The Gals' Room

I have an underactive thyroid and after much experimentation, I know that the ONLY thing that keeps me from losing my hair is EPO. It's going to be bad enough with the VSG, I want to at least minimize my thyroid-related hair loss. Only problem? My EPO pills are like horse pills. HHUUUUGGGEE! I used to worry about swallowing them pre-surgery, there's no way they're going down now! Does anyone take these and if so, what brand have you found that makes them small it effective?

I'm still preop and I decided that I wanted change it up a little in the bedroom for the hubs. So I decided to shave "down there" Not just a trim, I decided to "scorch the earth" (my husband's phrase, not mine). OMG, it was next to impossible because of my giant belly and short arms. I'm 5'2 and 260lbs and very apple shaped. It was almost funny ... Almost. I tried standing, lying down, one leg on the toilet, and still only got about 80% done. Anyway, at least he appreciated my hard work. I hope I don't need a catheter for surgery, because I don't know if I can manage such a feat again until I can get some of this weight off. Anyway, I thought you girls might be able to a…

Can someone help with my weight gain??? Please!! I had my sleeve surgery two and half years ago and for about two years I stayed the same weight...125 lbs. However about two months ago...my weight went up to 137 lbs and my frame is filling out more with muscle and not so boney. But I am concerned as I have gained 12 lbs. in only two months! I have been exercising the same as I always have although honestly I have been snacking a bit but nothing out of control. My calorie intake is roughly the same. I don't understand what is happening with my body and my clothes don't fit well. What can I do?

As some of you know, I separated from my ex three years ago after 30 years together. Only plucked up the courage to have a first date three months ago, which was three months after surgery. Biggest issue was he had same name as ex, so he became G2. Was ok but not great experience. After first date, he told me there was no romantic spark then after date 2, he decided there was and got keen! However, after that, and him wearing denim cut offs to a nice restaurant for Sunday lunch (oh dear), I quietly put him to one side and haven't seen him since. He occasionally texted but I was cool and made excuse after excuse not to see him. All went quiei about four weeks ago so I…

OK, freak out mode full on. Hanging out with a guy tomorrow night (first date in seriously 2+ years). I wasn't going to allow myself to date (so messed up) until I hit 205 (I'm 233 as of this AM), but I really want to see him so I just folded. We casually dated briefly about 3 years ago. I was about 20 pounds lighter then, but trying super, super hard not to focus on that (AKA I'm obsessing over it). Need some feedback on this dress from anyone and everyone. Going to wear a cardigan of some sort over it. Thoughts? AHHHHH

I am 7 months out...my hair loss didn't begin until about 4 1/2 months out...it is getting really bad (and I fear- noticeable to others & no one knows I had wls surgery)...I would like to hear from those 7 months out and beyond...how long will it the shedding and loss truly last? Yes, I am taking biotin, prenatal, collagen & all other vitamins for hair. Yes, I am not styling/using styling products like I used to. Yes, I am not shampooing like I used to. Yes, I have tried various shampoos/conditioners. Yes, I am getting in my protein. So, I know the hair is inevitable for most wls people...I just want to know how much longer can I expect to keep up this amount o…

I mean...I don't lose when she is near..

My husband has verbally came around to my surgery 1 week prior. I know he has a fear I'm gonna get skinny and leave him. We've been together for 13 years, since I was 16. I was never skinny but now I'm 60lbs heavier. Has anyone else had to deal with their husbands insecurities?

A friend turned me onto this service, it's sort of like Netflix for clothing! You pay a monthly fee and get to "rent" clothes in size 10+. I was skeptical but since practically nothing fits 43lbs down, I figured it was cheaper than buying new only to find those too big. I have only had 2 shipments but so far so good, if you really like the piece you can keep it for a discounted price. Years ago there was a consignment shop in my area for people who had WLS but it has since closed and I don't seem to have good luck at consignment stores so I figured this was perfect, as I shrink I just change my profile and get smaller clothes. If anyone wants a link please PM me, I…

Hey ladies! How long did you wait to get pregnant after vsg? My surgeon suggests waiting 18 months before trying to get pregnant. I have read about women who got pregnant unplanned, much sooner than that. I worry a bit about pregnancy weight gain, but mostly I want to be healthy and have a healthy baby. My husband and I do not have any children yet and have been getting a bit of baby fever lately. Of course it started after I was already in the process of trying to have surgery. We agreed I would do the surgery first, then think about having a baby. I feel like one year out would be ok to start trying. It may take awhile anyway. I am newly sleeved, so I have awhile to go …

