theladyslipper

Here's an article that explains what's happening with our hair!
Harvard Health Publications
Telogen Effluvium
What Is It?
At any given time, about 85% to 90% of the hairs on the average person's head are actively growing (the anagen phase) and the others are resting (the telogen phase). Typically, a hair is in the anagen phase for two to four years, then enters the telogen phase, rests for about two to four months, and then falls out and is replaced by a new, growing hair. The average person naturally loses about 100 hairs a day.
In a person with telogen effluvium, some body change or shock pushes more hairs into the telogen phase. Typically in this condition, about 30% of the hairs stop growing and go into the resting phase before falling out. So if you have telogen effluvium, you may lose an average of 300 hairs a day instead of 100.
Telogen effluvium can be triggered by a number of different events, including:
Surgery
Major physical trauma
Major psychological stress
High fever, severe infection or other illness
Extreme weight loss
Extreme change in diet
Abrupt hormonal changes, including those associated with childbirth and menopause
Iron deficiency
Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
Some medications
Because hairs that enter the telogen phase rest in place for two to four months before falling out, you may not notice any Hair loss until two to four months after the event that caused the problem. Telogen effluvium rarely lasts longer than six months, although some cases last longer.
Although losing a great number of hairs within a short time can be frightening, the condition is usually temporary. Each hair that is pushed prematurely into the telogen phase is replaced by a new, growing hair, so there is no danger of complete baldness. Because hair on the scalp grows slowly, your hair may feel or look thinner than usual for a time, but fullness will return as the new hairs grow in.
Symptoms
If you have telogen effluvium, you'll notice more hair than usual accumulating on your pillowcase, on the shower or bathroom floor and in your hairbrush. Your scalp hair may feel or look less dense than usual. Often, though, the hair loss is subtle, and other people may not notice anything different about your hair.
Diagnosis
Most cases of telogen effluvium can be diagnosed based on medical history and an examination of the scalp and hair. If the hair loss has been occurring for several months, there may be visible thinning Patches, but often the hair loss is not dramatic enough for a doctor to notice. If you have large bald Patches, you probably don't have telogen effluvium. If the doctor gently tugs on some hairs on your scalp and four or more hairs come out, you probably have telogen effluvium. Also, the hairs will look like hairs in the telogen phase — they will have a white bulb at the end that was in the scalp, and will not have a gel-like covering around that end of the hair.
You may be asked to gather all hairs that fall out of your head over a 24-hour period, and count them to see if the hair loss is truly excessive. Losing fewer than 100 hairs in a day is considered normal. You also may be asked to gather and count lost hairs every one or two weeks to see when the shedding starts to decline.
In some rare cases, if there is reason to doubt the diagnosis, a biopsy of the scalp may be done. In this procedure, a small piece of the scalp that includes several hair follicles is removed and examined under a microscope. Your doctor also may do blood tests to check for conditions such as thyroid abnormalities that may be contributing to hair loss.
Expected Duration
Typically, hair loss begins two to four months after the event that triggered the problem, and lasts approximately six months. New hairs begin growing immediately after the hair falls out, but significant growth may not be noticed for several months.
Prevention
Nothing can be done to prevent most of the types of physical shock that can start telogen effluvium. Some cases may be caused by a poor diet, and these might be prevented by eating a balanced diet that provides enough Protein, Iron and other nutrients.
Treatment
No treatment for active telogen effluvium has been proven effective.
Some causes of the disorder can be corrected. For example, if you have a poor diet, consult a dietitian to help you balance it. If the hair loss began after you started a new medication, talk to your doctor to see if the medication should be discontinued. Many times, however, the cause is a specific event in the past, and you can expect that the hair will grow back. In cases where Hair growth has not returned to a satisfactory level, your doctor may prescribe minoxidil (Rogaine), a lotion applied to the scalp that may stimulate hair growth in some people.
When To Call a Professional
See your doctor if you experience excessive hair loss or obvious thinning patches on your scalp.
Prognosis
The outlook for telogen effluvium is very good. Most cases run their course within six to nine months, and the hair usually grows back. In some cases, the disorder may last longer. In other cases, not all hairs grow back.
External resources
American Academy of Dermatology P.O. Box 4014 Schaumburg, IL 60168-4014 Phone: 847-330-0230 Toll-Free: 1-888-462-3376 Fax: 847-240-1859 http://www.aad.org/
Disclaimer: This content should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a call or visit to a health professional. Use of this content is subject to specific Terms of Use & Medical Disclaimers.

