BetsyB

Thank you--that's really nice to hear!

Thank you--what a nice way to start my day!

Sure! Go back to the TickerFactory site, log in, and click the blue box that says, "Get Code." Two boxes will come up: one that lists BB (bulletin board) code, and one for HTML code.

The BB code will look something like this (I've left off the first bracket so that you can see the code instead of my actual ticker; you'll want to include it when you copy and paste):

url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wXp5BHy/]

[/url]

Copy the portion bracketed by . This is the code for your ticker's image.

All you need to do to bring it here is paste this code into your signature (access the User CP, then Edit Signature and ctrl+P). When you change your stats at Ticker Factory, your ticker here will automatically update.

Thanks, Jen

I know! I have to pinch myself to believe it! Thank you for noticing

I use Inspire brand from Bariatric Eating--I like the Dutch chocolate flavor the best (mixed with almond milk). I also use PURE unflavored whey protein isolate quite a bit.

Thank you, minni--that's really nice of you!

Thank you

Thank you! It's nice to see you

Thank you!

Thanks, Denise I've still got a way to go....

Thank you! It was so scary posting pictures!

Thank you, bunny--this forum was a lifesaver for me when I was where you are, so I'm glad my posts help.

I know the process is nerve-wrackigng, but it will be SO worth it for you! Good luck

Don't freak out. If you have fabulous hair, you will still have fabulous hair. It's a very temporary problem, and it turns itself around. (And just think of the fabulous wardrobe you will have when all is said and done!)

I do have short hair--if you find that hair loss is an issue, it does help conceal the loss. But don't borrow trouble. You may be one of the lucky ones who experiences little or no loss.

Yes, hair loss is pretty common. It's not really band-related; it's related to trauma---and surgery is trauma. It interrupts the hair growth cycle. For a while, you won't lose hair that you'd ordinarily shed on a daily basis. Then BAM! It will all seem to come out at once.

If your nutritional status is good (you get plenty of protein, drink enough fluid, take a good multivitamin and biotin and zinc), the loss will reverse itself. It's a pain, but it's time-limited.

Just when I was starting to think, "hey! I can't afford to lose any more hair!" the loss stopped. This seems to be the case for just about everyone---though not everyone does experience much loss (or perceive it; those who have really thick hair may not even notice the amount that is lost).

Don't worry too much! It will be okay

Thank you, Desiree-what a nice message with which to start the day!

thank you, reverie! That's really nice to hear

Thank you, Lanah!

(continued)

It sounds TERRIBLY restrictive, but really, I eat a large variety of foods. I eat out often, and never have trouble finding something good on the menu.

When I reach 75% of excess weight lost, I will add whole grains back in--but honestly, I haven't missed them much. I just don't have that much space! Still, it will be nice to have the option of including them.

For exercise, I do a LOT of walking---3.5 miles in the morning and evening, at a pretty fast clip (11-minute miles). I have a weightlifting regimen, too, but have had to ease off that due to back issues; I will be returning to it as soon as I can. (But really, it doesn't burn that many calories---it's the cardio that really makes a difference for me in terms of weight loss.)

If you look below, my doctor's recommended eating regimen is outlined in full.

Hi, Heather

Thanks! I've been really pleased with my loss.

I have been eating really carefully. My doctor recommends low-carb during the losing phase, and it's worked really well for me.

I start my day with a protein drink. I get up really early, and can't quite face breakfast right away!

After I exercise (3.5 mile walk), I have breakfast. It's usually my most carb-heavy meal of the day. Often, I grab about 4 ounces of chicken-black bean chili. Early in the day, I benefit from the carbs from the legumes.

For lunch, I have 2-5 ounces of protein (these days, it's usually just a bit less than 3 ounces), plus half a cup or so of nonstarchy veggies.

Dinner's the same: protein and veggies. Sometimes, I have a fruit, too.

For snacks, I lean toward veggies, occasional fruits, and cheese.

Before bed, I have a warm protein shake with my vitamins.

(continued)

Thanks! I still have quite a way to go, but I'm really pleased with my progress!

You figured it out! I just accepted--thank you

Oh--I forgot. I also have a protein drink in the evening

Thank you for your nice words--what a great way to start the day!

Typically, I have a protein drink in the morning (before breakfast, which I postpone until after I exercise), then have 3-4 ounces of protein. In the morning, I tend to favor legumes for protein--the carbs after exercise are good. So, I often have a small serving of chicken-black bean chili or something (weird and non-breakfasty) like that.

For lunch and dinner, it's 3-4 ounces of protein (fish, chicken, lean meat) and nonstarchy veggies. Some days, I add fruit, but my stomach space is pretty limited these days.

Yes, I was pretty controlled before I had restriction. I was hungry A LOT! But I also was pretty lucky; my doctor was pretty aggressive with fills, so I didn't have to starve for too long.

I will post pics! Yesterday, I was able to zip up AND breathe in a pair of 12 petite jeans I've clung to for a decade. Six months ago, my jeans were 24W.

It's pretty amazing---and it will happen for you, too.

Thanks, Susan! You're through with the medical diet? You're on your way! What kind of timeline are you looking at with the surgeon?