Estrellita

I'll be praying for you too. Please keep us posted.

Today - I was the sexiest shopper in Walgreens - I purchased Gas X strips - because my stomach feels so bloated and almost pregnant - cant even suck it in, and I am constipated, so I bought liquid stool softener - on top of that gorgeousness, I also have a cold - so threw in some cold medicine. I have been up and down the same 3 pounds for 4 days - taking in MAYBE 600 calories a day - and exercising...I think my body is revolting against me...please tell me this will go away soon and the weight will drop again!

This will go away! I suffered from awful Constipation until six weeks out, when I went on regular foods. I haven't had a single episode of constipation since. I didn't have much gas, but my friend who also underwent surgery did. Her gas discomfort lasted also up to six weeks. What did both of us wonders was papaya, blueberries, and prunes for constipation (this was and still is part of my daily diet) and walking for the gas. Good luck and God bless you.

Hi Quuengamez,

I completed Options at the Sunset facility and we were allowed to bring guests. One lady brought her husband to every single class, others brought daughters, sisters, and friends. Check with your faciliator or coordinator. The classes were an hour and a half, and my track was 20 weeks. There was no way for us to speed up and complete the course. If we missed a class, we had to make it up at other locations or with another track (like a cohort). Good luck on your journey!

Estrellita, My nut said to expect to average 10 pounds a month, so by her definition, you are right on track! Congratulations on that weight loss!

I know it is hard to change habits, and it sounds like you are working on it, which is good. You might have lost more so far if those self defeating habits had not been there, but the gift is, now you see them more clearly, and are working on it. I don't think you are a failure at all. Just keep going back to the basic rules... you see them here everyday and your Doc gave them to you I'm sure.

Protein first, veg/fruit second. Try 5 small meals or three meals and two Snacks to help keep hunger away. Eat these meals even if your not hungry at the time. Plan ahead for the day. Drink a Protein Drink before going out for dinner to help keep you from eating something that does not add to your healthy nutrition needs. Taking your Vitamins? Using an acid reducer?

Don't drink 5 minutes before/with/30 minutes after meal,

keep track of protein/calories/water- EVERY BITE/SIP, fitday or something like it helps.

try and get some exercise in over the course of the day.

This will get you the weight loss you need for better health. When I do not write down what I eat, the calorie count goes up. For some it goes down, but I don't think this is your problem at this time. Make sure you have friendship and activities in your life that you like. Don't make food your only and best friend..... Good luck! Stick to this site, they will support you when you need it!

Thank you for bringing me back to basics feedyoureye. I've already started doing some of these, but others-like tracking calories- I havent returned to. Thank you for your encouraging words and God bless you!

Wow Estrellita, (sorry i put littlesteve earlier) your story makes me sad for you. I've heard of people getting the surgery but not being emotionally prepared for it. . I didn't think it was true, but it is. . at least you've lost the 40lbs in 4 months. . that is really good. . .but if you did this drastic surgery you really wanted to loose weight. . so why don't you just eat your food at your meal and then that's it. . you don't have to go back to eat more in 1/2 hour. . that is sabatoge, but you know that. . wow, were you self pay? or were you a lucky one that had insurance or somthing pay for it? Just a question. . . anyhow 40 lbs, like i said is good, try a bit more and don't snack/graze that is not a good thing as you know. . good luck!

Hi thinoneday,

My co-pay for surgery was only $100. Thanks for your words of encouragement. I don't feel sad about my experience, I'm sorry if I sounded so last night when I posted. There is a higher purpose to my surgery, and there's nothing sad about that. I'm taking this opportunity to grow and work on myself. This surgery and my experience post will not be in vain- I know it won't. I just want future sleevers to understand (maybe they do it was just me that didn't believe it) that surgery isn't a quick fix or the miracle cure for weight loss. Everyday we are still faced with the same decisions and emotions over food. That's my experience, and I embrace it and am growing stronger from it. God bless you!

I'm so sorry to hear your experience. Recently I came across a website for people who've had bariatric surgeries: Weight Loss Surgeries Federation of America. If you enter their site you'll see that they offer grants for surgeries. I have no clue what the qualifications are, or anything that has to do with the process. I came across it post surgery and have explored other forums on the site, but have never clicked on the grants link. Look into it and don't lose hope. God bless you!

I think this thread goes on this forum, not wher I posted before...

Hi all! Tomorrow marks my fourth month post surgery. What has this journey been like? Well...

