Getting to ready to have sleeve surgery and have some questions

Hi everyone,
I am new to this forum and am just finding my way around with my first question.
I have sleeve surgery scheduled April 26th and have a few questions if you have time I would be so appreciative of your time and suggestions,
1.  I am concerned about hair loss -- is the common?  Is there anything that can be done to prevent that from happening.
2.  Anything you would recommend to overcome the fatigue? What causes this?
3.  How was post-op care?  I am a single mom of two and don't have family in town to care for me.  I have a few close friends, but they are busy mom's too and won't be able to stay with me?
4.  How was it managing the post-op diet?
5.  And what is the typical weight loss that you can expect post-op?  What a reasonable time frame for weight coming off?
6. Any other advice you would give to someone?
Thanks so much!

Good luck on your surgery!

I will try to answer your questions as best I can.

1. Hair Loss - It is common after any major surgery with anesthesia or rapid weight loss, so with the two together, it is very common. This freaked me out a bit too before I had surgery because I have always really liked my hair, but I am now into month two of hair loss and it isn't so bad. It was shocking when it began but no one can really notice but me and it will grow back.

2. I didn't have fatigue, except for right after surgery for the first week or so. The key is to get in as much fluid as you can after surgery and to begin walking right away. This will help you heal, and help you get over the affects of the anesthesia, which can cause fatigue.

3. Everyone's post op care is very different so this is hard to answer. For me, I was in the hospital less than 24 hours and driving the day after I got home. I had very little pain, never took pain meds after surgery, and I was up living relatively normal pretty quick. I returned to work 1 1/2 weeks after surgery. I will say that if I had to do it again, I would have taken more time off. I was still tired and a bit sore so pushing it wasn't the best idea. I did half days at first but was still real tired when I got home. Also, I live alone and was able to care for myself as soon as I got home without difficulty.

4. I had several complications after surgery that kept me from eating a normal post-op diet, so I probably cannot answer this for you successfully. My advice again is to begin sipping and do so as much as you can each day. If you can't get in anything else, keep sipping your water. The rest will come with time.

5. Average weight loss depends upon the person and the amount they have to lose. My nutritionist told me to expect to lose the most weight in month one (of course) and then the next two months should equal that first one, then lower from there. I lost 27 pounds in month one and 50 total in the first 3 months. I think that any weight down is a good thing, but make the most use of your tool in the first 6 months as it is easiest during this time.

Otherwise, I wish you the best of luck. Follow your doctor's plan and find a nutritionist that understands weight loss surgery patient needs. This will help you immensely.

Lori H.

Thanks for the detailed response to the original question.  I am new to the site and going through all the pre-op hoops for approval.  I am nervous but excited about the possibilities ahead.  Your sharing answered alot of my questions as well.

how old are your children?  most post-op instructions include lifting restrictions....  if your mom duties involve lifting toddlers, you might need to enlist the help of some of those busy mom friends of yours... hopefully they will be sympathetic enough to want to help you out....

OM, I just realized I was supposed to start my pre-op diet today and did not. I am scheduled for surgery on the 26th and ate "normal foods" today. Should I be worried?

So as mentioned..

Hairloss happens. As long as you are taking your protein, water, and vitamins, relax. You wont be bald. Most hairloss occurs around 4-5 months out and lasts a few months. Mine started at 5 months with increased shedding and ended about 4 months later. No bald spots. Just alot more hair on my brush and in my tub.

Some fatigue is normal..but fatigue can also come from low potassium, low iron, or low vitamin D. So follow your plan and if you have more fatigue than you think is normal after a month or 2 have your labs checked.

Manage your post op diet by knowing your eating plan through and through. Know what you can have and have those items on hand. if you plan before hand you will be more apt to stay on track. And follow the doctors orders. they are in place for a reason.

Weight loss post VSG is very individual. If you are being revised from another procedure your loss most likely will be slower. This is what we consistenly see on the boards. But it doesnt matter how fast or slow your loss is because if you follow your rules you should never see that weight again.

Good luck.