BarnGirlWK

I have two guys in my life who are my favourite friends. Even when baited, they will NOT respond, reply, make a comment in any way, shape, or form about a woman's weight. Truly, the best kind of friends to have.

I even lead in conversations with, "A few months ago, when I kick-started my weight loss efforts . . . " and *crickets* No comment whatsoever. Nothing.

One of them, bless his heart, keeps tracks of birthdays like nobody's business. One day, I asked to see his 'birthday tracker', and yes, looked to see my name on the list. "Year of birth" was blank in my case. I love having this friend. Love!

Okay, so, I'm 50-some pounds down. And some notice, but not all. I go to the gym 4-5 days a week. These are my everyday people so I know it is hard to tell when someone you see every day loses weight. But, I must have turned the corner one day not too long ago because that day, everyone was coming out of the wood work to comment on my weight loss. Even people at the gym I never even noticed before. One fitness instructor said, "Someone needs new gym clothes - WK!"

One fellow fitness class member was shocked when I said 50-something. I guess I hide/carry it well . . . blessing/curse.

I love it. Congratulations. You deserve it. Questions:

- how much weight did you lose?

- how long did it take to lose the weight?

- how long did you maintain the weight loss before the surgery?

- any tips you wish to share?

- anything you wish you had done differently?

- your age (range is fine)?

Many thanks.

I find the Quest Peanut Butter Cups are drier than a popcorn fart!! Maybe I need to try other flavours?

Thank you, everyone. Sounds like I need more Biotin (did not know), more Protein (did know) and more fat (yeah, okay)

I'm interested in a 'coconut oil' treatment. I have coconut oil. Do you use it solid at room temp or melted to more liquid?

And I'm definitely going to look for Spring Valley 5000 mcg Biotin at Wally. I only found two brands and one of those brands had two different dosages, 1000 mcg being the larger.

What about Shampoo? I heard something somewhere about a shampoo with tea tree oil in it? Anyone else?

BarnGirlWK

10,000 mcg? I thought 1000 mcg was a lot. So, 1000 is the largest dosage I've seen, does that mean you take 10 tablets per day?

When was your surgery? I didn't notice hair loss until after 9 weeks after or so.

Thank you @@Elode

Sad, but true . . . none of us will ever take the first step until WE decide that WE are ready to take it. And, admit it, we've all been at the point before the first step. And it is scary waaaaayyyy before it is every exciting.

You're doing what you can. You are expressing your concern, you are showing your love, and talking about options. He needs to feel like he gets to make the decision.

I had surgery on August 24, 2014.

It wasn't until about 2 months in that I started noticing way more hair in my comb after I wash my hair. And couple that with the feeling that my hair isn't as soft and luxurious as it used to be. Okay, I read about it, and was expecting it.

Now I'm starting to get concerned with the brittleness of the hair and the split ends as a result of dryness. Just not something I'm used to, nor do I want to get used to.

I am taking Biotin daily. 1000 mcg. What more can I do?

Next, starting this journey with in excess of 100 pounds to lose, I was told very seriously by my surgeon and his assistant that I would lose 40 pounds in the first two months. That definitely didn't happen. Yesterday, I weighed myself for the first time in about 7 weeks, and I was down only about 5 pounds since the previous time I weighed. And I've been sick for five days and am barely eating anything, so that five pounds could be the result of that. And now, 18 weeks post surgery, I am barely at 40 pounds lost since surgery. I've lost more weight than this without the added weight loss 'tool' of the vertical sleeve. And I'm frustrated. Very.

I am following the rules. Mostly. No, I'm not cheating. More than anything, I'm not getting enough in. I'm sure I'm not getting enough Protein in and I'm thinking I'm also not getting enough fat, either. But, I'm doing my best. I eat Protein at each meal. I'm not eating flour, bread, Pasta, rice. I'm not even eating potatoes (not my favourite).

I can't over eat, the restriction won't let me. If I eat too much, it comes back. And too much is sometimes 3 tablespoons of food. If I eat too quick, it comes back. If I eat Pasta, it feels yucky. Eating slow definitely feels the best. Fish is my friend, mild fish is best. Raw veg, which I love, take some getting used to in my tummy, so I'm eating cooked mostly.

So, my theory is, just based on quantity consumed alone, I should be registering weight loss. Oh, and I'm exercising, not like a fanatic, but at the gym in group fitness classes 4-5 times a week.

