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I know it's hard to prepare for the hair loss and when it happens, it's overwhelming. Here is what I have noticed. 1) my Biotin shampoo has done nothing..... 2) the days where I get 75-80 grams of Protein, I notice the less hair in my brush. 3) loss began at 3 months and now at 6 months, it's less (or maybe I have less hair). 4) if you cut your hair short - feels like you are losing less. Good luck - it will get better..... and it will grow back.

Trust me when I say - we know what you are feeling. The comments above are GREAT. I will offer one more. Take deep breaths and try to think about what the next part will be.... List of what you hopefully can do after surgery and think about how food will not be our driving force after surgery - Life will be our drive. Breathe in.... Breathe out.... You have got this!!!

Starting weight-246. Goal weight- 234.

Hello!!! I do not have the same scenario as you both but mine is similar. In 1999 (when I was 27) I was in a car accident that damaged my right hip to a point beyond repair. I waited with the pain as long as I could - trying to get the technically for hip replacements to be as good as possible. During this time, i was swimming as my only form of exercise. then in 2006 I had a hip replacement. Since then I have had a really hard time to lose the weight and be in control of the weight for my health. I no longer swim and have 4 miscarriages made me crazy depressed. So move forward 10 years and my ortho was concerned the current weight would further damage my joints and in particular the hip that is replaced. So I had my VSG in March. I have to say - there is no more pain in the hip... none. I am now able to walk for miles and I am able to build up other muscles to make sure my joints equally share my body weight. Since I am 6 months out from surgery, I have basically learned to sit, walk and behave differently. I am at the gym for over a hour each day and really NO PAIN!!! I love it. I have lost 100+ pounds in 6 months and have about 50 -60 more to go to the surgeons goal for me. My goal is 75 more pounds. If you ever need to talk to some one - reach out. I wish you the best of luck!!!!

I have been happy with Neutrogena Rapid Wringle Repair and mosturizer. Plus there is SPF in it...

that is the GREATEST!!! I had to take a new picture 2 months ago. I am still in the middle of my journey so wonder how mine will look in a year!!!

I think it varies per surgeon. My follow-up schedule is 2 week post surgery 1 month post surgery 3 months 6 month 1 year every year after. My surgeon is very hands on.....

so instead of going to the gym today, I decided to come home and take my husband out to dinner. Dont worry - we did subway with 1 sandwich and extra meat. I should've done both and gone to the gym. How do you guys stay motivated to do your exercise?

Hello - I recently read this article. Not a fan of the title or the Youtube video but I get it. In fact, a lot of her advice resonates with me. I hope you find it useful too. http://www.besttechie.com/2015/09/07/im-fat-so-what-dont-judge-my-butt/

I am in!,,,

Good for you for planning. 1) walking will be very good for you. 2) plan ahead. Bring your Water and Snacks so you are not tempted).

Here's a fun one. I went out and got chicken wings sauce on the side and they came with carrots and celery. I was only able to eat to wings. It worked out really good.

Hi there. I had the exact same problem. My OB said take extra iron when I have extra long period. That really helps.

my favorite bfasts are.... Fage greek yogurt, touch of honey and melon (cantaloupe, honeydew or kiwi). I also really like to make eggs like mini quiche. Check out this recipe - http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2013/07/7-protein-packed-grab-and-go-breakfast.html. I am also making Protein pancakes, nice and soft. I make them up in dollar size and then put in frid for the week and warm up two each morning. http://dailyburn.com/life/recipes/chocolate-banana-protein-pancakes/ .... this recipe is my favorite so far.

Hello! at the beginning of my journey I was 351. At surgery, I was 329. As of this morning, I am 249 pounds. Surgery was Mar 30, 2015. Hope this helps.

Thank you!!! Looks like a GREAT resource.

I am a corporate trainer and when I am not teaching - I do office work. I planned 5 days off with an option for 10 days off. Surgery was Monday and I felt good enough to go back on Friday but I did wait till Monday to go back. I wanted to get back to my routine as soon as possible - I was stir crazy at home. Good luck... my advice, plan 10 days and see how it goes.

you can do it..... The hardest part is making the decision - that is done. No Regrets - only opportunities. Relax - have a glass of Water and take three deep breaths. You will do GREAT!!!

I get a little help with a touch of caffeine. Maybe a small cup of coffee or tea with caffeine. But check with your NUT too....

I still do not like the powder based drinks - I use the premade. My go to is Pure Protein - Cookies and Cream, banana and chocolate are my favorite (check on Amazon - best price I have found).

Also - check out the clothes. Some of their T-shirts are my favorite!!!

Have 1.5 pounds still to go.....

Good morning all !!! I hope everyone is doing good. I had a very positive experience (happy moment) today and it made me think of all the happy moments the last 5 months has brought to me. None of my pants fit... so I have purchased belts. Today, I went to the second ring loop on my belt (when I bought the belt it did not fit). YEAH! Happy Moment. anyone else want to share?

It took me a while, but I learned I have a trigger. After the first month of eating, I learned that as I get full, I start burping. When I eat too fast or my bites are too big, then my trigger does not really show up. But if I eat each bite and put my utensil down and wait, I soon notice that at some point I start getting gassy. At this point, I am full. If I eat more, then usually I run to the bathroom. My advice, really measure out 2 oz, then 1 oz and then another oz. Start with 2, see how you are feeling. Eat another ounce, and see how you are feeling. And so on and so on. Also - remember that some foods are more-dense so that makes a difference. Like I can eat 1 entire chicken sausage link but only 3/4 of a scrambled egg. Weird.....

Yes - all part of this journey. my first one was 2 weeks long and I bled ALOT!!!! AndI mean..... alot. Here is my advice, Remember - talk to your gyn just to be sure. Mine recommended an extra Iron tablet when I go over 3 days (my normal was 3 days pre-surgery). I also notice, I am no longer regular. One month is was 28 days and then next month was 56 days. good luck!