4ALongerLife

There have been MANY threads on hair loss, as another person said, it's a daily discussion on here. A good way to avoid as much hair loss as possible? Take Biotin. And get enough Protein in asap. Clear liquids filled with protein, have a plan of how to get your grams in from as soon as possible. I am a HUGE proponent of Cytomax's clear "whey Isolate" in tropical and tangerine. Protein helps you with healing as well so this is not just being superficial, but it DOES help with hair loss. And btw, I'm losing tons of hair, but I'm ok with it. Massive weight loss=massive hair loss and I've got thick hair. And with today's market for weaves, wigs, braids and other options, I choose to look at it as if I have to, it's time for a totally new look. I'd rather the weight be gone more than anything. Good luck to you!

I had a leak. I asked my dr. how long out after surgery it's possible to get them, and honestly? It's a long time. Longer than you think! But it's not likely to happen. Leaks ARE scary, but they are rare.

glad you are doing better littler mama (hehe littler as in losing weight!) xoxo

One of my own "staples" is a drink made by Cytosport now called "whey Isolate" ... you can see it here: http://www.cytosport.com/products/specialty/cytomax-protein-ready-to-drink I hated the Protein bullets (they make me gag). Sunkist makes protein bullets, ones that I heard are reallly good, I heard this rumor at a support group that I went to - but haven't tried them myself - you might want to look those up online and see if you can find a local supplier or buy them online. The 0 cal Vitamin waters you asked about - my dr. recommended those. If you can find an unflavored Protein powder to add (unjury's got one but after a while, it made me gag too... inbox me and I'll snail mail you a packet if you want it). Do you have a nutritionist? Meet with her/him and discuss your diet more in depth. My dr. swears to eat 3 times a day, 3 to 4 ozs at a time. Mirolax every few days if you aren't having BMs. But I would bet you need to get in Water. I hate water, God help me, but I love cherry pomegrante crystal light. Get the take along packets and keep some with you in your purse. Are you working out yet?

Well goodness girl, now I'm worried about you. What's up with the heaving and the yellow stools? YELLOW? Ok I've tossed my proverbial cookies twice - eating too fast for sure and one of the two might have been related to fat content and I didn't realize it. Maybe something you ate made it yellow? You aren't doing things wrong ok? You are figuring this out and it's alot. It's not easy, believe me I'm right there with you (I spent the MONTH of March in the hospital - yes, I got pneumonia and then sprung a leak and had revision surgery done). Don't ask me how in hades I'm going to pay for all of this, since I was originally a self pay. Some days, I have panic attacks and cry - thinking I really eff'd up now. But then again, I am lighter and hopefully healthier... it's just not easy. I have to remind myself to focus on the positive. I encourage you to do that too ok? Although I can't imagine adding a new job in there. You are going thru alot of stuff. Ok one thing on the counseling - if you have EAP it might be free through that. I did it after my mom died and it was free for grief counseling for x amt of sessions. Something's better than nothing. I'd encourage you to call your EAP benefits hotline and ask them. It's confidential. Are there any support groups in your area? Real, walk in ones? Call the local hospital and ask if they have a bariatric consultant. Just someone medical that might be able to say 'hey you are doing fine.' (beyond this site, altho i love the site) I'm not sure what else to say but I'm worried about you. Alot of freak'n help that is, but .... just so you know, you are NOT alone. Come pee on my rainbow anytime. Prayers and hugs to you from me. xxoo and dang, sorry, that was very long

I'm allllllllllllllllll for easy! Thanks

yeah i remember my first barium swallow or was that the upper gi? anywho they give you this gross stuff and say swallow, then you are on a table and they move that to a horizontoal position, then make you roll over. i almost tossed the proverbial Cookies that day. hang in there!

I like the blue bunny SF popsicle bullets. And this is the time of the year for snow cones!

Thankfully no, that's not applicable to me (nausea with chewable bariatric vitamins). I've tossed the proverbial Cookies twice - both I believe from eating too fast. Bad habits die hard I like the citrate chewables for Calcium (about $10 at walmart) and spectravite chewables from cvs (i don't remember the cost, sorry) for my Multivitamin. Hang in there mama! U r rocking - 48 lbs. gone... awesome! hugs

Wishing you the best of luck and a speedy recovery!

Hey girl, glad you are better today... but we all have our moments in this journey. No worries. At least you are trying to figure out why you are putting what you are in your mouth. I keep snacking and not sure if it's emotionally driven or just bored and a habit to seek food. So far it's nutritious but I am am worried about my relationship with food - and how to change it. I just want to be "normal" (wtheva that is) too. I'd love to not worry about every ounce of food or feel guilty on days that I decide NOT to go to the gym (like today and I feel guilty as heck). The point of this long reply is glad YOU are feeling better and I think kudos to you.

Ever thought about going to counseling? It'd help your feelings now and you would be a step ahead of the game once you do have the surgery..... And I suffer from weighing myself too much. That alone will drive you nuts so go hide the scale. Relax, get your Water in and try to make exercise consistent. Try out myfitnesspal.com - commonly referred to on this site as MFP. It helps you track your eating/exercise and many of us are on there. Feel free to add me! Best of luck!