I can't even believe that it'll be 5 months tomorrow since I've had this procedure. It's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. BEST! The 1st 2-3 months were an adjustment, but now I go out to dinner & to parties & do fine w/ food. I've learned to cut my food into much smaller pieces & I just slowly nibble & this allows me to keep up w/ my regular social activities w/ friends. I'm not afraid to just stop when I'm done & I take a lot of my leftovers home in a doggie bag:) Some days I'm super strict w/ healthy, low-fat Proteins & shakes, but I still have just a bite of what looks good--but I stop at a bite or 2. I could've NEVER stopped at a bite or 2 of the delicious stuff before this sleeve (maybe a bowl or 2)!!! Other days, I'll enjoy those favorite items, but I try to make sure to exercise on those days--even if it's just walking the dog.
I'm trying to walk 3-5 times a week & just started a weight lifting class twice a week for the last 3 weeks. I'm grateful to be so mobile again. I'm almost 6'0 and have gone from 268 to 188.
To the newbies, stick with your Protein first & don't get discouraged--keep moving. You've got some bright & beautiful days ahead of you!!!!

I can't even believe that it'll be 5 months tomorrow since I've had this procedure. It's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. BEST! The 1st 2-3 months were an adjustment, but now I go out to dinner & to parties & do fine w/ food. I've learned to cut my food into much smaller pieces & I just slowly nibble & this allows me to keep up w/ my regular social activities w/ friends. I'm not afraid to just stop when I'm done & I take a lot of my leftovers home in a doggie bag:) Some days I'm super strict w/ healthy, low-fat Proteins & shakes, but I still have just a bite of what looks good--but I stop at a bite or 2. I could've NEVER stopped at a bite or 2 of the delicious stuff before this sleeve (maybe a bowl or 2)!!! Other days, I'll enjoy those favorite items, but I try to make sure to exercise on those days--even if it's just walking the dog.
I'm trying to walk 3-5 times a week & just started a weight lifting class twice a week for the last 3 weeks. I'm grateful to be so mobile again. I'm almost 6'0 and have gone from 268 to 188.
To the newbies, stick with your Protein first & don't get discouraged--keep moving. You've got some bright & beautiful days ahead of you!!!!

Wow, congratulations! That's awesome.
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What a fabulous and inspiring message you have shared with us. It has really lifted my spirits although I stay in high spirits. Like you...I enjoy a super social active lifestyle with many friends and family and it's so easy to adapt our habits to fit the occasion without blowing it. We signed on for this great new way of life and it is truly great. And yes by getting the Proteins and the liquids we can write our own ticket. I am only 3 months & 42 lbs out but know I will reach your level soon. Thanks again for the inspiration.
Judy in Louisiana

I can't even believe that it'll be 5 months tomorrow since I've had this procedure. It's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. BEST! The 1st 2-3 months were an adjustment, but now I go out to dinner & to parties & do fine w/ food. I've learned to cut my food into much smaller pieces & I just slowly nibble & this allows me to keep up w/ my regular social activities w/ friends. I'm not afraid to just stop when I'm done & I take a lot of my leftovers home in a doggie bag:) Some days I'm super strict w/ healthy, low-fat Proteins & shakes, but I still have just a bite of what looks good--but I stop at a bite or 2. I could've NEVER stopped at a bite or 2 of the delicious stuff before this sleeve (maybe a bowl or 2)!!! Other days, I'll enjoy those favorite items, but I try to make sure to exercise on those days--even if it's just walking the dog.
I'm trying to walk 3-5 times a week & just started a weight lifting class twice a week for the last 3 weeks. I'm grateful to be so mobile again. I'm almost 6'0 and have gone from 268 to 188.
To the newbies, stick with your Protein first & don't get discouraged--keep moving. You've got some bright & beautiful days ahead of you!!!!

I can't even believe that it'll be 5 months tomorrow since I've had this procedure. It's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. BEST! The 1st 2-3 months were an adjustment, but now I go out to dinner & to parties & do fine w/ food. I've learned to cut my food into much smaller pieces & I just slowly nibble & this allows me to keep up w/ my regular social activities w/ friends. I'm not afraid to just stop when I'm done & I take a lot of my leftovers home in a doggie bag:) Some days I'm super strict w/ healthy, low-fat Proteins & shakes, but I still have just a bite of what looks good--but I stop at a bite or 2. I could've NEVER stopped at a bite or 2 of the delicious stuff before this sleeve (maybe a bowl or 2)!!! Other days, I'll enjoy those favorite items, but I try to make sure to exercise on those days--even if it's just walking the dog.
I'm trying to walk 3-5 times a week & just started a weight lifting class twice a week for the last 3 weeks. I'm grateful to be so mobile again. I'm almost 6'0 and have gone from 268 to 188.
To the newbies, stick with your Protein first & don't get discouraged--keep moving. You've got some bright & beautiful days ahead of you!!!!