I know that I need to do what I can to help the weight loss along. I need to commit to the protein number. And that will mean going back to Protein shakes (gag) again. I am, for Breakfast, so I can get that out of the way. But there must be something else.

I read story after story of weight loss successes here, and want more than anything to add my own to the pile. I see others with surgery dates close to mine who have lost 60 pounds, 70, pounds, 90 pounds SINCE SURGERY. And I want to just keep losing.

I go for weeks and months without losing even a single pound. And I find it frustrating.

I can't undo the surgery, I can't change my mind. But I'm not feeling the love.

Thanks, everyone.

BarnGirlWK

What I great feeling. Enjoy it! It is sincere.

Oh, yeah, "You've got such a pretty face!" I used to get, "You've got nice eyes!", which always told me that there was obviously nothing else to compliment on. Fine!

Thank you, you've helped many. And you are beautiful.

@@JanetPRN, you made me laugh! Along the lines of "Do you boobs hang low, do they wobble to and fro? Can you time them in a knot, can you tie them in a bow" kind of way. Hilarious!

I am struck by how pretty you are. And you were before surgery, too. I actually like the pic with the elephant because it shows you out there living life. I echo the comments made here about your courage and candid sharing. And I echo the comments on how you look amazing.

You are young. And there is a chance that your skin will still shrink back. Personal decision, I know.

Congratulations on such wonderful success.

These are the things that really matter, after all. May you keep on chortling!

@@geelynn - Wow! 42 pounds in one month (plus pre-op) is a major success!! I'm a big fan of acknowledging and celebrating the milestones. This is a major victory. Enjoy it. And keep on keeping on!

fun-ny!

Thank you Bufflehead. I like your ideas, and they all seem so easy. I have ground turkey already separated into small servings. I have refried Beans (which I heat with a pinch of cheese). I have found any Soup (commercial or homemade) tolerates well - easy to puree, too. I have all the ingredients for the ricotta bake - time to make it!

Surgery Aug 24. My incisions are all healed, though the scars are thick and heavy. Two days after surgery, I developed a rash around each incision site. Kind of like heat rash, raised bumps. I thought I may have been allergic to either the medical tape or the Neosporin. Once I stopped dressing them in gauze, I thought the rashy-ness would go away. Not! In fact, in some ways, it worsened. And I was concerned. But I let it run its course and it has settled now.

No scabs. Just raised scars that I need to deal with, too.

I love it!

Well, we are all on very different pre- and post-surgery diets. My surgery was Aug 24 (six days ago) and up until now I've been only on Clear Liquids, no protein: broth, Jello, popsicles, Water, ice. Today will be the first day that I introduce Protein back in. So, the next week will be full liquids only, but does include yogurt, pudding, cottage cheese, vegetable juice, Soup, and Protein drinks. My tummy gurgles with new foods introduced. I'll need to take it slow.

I'm feeling great, no pain, no gas, no nausea.

Hi. Out of hospital now and resting at hotel. my experience at Mi Doctor Hospital was mostly good. he staff and doctors are terrific. I am not in pain or discomfort.

on the road to recovery. no scale, so I don't know my current weight. I'll know soon enough, though.

My diet is Water, broth, gatorade, Jello, popsicles. Until I get home on Friday. No Protein before then.

good luck to everyone.

good morning. I had y surgery in Tijuana on Sunday. Sandi in Florida is in now having surgery. I'm at the hotel for two days of recovery now. and then i head for home.

My experience has been mostly good, with very few moments that weren't geat

The Mi Doctor's hospital is small and efficient. No concerns there.

Diet is currently Water, gatorade, broth, popsicles, Jello. No Protein until we get home

Hi, well, I have to say I like the 'empty' feeling. Makes me visualize myself flatter in my fluffy places. It hasn't actually been that bad. Two mugs of chicken broth so far, I'm on my second sugar free Jello. I had tea and Water. It is temporary. Just like giving up your red wine - temporary - IF you choose to add it back in afterwards. They say 6 weeks, though, without alcohol.

I can do it, though I have a wedding in that time frame, too. I may pour a glass of wine and nurse it all night.

Those victories are best! Enjoy it. And enjoy continued success.

I leave for Mexico tomorrow morning! Only Clear liquids today on the menu.

I board the plane to San Diego tomorrow morning. Gastric sleeve surgery Sunday morning. It's been a blur, honestly. July 29 decision made, deposit paid. Less than a month and I'm having surgery.

No time to panic. Oh, except I have not packed yet!