mydarling! Hi and welcome. I am pre-op as well but here is my shot at answering some of your questions. Most of the people on this board have had or are going to have the RNY bypass. Thats because Dr. Callery and Dr. Potts only do RNY and this is the support site they have for their patients. Of course, everyone is welcome.
They only do RNY because they have had consistantly good results and they are experienced at it. They feel it is the "gold standard", a term that is hotly debated but generally understood.
Loing hair: yes it happens at around 4 months post-op people will have thinning hair. They don't go bald, and it does come back in. hair is protein and when you lose weight rapidly your body needs that protein.
Becomming very ill: all surgeries have their complications, this is no exception. Some bad things can and do happen. Study up and weigh your pros and cons. I think dietary advise post-op is very important. I've noticed that when people know what to do, like tiny bites chew, chew, chew. following Drs. guidelines etc.. they do well
Some people insist on "testing their pouch" eating suger, large bites, THEN they are very sick! most people only improve their health after surgery.
Finding a Dr. that wont mess you up; VERY IMPORTANT, you need a surgeon who specializes in weight loss surgery. One with sparkling reputation, a great aftercare system and fantastic statistics! Find out what the rate of complication is of the Dr compared to the national average, etc...
Drinking water: yes drink, at first you cant gulp, later you can , but like Marty said, no drinking with meals! People who do gain back weight.
Why not just eat right? Kellie at Dr. Callerys office said "look at a golf ball, or a walnut, if you can eat just that much only three times a day, you dont need this surgery" The surgery is a tool which makes it possile to be satisfied with little food.
later, you can eat more, but never as much as you once did.
I personally have decided to have this surgery because I have seen so many successes by people who were just as out of control with food as I am. I know its possible to be healthy and thin with this sugery. The other reason is a negative one. I have learned that only approx. 2 percent of morbidly obese people are able to lose it and keep it of with diet and exercize! YIKES! I dont want to play those odds.
Sorry for the epic novel, best of luck on your journey, and welcome to the board.
__________________
 Jen 
October 6th 2005
258/132 /150?
consult/current/goal
Loss to date 125lbs!
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