1. No leakage or any other serious complication- thank God!

2. I never expected the post surgery experience I had. Anxiety and depression, like I've never witnessed in myself or anyone else. kicked in about two weeks post. Uncontrollable, snowballing, unexplainable, irrational fear, sadness, and regret. I went on tranquilizers, developed a mild dependecy on the benzo, had to follow a tapering process, but all ended well. This experience is unforgettable to me and my family! Everyone entering this surgery process should be aware that this is a possible reaction to surgery. I'm not sure if only to this type of surgery, or all. The more the time passes, the more I see posts that relate to my experience. So far I've contacted six people with less, exact, or worse anxiety and depression after the sleeve. Be aware of this possibility. Know that it can debiliate you, thus you need a safety net. However, also be aware that it passes. Thank God, all that is in the past. But the experience I don't think I will ever forget.

3. Because of #2, an improved appreciation for God, life and for all my loved ones.

4. Weight loss: forty pounds down- yay!

5. Besides #2, the most impacting part of this experience is accepting the fact that the surgery did not rid my addiction to food, nor my unhealthy eating habits. I completed a mandated five month program before surgery. The instructor endlessly stressed to start working on our eating patterns and habits before surgery, to ease the transition and have more success with the procedure. As much as this was emphasized, I didn't do it. It was also emphasized that the surgery didn't cure our addiction and relationships to food, this too I ignored. To me, surgery would cure my addiction to food, would for ever change my eating patterns, and never again would I experience the vicious cycle of binging, guilt, shame, weight gain, etc. etc. etc. In my mind I figured I'd be forced to change because my body wouldn't tolerate overeating. I ached for a change, and surgery would force the change on me....problem solved! I awaited surgery with glee and faith. Well, the story goes otherwise.

I have changed some of my eating patterns and you will find plenty healthy veggies and fruits, plus lean meats in my fridge. I joined the gym for the first time in my life, and through therapy am trying to sort out my relationship with food.

However, surgery hasn't forced a change on me. You know those stories of having to induce vomit (or it naturally occuring) due to overeating? NEVER happens to me, NEVER! I cannot eat as much as before, but defenitley more than I expected. I can eat a full cup of spaghetti with cheese and sour cream in one sitting. I'll finish it, feel full, and stop eating. But thirty minutes later my pouch has made room, and I can take some more in. This especially happens when I eat out and we usually sit around chatting for a while. Time passes and I'll start nibling at my food again. I can eat about half a cup more--without being hungry. Why do I do it? I'm working on understanding it.

Those stories of no longer tolerating fatty, sugary, lactose, or other foods- not I. I can eat EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING.

Dumping syndrome? I don't even know what that is.

Having to chew food to mushy consistency- not I. I chew, but never to the consistency I thought I'd have to.

Taste buds change post surgery- not mine. Not one of the billions of taste buds have changed- at all!

Bottom line, this surgery didn't force any change on me. I have gone up and down in weight, and can't seem to break the 40 pounds mark. It's been this way for the past five weeks. I still experience the disappointment in myself over food choices and behavior. The shame and guilt sneak up, and soon I'm angry and feel defeated. All the emotions, habits, and challenges I faced with food and weight pre surgery I face now too. I thought I'd be facing these issues two years after surgery when my pouch has relaxed and expanded a bit, and many regain the weight. I thought that by that time my life would be extraordinarily wonderful- that I'd never regain the weight and give up my success and joy. Well, it's only been four months and I'm facing reality already. Everyone considering surgery needs to know this. I think those who've had success with the sleeve have had it because they've made changes that have yielded the success. The sleeve itself will not yield it. Maybe everyone already knows this, but I have been known to be a late bloomer.

Do I regret having had surgery? Honestly, there is nothing to regret. I had (and pray that it continues) zero complications, I still enjoy food, have a very active social life, have gone down a size in clothes, and experience no pain, vomit, nausea, or anything of the sort. I feel blessed that my surgery has gone so smooth, pain free, and complication free. I pray that it continues to do so. I prefer to deal with my current issues, than any physical complication.

There really is nothing to regret. On the contrary, I believe this surgery has a higher purpose in my life. It isn't yielding the weight success I imagined, but it is forcing me to look deep into myself and work with what is out of balance. I can't run away from it anymore. I refuse to have gone through this experience and continue on the road of addiction, caught in that endless dark cycle. This is the change my sleeve had brought to my life. My progress comes in baby steps, but I'll get there.

God bless you all!