It's hump day again and time for a new topic. Figured this week it was the ladies turn. How has weight loss affected your pinnacle moment? It seems that most women complain of having no to very little explosive moment during intimacy. Seems like mostly this has to do with frame of mind or a chemical imbalance but with living a healthier lifestyle and more self confidence, one would think that there would be bigger explosions, multiple explosions or at the very least an explosion in general when there used to be none. So, how has weight loss effected your "O"? Maybe it's heightened, maybe its worsened. Maybe with the new found you, you have thrown all your inhibitions t…

I'm curious if anyone has the paragard IUD? If so, do you like it? How was the pain during insertion? I'm going on Monday and im scared! Lol

Please tell me shaving my zone will get easier. I'm so tired of the touch and shave that I've been doing for years. LOL

Alright ladies, I need some SERIOUS advice! I've bought my fair share of shapers to hide this and help tuck that...but Halloween is upon us and I'm sleighted to go to a Heros and Villians party. Knowing I am super fabulous now in a size 10, I order a near skin tight spider girl (basically spandex) outfit. It fits, my arms look good, my legs are hot, the girls are poppin....then my midsection....I look good in front, but from the side I look like I might as well be pregnant! My roll of hanging belly is the saddest sight in this outfit, I tried on a few pieces of shapewear underneath the costume, but they aren't shaping...maybe I've shrunk out of the size? Maybe I need…

I have been so stressed lately that I think it has actually caused me to have a second period this month! Geez, hasn't this school year been bad enough? But now, my body goes and decides to have another period, stress eating, pimples and all..... I think it might be time for much stronger mood meds.... ugh! Ohhhh, I think I need to ask for Xanax. yep! That's what I want! )

I just got back from 2 weeks in Paris, where I felt like the most enormous and dumpy thing on the street for wearing too big loose-fit boot cut jeans nearly every day. So before I even left for home I ordered two styles of skinny Levis from Amazon, which were just delivered. And guess whose fat ass fits into a size 12 skinny jeans? Yup. ME! I'm still bigger than all the size 0 Parisians I saw but at least I'm fashionable.

An unfortunate new trend for me.... Fortunately I have very thick and plentiful hair. I'm keeping my eyes on my Protein and added a B Complex 100 to Vitamin regimen in addition to my multi-vitamin, B12, and Calcium Citrate w/ Vitamin D. I hope it helps.

How long after being banded did ya'll do the deed? If you don't mind me asking?

As anyone had one? I'm feeling a rather strange and uncomfortable pulling sensation under my right breast and I'm wondering if that's what it is. I have heard of surgeons fixing this while performing the VSG. Looking for anyone who's gone through it. My last appointment for my six month requirement by insurance is this Tuesday. I will confirm with them but is this something I should be asking my primary care physician?

I had the NovaSure procedure done in May of 2012. After the ablation I had immediate relief from painful periods and haven't had a period since then. I was sleeved July 2013 and in the last month have started having slight bleeding and cramping. Basically, I'm getting my period again. Anyone have a similar experience or have any idea why this is happening?

It really was only bad today, when I tried on pants. I put on some new pants, great around the waist, but at my lower belly area (where my belly fat used to be, now just skin) the pants made it look like I had a front butt. The seam that went up the middle of the pants was fine, (or not, I guess) but the skin put so much weight on the fabric to the sides of the seam it hung down. With the seam hold skin up, but the fabric to the sides not, I looked like I had a front butt. How have others delt with this? Would spanx, or another item, help? I have to ware pants for work, so skirts aren't an option.

Ok ladies, after losing 227 pounds I've gone from a 52G/H to a 36DD bra. The problem is, my girls are awful. No really, they're very droopy and sometimes I swear there's more skin than breast tissue. They need some serious help so I don't look like an issue of National Geographic gone horribly wrong. So, I'm looking for your input. For those of who have bigger boobs, like a D cup or more, what bra do you prefer? I need something with lift but also some light padding in the cup so the girls don't look odd shaped. But, not too much padding because I don't want to look bigger and not "push up" because I'm not trying to be cleavage queen, either. Just some shape and …

Hello Ladies, 6 month into my VSG process i recently found out today i have fibroids. Have anyone had vsg surgery with fibroids? I have to go see a specialist in Nov, which seems like along time. Ive completed my 6 month diet plan and passed my psych eval, now waiting on insurance approval. Please Help!

