African American Sleevers

[ATLGirl 134]

Hi All!

I wanted to start a thread for African-American sleevers (no worries I HEART all sleevers from the rainbow). I just thought, no scientific proof, that African-American sleevers may respond to the surgery different than our lovely non-African American sleeved sisters and brothers. I wanted to know if we had the same skin issue, hair problems, and other surgery related issues. Also, how to deal with the culture shock. African-American "soul food" may be something of the past... or not. So I was just looking for a space to voice culture related issues and concens.

PS- I TRULY :heart: ALL SLEEVERS.

[ThatDudesMom 13]

Hi All!

I wanted to start a thread for African-American sleevers (no worries I HEART all sleevers from the rainbow). I just thought, no scientific proof, that African-American sleevers may respond to the surgery different than our lovely non-African American sleeved sisters and brothers. I wanted to know if we had the same skin issue, hair problems, and other surgery related issues. Also, how to deal with the culture shock. African-American "soul food" may be something of the past... or not. So I was just looking for a space to voice culture related issues and concens.

PS- I TRULY :heart: ALL SLEEVERS.

I hope you get a lot of responses from other African Americans. It would be great for you to be able to communicate with other who have concerns and issues that are specific to African Americans.

Good luck on your journey!

Dallas

[Nikki_D 28]

Hi All!

I wanted to start a thread for African-American sleevers (no worries I HEART all sleevers from the rainbow). I just thought, no scientific proof, that African-American sleevers may respond to the surgery different than our lovely non-African American sleeved sisters and brothers. I wanted to know if we had the same skin issue, hair problems, and other surgery related issues. Also, how to deal with the culture shock. African-American "soul food" may be something of the past... or not. So I was just looking for a space to voice culture related issues and concens.

PS- I TRULY :heart: ALL SLEEVERS.

Hi ATLGirl,

Please forgive any errors as I am writing this message from my phone. I was quite excited to see this post after lurking on this discussion board for weeks. I have acquired so much useful info and courage from this board. I am just ending the beginning stage of getting approval for the vsg. My insurance company required a psych eval, documentation of prior weightloss attempts, a letter of medical necessity from my pcp, 3 sessions with a nutritionist, as well as clearance from a pulmonary dr and cardiologist. I have completed everything and have my 3rd this Friday. YAY!!!! So after Friday I will be playing the waiting game. I hope this process goes quickly. I teach and was hoping to be sleeved on my spring break (early April) but now if I get an earlier approval I might decide to do it sooner than April.

I see that you will be sleeved this weekend. I wish you lots of luck with your surgery. Are you required to do a two week pre op liquid diet? How has your pre op journey been going?

Nikki

[Diamondstar 4]

Hi ATL girl! You could be right about the differences in surgercial outcomes. I know first hand of a few differences as it relates to health. I have experieced cultural issues as it relates to my own healthcare. If I wear my hair too short I suffer from Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (hair bumps and scars that occur mostly in African Americans). There are varying degrees despite the hype alcohol and OTC products don't always work. I got really frustrated after seeing 3 dermatologists and none of them could help me with any creams or pills they gave me. All of them were awesome Dr's who had great bedside manner, but they were all Cacasian. Finally I felt I needed to travel out ot the area.

I went to the National Medical Association's website to see if I could find an African American Dermatologist. There was one about 60 miles away. I went to him and immediately he recognized the condition which he said is common in African Americans and Hispanics because of the curl pattern we tend to have in our hair. He wrote a script that I had to take to a small phramacy because it had to be mixed by hand. I told him about my issue he said all of the Dr's I went to were great physicans, but most were probably trained trained in an area where there was a disproportionate number of African Americans, one he knew for certain came from Iowa. He also explained a few other skin differences. He told me that skin cancer is vey rare in African Americans because of our melanin. However when we get it our survival rate is very slim compared to Caucasians because if we get it it is a rare and much more aggressive form.

When I was in undergrad I completed an internship at the National Institiutes of Health. I found out that transplant recipients who are African American in most cases have to receive a slightly higher dosage of anti-rejection drugs because our bodies respond differently. We can still learn allot from each other despite our background. I joined Vertical Sleeve Talk last week, everyone is so resourceful and I have seen so much I never knew much about.

I am in the beginning stage of all of this I went to a seminar recently wanting a lapband and came out wanting the Vertical Sleeve. I have a consult with my surgeon on 2/14. I do know my insurance company covers the switch, bypass, lap band, and sleeve. The coordiator has already got the ball rolling on that, wish me well.

Hi All!

