African American Sleevers

[pattiecakec 0]

Hi Ladies,

Just making my mark here, I am also so glad for this thread, this whole site is very helpful but it's great that there is all this information from indepth like minded people.

I am from South East London in the UK where ever you are from though please feel free to contact me, not that I am much help at the moment .

I am 25 Black British born Caribbean and I am currently around the 255lbs mark . I also have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)which makes it very difficult to loose weight, I started off wanting the the band but after research decided on the sleeve.

My main concerns are hair loss, excess skin and I also wanted to find out what Vitamins you all take, there are so many different ones but it would be great if anyone had any suggestions on the best ones to take

[lexusgirl14 1]

Hi everyone, I will be 41 this year. YIPPEE. I am just starting the process but hope to have the surgery this year. My hubby is not so enthusiastic about it but I am doing this for me. "All of my life" I have had boobs and butt. When I was 11 my grandmother passed and my mother and I were both wearing 34C’s can you imagine being the only girl in the 4^th grade with boobs. I skipped training bras so for these to go, I am okay with that, it will allow me to wear a lot of styles I have not been able to because of my "girls"…..fast forwarding to today, I am a 40K. Yes, I have to pay good money to tame these "girls". J I have my initial consult on this week along with a nutritionist appointment. I am hoping because I have seen my PCP for weight issues for the last 18 months will count and I won’t be delayed too much. My only concern is I have fibroids, borderline anemia and I had a major accident almost 3 years ago that left me with a titanium rod in my leg. I do have a co-morbidity of hypertension so maybe one will cancel out the other.

ATL-I am so glad you started this topic as I have questions about hair loss—I am natural and keloids, if anyone has had to deal with those.

Thanks for posting everyone—it helps us newbies.

LR6909,

Welcome on board! Reading your message brought back many memories. I was one of the two girls in fourth grade who wore a bra. I never ever wore a training bra or a "A" size cup! I am a "DD" size and know that the weight loss will result in smaller breasts and sagging. However, I will cope with that in exchange for being in a normal weight range for my height.

I experienced a keloid from a previous surgery. Let the surgeon know that this happens to your skin and a remedy such as a cortisone shot can be administered.

I've been approved for surgery and I am waiting for my surgery date.

Good Luck!

[Simply_KiZmet 9]

I finally scheduled my procedure... It's July 1st with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali.... So far, I've only told 3 people that I'm having WLS. Only one person knows its in Mexico because I don't think I can deal with the negative comments right now. I know my insurance won't cover the sleeve because I don't have a 40 bmi or any existing medical conditions.

Anyways, I'm excited about getting my surgery date and really nervous about the procedure. Be prepared for a lot of questions in the near future!!! lol

Also, How much time did you take off of work? One week? Two weeks? A month? I ask because I just started my new job with the state & I have about a week & a half worth of sick/annual leave I can use.... I'm combining it with a weekend & July 4th holiday to make it a full two weeks. I work as a public health nurse so it's not too strenuous but I do have to be somewhat active. Do you think two weeks is enough?

[NewMe86 0]

Hello everyone!I'm 25 AA 5"5 235 lbs. Just got my approval on Monday my date is set for Sept. 12. I'm a Jersey girl happy to have found this post. Question for all post-op ppl how has loose skin been an issue I've heard AA- tend to have less just wondering how true it is. Thanks :-)

[Shanny 70]

Hello everyone!I'm 25 AA 5"5 235 lbs. Just got my approval on Monday my date is set for Sept. 12. I'm a Jersey girl happy to have found this post. Question for all post-op ppl how has loose skin been an issue I've heard AA- tend to have less just wondering how true it is. Thanks :-)

I was sleeved over 4 months ago, and I've lost 76 pounds so far. My arms are a little flabby, but I don't have any hanging skin. Before my surgery I was 34, 5'2" and 247 pounds. I'm now 35 and 170. I have a little bit of flab on my thighs, but it's nothing like the pictures I've seen of some people post op. I lift weights and walk religiously to help firm up the skin. I find that the stretch marks are WAY worse than any loose skin I do have.

Hope this helps!!

[Toyia 2]

Hi All,

I am very happy to see this topic... I am in 33 years old, I am married and I live in Maryland. I hope to get my sleeve on Aug. 1st or 3rd.