I have a Mirena IUD in and was wondering if I'll have to remove it for surgery. Did anybody do there surgery with the Mirena in place? Did it make a difference?

Tonight on Facebook when of my "friends" posted a long, ranting status about a blog I wrote today without mention my name or tagging me on it and when I called her out on it she said that today's blog was just one of the many things that she has found "amusing" about my writing. Then she proceeded to say that I'm a hypocrite for standing against fat shaming when I've had weight loss surgery, among other things. I'm at a total loss here. I thought I was pretty good friends with this girl and this has beyond hurt my feelings to have her accuse me of thinking and doing a bunch of horrible things that I never thought or did (she also said that I called her the C word and I …

Anyone else annoyed that it's 4 days passed and we STILL can't upload or view our own galleries!?!

I originally started and completed all of my pre op requirements at Bellevue Hospital and they require you to see a "family planning" specialist, which means you have to go on birth-control prior to surgery to ensure you do not get pregnant right after lap-band. I was pretty PISSED because I have this stupid pride in the fact that hubby and I have NEVER used any birth control method besides pulling out. I opted for a IUD because it's non-hormonal and I don't have to do anything for it to work. Now I'm kinda HAPPY it's there because after losing nearly 40lbs, I'm the one who usually initiates Hubby doesn't know it's there so we are still pulling out. He doesn't know not …

anyone else have stinky poos since being sleeved? I know tmi tmi but still... sorry in advance.

I'm lucky to have super thick long hair but it started to come out in large amounts in the shower about 2 weeks ago! What are some tips for stopping this horrifying trend???

So I bought a couple pairs of spanx recently, smoothing out my stomach lumps and bumps is a necessity at this point. I bought them online, and used the height/weight guide to determine what size to order. I got one pair that was about $35.00, and couldn't even pull that sucker over my hips! I also splurged and got the over $70.00 shaper, and that one slid right on. So I thought I was good to go. I wore the expensive one out the other night - tre uncomfortable! It kept rolling down - very annoying! Does anyone have any suggestions for good Spanx outcomes? Should I have bought a larger size?

I'm pre-op , pretty confident with my body but I just can't get in the mood sometimes I feel like I've gotten to big but not always. I've noticed that when I look at my boyfriend his body isn't what I like to see , and doesn't turn me on and he claims to be on a diet but never really works out. What in the world should I do ? Does your sex drive change after surgery? What do I tell my boyfriend who clearly wants to have sex but I just can't? Please help !

I was just wondering if any of you ladies have experienced stronger orgasms with the weight loss. I am still pre op and I have noticed over the past few years that my O's, while plentiful and not too difficult to achieve, seem to have decreased in intensity. I'm only 31, so nowhere near menopause. I have had a couple of kids in the last five years, but they were by c-section. So my pelvic floor should still be pretty much intact. The only thing I can think of is that maybe the weight has something to do with it. I would like to hear your thoughts. I'm hoping that someday I will be able to have the earth shattering orgasms that I had in my teens and early twenties.

When you start losing a good amount of weight does your sex drive increase? I know it's kind of a personal question but this is the ladies chat so I don't feel too uncomfortable asking this.

Has this week started over?? Is it Monday again?? Still?? Ok I now know why I am bitchy and craving. I haven't had "the visitor" for years.... Thank you ablation!!! Today I am sick with bronchitis, feel like I have coughed my band loose, can't poop, get stuck... I mean stuck!! For the first time and start!!! When I am done fishing I am going home to bed!! Lol. Just thought I would share.

Im four months post op and I want a baby so bad. Fertility issues were one of the reasons I chose to have gastric bypass...is it to soon for me to try?

I am going to consider this a NSV. I think I am actually on a regular schedule for my period! It has been probably 15 years since I have been any sort of regular. Going on three months now, and on schedule. Don't know why I am so excited lol I guess the whole waiting game of having it every few months before is gone.

