Dear Ruth, I had my sleeve done in June this year. I started at 258lbs., got to Tijuana at 226lbs. left there at the same weight but arrived back in Thunder Bay Ont. the next day at 216lbs. Since then I have lost about 5 lbs. at a time with about 2 wks. in between so now I am 187lbs. I am a nurse and also have aback problem. I was seeing the Chiropractor 3 times a week--even on my way to the airport. My back has been fine since surgery and I'm back to my regular 5wk. maintenance appt. I am 65 yrs. old--I am not short of breath anymore,my ankles don't swell, my knees don't hurt,I can walk like I used to 25 years ago, I can paint my toenails without any trouble and pick up things much easier. I have so much more energy and I'm off my blood pressure pills. I used chewable Iron and the Calcium Citrate logenges and B12 sublingually until I started on soft foods then went to oral pills except for the B12. I added Vit C because it helps to prevent constpation which can be aggravated by the Iron.You will not be having anything done to your small bowel so you will absorb all the nutrients you get from foods only smaller amts.so it's important to eat things that are good for you.The Vit B12 is made in your stomach and since 2/3 of your stomach will be gone, it's important to stay on it.I am not having any problems with gas,bloating,constipation or mood swings. If I forget and try to eat too fast, I get alot of burping.If anything--I am euphoric at the way my health has improved in such ashort time. I use a CPAP machine to sleep.You should not have hair loss because of the surgery unless you lose a bit because of the anaesthetic but it should correct itself soon after unless you aren't getting enough vitamins and minerals. The discomfort is minimal. I was discharged to the hotel 24hrs. after my surgery and never took a pain pill. I walked down to the shopping center 1 day after that and felt great. I hope this helps you a bit. Don't hesitate to e-mail me again. Donna at drcatsx2@shaw.ca