I am just wondering if I should perm my hair before the surgery or leave it natural so it's nice and thick...Since some people lose their hair...I was wondering what other people did in preparation for the surgery...do you still perm your hair, do you get braids, do you wear a weave or wig...

Thanks in advance,

Vicky

[Shanny 70]

My hair started coming out in the beginning. I think it's because we don't get the same amount of nutrients that we used to. I was already natural before my surgery. I'm sure my Hair loss would have been worse if I was still getting it permed.

Hi All,

I am very happy to see this topic... I am in 33 years old, I am married and I live in Maryland. I hope to get my sleeve on Aug. 1st or 3rd.

I am just wondering if I should perm my hair before the surgery or leave it natural so it's nice and thick...Since some people lose their hair...I was wondering what other people did in preparation for the surgery...do you still perm your hair, do you get braids, do you wear a weave or wig...

Thanks in advance,

Vicky

[NewMe86 0]

I was sleeved over 4 months ago, and I've lost 76 pounds so far. My arms are a little flabby, but I don't have any hanging skin. Before my surgery I was 34, 5'2" and 247 pounds. I'm now 35 and 170. I have a little bit of flab on my thighs, but it's nothing like the pictures I've seen of some people post op. I lift weights and walk religiously to

help firm up the skin. I find that the stretch marks are WAY

worse than any loose skin I do have.

Thanks I plan to lift weights I lost 60lbs in the past and did not have any loose skin and I weight trained. I have my finger crossed!!! Thanks again!!!!

Hope this helps!!

[ATLGirl 134]

I got tree braids (simialr to micros) the week of my surgery. I am natural, but I didn't want to worry about maintaining anything while I recovered. This helped me with my self esteem too in the beginning. Even though I was feeling crappy, slugglish, and like a bolder, I know my hair looked fly...lol. Hope this helps.

Hi All,

I am very happy to see this topic... I am in 33 years old, I am married and I live in Maryland. I hope to get my sleeve on Aug. 1st or 3rd.

I am just wondering if I should perm my hair before the surgery or leave it natural so it's nice and thick...Since some people lose their hair...I was wondering what other people did in preparation for the surgery...do you still perm your hair, do you get braids, do you wear a weave or wig...

Thanks in advance,

Vicky

[silkysoft40 4]

I am African American living in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area. Had the Sleeve February 22, 2011 at John Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore. I can honestly say that I have had no major complications throughout the process of getting to this point. I'm not positive that I am getting in all of the necessary Vitamins, Water etc that I should have but I definitely watch what I eat, how much I eat and keep the Protein shakes flowing no matter how much I hate them. I have had dreads for the past 6 years and I am more fearful of losing them than any other condition or side effect from having the surgery. So far so good - yall keep me in your prayers!!

Thanks for starting this forum because I too am curious about how the surgery affects African Americans. The Sleeve is not nearly as popular as the full Gastric Bypass but my surgeon thought it would be appropriate for me because it is a slower weight loss process and just to begin the journey. He has suggested that I may later want to go for the full RNY but I think the Sleeve was suitable for me. I have continuously lost since prior to my surgery and 4 months out still losing slowly but surely. I still feel a little sick from time to time when something doesn't agree with me, I've eaten to fast or eaten more than I should have. My healing process was completely different than I thought it would be - I expected much more pain and to be scarred for life...however I have 4 very tiny incisions that didn't even require stitching. I feel that John Hopkins is one of the top Medicail Centers in the country so I am very thankful I was able to have the surgery there. Oh and by the way KAISER PERMANENTE is my insurance...yep I said it KAISER and they were absolutely wonderful in preparing me for everything that was necessary to have the surgery completed.

I will certainly be revisiting this forum again and again to read others experiences and add a few of my own too.

[ATLGirl 134]

I figured I might as well update here. I surgery about 5 months ago, and overall I am happy with my weightloss. To date its about 65 pounds. The last few weeks (almost a month) I have stalled between 218-220. I keep telling myself that my body is just going to be one of those bodies that need a little more time. It was my goal to get to ONEderland within 6 months of my surgery. I don;t know if that will happen. I am actually, for the first time since surgery, on a "diet." I am hoping this jump starts my weightloss again and get me to ONEderland.