Hi all! Tomorrow marks my fourth month post surgery. What has this journey been like? Well...

1. No leakage or any other serious complication- thank God!

2. I never expected the post surgery experience I had. Anxiety and depression, like I've never witnessed in myself or anyone else. kicked in about two weeks post. Uncontrollable, snowballing, unexplainable, irrational fear, sadness, and regret. I went on tranquilizers, developed a mild dependecy on the benzo, had to follow a tapering process, but all ended well. This experience is unforgettable to me and my family! Everyone entering this surgery process should be aware that this is a possible reaction to surgery. I'm not sure if only to this type of surgery, or all. The more the time passes, the more I see posts that relate to my experience. So far I've contacted six people with less, exact, or worse anxiety and depression after the sleeve. Be aware of this possibility. Know that it can debiliate you, thus you need a safety net. However, also be aware that it passes. Thank God, all that is in the past. But the experience I don't think I will ever forget.

3. Because of #2, an improved appreciation for God, life and for all my loved ones.

4. Weight loss: forty pounds down- yay!

5. Besides #2, the most impacting part of this experience is accepting the fact that the surgery did not rid my addiction to food, nor my unhealthy eating habits. I completed a mandated five month program before surgery. The instructor endlessly stressed to start working on our eating patterns and habits before surgery, to ease the transition and have more success with the procedure. As much as this was emphasized, I didn't do it. It was also emphasized that the surgery didn't cure our addiction and relationships to food, this too I ignored. To me, surgery would cure my addiction to food, would for ever change my eating patterns, and never again would I experience the vicious cycle of binging, guilt, shame, weight gain, etc. etc. etc. In my mind I figured I'd be forced to change because my body wouldn't tolerate overeating. I ached for a change, and surgery would force the change on me....problem solved! I awaited surgery with glee and faith. Well, the story goes otherwise.

I have changed some of my eating patterns and you will find plenty healthy veggies and fruits, plus lean meats in my fridge. I joined the gym for the first time in my life, and through therapy am trying to sort out my relationship with food.

However, surgery hasn't forced a change on me. You know those stories of having to induce vomit (or it naturally occuring) due to overeating? NEVER happens to me, NEVER! I cannot eat as much as before, but defenitley more than I expected. I can eat a full cup of spaghetti with cheese and sour cream in one sitting. I'll finish it, feel full, and stop eating. But thirty minutes later my pouch has made room, and I can take some more in. This especially happens when I eat out and we usually sit around chatting for a while. Time passes and I'll start nibling at my food again. I can eat about half a cup more--without being hungry. Why do I do it? I'm working on understanding it.

Those stories of no longer tolerating fatty, sugary, lactose, or other foods- not I. I can eat EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING.

Dumping syndrome? I don't even know what that is.

Having to chew food to mushy consistency- not I. I chew, but never to the consistency I thought I'd have to.

Taste buds change post surgery- not mine. Not one of the billions of taste buds have changed- at all!

Bottom line, this surgery didn't force any change on me. I have gone up and down in weight, and can't seem to break the 40 pounds mark. It's been this way for the past five weeks. I still experience the disappointment in myself over food choices and behavior. The shame and guilt sneak up, and soon I'm angry and feel defeated. All the emotions, habits, and challenges I faced with food and weight pre surgery I face now too. I thought I'd be facing these issues two years after surgery when my pouch has relaxed and expanded a bit, and many regain the weight. I thought that by that time my life would be extraordinarily wonderful- that I'd never regain the weight and give up my success and joy. Well, it's only been four months and I'm facing reality already. Everyone considering surgery needs to know this. I think those who've had success with the sleeve have had it because they've made changes that have yielded the success. The sleeve itself will not yield it. Maybe everyone already knows this, but I have been known to be a late bloomer.

Do I regret having had surgery? Honestly, there is nothing to regret. I had (and pray that it continues) zero complications, I still enjoy food, have a very active social life, have gone down a size in clothes, and experience no pain, vomit, nausea, or anything of the sort. I feel blessed that my surgery has gone so smooth, pain free, and complication free. I pray that it continues to do so. I prefer to deal with my current issues, than any physical complication.

There really is nothing to regret. On the contrary, I believe this surgery has a higher purpose in my life. It isn't yielding the weight success I imagined, but it is forcing me to look deep into myself and work with what is out of balance. I can't run away from it anymore. I refuse to have gone through this experience and continue on the road of addiction, caught in that endless dark cycle. This is the change my sleeve had brought to my life. My progress comes in baby steps, but I'll get there.

