SunnyCox

I really feel for you. Maybe I should mention that I do not have a large amount of hair. It seems like a lot for me. I pluck about 20-50 darker or course hair each day. It may be why the spironolactone didn't do much for me. It has worked for others. I would definitely give it a try if I were you. Like SleeveMeUp said, give it at least three months to see if it works for you.
You are a skin type VI from the picture. Look for a clinic that has a Nd: YAG 1064nm Laser. When you call the clinic, ask "Do you use the YAG 1064 nano meter laser for an African American with a skin type 6?" Someone who has the experience should be able to do laser hair removal for you, but they need to have the right laser. The best clinics will have both an Alexandrite and a YAG laser to be able to treat a full range of skin types. A minimum of 6 treatments are usually needed to see a great reduction in hair. It could take 10-12 treatments that to see the results you want. When you have laser hair removal or electrolysis, do not tweezer your hair in between session, but you can shave.. About 7-14 days after your laser treatment, the hair will start to shed (fall out). You may need to use a loofah and really scrub in the shower. Not all of it will fall out, but the majority should shed by three weeks. If it doesn't shed, call the clinic and let them know that three weeks has passed and your hair has not shed. They may need to adjust the settings on the laser. If the hair did not fall out, then it didn't die. They will appear to continue to grow for the first 1-2 weeks. They will get longer and push out of your skin so don't be alarmed.
How long did you go for electrolysis? It can take up to a year to see results as well. You'll know it is working if you are able to space your sessions out farther apart. You might start off with once a week. Then, you'll notice that you only need to go once every other week. The skill of the technician is important for electrolysis. Find someone who has been doing it for a while or someone that is booked regularly.

My doc said four weeks. My incisions looked healed today (week 3), and I am so ready to get in the pool.

Year 1 - 95lbs lost. Many, many short stalls and a few long stalls.
Year 2 - 45lbs lost. Stalls were much longer. Went 5 months without budging. Losing 140lbs in two years was a sweet success as it was half my body weight.
Year 3 - lost 5lbs in the first six months then stalled. But...I was happy. I was wearing dresses, moving more, eating without much control. Not good, not bad, but maintaining with plenty of carbs. When winter approached, I gave up the stretchy sun dresses and needed to buy winter clothes. Went to the fitting room with a handful of size 8 / medium clothes since that was the size of the last pair of jeans I bought the winter before. Nothing fit. Not one thing. Had to switch everything out for size 4 / small. The only thing I did different from the previous year is add exercise for the first time since my surgery. I walk more and started yoga. My routine isn't regimented. I fly out of town 2-5 days a week, and I fit exercise in on my days at home. Maybe twice a week.
I'm 5'1". I had set several goal weights 200 / 170 / 140, and I've reached them all. I've never set a final goal after 140. I figure I will know when my body is ready.

Year 1 - 95lbs lost. Many, many short stalls and a few long stalls.
Year 2 - 45lbs lost. Stalls were much longer. Went 5 months without budging. Losing 140lbs in two years was a sweet success as it was half my body weight.
Year 3 - lost 5lbs in the first six months then stalled. But...I was happy. I was wearing dresses, moving more, eating without much control. Not good, not bad, but maintaining with plenty of carbs. When winter approached, I gave up the stretchy sun dresses and needed to buy winter clothes. Went to the fitting room with a handful of size 8 / medium clothes since that was the size of the last pair of jeans I bought the winter before. Nothing fit. Not one thing. Had to switch everything out for size 4 / small. The only thing I did different from the previous year is add exercise for the first time since my surgery. I walk more and started yoga. My routine isn't regimented. I fly out of town 2-5 days a week, and I fit exercise in on my days at home. Maybe twice a week.
I'm 5'1". I had set several goal weights 200 / 170 / 140, and I've reached them all. I've never set a final goal after 140. I figure I will know when my body is ready.

Year 1 - 95lbs lost. Many, many short stalls and a few long stalls.
Year 2 - 45lbs lost. Stalls were much longer. Went 5 months without budging. Losing 140lbs in two years was a sweet success as it was half my body weight.
Year 3 - lost 5lbs in the first six months then stalled. But...I was happy. I was wearing dresses, moving more, eating without much control. Not good, not bad, but maintaining with plenty of carbs. When winter approached, I gave up the stretchy sun dresses and needed to buy winter clothes. Went to the fitting room with a handful of size 8 / medium clothes since that was the size of the last pair of jeans I bought the winter before. Nothing fit. Not one thing. Had to switch everything out for size 4 / small. The only thing I did different from the previous year is add exercise for the first time since my surgery. I walk more and started yoga. My routine isn't regimented. I fly out of town 2-5 days a week, and I fit exercise in on my days at home. Maybe twice a week.
I'm 5'1". I had set several goal weights 200 / 170 / 140, and I've reached them all. I've never set a final goal after 140. I figure I will know when my body is ready.