I can't even believe that it'll be 5 months tomorrow since I've had this procedure. It's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. BEST! The 1st 2-3 months were an adjustment, but now I go out to dinner & to parties & do fine w/ food. I've learned to cut my food into much smaller pieces & I just slowly nibble & this allows me to keep up w/ my regular social activities w/ friends. I'm not afraid to just stop when I'm done & I take a lot of my leftovers home in a doggie bag:) Some days I'm super strict w/ healthy, low-fat Proteins & shakes, but I still have just a bite of what looks good--but I stop at a bite or 2. I could've NEVER stopped at a bite or 2 of the delicious stuff before this sleeve (maybe a bowl or 2)!!! Other days, I'll enjoy those favorite items, but I try to make sure to exercise on those days--even if it's just walking the dog.
I'm trying to walk 3-5 times a week & just started a weight lifting class twice a week for the last 3 weeks. I'm grateful to be so mobile again. I'm almost 6'0 and have gone from 268 to 188.
To the newbies, stick with your Protein first & don't get discouraged--keep moving. You've got some bright & beautiful days ahead of you!!!!

Sleeved 5/3 and I'm dying to eat a salad. I will get to have salad again, right?
I've had no other food thoughts -- sugar? Who cares! Diet Coke? Diet what? Wine? Ok, well I'm looking forward to that, too, but seriously, everything else has been fine. I just need some crunch and some Caesar or balsamic vinaigrette!
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Spicy food. I could eat medium salsa before surgery, now I can't even eat mild salsa. Sad.

I have a squatty potty and it's been really helpful !!

May be tmi for some it will be about Constipation.
I see a lot of posts about what would you recommend purchasing or must haves for post surgery. I said things like Chapstick and food scales, etc. But I have to say the one thing that has helped me a bunch is purchasing the Squatty Potty. It seems that people fall into 2 camps after surgery which are those with loose bowels and those with constipation. I definitely fell into the latter. I am almost 3 months out and have gone through some really, really tough days of constipation. And I am sure people will be searching the word constipation so I will also add what else helped me.
I am still rather constipated but try and keep my Water up and take dulcolax at night. And I am also patient with myself when I have that "urge" to go. I kept putting off buying the SP (25.00 on Amazon) thinking it couldn't help that much and would be bulky to store etc. not sure why I worried about that as I live alone hahaha. I finally broke down and purchased it about 2 weeks ago after a literal break down in the bathroom.
I find that the new positioning helps me relax and not strain as much (which was a major issue and I was causing damage to myself). I find as well that the evacuation is faster (Not the speed but the time spent in the bathroom) It didn't solve the underlying cause of the constipation, but it is Surely helping me while I have the constipation (and even the few times I felt normal movement)
I wish I had started using it a lot sooner. So I would recommend if u have 25 bucks to a spare to get one if u are in the same boat (or even a small step stool or kiddie seat) may do the trick. You can google some videos or articles that go over the height and feet position and some interesting facts on the evolution of the human toilet. Hahaha
At the risk of pseudo embarrassment I thought I would share my experience! @@Alex Brecher u should carry them on the website!
And, as with most of the posts on this board, I am just expressing what has helped for me everyone's journey is different and one thing I appreciate is when members post their tricks and tips. Some have worked for me, others have not. But I am glad I am on this journey to even try. Have a great and productive day!
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At your stage, I ate the Laughing Cow soft cheese. They come in several flavors and are a small triangle of a serving.

Thanks!! I have the myfitnesspal app!
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So exited to hear about how everyone is doing!!!

So exited to hear about how everyone is doing!!!

So exited to hear about how everyone is doing!!!

That reminds me. I went to CVS the other day and had to wait on a prescription. I 1) was able to browse around the store and 2) was able to fit in their waiting area chairs. I have only been using the drive-thru for prescriptions for the last couple of years because I couldn't fit in their chairs or stand very long.

Congratulations! This is awesome. They will keep coming.
My latest? I can see my ankles.

I am 3.5 weeks out from surgery and had my first nsv this week. I took a trip for the weekend and was very happy to find that I didn't need a seat belt extender on the airplane! It was a great feeling. What non scale victories has anyone else had?

So thrilled to be back in the 100's...even if it's 199!
I'm around 3 1/2 months & have lost nearly 70lbs. So thankful for this procedure & my new lifestyle that it brought about.

Omgoodness I cannot wait. 14 days post op and have 17 pounds to go to the hundreds hope to hit it by end of June
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Congrats!!! I'm still a bit over 50lbs away from onderland but hope to be there by mid-August. I can only imagine how amazing it feels for the first number to say ONE
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congrats! I'm 7 pounds away from "onederland" myself! Can not wait!!!!

Way to go!!! Great job!
I'm hoping to be able to say that for myself soon, I'm 8.5 lbs away, so close!!! lol