Hello :)

I am almost 3yrs post op and have lost +100 lbs since having my MGB in Jan '10. I had a few complications immediately following surgery (developed a stricture which required several dialations...and an ulcer which eventually bled three times, requiring transfusions).

As expected...around the 5th month mark...my beautiful, long, thick (and I mean THICK) hair started falling out IN HANDFULLS. I lost probably 65% of my hair! I was devastated...but alive. I wore extensions for months! Then I started seeing regrowth...lots of it...thank the Lord! I waited about for about nine months of regrowth...then cut it all off to a cute short hairdo...so it could all grow out together.

Fast forward to today...my hair is down to my shoulders...and for the past 3-4 months I have noticed significant shedding again! OMG! I'm freaking out! Now...I have to admit...I have not been very consistent with taking my vitamins. I was/am very nervous about upsetting my ulcer again...and find that most mulitvitamins make me gassy, bloated and constipated. As well as I'm supposed to be taking an iron suppliment (Palifer) which upsets my stomach also. Needless to say...I have NOT been taking my supplements as perscribed. I also know I'm not getting enough protien.

So...has anyone else had this issue? Or any advice? I will be going to get bloodwork soon...but hate going to the Doctor now. Just have to work up the courage...

Thank you!

Shedding in Alberta

Hi:  I had my MGB 6 years ago--doing super...  The cost was 17 grand out of pocket.  I lived about 3 hours from where I had my surgery so I did my paperwork and submitted it via the internet and mail.... As far as having and getting the Psyc Eval, I had that done locally--and of course you have to have a letter from your family doctor who states that he/she will do follow up yearly lab work on your..

Having a reversable surgery is what drew me to having the MGB along with thei super low mortality and morbidity rate.. To me, those were the most important things.  I saw a tv program called BIG MEDICINE in which father and son obesity doctors (Davis is their last name) out of Houston TX Methodist Hosp had to remove one of those aweful lapbands.. and the lap band had adhered to the lining of the stomach.  They were both super worried that it might rupture the stomach with it's removal--I don't mind telling you they had some tense moments...  Why these horrific things are put on the market and doctors install them, I will never know..!!

Would you please tell me the cost of your surgery?  I am in the process of building a home in Costa Rica and will be travelling there every other month, or so. What was the process like? Did you do all the prelimenaries over the phone or was an office appointment necessary?  I had a lapband removed because of erosion almost 2 years ago and am gradually gaining all my weight back. I like the fact that this procedure is reversible. Thank you for any informataion.

The kicker is this.......NO you can't eat big meals......I can't eat anymore than any other MGB patient....YES....the weight did not come off....HEARTBREAKING is putting it mildly.  Dr H told me I am in the 2% of all the MGB patients.  2% of us do not lose very much weight.  What hurts more is that the other MBG people start to 'shun' you because they don't know what to say.  I don't talk to one person any longer (actually they quit talking to me many years ago).  Who I thought were my friends....were not.  The surgery is not painful.  He only bypassed 8 ft.

I am saying Dr H is a very caring man.  I just talked to him several months ago.
What I am telling you is this.....they CAN NOT guarantee you will lose the weight you need to lose.  So if you want to pay the $$$$ and take the chance you might be one of the lucky patients. 

Marleen I hope the best for you.  It was the worse decision I made for weight loss.