happy1957

I think you're doing great. I have lost a total of 57 lbs, but 11 was prior to surgery and it took 8 months to lose the other 46. I am NOT complaining as I have always been a slow loser and to top it off, this has been the easiest weight loss program I have ever been on. I will admit that I have a difficult time even feeling thinner or thinking about myself as thinner, then again I never felt fat. I can't stop thinking about holding on to my " old clothes" just in case my loss finds it way back. I had a life time of losing and gaining every three years, cycling was my nature. I so hope I will not have put myself through the pain of getting approved which was far worse than the surgery, only to fail again. I think all of us have this fear. My words of encouragement would be to keep doing what is right and the rest will fall into place, it my feel slow but will be successful.

Hi, I have had multiple stalls. I have lost just 2 lbs since July 23rd. I had a few stalls lasting at least three weeks, the stalls were at 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. I then tend to lose 5 lbs quickly. I was often discouraged but would find comfort in the folks here who have all experienced stalls. I also found out that my thyroid was acting up with the weight loss, requiring additional dosage. Any chance your thyroid is messed up? My Dr explained that the sleeve is like standing on a step and waiting patiently to jump down to the next one. Once you have permission to jump, you jump 3 at a time. Maybe it would b a good time to have your thyroid checked and or shake up your exercise routine. The best f luck to you.

Thank you for your reply. I agree there are numerous factors, another being neck surgery in May. I guess my body has been through a lot in 8 months. I have a recheck on labs in another week, hopefully the thyroid has leveled off. I have been recovering most of the summer therefore not much summer abuse. I walk in the early m when i's still dark, almost to dark now. I guess my concern is will it recover. I know many bypass patients who's hair has never recovered. :-(

I was aware of the thyroid issues and hair loss, as my very first sign recognized by my daughters pediatrician was my constant shedding and her seeing that when I brought my child in for appointments. Thank you for your response.

I personally have had no spots or heard of any. Any chance that you're allergic to dairy or whey? I assume that you're consuming protein drinks? Maybe try soy protein. Is there a chance that you've been or are on antibiotics? I'm suggesting you ask your primary care physician. Good luck!

I was sleeved on Dec 28, 2011. Have lost 57 lbs and am about 12 lbs from goal. I have had a successful, but slow weight loss. I had read about all the pros and cons prior to having this surgery, but somehow thought if I did everything "right" I would be the exception to the rule for hair loss. WRONG! I have been taking Biotin for for a long time, I started 7 months prior to surgery and have always taken my vitamins , calcium supplements and even added Black Currant (suggested by Dr Oz) for the purpose of avoiding hair loss. I started losing hair around the 5th month post op, it has been three months of constant hair loss and I have since added Biotin shampoo. I am fortunate that I have a LOT of hair, although fine, so I'm not looking bald, but worry that if this doesn't stop soon I may be. I have had all my blood work done and I am NOT deficient in anything except thyroid so that is in the process of being remedied too. My questions are: Will this thinning ever stop? If it does stop, will the hair come back as thick? Will it change the hair type, like which happens to some people after cancer treatments. I am a little worried it will remain thin and if it does, do I cut it short and layered so it looks fuller? When should I expect regrowth? I sincerely get my protein, vitamins and exercise regularly. I am very thankful for the healthier new me, the compliments are good for my self esteem, but I want to keep my hair too. Am I being selfish? I would like to know how all the other Dec sleevers are doing.

I am 8 months post op. I have had a successful, but slow weight loss. I had read about all the pros and cons prior having this surgery, but somehow thought if I did everything "right" I would be the exception to the rule for hair loss. WRONG! I have been taking Biotin for for a long time, I started 7 months prior to surgery and have always taken my Vitamins , Calcium supplements and even added Black Currant (suggested by Dr Oz) for the purpose of avoiding hair loss. I started losing hair around the 5th month post op, it has been three months of constant hair loss and I have since added Biotin shampoo. I am fortunate that I have a LOT of hair, although fine, so I'm not looking bald, but worry that if this doesn't stop soon I may be. I have had all my blood work done and I am NOT deficient in anything except thyroid so that is in the process of being remedied too. My questions are: Will this thinning ever stop? If it does stop, will the hair come back as thick? Will it change the hair type, like which happens to some people after cancer treatments. I am a little worried it will remain thin and if it does, do I cut it short and layered so it looks fuller? When should I expect regrowth? I sincerely get my Protein, vitamins and exercise regularly. I am very thankful for the healthier new me, the compliments are good for my self esteem, but I want to keep my hair too. Am I being selfish? I would like to hear from folks that are past the hair loss stage and their experiences. Thank you in advance for your support.