God bless you all!

Hello. I completed the Options program last March and had surgery in July. I completed Options at Sunset Kaiser, but had surgery done at South Bay. We were given the option of chosing the hospital for our surgery, since Sunset doesn't do bariatric surgery. I had to complete labs three times through out the process. Once during the course of Options, once after, and the last time a week before surgery. I don't understand why, but all Kaiser facilities are different. My best friend and I did Options together, but at different locations, and our material, process, and options for surgery were different. I ended liking her program best, and switched to her location- South Bay. Good luck, God bless you!

Thank you for updating us KBB. Feeling hungry is definitley a positive sign. My mom has dealt with many medical complications in the past and hunger is something her dr always monitored. He claims being hungry is an indication of progress and healing. We will continue praying for you. Keep up the good spirit.

I'm sorry you're experiencing this. But you must know you will get better. Don't entertain thoughts of despair. I know it's tough when you're weak and in pain, but don't believe all your fears. I second the thought on Iron. If you were on iron before surgery, you should probably be on iron now. That was an issue for me pre surgery, and post the lightheadedness and dizzyness magnified. I returned to iron supplements, eventhough I was struggling with Constipation, because many times I felt close to fainting. It's worse when your menstruating; we lose iron. Continue calling your dr. But know that you will be ok. Believe it. God bless you.

Congratulatios on your progress and optimism. I too had an accelerated heart 1-3 weeks post op, and also around eating time. When I mentioned it to my dr he said not to worry, that it was normal. I can't fully remember his explanation for it, but it was something that had to do with metabolism, digestion, and body temperature during and after eating. Some reaction/interaction of all these. Sorry I don't fully remember. I didn't worry much because it eventually went away, and it was never too accelerated to frighten much.

I too had dizziness and lightheadedness for a while, maybe up to 5 weeks. I was vigilant of Protein, Water, Vitamins, but I was still dizzy. This too went away around 6 weeks. Six weeks marked a turning point for me. That's when I gained energy and was pain free. I didn't return to work till two months after surgery, and I'm glad I was able to do that because based on some post surgery stories here, I struggled a bit more recovering than others. Be patient, but very careful with yourself. God bless you!

Hi KKB,

It's been a few days since your posting. I hope you reached out to Tiff, and are now feeling better physically and in spirit. I had my own challenges post surgery, not a leak but complications that debiliated me enough to scare the lights out of me and regre surgery. I feared never recuperating and never feeling strong and able. I share your fear KKB. I'm grateful to say life is wonderful now. All has passed, and I am now enjoying my sleeve and all the inner growth that came from my condition. The same will happen to you. You're in my prayers.

Welcome to my life post surgery Mr. Hopeful!!

I was sleeved July 8, and could have never imagined the emotional state that awaited me. I was fine for the first two weeks, but depression, anxiety, and uncontrollable emotional roller coasters kicked in after that. I lived in a state of fear, agony and despair. I regreted my surgery 100% blaming it for my emotional hell. I couldn't sleep, eat, nor enjoy quaility time with the family. I healed well from surgery- NO LEAKAGE- but somehow everything in my body seemed wrong. I had the nausea, the weird sensations in my esophogus, stomach and chest, lightheadedness, fatigue. I was vigilant with Protein, Water, and Vitamins, but nothing seemed to wipe my sadness or weird feelings away. I was losing weight all long, but didn't care. I actually didn't want to lose weight. I begged God this all be a dream and to return me to my pre-op condition, even if I never lost the weight. I cared nothing about being thin, I just wanted to feel normal and safe.

I reached a state of debilitation three weeks post op. My sister drove me to the psychiatric clinic on July 30 where I was diagnosed with "adjustment disorder with anxious moods," and I was put on tranquilizers- Ativan! All this was new to me. I had my issues before surgery, but never had experienced anxiety and depression this way- NEVER! I was sure I had messed up my nervous system and brain chemistry by altering my body and drastically lowering my caloric intake. I wasn't sure what the root of my condition was, but I blamed it all on the sleeve and diet changes. My mental and emotional states were such that I was sure I'd end up dead or in the nut house, LITERALLY. I wrote goodbye letters to all my loved ones, moved back in to my mom's, updated my life insurance documents, and filled out a medical "what ever you call it document" that stipulates your wishes once you can't make decisions on your own anymore. I'm not kidding, I was in terrible condidtion.