Hi all! Had surgery 05/15 and my periods have been regular up until this time around. AF was due 09/27 and still nothing today. I have lost just over 50 lbs since then and have also been stressed-out lately. Is it normal for this to happen this far post-op? I know I'm not pregnant so it wouldn't be that! Thanks!

Just a question..I am 6 weeks post op.. Had surgery August 8th. I got my period day of surgery. Havent had one since (so 6 weeks) I lost 40 lbs since starting pre-op. I also have Pcos but have ALWAYS had regular periods...And NO Im not pregnant. Has this happened to anyone else after surgery that You either skipped a period or it was weeks late... Im hoping its my hormones and pcos straightening itself out...

I hear I'm gonna lose some hair after this surgery. Will this be enough hair to be an excuse to buy and wear wigs? How much hairloss are we talking here?

This past weekend, I went to the store with a friend and I wanted to buy some cute jeans, but they didn't have a size 16. I grabbed the size they had, a 10, and told my friend, "I'll fit in these one day, they are my new goal pants" Came home, my friend was insistent that I try them on. So I took off my pants and told my friend, "they're not going to make it past my thighs... I don't know why you're doing this to me..." The jeans fit. They fit perfectly. I could probably go down another size if I wanted them tighter. My friend told me that my clothes are always so big and that he had a feeling there was a smaller body under there somewhere. I'm still shocked. Ho…

I know I'm obsessed, bare with me...I weighed 160.3 sunday morning. Today I weighed 162.4 tonight..163.9! It lile I'm gaining steady fast! I started today..could that be the issue or am I in trouble? I mean that's almost 4 lbs! I'm 13 wks out..

I'm one of those people that has told everyone I having WLS. My thought behind it was that I will need the support of all my friends, family and coworkers ( I am see them more than anyone). All my girl besties, family members and coworkers are so excited and amazing. The men in my life not so much. My dad isn't for it. My guy bestie says to me all the time but you can do it on your own. My other guy friends have kinda the same response. I just find it amazing the difference in reaction. What has y'all's reaction been? I know they are just worried. I guess it's a man thing. I tell them just be happy for me and after the surgery is over I am sure they will be.....or so …

Hey all! So i got lucky...i had my period four days prior to surgery..i like my periods in that they are short and dont last more than three to four days and only two of the four is heavy. I am like clockwork. Every 31 days it comes....well not now???? This is the first month post surgery and it should have come on the 2nd or 3rd day of September but it hasnt yet??? I cant possibly be pregnent.. so what happend to it???

Hi! I had my pre surgery class today and found out that I will have a catheter in for 12-24 hours after surgery. Any word on how uncomfortable it was coming out? I've had a stent in my ureter (kidney stone surgery) and had that removed while awake, just wondering if it feels like a pipe cleaner coming out lol

Had surgery today. This boob thing is causing som discomfort. I wedged a washcloth in there to prop it up a bit, but it isn't solving the situation. My sister is bringing me a sports bra to try. Anyone else have this happen? Did you find a solution?

Today in the shower I noticed I was able to shave certain areas with a lot more ease I didn't even realize it until I was halfway done - that I wasn't struggling to reach places. My husband will be thrilled

I don't know if anyone is interested in any of this, but I thought I would throw it out there. One of the things that I am planning on working on or I am trying to work on I should say is meditating and trying to raise my energy level up. I don't know if it will help or make a difference, But, there is a lots of information showing that an individual state of mind and mindset really affects their ability to rebound from surgeries. I believe in the possibilities of alternative healing. So, my goal is to try to meditate every day if it all possible and to really try to work on my attitude and things that nature. I am unfortunately one of those individuals that always has t…

I've been looking at before and after pics, and now I'm really worried I'll end up too small. After spending all my life being curvaceous, I don't want to end up a twig! I've spent my whole life telling myself that I'm beautiful bigger, what if I hate it being skinny? Is there a way to stop losing weight? Do I get to pick where to stop? I still want to be me!

A little worried that my t-shirt is either too tight or too short for my current weight. Honest thoughts please?

What is it???? Why when people know you have had the surgery they watch you eat??? I had a coworker tell me" I see you been indulging a little bit lately." I was 5 second from going completely off. Don't the people know we still can eat certain things but everything is done in moderation. Damn..... :/