Year 1 - 95lbs lost. Many, many short stalls and a few long stalls.
Year 2 - 45lbs lost. Stalls were much longer. Went 5 months without budging. Losing 140lbs in two years was a sweet success as it was half my body weight.
Year 3 - lost 5lbs in the first six months then stalled. But...I was happy. I was wearing dresses, moving more, eating without much control. Not good, not bad, but maintaining with plenty of carbs. When winter approached, I gave up the stretchy sun dresses and needed to buy winter clothes. Went to the fitting room with a handful of size 8 / medium clothes since that was the size of the last pair of jeans I bought the winter before. Nothing fit. Not one thing. Had to switch everything out for size 4 / small. The only thing I did different from the previous year is add exercise for the first time since my surgery. I walk more and started yoga. My routine isn't regimented. I fly out of town 2-5 days a week, and I fit exercise in on my days at home. Maybe twice a week.
I'm 5'1". I had set several goal weights 200 / 170 / 140, and I've reached them all. I've never set a final goal after 140. I figure I will know when my body is ready.

One bit of advice....
Don't buy the huge bottle!
So many things were ok pre-op that I hated post op. Plus, I am so tired of the taste of some of Vitamins. I have a 180 count (expensive) bottle of Bariatric Advantage chewable multi-vitamins that make me nauseous every time I chew one.
Had my doctor write me an Rx for Centrum liquid multi-Vitamin a few days ago. It is still OTC, but with an Rx, it is covered by my flex spending account (tax free money).

I agree with self talk. It was the first thing I noticed about your post. I know you posted looking for support to get back on track, and talking about mental health isn't exactly what you wanted. You don't eat right if your head isn't right.
Failure at all kinds of things is very normal. Falling back on bad habits happens to most everyone. I've had my period of eating poorly about 2.5yrs after surgery. I had to go cold turkey on the carbs and leave them behind. It worked well enough to help push me towards losing some additional weight. It helps me to eat better if I am adventurous with my food and try new ways to cook and spice my Protein and veggies. I tend to eat better on days that I exercise. Since you start strong and falter as the day goes by, consider adding a brief walk when you start having cravings. Drink a big glass of sugar free beverage prior to the walk. Being out of reach of good and satisfying any dehydration could help you be more successful when you feel tempted.
Please excuse any typos. I'm on my phone.

Overeaters anonymous has free support group meetings and so do some hospitals / bariatric surgeons. A group of ladies in my town get together one Sat each month (kids are welcome). Maybe if there isn't something in your area, you could start something to have support of like minded people. Call your aurgeon's office and offer to mentor someone. Helping others will help yourself by being a good example.

I agree with self talk. It was the first thing I noticed about your post. I know you posted looking for support to get back on track, and talking about mental health isn't exactly what you wanted. You don't eat right if your head isn't right.
Failure at all kinds of things is very normal. Falling back on bad habits happens to most everyone. I've had my period of eating poorly about 2.5yrs after surgery. I had to go cold turkey on the carbs and leave them behind. It worked well enough to help push me towards losing some additional weight. It helps me to eat better if I am adventurous with my food and try new ways to cook and spice my Protein and veggies. I tend to eat better on days that I exercise. Since you start strong and falter as the day goes by, consider adding a brief walk when you start having cravings. Drink a big glass of sugar free beverage prior to the walk. Being out of reach of good and satisfying any dehydration could help you be more successful when you feel tempted.
Please excuse any typos. I'm on my phone.

I agree with self talk. It was the first thing I noticed about your post. I know you posted looking for support to get back on track, and talking about mental health isn't exactly what you wanted. You don't eat right if your head isn't right.
Failure at all kinds of things is very normal. Falling back on bad habits happens to most everyone. I've had my period of eating poorly about 2.5yrs after surgery. I had to go cold turkey on the carbs and leave them behind. It worked well enough to help push me towards losing some additional weight. It helps me to eat better if I am adventurous with my food and try new ways to cook and spice my Protein and veggies. I tend to eat better on days that I exercise. Since you start strong and falter as the day goes by, consider adding a brief walk when you start having cravings. Drink a big glass of sugar free beverage prior to the walk. Being out of reach of good and satisfying any dehydration could help you be more successful when you feel tempted.
Please excuse any typos. I'm on my phone.