I don't know exactly what caused my condition: hormonal changes, low caloric intake, normal post surgery physical reactions, letting go of food, pre-surgery unresolved emotional issues, etc. I don't know. My therapists nor psychiatrists were able to pin point it either. Maybe it's a combination of all factors. I don't know. BUT, what I do know is the following:

1. IT WILL PASS!!! I am three months post surgery and loving life! I'm loving every day, feeling joyful and grateful. My body has adjusted well to the sleeve and I no longer have nausea, lightheadedness nor fatigue. I am in control of my mind and emotions. I have a wonderful, improved familial life, plus social one. I feel 100% normal, healthy and safe. I've been this way for about a month now. Continue being hopeful, it will pass.

2. If possible, DO NOT GO ON TRANQUILIZERS. Being on Ativan, while it did help with sleeping and anxiety, created additional challenges. This type of medication messes with your central nervous system, and that's not good. It helped with anxiety, but at the same time I felt out of it all the time. I felt drunk, out of sync with the world, and nervous. I still didn't feel normal. Someone on this site warned me against it and actually recommended alternatives. I brought the ideas to my psychiatrists, but she kept me on Ativan. I developled a dependency on it and tapering off of it created another new challenge. Thank God, I've been off Ativan for a month now, and I'm feeling great! If possible, don't do benzodiazepines. If you must go on medication, consider something else, but please not benzos. Do research first too.

3. You MUST find ways to relax. I know we're all busy, but you need relaxation methods to calm your body, mind, and emotions. Some that helped me were breathing exercises, walking, journaling, praying, spiritual fellowships, talking, reaching out, self help CDs, and books. These got me through the roughest Patches and are now part of my daily life. Try something similar, or what ever works for you.

4. REACH OUT to people, positive people. This site is a great resource. People just let you vent, without judgment. Everyone is so supportive and optimistic. I reached out to a few seniors here and these graciously and generously listened, referred me to people who had similar experiences, and offered words of encouragement. Knowing that I was not alone in this made a world of a difference. I'm one that prefers to shut up and suck it up because I don't like to burden people or be needy. Well, that's all gone. We need to advocate for ourselves and this is one way of doing it. I also recommend support groups and therapy. Reach out MrHopeful. I'm here and so is everyone else who's had a taste of the ups and downs of obesity, surgery, and life after.

I'm proud of you for posting this thread. You are not alone. Keep up the hopefulness, and believe me: YOU WILL BE OK. God bless you!

Maria

Is there anyone here? I was looking for a little advice here but looks like no one is around. I had the gasric sleeve done on Sept 24, been on liquids this whole time. Was doing ok till now. I'm wanting some real food. Just a bite. The Water and whey Protein isn't hitting the spot anymore. Was kind of hoping someone would be here to talk to about this. I guess not.

Why have you been on liquids all these days? Usually Clear Liquids are no more than 10, then you go on mushies. Also, you'll get more responses if you start a new thread with a new topic, I think. Good luck!

You are so not alone. I went into surgery three months ago excited and optimistic. Believing this was the best decision for my health and vitality. Two weeks post op I was a mess and regretting surgery! Depressed, crying all the time, feeling nervous and anxious, wanting to eat, but nervous to do so. I hated all the new sensations in my esophogus and stomach. I couldn't believe my mushy portions nor that these could be enough for me. I worried about everything, literally! I went through my mushy stage, afraid of the transition to real food. I became so anxious over it that I challenged myself to start eating solids a week earlier. I was driving myself crazy that I just had to do it to find out if things would go wrong or not. Thank God all went well. I've been on "normal" food since then, without the slightest problem, literally. No nausea, no vomit, no diarreah, no stuck sensation, NOTHING!

However, I'm still dealing with food issues such as emotional eating. I'm going to join OA. It's kind of ironinc that I did the surgery first and then OA, but oh well...

Hang in there girl. Things will get better. I dealt with serious, completely unexpected depression and anxiety post surgery and was even put on meds. Why? Many reasons: hormones, change, adaptation, no access to my drug. Glad to say, ALL is great now. I feel strong, healthy, optimistic and just plain normal. Make sure you relax and are patient with yourself. Please. Be mindful of your emotions and also of your progress. Find time every single day to nourish yourself. Read, pray, meditate, walk, etc. etc. God bless you!

I was allowed to swallow pills a week post op. I could only get down the small ones: pepcid and Vitamin B ones. The larger ones I had to crush and dissolve in the Protein drink or in yogurt. I tried swallowing a gel Multivitamin and it was awful!! The Calcium I actually chewed. I wouldn't try swallowing horse sized pills. No way!

