NikiS

I've read where most, not all people lose their hair after surgery and I was wondering if Biotin really helps. I had PAT (pre-admissions testing) yesterday and one of the doctors had the Lap-Band done about 2 yrs ago. She said her only regret besides her bat wings (the flabby skin that droops from her upper arms), was the hair loss. Her hair was very thin and whispy. I asked if she tried Biotin and she said she took it but it didn't work nor did her hair return to the stage it was prior to surgery. What did you hear about Biotin or what has been your experience?

That's awesome! You have done a fantastic job and I'm sure it shows! Here's to the new you! Enjoy!!

CONGRATULATIONS and happy birthday! Have funa nd enjoy...you deserve it!

When I clicked onto your post I certainly wasn't expecting to read that you had cancer. Thank you so much for sharing. Please know that I will be praying for you and I'm not just saying that. Whenever you need to talk, please contact me... I'm serious. I'm adding you as a friend. May God continue to bless and keep you always. I'll be praying, Niki

My thoughts will be with you tomorrow. I'm sure you will do fine. I'll be looking for updates from you as things progress. All the best, Niki

Thank you so much for sharing this iwth us/me. I have read so many helpful posts and everyone is super transparent which is wonderful but your step by step experience is just the thing I was looking for when I logged in today. My surgery is on 9/20 and my sister and I have been talking about the day to day and right after that conversation I log on and see your post. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! It has truly helped! Be well and please contiue to keep us posted. Niki

@SeattleSue, when I told my mom and my sister about my crampy night they both were hysterical! The next morning while riding the train to work, I started out chuckling and before I knew it I was cracking up. People probably though I was crazy sitting by myself laughing uncontrollably but if only they knew. You said you were laughing laughing with me but I was laughing at myself. That's why I said it's funny now but it wasn't last night - LOL. I think it was a lack of potassium. Even though I'm on the liquid diet I ate a banana and that seemed to do the trick. I ate one the next night too just for good measure. Keep smiling, Niki

Alrighty now...you are working your program. Congratulations on the weight loss!! That's wonderful!!

It sounds like you two have a great communications relationship but I think I would wait for a while before sharing the news. Go on a few dates and see what happens. Have fun and be safe, Niki

@ Lo, CONGRATS on getting a date! When they gave you your date didn't it feel like you had won the lottery. I remember screaming and doing a happy dance when I got my approval letter in the mail. When I called the coordinator and got a date I almost fell out of my seat...literally! So happy for you!!!! September 26 is right around the corner. @Fusilli, Oct. 11...I'm sure you're counting the days. Congratulations!! It will be here before you know it. All the best t you! @Imlooznit, my date is 9/20, which is just a few short days away. Im anxious, excited, nervous and very expectant. I know this is right for me and at the end of the day the emotion that I feel is happiness. We are definitely doing the right thing. Hang in there...we can do this! Chin up young person!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is awesome! Keep up the good work!

Congratulations!!! I pray all is well. All the best, Niki

You look fantastic!!! You are definitely working your program. Keep up the good work and CONGATULATIONS!!! Be well, Niki

@Jill, I am so sorry you fell but I have to be honest, this is just the comic relief that I needed. I hope you don't have any serious injuries and that all soreness will be gone soon. Take care, Niki

Hi Violet and welcome to VST. CONGRATULATIONS on losing so much weight! 80 pounds is such an accomplishment and should be celebrated. Good for you!!!! I've read from several others on this site about stalls. Some last for a few days while others seem to last much longer. Please be encouraged. The scale will start moving again. You've been given some great advice about switching a few things around (diet, exercise, adding more Protein, etc.). I think you'll be fine. Chin up! Niki

CONGATULATIONS!!! Doesn't it feel like you've won the lottery? Oct. 11 will be here before you know it. Good luck on your liquid diet and definitely keep us posted! All the best, and congrats again, Niki

@MelissaG, the nutritionist said most headaches while on the pre-op liquid diet are from caffeine withdrawl. If they haven't gone away, they should by Day 4 -- hopefully. I hope you feel better soon! Be well, Niki

@SittingPretty, I think I may have to do a Protein shake because I'm not meeting my high protein quota on the pre-op liquid diet. I did 3 Slim Fast yesterday (690 total calories and 30 grams of protein) and a yogurt (80 calories and 5 grams of protein). The nutritionist said I need between 40-70 grams of protein a day and between 1000-1200 calories a day. The thing is, I've been opting for sleep to the point that I haven't been drinking the Slim Fast or eating anything at night. I think I have a packet of

@Yikeit, CONGRATS on the weight loss. That's awesome!

@HDub, that's what I firgured too. My doctor said a cup of orange juice or a banana should remedy Ole Charlie - LOL. Also there are 600mg of Potassium in each can of Slim Fast. Since I'm drinking 4-6 cans a day I would think that would be enough. Today is Day 3 of my liquid diet.

@ Ducker, you're right...downward! Hahahaha

Good morning and happy Thursday! This has been the longest work week in the history of work weeks – LOL. And for the record I AM STARVING!!! I’m not angry hungry and I’m not hungry enough to mess up but don’t get it twisted… a sista is famished!!! Two things, I’ve lost 5 pounds. I know… that’s sounds impossible for only 2 days of a liquid diet but that’s what the scales is reading. I stopped in my Firm's gym in our basement on the way up to my desk. But these pounds have not come without pain…and I do mean pain. Tuesday night and last night I had the mother-load of Charlie Horses. Charlie stepped into the ring and won the fight – LOL. The 1st one was in the top my foot. It started subtly then got aggressive. The 2nd one didn’t wait for the one in my foot to end before it assaulted me right under my left hiney cheek…yes, upper thigh in the back of my leg. When I reached around to grab the back of my leg, Charlie pulled a double whammy… my arm and my neck. I was punching myself and flipping around in the dark like a fish out of water. Punch my arm, then my neck, then my leg, then my foot and on it went for what felt like forever but was probably only 10 minutes. This morning the Charlie Horse are gone but I really feel like I went 20 rounds with Iron Mike Tyson. I am soooo sore. BUT… I’m 5 pounds lighter and still hungry!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is absoutely wonderful!! You're definitely on your way. Keep up the good work!!!

I have a PPO as well and things went smoothly. All the best and keep us posted! Niki

Happy dance, happy dance!!! You made me smile! How exciting!!! CONGRATS!!!