Surgery Date - July 1

I am scheduled for surgery in less than 1 week. This process has gone very quickly and was a smooth one. My insurance approved my surgery with the first letter. Within two weeks, I have had a sleep study, ekg, echo, blood work, psych evaluation, chest xray. The group at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore are great! Dr.Li is my doctor. I do have concerns, since I wanted the Lap Band but the insurance would only cover the Bypass. So I have agreed. My husband is supportive although he is nervous about the whole surgery aspect. I am hoping that my hair will not fall out but if I do everything my doctors have told me to, I don't think that will happen. Although I am a little nervous, I am looking forward to my life after surgery!

Congrads on your surgery, soon you will be on the losing side!!! I also am a patient of Dr. Li. She is a great Doctor she cares so much about her patients, you are in great hands. If you follow the things that you are told you will have no problems, Make sure you get the fluids in thats the most important thing at first. If you have any questions just ask they will call you back asap. If I can be any help too you just email me or post online I check it a couple of times everyday. Good Luck to you I hope you have a uneventful surgery and a speedy recovery. Barb

Congrats Karen on your upcoming surgery. You are in great hands with Dr. Li and staff. Dr. Gandsas is was my surgeon some almost 19 months ago!!!! A life changing event! Ditto to follow the rules - protein, water, and exercise and you'll be successful. Hydration is really important and I have always made sure I drink Water first (64 oz) before I have decaf tea, coffee or any other non-water drink.... Makes a difference in your skin, how you feel, fullness.... July 1 is a great surgery date (my bday ).... Best wishes on your lifelong journey. LisaS

Hi Karen, congrats on getting a date...it will be here before you know it. I am almost 15 months out and down 118 lbs...and basically at goal. A word of caution on the hairloss...it is incredibly important to get in your protein and fluid, but do NOT feel that you have failed if you experience hair loss. I have been incredibly by-the-book since surgery....vitamins, protein, biotin, etc....I lost my hair...and I had a lot of hair to lose....I finally cut my hair short to help it grow back in.... Was I nervous when it started happening? Did I have several months of bad hair days? yes and yes...but I would do it again without hesitation.... My hair is growing back, my waist is trim, I am in a size 10...I am at a healthy weight and all my vitamin levels are normal..... So, losing my hair for a year (or so) is small compared to the rest of my life. Some folks do not lose their hair, and maybe you will be one of the lucky ones...but please do NOT convince yourself that if you do everything "perfect" that you will not experience it...LOTS Of folks lose the bulk of their hair. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!! RAE