However, three months post op, I can now swallow full all my vitamins!

I have a pug as well! I do luckily have a fenced in yard, but I have to clean up after them right away or my pug seems to think she's got free Snacks out there. I suppose I should probably get some kind of scooper though so I don't have to bend down. I can imagine my tummy won't thank me for that.

My experience was such that I couldn't have made it without help. The original plan was to go home after surgery, where my 16 year old daughter would help with as much as possible. I actually didn't think I'd need much help. Well.... things got a bit complicated and I had to move into mom's for a month. I experienced enough fatigue, pain, dizziness, and lightheadedness to concern me and my daughter, and to require extra assistance. I also got the post surgery blues and anxiety, which was a major unexpected situation. This in itself debiliated me and demanded of assistance. Glad to say ALL is well today (3 months post op), but immediately after surgery I did need help. Consider having someone around, just in case. I pray all goes well with you.

Hi Pam!

I know exactly what you're experiencing. Three weeks post op I was still experiencing pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, Constipation, depression, and had serious mixed emotions about my surgery. I too believed I had researched enough, plus I completed a 5 month prep program my insurance demanded. Yet, even five weeks later I was regretting my surgery and was resentful at my family for "allowing" me to do it. How irrational was that!!

Hang in there. I will soon be three months post-op, and boy did things get better!!! No more lightheadedness, dizziness, constipation, depression/anxiety, fatigue, or pain. I can drink and eat enough to feel strong and 100% normal. Things will get better. Relax, pray, meditate, read, talk to people (positive people), walk, journal, breathing exercises, listen to music, etc. This is what got me through, and it will help you too. Make sure you're taking in liquids, your Vitamins, and as much Protein as possible or your fatigue may persist. But don't stress. Relax.

God bless you. All WILL get better!

You're in my prayers girl! Go into into this positively positive and in peace. If you're out already, relax.

Thank you Tiff and iowagirl. It's a great idea to have my first drink at home to see how I respond to it. I'm going to double check with my doctor though since you iowagirl were told no alcohol till four months.

Again, thanks for your input and God bless you all!

Hi all!

I'm two months post-op and all is great with my sleeve. I can eat anything and everything without trouble, thank God!!

I'm wondering if I'm ready for coffee. I was never a heavy coffee drinker before; it was mainly "as needed." My surgeon and nurse say I can have it, but they've been saying that since one week post-op and it just seemed too soon. They are reliable, but I want to know what you sleevers have experienced. When did you reintroduce coffee and how did it go?

Same with alcohol. I was not a beer drinker, I mainly did liquor. There's a wedding coming up on the 25th of this month and I'd like to have a drink. I'd be 2 1/2 months by then. The doctor said I can tolerate alcohol now and even cracked a joke about me becoming a "cheap drunk." What do you guys think? What has been your experience with alcohol?

Thank you all and God bless you.

I'm two months post-op, and haven't noticed hair loss. My quixotic thinking believes I will dodge it, but it doesn't sound like it from all the posts...

My husband dealt with pretty darn bad Hair loss about five years ago. Someone recommended aloe vera mixed into his Shampoo. He blends, literally blends, half his shampoo bottle with all the gooey stuff inside the aloe vera. He opens up one large piece of aloe vera and scrapes all the goey stuff off and into the blender it goes. Once blended he lets it sit for about 20 minutes, then transfers it to the shampoo bottle. His hair didn't show much regrowth, but it definitley stopped falling out. He thinks he has managed to slow down the balding process, and I believe it. By the way, he uses Nora Ross's Garlic Shampoo.

As for me, I plan to try it. I didn't buy Nora Ross because I have two huge bottles of Dove shampoo and conditioner stocked in the closet and think I shoud use them. I plan to mix both shampoo and conditioner with aloe vera. I'll also begin Biotin next week. I'll update on my efforts. I lost half my hair at 30 due to hormonal changes and stress. It's frightening to consider further hair loss, but we knew it was a huge possibility going into surgery. God help us and give us the peace we need. He will, just pray on it!

I take the One a Day for women, but don't swallow them (I haven't even tried to do so). What works for me is pulverize it, and mix it into my EAS Myoplex Protein Shake. Good luck!

Thank you all for your feedback on popcorn. I wasn't sure if it was safe, but delighted to hear it is. YEY!!!!!!!

Many blessings to you all!