Good afternoon... I am not 60, but 55 and in 2 days will be 8 months out I think you're doing wonderful!!!!! At 5 weeks I had lost 5 lbs.. literally. I lost for 2 weeks and had a three and a half week stall. I had lost 11 lbs prior to surgery. It is a little slower than most, but then again I didn't have as much weight to lose as some and I'm older. I am a mere 5ft tall and weighing 209 was unhealthy and starting to cause some concerning issues. I have now lost 55 lbs, find that I too am still tired at times, but once you can start walking and exercising, you'll feel so much better. I HATE after work exercise so I walk in the early am... 4:45 for 1 hour. One thing that happened is that I was hypothyroid for many years prior and after my surgery expected to need less medication but needed more. That also added to the fatigue. I didn't find this out until my 6 month appointment and after 6 weeks on the new medication I am feeling less fatigued. The protein is so important to make you feel happy and healthy. Keep getting your protein in, and sticking to what your Dr suggests and it will come off. It is little jumping two steps at a time. First you wait on the top step like it's forever and suddenly you jump down two or three. It works, the compliments start coming and you'l feel better in so many ways. Just remember it wasn't over night that the weight came on. To much to fast looks unhealthy. Be happy with yourself, have you ever dieted and lost that much that fast ? Find your most energetic times to work out. I wish you the best of luck..

Good morning. I understand your situation as I have a relative who had this same surgery and was not as emotionally invested as she needed to be. She still fights with eating issues, enjoys her new body but doesn't feel well at all. I too have had this surgery but do time my eating as if I were a baby. I may not be hungry at all, but will still eat my 3 meals and Snacks at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, it may be just a handful of nuts or a cheese stick etc, but I feel great and have had no Vitamin deficiencies or hyperglycemia issues. Maybe you should buy a timer, set it, when it dings, pop something of nutritional value (high protein) into your mouth. I am losing slowly, but lose and have never gained weight. Unfortunately replacing nutritional foods with sugar as in soda etc is not healthy, it may give you a quick fix to make you feel better, but doesn't do anything healthy for your body. Has your doctor set you up with a nutritionist to help you find the right foods to help with your issues? I hope you're able to find a routine of eating that will feed your body what it needs and overall you'll feel better.

Good morning. My only word of advice is to look at your life style. Do you enjoy it? How much spare time do you really have? I personally only enjoy early am workouts. Nothing after a hard work day. If you enjoy what you're doing now and don't want to become a "slave" to exercise which eventually causes you to stop doing it, then keep doing what makes you happy and helps. In my many attempts to lose weight and keep it off, I would exercise as much as I could, I'd reach my goal and think that was enough. I learned with this surgery to do something at least 4-5n days a week, but not to become a "gym rat" and or exercise every chance I get, but enjoy and look forward to doing something that makes me happy and feel good. Consistency is key. I wish you the best of luck.

Hi, I am 7 months out from surgery, I had a stall at 3 weeks that lasted almost 4 weeks, another at 3 months that lasted 3 weeks and just finished another at 6 months that lasted 3 weeks. I continued to lose inches according to my friends, but the weight comes off slow and I typically see those big stalls, which my Dr told me are normal for 3, 6 and 9 months. It feels discouraging the first time around, but believe me, it will come off if you keep doing what is right. Good luck.

I am 7 months post op and have a protein drink for breakfast every day. I used them three years prior to the surgery and had actually picked up the habit while working with a trainer. My Dr feels that is fine and actually suggested the protein bars as a substitute since the shakes didn't seem to stay with her. I am picky and exclusively use Iso-Pure chocolate. I like the thinner protein shakes and just use water to mix it. Low cal, lots of protein and a great way to start the day.

Hi ladies... I am 6 months out today. Please, don't feel like you're missing out on anything. I was on my liquid diet through Christmas and New Years.. I survived and can eat anything I want today, in small portions and protein first, but there isn't one thing that I can't eat. Remember to sip, sip, sip keep the protein going all day. Walk as much as you can it all helps with digestion and gas at the beginning. I have lost 53 pounds and have about 20 more to go. This is absolutely the best gift I've ever given myself. I am a 100% advocate, then again, I've never had a single remorseful day or any complications. I have never missed a vitamin nor have I ever had a day that I didn't get my protein requirements. I am just starting to lose some hair, actually more than I ever thought I would. I am sure it will come back thicker than ever. Life is better and you'll be on the losers bench soon. Nothing feels better than weight loss.

I WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK AND CONGRATULATIONS ON CHOOSING A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE.

I started eating lettuce at about three months out. Not a lot, it's usually a McDonalds side salad with a grilled chicken breast put on top. Most days I can eat only half of the salad. All depends on which meal it is, I tend to be able to eat less as the day goes on. I also eat shredded lettuce on tacos etc. I still measure everything, my Dr told me to measure forever and I'll never put my ight back on. I am always full and satisfied when I quit eating. The best of luck to you

I personally have never had any pain with fullness, but always stop when I get the sign. My sign is the sniffles. Weird but true, when my nose starts to drip, it's time to stop eating and that holds true for my sister who was sleeved before me.

I too am a slow loser, but so far I have lost consistently each week with the exception of the famous three week stall that lasted 3.5 weeks. My surgery was 12-28-11, I have lost 29 lbs since my surgery and that includes the pre- liquid diet. Most people think I've lost much more. So far the skin is pretty good considering I'm and old lady. I have always been a slow loser, have less than some to lose and have age against. It came on slow, so I will be patient. I see huge life changes already. At to months I was afraid my Dr would be upset, she was elated, also counted the weight I lost prior to surgery and thought percentage wise I was ahead of schedule. I had feared her reaction and she actually made me feel so successful. Keep up the good work!

