Confused????

 I thought the point of the sleeve was purely restrictive??? I was reading about taking the vitamins and deficiencies some ppl are having. I didn't think this type of surgery did that since there is no malabsorption issues.  Also about the hair falling out, I didn't think that was an issue with this surgery either.  Confused and need a lil clarification.  Also I didn't think with the sleeve you had to take all the vitamins and supplements like someone with RNY and that the labs would become an issue. Thanks, Kerry  

It is restrictive which can result in the hair loss.  Your calories are VERY LOW especially in the beginning.

Example:  Today I have had:  4 bites of oatmeal (small bites, not a spoonful), 1 tbsp low sugar peanut butter and 1/4 (actually less) of a banana.... I can't get anymore in.  It's noon here.  I think I'm in the what 200 calorie range if that? LOL.

I did forget my protien shake, that would have added another 100 calories.  I'll have it at home.

If I get in 400 calories I do well.  You can imagine no one is going to get enough vitamins at that rate.  If I understand correctly at the end of a year they want you about 900 calories, which is still EXTREMELY low if you are also exercising (most are) and regularly active.

Take the vitamins. Can't hurt!

Since you aren't consuming the amount of food you used to, or eating as many veggies/ fruits, you must supplement with vitimains.  My doctor recommends a good multi-vitamin, which everyone should take anyway, a calcium supplement, and folic acid.  Much of the hairloss can be avoided by being VERY diligent with your protien consumption. 

The sleeve is a purely restrictive procedure.  With any surgery you may have issues with losing some hair after.  We simply cannot get enough nutrients in when you are newly sleeved, therefore you may need extra supplementation.  Most people should be on a multi-vitamin and calcium in life anyhow..and depending on each person..you may become deficient in Vitamin D or Iron..or B1..etc..for a short time.  Once you get further out you may find you won't need those extra vitamins after further labs are done.  Each person is different.  I can tell you that we definitely take much less vitamins than RNYer's or DS'ers would. 

It is restrictive and hormonal (ghrelin reduction).. but it is also malabsorbtive on B12 as the portion of the stomach that is removed also produces the majority of intrinsic factor protein that allows you to absorb B12. 

So, the usual supplements suggested or required are..

Good complete multi like Centrum 1-2 a day
Calcium 1200mg a day
B12 sublingual (get the methyl form, more active) 
Iron (for women, may be needed)


On the hairloss, it happens when you lose weight quickly- with or without surgery.. add in the stress of surgery prior to the fast weight loss and you get it more often. It's common, but not a guarantee.. you will not go bald, just general diffuse thinness.. and it grows back. It's called telogen effluvium. It's temporary.

 Thank you everyone for your responses.  I understand a lil more.  I have never been one that was good at taking any type of medicine, I constantly forget esp. if it is more than once a day.  Hopefully I will get better at this and I will def. make sure i GET MY PROTEIN IN, i DON'T WANNA LOSE ANY MORE HAIR IT ALREADY LOOKS LIKE IT'S THINNING OUT AND MAYBE THAT'S CAUSE i DONT GET ENOUGH PROTEIN NOW. Might have to start with a biotin supplement or something.  Oh and the reason why some of this is in caps is cause my fat fingers keep hitting the cap key and I don't feel like rewriting it lol  Take care, Kerry