I can tell I am losing inches, but there is nothing like seeing that scale move. I haven't worked out as much due to another health related problem, so I know that is also apart of the problem. But I am still hopeful. My skin is not bad at all. The stretch markes are out and about, but I'm okay with that. My husband doesn't mind. I think my boobs are shrunk about all they will shrink (fingers crossed) and my hair is still thick and full.

I am going to get my blood panels done on July 26. That would make the 6 month mark for me.

Well that's about it. Any questions, let me know.

[Candace2314 117]

Sounds like you are doing good! I know how irritating the stalls can be, I've been in one for about 2 weeks now. This is the 3rd one since surgery. You are so close to onderland!!! You will get there no doubt! WTG!

I figured I might as well update here. I surgery about 5 months ago, and overall I am happy with my weightloss. To date its about 65 pounds. The last few weeks (almost a month) I have stalled between 218-220. I keep telling myself that my body is just going to be one of those bodies that need a little more time. It was my goal to get to ONEderland within 6 months of my surgery. I don;t know if that will happen. I am actually, for the first time since surgery, on a "diet." I am hoping this jump starts my weightloss again and get me to ONEderland.

I can tell I am losing inches, but there is nothing like seeing that scale move. I haven't worked out as much due to another health related problem, so I know that is also apart of the problem. But I am still hopeful. My skin is not bad at all. The stretch markes are out and about, but I'm okay with that. My husband doesn't mind. I think my boobs are shrunk about all they will shrink (fingers crossed) and my hair is still thick and full.

I am going to get my blood panels done on July 26. That would make the 6 month mark for me.

Well that's about it. Any questions, let me know.

[zoelifechick 7]

Hello Sistas,

I am thankful for this website, I am at the beginning stages of the journey and this website has really helped in my journey. I also had planned to get the lapband, but after studying the site, I have decided to go with the "sleeve". I am 43, 5'4" and currently weigh 293lbs; I live in the Fredericksburg, VA area. I am in the pre-op part of the journey and will be attending my final 3 month supervised program on July 25 with Bluepoint Surgical Group in Stafford, VA, at which point they will submit to my insurance company and with approval have a surgery date at the end of September, 2011. I am excited and nervous, but looking at the end of the rainbow. I will keep you posted!!

Those of you who have previously posted back in the Spring 2011, have you had your surgery yet, if so, how are things going?

[Godsfavoraintfair 3]

I figured I might as well update here. I surgery about 5 months ago, and overall I am happy with my weightloss. To date its about 65 pounds. The last few weeks (almost a month) I have stalled between 218-220. I keep telling myself that my body is just going to be one of those bodies that need a little more time. It was my goal to get to ONEderland within 6 months of my surgery. I don;t know if that will happen. I am actually, for the first time since surgery, on a "diet." I am hoping this jump starts my weightloss again and get me to ONEderland.

I can tell I am losing inches, but there is nothing like seeing that scale move. I haven't worked out as much due to another health related problem, so I know that is also apart of the problem. But I am still hopeful. My skin is not bad at all. The stretch markes are out and about, but I'm okay with that. My husband doesn't mind. I think my boobs are shrunk about all they will shrink (fingers crossed) and my hair is still thick and full.

I am going to get my blood panels done on July 26. That would make the 6 month mark for me.

Well that's about it. Any questions, let me know.

Hey girl we had our surgery the exact same day if I am reading this correctly 1/26/11, I am down 76 lbs with some stalls of course but we are doing great! I even had three vacations in June so I blame my stalls on that! So I am 207 and so looking forward to wonderland!!! With God all things are possible!!

[Jai Marie 8]

Hello all fellow AA sleevers...

I'm a longtime lurker but decided to join today.. I received my approval on the 11th of this month and chose a surgery date of Sept 1... hopefully all goes well.. im pretty excited. I'm 25 and about 270 @ 5'5"..BMI of 43.

Oh and im going through my insurance.. (empire BCBS PPO - California).. approval took about 4 days..only prerequisite was a BMI of 40 and above and a psych evaulation.. I cant wait to post my experiences along the way.