I returned to work after 10 days. I stand and walk all day. It was actually a "perfect" scenario for me. I found moving constantly a great way to avoid gas pains etc. I also think you will need to explain to someone that you will need to sip, sip sip at the store. You can not go hours without drinking and staying hydrated. The best of luck to you and a speedy recovery. Congratulations on making a life altering decision for the better.

Hello, I am only 3 months post op and have been using Biotin for nearly a year and have not lost any hair as of yet. I am now converting to black currant suggestedby Dr Oz...check this older forum out. http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/28397-best-biotin/page__p__272334__hl__+black%20+currant__fromsearch__1#entry272334. Hope that works... If it doesn't, just put balck currant in the search button and few articles come up. Lots of interesting conversations. My sister is 8 months out and has not had any significant hair loss and has never used anything.

I feel your pain. I am a slow loser naturally. I don't mind losing just a one pound a week, but I had a stall at 3 weeks that lasted 3.5 weeks and then all of a sudden, four pounds fell off. I was doing everything right and we all know that you can not sustain your current weight with the amount of calories you're actually putting in. I came into this forum to lament to someone and got the encouragement I needed to stop stepping on the scale and it'll all work out if you stick to the program. I would not make the "Biggest Loser" show very long, but consistent loss and many, many inches are on my side. Remember this is a marathon not a sprint and going to bed at night knowing that you've done your best will reap rewards. Relax and enjoy the journey, I'm down about 27 lbs since my Dec surgery and just staring to get the compliments and really feeling the advantages of hauling around a few less lbs. It'll all work out for you.. The best of luck.

This post made me laugh right out loud. I was sleeved on Dec. 28th and had noticed that there are times that my tummy was loud and made noises resembling the birth of an alien being coming out through my flesh. What made me laugh was that just last night I was laying awake in bed in the middle of the night because it was warm, my cat was sleeping at the foot of the bed in a snoring state. My tummy made a very loud and long growling sound that woke her up and scared her off the bed, she sat up a moment, looked around and ran under the bed. I laughed about this all day and shared the story with my co-workers. I am happy to live with the unusual sounds as my life is already healthier and happier and can only continue to get better. Thanks for sharing...

I believe every physician is different.My Dr required a 2 week liquid only diet. I drank Protein shakes, creamed and tomato soups. I also put high protein soup like progresso in my Nija, but the texture turned me off and I hated eating them. I wasted a lot of money. I ate mostly tomato soups and truly stuck to the liquids. The more protein you eat, the better you'll feel and stay fuller for longer periods of time. I love Iso Pure Dutch Choclate. I had been drinking that for years for Breakfast, so I was used to it. I hate a thick, sweet Protein Drink. I was NOT allowed any protein bars etc. You can eat yogurt and I found just a few Greeks that I could tolerate, Cottage cheese was another option as was Jello and popsicles . You will be fine after the first three days. I actually started before my 2 weeks and had already converted breakfast and lunch to liquid.I believe it made it easier for me and having the yogurt or popcicles for Snacks . As far as Vitamins, my Dr required a Vitamin that ws chewable and had a minimum of 18 mgs of Iron, so Flintsone chewables were the only ones I could find, I took 2 daily, I am three months out and could convert to a regular Centrum Ultra, but find since I have to take my vitamins with food, I just don't have the room to take the pill with food and swallow it without Water or with a little water. You fill up pretty fast. So I still use the Flintstones which I've acquired a taste for. Make sure you take two of the same flavor at the same time. If you mix the colors YUCK! The best of luck to you.

I am only 3 months out, am a slow loser, but absolutely no regrets. I too have a relative who had 3/4's of his stomach removed 30 plus years ago and did fine. He was chunky prior to that and thinner and healthier after that. He eventually sucommed to colon cancer. No sure if there is a correlation to that since within months I lost another cousin to colon cancer, I know that your colon needs fiber so that's important to get it somehow. The best of luck to you.

I am happy that this questioned has been asked and appreciate the responses. . I too am a slow loser. I was prior to surgery and apparently always will be. I lost about 20lbs the first two months of surgery and about a 1 lb a week over the last 4 weeks, but I know that inches are disappearing and slow weight loss is better for you. I also had lost weight prior to surgery and although my surgeon says that you have to count that, it's difficult to tell those that ask how much weight you've lost, the real truth. I want to say just what I've lost since surgery. Overall it is disappointing when you come in here and or have friends who have had bypass surgery and the weight just fell off. I went into the Dec. sleevers group and the lowest weight loss I could find compared to my was still 21 lbs more! It's just a psychological issue. I worry that I will hit a wall early on and never lose any more. I actually would like to know if slow losers end up losing for a longer period of time, or do they seem to stop at a year as well (the one year mark my DR suggested) . Have a great day everyone!!