Year 1 - 95lbs lost. Many, many short stalls and a few long stalls.
Year 2 - 45lbs lost. Stalls were much longer. Went 5 months without budging. Losing 140lbs in two years was a sweet success as it was half my body weight.
Year 3 - lost 5lbs in the first six months then stalled. But...I was happy. I was wearing dresses, moving more, eating without much control. Not good, not bad, but maintaining with plenty of carbs. When winter approached, I gave up the stretchy sun dresses and needed to buy winter clothes. Went to the fitting room with a handful of size 8 / medium clothes since that was the size of the last pair of jeans I bought the winter before. Nothing fit. Not one thing. Had to switch everything out for size 4 / small. The only thing I did different from the previous year is add exercise for the first time since my surgery. I walk more and started yoga. My routine isn't regimented. I fly out of town 2-5 days a week, and I fit exercise in on my days at home. Maybe twice a week.
I'm 5'1". I had set several goal weights 200 / 170 / 140, and I've reached them all. I've never set a final goal after 140. I figure I will know when my body is ready.

Overeaters anonymous has free support group meetings and so do some hospitals / bariatric surgeons. A group of ladies in my town get together one Sat each month (kids are welcome). Maybe if there isn't something in your area, you could start something to have support of like minded people. Call your aurgeon's office and offer to mentor someone. Helping others will help yourself by being a good example.

I agree with self talk. It was the first thing I noticed about your post. I know you posted looking for support to get back on track, and talking about mental health isn't exactly what you wanted. You don't eat right if your head isn't right.
Failure at all kinds of things is very normal. Falling back on bad habits happens to most everyone. I've had my period of eating poorly about 2.5yrs after surgery. I had to go cold turkey on the carbs and leave them behind. It worked well enough to help push me towards losing some additional weight. It helps me to eat better if I am adventurous with my food and try new ways to cook and spice my Protein and veggies. I tend to eat better on days that I exercise. Since you start strong and falter as the day goes by, consider adding a brief walk when you start having cravings. Drink a big glass of sugar free beverage prior to the walk. Being out of reach of good and satisfying any dehydration could help you be more successful when you feel tempted.
Please excuse any typos. I'm on my phone.

I agree with self talk. It was the first thing I noticed about your post. I know you posted looking for support to get back on track, and talking about mental health isn't exactly what you wanted. You don't eat right if your head isn't right.
Failure at all kinds of things is very normal. Falling back on bad habits happens to most everyone. I've had my period of eating poorly about 2.5yrs after surgery. I had to go cold turkey on the carbs and leave them behind. It worked well enough to help push me towards losing some additional weight. It helps me to eat better if I am adventurous with my food and try new ways to cook and spice my Protein and veggies. I tend to eat better on days that I exercise. Since you start strong and falter as the day goes by, consider adding a brief walk when you start having cravings. Drink a big glass of sugar free beverage prior to the walk. Being out of reach of good and satisfying any dehydration could help you be more successful when you feel tempted.
Please excuse any typos. I'm on my phone.

Year 1 - 95lbs lost. Many, many short stalls and a few long stalls.
Year 2 - 45lbs lost. Stalls were much longer. Went 5 months without budging. Losing 140lbs in two years was a sweet success as it was half my body weight.
Year 3 - lost 5lbs in the first six months then stalled. But...I was happy. I was wearing dresses, moving more, eating without much control. Not good, not bad, but maintaining with plenty of carbs. When winter approached, I gave up the stretchy sun dresses and needed to buy winter clothes. Went to the fitting room with a handful of size 8 / medium clothes since that was the size of the last pair of jeans I bought the winter before. Nothing fit. Not one thing. Had to switch everything out for size 4 / small. The only thing I did different from the previous year is add exercise for the first time since my surgery. I walk more and started yoga. My routine isn't regimented. I fly out of town 2-5 days a week, and I fit exercise in on my days at home. Maybe twice a week.
I'm 5'1". I had set several goal weights 200 / 170 / 140, and I've reached them all. I've never set a final goal after 140. I figure I will know when my body is ready.

I agree with self talk. It was the first thing I noticed about your post. I know you posted looking for support to get back on track, and talking about mental health isn't exactly what you wanted. You don't eat right if your head isn't right.
Failure at all kinds of things is very normal. Falling back on bad habits happens to most everyone. I've had my period of eating poorly about 2.5yrs after surgery. I had to go cold turkey on the carbs and leave them behind. It worked well enough to help push me towards losing some additional weight. It helps me to eat better if I am adventurous with my food and try new ways to cook and spice my Protein and veggies. I tend to eat better on days that I exercise. Since you start strong and falter as the day goes by, consider adding a brief walk when you start having cravings. Drink a big glass of sugar free beverage prior to the walk. Being out of reach of good and satisfying any dehydration could help you be more successful when you feel tempted.
Please excuse any typos. I'm on my phone.

