Ms. Scarlett

I have actually found that buying a couple of dresses and skirts are working better and longer than the pants for work. I particularly like the faux wrap dresses. I can still use alot of my tops with a plain a-line black skirt. I have shopped alot on line- there are great bargains there at places you wouldn't think of- like Wal Mart and Target. And Penneys has done a complete makeover and their prices are quite reasonable.

My surgery was 2/9/12 and at about 3 months, my hair started falling out even th0 I took an extra vitamin and biotin everyday. Alot fell out, I mean alot, even tho I had really thick hair to begin with. Then about two weeks ago, I went and got it cut. She took off much more than I asked for, but what do you know- it basically stopped falling out! It is still a lot thinner than I am used to but, I am hoping it will grow back.

I have been frustratingly stalled right at 200 lbs for about 2 weeks, but this week have lost 3.5 lbs for a total of 63 lost since January and have entered onederland for the first time in about 15 years!! Altho to people who don't know me, I probably still look fat, to those that do, tell me I look GREAT! And better, yet, I feel great.

My surgeon actually uses the drain to test for a leak post op and avoids the barium swallow. He tests the drainage for some enzyme found only in saliva so if it is present that means there is a leak. He does this test three times and if they are all negative, you are good to go!

My doctor asked me if I would rather lose hair or not lose weight. He also asked if I had seen any bald patients from WLS. My hair has been falling out for about 2 months (suregery was 2/9/12). I have thick hair too and I think it looks like I am losing even more since it is long too. I am finding it hard to adjust to thin hair and can't wait til it grows back in. I have been taking Biotin and an extra vitamin a day, but that doesn't seem to help at all.

Four and a half months, down 55 pounds but have been stalled for about 2 weeks. AND I am 4.5 pounds away from onderland. It is like it is an elusive goal that I wonder if I will ever attain. ARRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!

I have this same issue- I travel alot for work. For meals, I try to order an appetizer, or soup and just eat what I can. If it is a buffet, I just take a little bit of protein and vegetable. When I am done eating, I just fold my napkin over the plate so no one can see if what/how much I ate. If someone does ask, I just tell them I am on a diet and leave it at that.

Has anyone had hair loss starting? Luckily I have thick hair, but it is a bit alarming. I know I have trouble getting in enough protein. I have also started Biotin. How long will it keep falling out?

Eggs do me in- no matter how they are cooked. The easiest things for me to eat are broiled haddock and Dole's frozen fruit popsicles. I actually had to go shopping last Saturday and am down two sizes in pants and one size on top. To others looking at me, I probably still look fat, but when I look in the mirror and see 43 pounds gone, I can see a BIG difference and feel so much better. A real test this week, I am in LA for a week long series of meetings and eating three meals a day with colleagues. So far, first dinner went okay, it tasted so good that I just wish I could have eaten more, but didn't.

Exactly 8 weeks today. Down 42 pounds, but the weight loss has definitely slowed down. Still getting used to eating "normal" foods again, but much, much, MUCH smaller amounts-like just a few tablespoons or bites and my stomach starts to hurt. Also, I still throw up every couple of days. But, all in all, I know I couldn't have lost that 42 pounds with out the surgery. Will keep plugging away. Have to really try drinking more and eating slower.

SEven weeks, 3 days. Down 42 pounds. Just got over a 10 day stall. Feeling pretty good and starting to experiment eating more "normal" food. Can only eat not much more than a few bites at any one meal. Still cannot eat eggs- they come right back up. The best thing- and easiest- I can eat are the Dole frozen fruitcycles and they are only 25 calories for one.

2-9-12. Currently have lost 39 pounds but have been stalled for the past week or so. Frustrating to say the least!! Especially since Biggest thing this week is that I am back to travelling for my job- I have been lucky to be able to work at home for the 7 weeks post op. Last night for dinner I had a baked potatoe from Wendys with low fat sourcream and my ever present crystal lite. Might get harder today, as I will be in meetings all day with other people. Might try either just some soup or a salad for lunch. But, I have to admit that I am feeling pretty good physically!

I was on 2/9, too. So far I am down 27 pounds from pre op and 38 from the beginning of Jan. I have been stalled for about a week. But I am feeling pretty good and hope this stall will pass.

My secret goal is to be able to go into Victoria's secret and buy a pretty bra/pantie set. In a pretty color with lots of lace. How about you?

HI, Kim- I can still only eat not much more than 1/4 cup of anything. If I eat more, I get a sharp pain in my stomach, and sometimes pretty nauseous. I am somewhere between puree and soft food after 4 1/2 weeks.