POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS
The Waiting is the Hardest Part - Gainesville, GA
ORIGINAL POST
I have a countdown clock on my phone. 2 months 3...
kevansJune 3, 2013
$150
I have a countdown clock on my phone. 2 months 3 days to go. I can't even stand it right now, I'm so excited. My insurance has required 3 months with the dietician so the appointments and the waiting has begun. After reading most of the reviews on here I know for sure I've made the right choice. You guys have been such an inspiration to me, you have no idea how much you've helped. I'm starting at 221 lbs. at 5'3". I swore to myself that I would do a full marathon before I'm 50 and this is the beginning of my training program. Last year I did 4 5Ks, granted I walked 95% of the time. One, I was dead last, One, I came in next to last, Two, 3rd from the last and One, middle of the pack. Everyone keeps saying, "well at least you did it". Which to me is just as bad as saying, "she has such a pretty face". I'm so tired, all of the time. I've had two surgeries for plantar fasciitis on the same foot so my feet, legs and back hurt all of the time. I'm on a cpap and take meds to insomnia. I'm also super anemic and have had 2 iron infusions. So to say that I'm looking forward to feeling better is an understatement.
I've read all of the FAQ pages I can find and looked at everyones before and afters and I still have alot of questions. Hopefully this will be my last stop and all of my questions will be answered. In advance I'd like to thank everyone for sharing their experiences, your stories have and are keeping me motivated while I wait.
My questions (for now):
Hair loss? Yes or no? Anything you can do to prevent it?
How did you tell friends and family? I've only told my husband, sister and 2 daughters. No one else knows yet. I do want them to know though, that I'm telling them what I'm doing not asking for permission. Did anyone lose friends because they didn't agree with your choice?
Realistically how soon after surgery were you able to drive?
Alcohol? I like having a cocktail every once in awhile so... never? Really? :(
I've read all of the FAQ pages I can find and looked at everyones before and afters and I still have alot of questions. Hopefully this will be my last stop and all of my questions will be answered. In advance I'd like to thank everyone for sharing their experiences, your stories have and are keeping me motivated while I wait.
My questions (for now):
Hair loss? Yes or no? Anything you can do to prevent it?
How did you tell friends and family? I've only told my husband, sister and 2 daughters. No one else knows yet. I do want them to know though, that I'm telling them what I'm doing not asking for permission. Did anyone lose friends because they didn't agree with your choice?
Realistically how soon after surgery were you able to drive?
Alcohol? I like having a cocktail every once in awhile so... never? Really? :(
kevans's provider
Replies (11)
June 10, 2013
Thank you Kirsty! BTW I'm at 57 days and waiting. Argh!
April 16, 2015
I'd only tell those that totally need to know. That would be my husband. Others maybe a few days before if you want. You can always say I wanted to surprise you. If you lose friends/ they aren't really friends. Friends support you, help you, love you, listen to you and don't judge you. Best thoughts coming your way.
April 16, 2015
Very nice comment Luckysmom! Very true about friends if they don't support they're not your friends. ;-)
August 5, 2015
Yup, the waiting is horrible. You are doing the right hing by joining the gym to be as healthy as possible for the surgery (and after!), as well as feel like you're doing something while your waiting.
My hair loss started at month four and stopped just recently, around month seven. I have extremely thin, fine hair, so I was very worrid, but no one but me seemed to notice. I took my biotin and ate my protein and am back on the mend. It seems very scary at the time, but it's really not that bad, I slowed down my weight loss when it started coming out (you just notice a big more in the sink or on your hands in the shower), and will start my exercise and diet as soon as I get back to work next week (I'm a school teacher). I don't think there's anything you can do to prevent it, but it's really not that bad.
I drink a glass of wine or a beer or two pretty regularly. You have to drink carbonated beverages more slot, and probably out of a glass, but it's not going to hurt anything.
I was driving as soon as I got home. Just take it easy. The biggest danger is that you have to slam on the brakes hard or hit someone and the stitching, staing, and glue will come out. Highly unlikely, though.
I've found people to be extremely jealous and rude about my weight loss. And even my best friend has said some hurtful things and I wish I hadn't told that person. I have told only my parents, BF, and husband. This is a very personal thing and no one's business, if you ask me.
My hair loss started at month four and stopped just recently, around month seven. I have extremely thin, fine hair, so I was very worrid, but no one but me seemed to notice. I took my biotin and ate my protein and am back on the mend. It seems very scary at the time, but it's really not that bad, I slowed down my weight loss when it started coming out (you just notice a big more in the sink or on your hands in the shower), and will start my exercise and diet as soon as I get back to work next week (I'm a school teacher). I don't think there's anything you can do to prevent it, but it's really not that bad.
I drink a glass of wine or a beer or two pretty regularly. You have to drink carbonated beverages more slot, and probably out of a glass, but it's not going to hurt anything.
I was driving as soon as I got home. Just take it easy. The biggest danger is that you have to slam on the brakes hard or hit someone and the stitching, staing, and glue will come out. Highly unlikely, though.
I've found people to be extremely jealous and rude about my weight loss. And even my best friend has said some hurtful things and I wish I hadn't told that person. I have told only my parents, BF, and husband. This is a very personal thing and no one's business, if you ask me.
UPDATED FROM kevans
2 months pre
Joined a gym! Yah.
kevansJune 10, 2013
I started at Planet Fitness on Friday. Did 45 minutes of Just Dance today and going to the gym tomorrow.
Replies (0)
Replies (3)
June 11, 2013
Hiya Kevans. I am seeing the specialist on 28th June. The receptionist tells me he is on holidays for 2 weeks after that. I am hoping to have the op as soon as possible after my visit. Tried to do the shakes today and did not cope at all! I was starving and had the worst headache. Hopefully I will do better that this. Thanks so much for sharing. It really helps
Hey there, welcome and thanks so much for sharing you journey with us!
I'm also having the sleeve surgery, mine is on September 4th, and I'm currently on a 10 week, high protein, low calorie diet. We do have a Weight Loss Surgery page, which has a Sleeve guide on it, which may help you a little.
Re: hair loss. From what I've read, this isn't a huge problem with sleeve patients. It happens more often in Gastric Bypass people, because their surgery is malabsorbative, so they don't get enough vitamins and nutrients. That being said, the important thing is that you take your vitamins, every day, for the rest of your life. The extra vitamins (because you won't be eating as much) and at least 64oz of water per day, are usually enough to ensure things like hairloss don't happen.
I've only really told my immediate family (parents, sister, partner, in-laws and grandmother) and a couple of close friends and work colleagues. This surgery is nothing to be ashamed about, but you also want to make sure you're surrounded by support while you're on this journey. Only tell who you're comfortable telling.
The alcohol thing is different based on the type of surgery. With a bypass, you really can't ever drink alcohol again. It's because your body absorbs things differently, so the alcohol is absorbed into your blood stream at a much faster and concentrated rate. With the sleeve, you don't have that issue, but it is still advised not to ever have alcohol again, the same as it is with soda. This is mostly because your stomach is going to be much smaller and it's going to be hard for you to get in enough food, water, protein and calories each day. So, you're not supposed to waste your calories or eating/drinking opportunities on something like alcohol or soda.
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Good luck with your upcoming surgery, sguer56! It sounds like you have a good, healthy outlook on what to expect post-op!
If you don't mind sharing, what is your starting weight, pre-op?
You're doing something positive about your weight, which is awesome! I hope everything goes really well for you!