You are sooooo lucky to bee "Fleet-less"!!!! Congrats you "looser"!!!! Best of luck!

I didn't tell anyone at first, I just told work I had to "have a procedure" and requested time off. The day before surgery I told my in laws (my parents have passed already). Now I'm more open about it as I just don't care who thinks what. I did this for me and I'm finally comfortable just telling anyone and everyone as I don't really care anymore what they think. But at least they'll know if they decide to ask quesitons for themselves and they won't wonder whenever I eat such small portions. But it's all what YOU are comfy with hon. Negative Nellies will always exist and it is easier to deal with any of that AFTER surgery IMO (in my opinion). Best of luck!

I like the cytosport "whey isolate" ready to drink (RTD) drinks. I buy them from Vitamin shop. It's 32 g of Protein in 16 oz and cost 3.79 each. I prefer the tropical (green) or the tangerine (orange). Additionally, at Vitamin Shoppe, they have a refrigerated section where you can just buy one to see if you like it (and save your receipt - if you don't like it, look on the back of the receipt, you can take anything back there w/in x amt of time). This last tip is applicable to anything you buy at vitamin shoppe, fyi. Your taste buds change after surgery and during this journey, so I can only recommend not buying too much of anything in advance. I have nectar and unjury powders that are sitting because I just prefer the RTD drinks and my crystal light (still). I guess I'll get back to these powders sometime! (or i'll be making them into jellos or puddings or dips) Good luck to you!

You will lose weight hon, just maybe not as huge as some people's numbers - only because you don't have as much. But this tool will work for you as long as you follow the guidelines. I ditto harmonykalb's comments - chew chew chew your food and EAT SLOWLY. I've thrown up twice from eating too fast, unfortunately It's soooo easy to slip back into bad habits like eating fast. I'd also say follow what your dr. says (i.e. progression through the food phases). And be kind to yourself through this journey! Best of luck!

One thing I wanted was for my son to hug me and be able to touch his hands together (with me in the middle). We were in the grocery store a couple of weeks ago and he did it and even said "look mama." I forgot that was one thing I said before surgery that I wanted, so you reminded me. Thank you (and you brought tears to my eyes for two reasons: 1. reminding me of this small goal and 2. for all of the other things that everyone shared... I totally related to so many, but how beautiful it is to hear what others hearts desire - I wish you all success in this journey!).

hey lissa - i meant the way you described cheetos getting you - curled up on the corner, saying MINE MINE MINE! omg that made me laugh!

oh my goodness .. THAT is a "crappy" day. well there is nothing wrong with you - we all used food to cope and you are struggling with a new job (that is one of the top 10 life stressors), not to mention you are p.o.ed with less money, less hours and then the peops had to order pizza. changing jobs is a HUGE stress and you went through the wringer. i do however agree with lizzy, what about counseling? i need to do this myself so .... we hafta establish new ways to cope beyond food whenever stress overwhelms us. but it's second nature - but it's going to change mama. hang in there sugar. ditto petal's comment as well, i hope you have happier days ahead! xoxo

Best of luck to you!

rofl Lissa I'm seeing you in a whole new way per your post! We all have our trigger foods, for sure. And btw, my dog (yes my dog) is named Cheeto Dorie you WILL do this! Go girl - you have the plan, you can do it and you will!

I struggle with this goal set. My dr's BMI chart says I could be 140, but I am thinking 150 or 160. I have never been smaller than 180 so this TOTALLY blows my mind.

I am right there with you - I don't keep goodies in my desk, but I find that I snack too much ("grazing") and have to quit, grrrr. I can't eat much at one time and I get 3 bites in and am done. MFP helps me keep the calories in range at least, but I have to quit this going from snack to snack.

You are totally "normal" .... What you are experiencing is hormonal. From what I understand, your body has lost the weight but in such a short period of time that your brain and hormones haven't had time to catch up. So you are making hormones for the size that you were 50 lbs ago. Additionally, it might be time to call the dr. or go see them (whomever prescribed the Pristiq) and adjust the medication based on your now smaller size. Hang in there. You are going through a LOT of changes and it takes time to adjust. We all have our moments, but then that's why I am here - that's when I reach out like you did. Hope this note helps you some.... hugs

Kiki, pls pray for me. I WISH I could get a deal like that. The first bill is now at 10K (I just sent in 325 and some change). The next one, they charged 90K and 70K is ineligible per the insurance bill, but that leaves 14k on the second bill. Mind you I've already paid for this surgery (my first one) and am already out of that money. IDK what I'm going to do... breathe and remain calm. And either pray that the cars don't break down (we both need new ones to be honest) or just pray that something works out. Since I'm a contractor - not to mention in this economy - I'm freaking out to be honest. Today I'm much calmer, but scared to be honest. I'm just putting all of my b'ness out there now too, I hafta be nuts. Thanks for your input tho too Kiki....