Year 1 - 95lbs lost. Many, many short stalls and a few long stalls.
Year 2 - 45lbs lost. Stalls were much longer. Went 5 months without budging. Losing 140lbs in two years was a sweet success as it was half my body weight.
Year 3 - lost 5lbs in the first six months then stalled. But...I was happy. I was wearing dresses, moving more, eating without much control. Not good, not bad, but maintaining with plenty of carbs. When winter approached, I gave up the stretchy sun dresses and needed to buy winter clothes. Went to the fitting room with a handful of size 8 / medium clothes since that was the size of the last pair of jeans I bought the winter before. Nothing fit. Not one thing. Had to switch everything out for size 4 / small. The only thing I did different from the previous year is add exercise for the first time since my surgery. I walk more and started yoga. My routine isn't regimented. I fly out of town 2-5 days a week, and I fit exercise in on my days at home. Maybe twice a week.
I'm 5'1". I had set several goal weights 200 / 170 / 140, and I've reached them all. I've never set a final goal after 140. I figure I will know when my body is ready.

I believe it is...
3 ORs
15 patient rooms.
I believe Oasis of Hope has the other floors of the hospital, and I don't know much about how they operate or how they would transfer care from one hospital to the other. I was comforted to know that Oasis has an ICU and four operating rooms and 60 patient rooms. I don't know if they share the ORs with florence or if they are separate.

I don't think they are going overboard. I think we are all different in what works for us.
About 8 weeks after surgery, I could eat just about anything I wanted in smaller portions. There are some things that agree with me more than others. If I just eat smaller portions and cut out the Snacks, I will lose weight because I have so much to lose. On the other hand, if I cut the carbs and greatly increase my Protein and Water, I will lose weight much faster. All of this was true before and after surgery.
Here is where you have a personal choice to make. You can lose weight faster or slower depending on which route you chose to go. Personally, I don't feel that either route is right or wrong. The one thing you MUST do is figure out how to be healthier for a life time.
I can eat the same things as before, but I also chose not to do so. I made a choice to use the sleeve as a tool to correct the bad habits that led me to this point in my life. Since I am not starving and having cravings all the time, I use it to make better choices. Before surgery, I ate a lot of fast food, drank nothing but soda or sweet tea, and could eat candy, chips, ice cream or Pasta as a meal (often my only 'meal' of the day). Now, I get in a Protein Shake in the morning mixed with my coffee. For other meals, I eat my protein first, veggies second, fruit third, and treats (breads, sweets, etc) last if there is room. I rarely skip a meal. I drink more water and less soda. I do have a treat most days of the week - half can of soda, part of a candy bar, some ice cream. I take my Vitamins. I move my body more. This is what works for me. I know I could lose a lot more weight if I was a more diligent, but I am not in a hurry. I am happy every day.

This may be posted somewhere on this thread, but there is a group that gets together in the Dallas / mid-cities area once a month for lunch. This month, it is the second Saturday in December in Lewisville. If you are interested in attending, I can PM you the email address for the hostess so you can RSVP.

I hate to tell you this, but it doesn't fully go away even after you lose a chunk of weight. Fortunately, IT DOES GET BETTER.
I am down 90lbs, and now I am having to hide different imperfections and frustrations. The greatest part is that the clothes actually do fit, and there are so many more selections. My best shopping moment came two weeks ago when I no longer fit into the smallest size at Lane Bryant. I had to find a new 'go to' store for pants, and boy are things sized differently every where else.

I hate to tell you this, but it doesn't fully go away even after you lose a chunk of weight. Fortunately, IT DOES GET BETTER.
I am down 90lbs, and now I am having to hide different imperfections and frustrations. The greatest part is that the clothes actually do fit, and there are so many more selections. My best shopping moment came two weeks ago when I no longer fit into the smallest size at Lane Bryant. I had to find a new 'go to' store for pants, and boy are things sized differently every where else.

This is my understanding too. Dr. Illan assisted Dr. Kelly with my surgery.

Really? Why do you keep following me to repeat this? Who cares? Dr Illan is a great dr either way.. Truth is if I wanted dr Kelly I Would have picked him.. However even before I decided dr Illan Dr Kelly was NEVER one I was considering.. I was going with either Garcia or Dr. jaime Ponce de leon. This is getting out of hand. I get you work for him but gosh come on.. I'm sure these people do research and pick their dr they want.. Not by who may or may not be assisting.