Lori21769

Thanks! I really appreciate the encouragement. I started with a BMI of 43, so not a lightweight.

I am a slow loser. I was looking at this site, and how fast people were losing and feeling like a complete failure. You can't compare yourself with anyone else. We are all different. I am 4 months out and have lost 55 lbs. That is a lot less than many people I see on here- but my doctor is happy, and I should be too.

Heavyweight here! Started at 306, down to 250... long way to go!

I also love the BSN Lean Desserts. I don't like any others. I especially like the banana nut bread flavor, you can see the nutmeg in it. I have also combined flavors- like the chocolate fudge with the banana cream pie.

Hello Fellow Michigander- Do not give up, my friend. You were given a tool, and you have forgotten how to use it. Go back to a week or two of just liquids, then do mushies, start all over again. Write down all the reasons you decided to have the surgery in the beginning. Did you think about the flabby skin when you made your decision? I did. I knew I was going to have some body image problems along the line. For now, I can cover everything with clothing. Later, when I am closer to goal I will start looking for solutions that I can afford. Are you exercising? Drinking enough Water? Go back to the beginning, get out your pre-surgery literature and just commit yourself to using this tool to your best advantage. If you still can't muster up the resolve, you may want to ask the surgeon to take the second step and give you a gastric bypass. Lots of super obese people start with the sleeve, and work toward bypass. Don't give up on yourself!!!

My starting BMI was 43 and bougie size was 38. That is the only size my surgeon uses. He thinks any smaller is too much restriction. He showed me the difference between a 32 and 38, and it is barely noticeable.

:scared0:Has anyone lost so much hair they had to resort to wearing a wig? I am losing gobs of hair, and I didn't have any to spare before surgery!

I just had to bring my CPAP machine to the hospital, and they put it on me in the recovery room.

I had my surgery in Frederick, Maryland by Dr. Steven McKenna. I would highly recommend him.

My CPAP machine was just reset to a lower number, and I will have a new sleep study done in 3 months to see what other progress I have made.

Every time I see my surgeon, he asks if my shoe size is smaller. It really hasn't happened yet- but I hope it does!

I did get it cut very short last week. My hairdresser is not able to color it in this condition, so I have lovely gray roots, and short fuzzy hair that I am afraid to touch.

The gowns they gave me were for bariatric patients- so they were extra, extra large. No problem with anything hanging out.

I had two ends clipped off by my surgeon. I still have one that is just barely poking, but enough so I notice it. It is not really long enough to clip.

I really don't have anything to clip on to. I have very fine, thin hair normally. Now- if I run my fingers through my hair, I end up with a handful of hair.

I'm considering shaving my head, and buying a wig.

Take deep breaths and remind yourself why you started this journey. Try to put your fears aside, this is a very safe procedure and well worth it. Just before surgery I sort of freaked out thinking I would never be able to comfort eat again- and I started trying to talk myself out of the procedure. I actually worried that I was never going to be able to eat a whole bag of cheetos, bag of cookies or a pizza again! Your brain does some funny things when you threaten its comfort zone. Be brave- it is worth it.

I actually stopped having periods 4 months before my surgery, and a month after the surgery they started regularly again.... darn it!

I have done biotin, nioxin, and get 60-100+ grams of protein every day and my hair is falling out in gobs.

Cellulite gets really ugly, really quickly! Before surgery I had no problem being in my bathing suit in public- now... not a chance in hell. My legs and arms are disgusting.

I think you should refrain from talking about your surgery to your friend. It is obvious that she can't deal with her disappointment right now, and she is probably trying to rationalize that maybe she shouldn't have the surgery- by saying things like "it is really messing with your head." Continue to be her loving friend, but let HER drive any conversations about your weight loss/surgery. I equate her reaction to someone that is starving having to watch others eat. There has to be all kinds of emotions going on inside her that she is struggling with. Rejoice in yourself.

In the past couple of weeks I have started losing a lot of hair. I have very little hair to start with and it is thin and fine. My hairdresser told me last night she wouldn't color it in this condition, and that I should start Rogaine right away.

Do not drive for at least a week after surgery.

LOL, sorry! I do "lear" too... mostly at the amount of food other people are eating, that I USED to consume!

I was off 3 weeks, and I too have a desk job. I needed the 3 weeks to regain strength and stamina.