I wanted to start a thread for African-American sleevers (no worries I HEART all sleevers from the rainbow). I just thought, no scientific proof, that African-American sleevers may respond to the surgery different than our lovely non-African American sleeved sisters and brothers. I wanted to know if we had the same skin issue, hair problems, and other surgery related issues. Also, how to deal with the culture shock. African-American "soul food" may be something of the past... or not. So I was just looking for a space to voice culture related issues and concens.

PS- I TRULY :heart: ALL SLEEVERS.

[Nikki_D 28]

Welcome Diamondstar!!

[Diamondstar 4]

Thanks Nikki!

Welcome Diamondstar!!

[Chinasl45 9]

I have been trying to find information that is just for us. I've been especially wondering about Hair loss and how it would effect a woman of color especially when one's hair is permed.

[we11ro 5]

Hi ATLGirl!

I am also in the ATL. I would love to chat with you more!

[Nikki_D 28]

Welcome Chinasl45 and we11ro!!!

Have either of you been sleeved yet?

[Simply_KiZmet 9]

Hello, I'm new to the forum...

I've been doing research on lap band & then I decided that the sleeve is the better option for me... I know my insurance will not cover the procedure, so I'm exploring going to Mexico. I've already contacted Dr. Aceves (sp?) and got some information. I know I'll have to cut back and save money but I know it will be worth it. I can't continue to be unhealthy anymore..... To those of you that have been sleeved, Where did you have your procedure done? Any complications? How did your family & friends react? How are you dealing with the lifestyle changes???

[ATLGirl 134]

Hi All!

So glad this thread is getting some play! I was beginning to think I was alone. I was sleeved on Jan. 22, so I think that makes me 17 days post op. I am feeling okay. I started mushies yesterday which has helped a lot. I am glad we have a space to connect. I do live in ATL (Gwinnett County) and I am 25.

I started this journey with wanting the Lapband (silly me). After reading about all the complications and speaking with a dozen people who all somewhat regret their choice. I decided on the sleeve. I was sleeved in Mexico by Dr. Kelly-Ramos and my experience was great. I paid about $5300 total. I am married with a daughter (7 months) and I work in health care marketing (CDC).

I am very new in the process, so I don't have much input on the on the side effect (hair loss, skin, etc), but I am exicted. I am already from a dress sizw 24 to a 20 and down about 30 pounds since my pre-op. So I am happy!

Hope we all can encourage one another in the process. Nice to "meet" you ladies.

[morethan 4]

I have had the same questions and concerns when it comes to the differences in culture. I am glad you raised this issue. I have been watching the videos on youtube and there seems to be a slight difference in the journey of African Americans and other (based on what I have seen so far).

One thing that I did is went natural for the past year to minimize the hair loss if any (no perms). I am quite concern about this. My hair is thick and growing at the moment (or atleast prior to the surgery) and I have it braided. So, I guess I will see what happens when I take it out next month to get it redone.

While I recognize everyone is an individual and has a different experience, I am interested in seeing if there are any differences in the journey experienced between African Americans and others.

Thank you for the forum

[newnatalie 20]

Well ... Well ... Well! Hello everyone. The last time I checked I was still black so I guess I will chime in!

I had VSG on November 20, 2010 and have lost about 50 pounds. I love my sleeve! I have an African-American male doctor in Houston, Texas who has been VERY honest with me. I almost choked the first day I walked into his office and he said. black people do not do well with Lapband! I was like how could you say that? He explained that we love soul food and sweets. We find ways to cheat. I honestly believe cheating has no color, but we do tend to like heavy, greasy foods.

He begged me not to have Lapband and I am soooo grateful to him! I feel good. So far, no hair loss. I really try to take my Vitamins and eat Protein to prevent this. I am finally to a point where I am eating better. The first few weeks I could barely eat anything. The weight loss has slowed down a little, but I am not concerned. i don't want to lose so fast that I look bad. I am in this for the long haul.

Take care everyone and keep in touch!

[AwesomeSleeve 5]

Hello Ladies. I am excited about this forum. All of the requirements for surgery have been met but my insurance company, BCBS of Illinois, did not accept the Weight Watchers program I had completed. So, I am now one month into my 3-month non-medical weight loss program. I'm hoping to be sleeved sometime in the month of May. Wishing everyone much success.

[Nikki_D 28]

My surgeon is also black. I am very thankful to have found him. Actually my surgeon practices with two other black doctors. They're phenomenal. I just received approval from my insurance (BCBS) and will be sleeved on March 9th. I'm quite excited but a bit nervous of the unknown (hairloss, excess skin, etc.) I too am very thankful not only for this forum but to vsg talk. I have learned so much from this site.