 10 years ago when I got my lap band I LIVED on this forum and got through everything with smooth sailing due to y'all's support and knowledge. I kinda drifted away, but now that I'm getting ready to do it all again, I'm back and I'm sure all have all the same support I did all those years ago. I LOVE y'all!!❤️

I can still do the crescent thigh lift, but he won’t do it in the same procedure as the tummy tuck. Combination of time for surgery and preference not to work on the back and front in the same operation (he believes this increases the chance of infection). I think I am going to do the lipo and hope that the 10 million squats I have been doing at the gym will help with firming things up haha.

Mine if anyone is remotely interested HW 365+ October 2017 SW 319 September 5th 2018 And ( drumroll please!) today October 10th 2019 - 181 smoother sleeker pounds. That's 82.1 kg for all you metric folk and for You Distant cousins in the UK 12.929 stone- No Matter the means of Expressing- pretty darned fine for a old chick of 73 with the Natural metabolism of a Sick Sea Snail on a Good Day! This Formerly Plump Princess has become the Empress of All She Can Survey and if I do say so MYSELF, it couldn't have happened to a More Worthy Person- worked hard to shed my Fat Insulating Shell and now the 🌎can see the Real ME I was afraid to show for many years.

I am also an extremely slow loser. I noticed that our starting weights are also very similar, slow it's probably because we had a lower starting weight. But look at this way, how often have you been able to drop 10 pounds in a month? Keep working and the weight will come off at its own pace.

I have a scheduled appointment with my surgeon on Monday and I'm getting nervous bc this is the last time I see them before my surgery! I'll be starting my liquid pre op diet soon after for 7-10 days. My husband has promised to support me bc he expects that I'll be very cranky and hangry! Lol. Overall I'm looking forward to the next step and I'll be on the app alot for extra support! Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

So much to touch on here and it may ramble but it all has a point so stick with me. 😂🤞. The first day I met my new doc 6 months ago, the last thing he said was, “I can tell who will be successful after surgery by the amount they lose before surgery”. Talk about pressure! Lol. Anyway, fast forward 6 months and the surgery scheduler calls to say I’ve been approved for surgery. I was nervous initially because I ended my 6 months 3 pounds heavier than I began so I was stoked that I was approved so quickly. SS said if I was able to take the next day off work (9/27), I could have surgery on 10/8! Oh boy! First person I call is my husband, who immediately starts in on me about how I need to wait until AT LEAST November because we can’t afford surgery now! Never congratulated me or anything. I actually hung up on him. Then I tell my bosses/receptionist. Bosses and nearby co workers all start in on what an inconvenience it will be with me out. God forbid they call their own patients or check their patients auth. No congrats there. Receptionist is like I don’t care what you do, I just want to go to Vegas for Halloween. 😒. I finally call my mother in law, who is loaning us money for this surgery and she immediately screams, “YAHOO!!!! CONGRATS!!! IM SO PROUD OF YOU!!”. Tells me to absolutely do the 8th. Don’t wait! Go for it! I get to my desk and after 30 seconds of pause just cry because only one person of the 6 I just told was happy for me. I let my old insecurities set in and figure, if more people are against sx so soon then maybe I should wait. So I scheduled it for 10/22. Fast forward to today. I’ve been incredibly agitated the last two weeks. Everyone at work is worried about how my sx will inconvenience them. I went from two weeks off work to one week and two weeks half days to maybe I can work from the hospital since I’m not doing anything. I’ve been binging on food left in the pantry (pasta, brownie mix, coffee) because I tell myself my hubs will be more relaxed if I eat shit and save money these last two weeks. In the back of my mind though I have the doc...”I know who will be successful after surgery based on how much weight they lose before surgery”. I KNOW I’ve gained weight the past two weeks. Wouldn’t be surprised if it was 10 pounds. 🤷‍♀️. So the self loathing begins. “The doc thinks I’m a shit patient for gaining weight and he’s wasting his time working on me because he knows I won’t be successful”. “I’m worthless”. “Why can’t you just make people happy and lose weight?!”. Tonight I told hubs I was going to bed early because I was “agitated” and when I laid down I stared at the ceiling sobbing my eyes out. I couldn’t cry harder if I tried. Then it hit me: why am I letting these people control my life?! So I text my husband to come to the bedroom to talk (I’m a millennial. It’s what we do). I proceed to tell him how angry I am. I’m angry that he was so concerned about money that he never congratulated me for a year of hard work. I’m angry that I let my co workers dictate my pre and post op care. I’m angry that I let my husband choose my surgery date. Most importantly, I’m angry at myself. Angry for letting them take away my initial happiness. Angry for being concerned about my co workers feelings over my own. Angry that something my doc probably meant as encouraging was twisted by my mind to negate everything I’ve done in the last year because I gained weight. As if the weight gain negated all the physical therapy, the personal training, psychology work, food logging, nutrition appointments, weekly classes for united healthcare, monthly support groups and $8000 in money to better my health for this surgery and life change. Angry that I let my emotions get the best of me and ate shit instead of grabbing my mother in laws credit card like she offered and getting the proper food I need pre op. He listened and apologized. We chatted a bit over his fears/concerns, my concerns (I’m not afraid of surgery) and my need to work on my people pleasing. It was cathartic. It was also humbling that I thought I had this mental aspect under control when clearly I did not if I let all of these people live rent free in my mind. Friday I’m going to for my pre op appointment and I’m going to be open, honest and an advocate for myself. I’ll probably stumble at some point in the future but I’m taking a screenshot of this post to remind myself that it’s ok to advocate for yourself and then pick myself back up.

I just had my 3 month appt. My start weight was 203 my surgery 7-8-19 was 193 I am currently 169. I was concerned I didn’t lose enough but he said I am right on track and it has a lot of factors. The start amount has a lot to do with how quickly the weight comes off. My surgeon asked me if I would have done this again.., absolutely! I finally feel normal and not hungry all the time. I have more energy, sleep less and went down sizes. Such a big difference. Can’t wait till more comes off!

Okay so I had breast cancer 10 years ago and after all of my treatments (chemo and radiation for 11 months) I was approved for reduction surgery. In one day I went from a G cup down to a skinny C cup and that was when I was still in the 240’s. I think they removed over 7 pounds of boobs. It was ridiculous. Waking up from that surgery was NO JOKE. Even though it was seriously the single most pain I’ve ever been in, it was totally worth it. One reason why bariatric surgery didn’t concern me too much was that I’d survived one of the more painful surgeries you can have. For the last 9 years I’ve really enjoyed my much smaller girls,but now that I’ve lost over 100 pounds, they’re all but disappearing. Maybe I’m slightly worried that eventually I’ll have zero boobs, but I love it. I buy padded bras if an outfit needs it and that’s that.