Mel Mel

Loose skin is due to decreased elasticity of skin, age and rapid weight loss. That's not really relevant to this topic. The skin is still there, my hair however is not, well, it's falling out. As a nurse, I have never heard of hair falling out because of surgery. If anything maybe the healing process of the wounds interupts hair growth by using the bodies nutrients, in this case it would be important to supplement and increase Protein intake. Why else would the doctors have you take Vitamins and increase protein intake? It takes a full year for a wound to completely heal. Unfortunately my hair is falling our from the follicle. And all over. Not only has my husband noticed it but my parents just mentioned that when I was visiting them in August, they are still finding my hair in the guest bath. Thank you for your response, I hope my hair does grow back.

Im right around the 4 month mark and my hair has been falling out more. I'm upping my protein, taking biotin and it was recommended that I switch to a more easily assorbed multi. So I'm hoping this will stop the hair loss. I've also noticed that my energy is down, weight loss has tapered and my depression and anxiety is not under control as before. So I'm hoping this is all related.

Yes. I was told that being obese I would have a harder time concieving than of being normal weight. Although I didn't have to sign a contract I was told it's not safe to concieve for 18months. 14 months to go! We will be able to start trying right after our 3 year anniversary!

My first fill was a bit more painful than the second. Each one was by a different doctor so possibly different techniques were involved. The first fill put me at 4ccs and since swelling had gone down I didn't really feel a difference. Now I'm at 5 and I think a little bit more and I'll feel like I'm at my sweet spot.

Checkin in: Thank you for all your suggestions. I am definitely putting your suggestions to use. I went into the GNC and talked to the shop keeper. She seemed informed with people who had surgery. All I asked was for my Isopure ready to drink and Biotin. She asked me about the multi I take and explained that I need something that is more easily assorbed by the body because of the decreased intake of nutrients. Of course she mentioned to increase my Protein intake. I told her I knew I like these drinks but she also recommended a few other brands. Maybe I'll try others in the future but I need to limit my expenses. It seems like the money I save in food I'm spending in supplements. So I'm also wondering if this has anything to do with other symptoms I've had and just haven't put the pieces together. My weightloss plateaud and I've been having a hard time getting it going again. Plus I'm being treated for anxiety and depression and I don't feel like I used to. Metally, emotionally, and physically I just have not been feeling well and I'm hoping that maybe it has to do with inadequate nutrition. This way, at least I know how to fix it. Thank you again. And I hope everyone the best of luck on their journeys.

Will it grow back or will I only stop losing it? I'm about 4 months post op now. I've been making sure I get a decent amount of protein everyday. At least 60g but usually more than 70g. My hair has always been very full and thick so this is traumatic for me. I don't mean tobe over-reacting but this is just bad that my husband has noticed (not on my just thatI leave hair everywhere I go).

Is that sold at regular stores?

Hmmm... I tend to wear a ponytail alot. I work as a nurse and just couldn't imagine not having it up, but I do use a scrunchy not a rubber band type of holder. I also don't shampoo my hair everyday, I'll rinse out any product with water and then use conditioner. But I'll look into the shampoo. Anyone try the Keratin treatments? I wonder if that helps.

I think I'm in a good place mentally now to move forward through this set back. The scale moving in the right direction seems to support this. I've notived more hair than usual starting to come out of my head. Which is a clue that I'm not eating nutritiously. So my plan now is to start drinking the protien shakes, take a biotin supplement and maybe visit with the nutritionist again. Any other tips? I downloaded the coach to 5k podcast but I'm not sure if I'm ready to run. Or maybe it will be just the kick in the butt I need. I've been taking a variety of classes at the gym, and that may have been overdoing it because I was so sore, those intructors can be brutal. With the cool autumn weather moving in I will be able to take more walks at the park trails. Went food shopping with hubby and we bought lots of fruits and veggies. I didn't pick up much meat because we got there late and the butcher wasn't there to trim and slice so I another trip I go. I guess things are starting to settle in well. Thank you for the well wishes as I work towards refocusing. And please feel free to share your experiences.

I have to take a few minutes to be honest with myself, and in doing so, honest with who ever reads this (which I hope is quite a few for accountability). I have not posted since the surgery. Things were going great; no complications, side effects, I was dropping weight rapidly and feeling and looking good. I was writing because I didn't feel I needed to. Then the weightloss platued. I had lost 35lbs fairly rapidly and I've heard of the body going into shock and holding onto weight. It was gradual. My weight loss first tapered off and then became a constant struggle between three lounds in a cycle of gaining and losing. I wish I could say I've been perfect. I went away fro a week for my birthday. Hey it was my birthday and I wanted birthday cake. But I need to learn that it's a birthDAY not week and get back into the swing of things. Some days the bed looks more appealing than my workout clothes and we all know the convenient food is usually full of carbs and fats. I guess that's why they say the first year is about learning to live with this tool. Until proper restriction (which I do feel like I'm almost there) you need to focus more on willpower. So, I wonder, where does the dieting end and the lifestyle begin? Does it feel like dieting while I try to incorporate new healthy habits into my lifestyle? I know where I need to focus and from this point I will make a conscious effert to do what I need to do - because I was succesful when I did certain things. I need to take more control of my environment; exercise, eating choices and my thoughts. I need to make exercise a priority. I need to plan my meals so I'm never 'lost.' I need to say no to eating out... for awhile at least, it's just too risky and you really don't have control over what you are eating. I need to allow myself to be assertive and advocate for my best interest. That's not to say I will never have another 'lazy' day or I will never have lunch out with my girlfriends or dinner with my husband. But I can't rely on easy things because it's those things that got me to over 230lbs on a five foot frame and at present has me feeling like a failure at what was a fairly drastic effort to gain control in my life.

I have to say that since reading this the first time, I started to notice that after a eat a bit that I get one hiccup. And because I read this I know what it means. Thank you!

I've read that people have trouble with boiled eggs. I haven't but then again I haven't tried since my second fill. Could you try preparing it a different way? I prefer over easy with wheat toast and fruit. That's a really good and satisfying breakfast for me.

I find that the unhealthy choices are usually easiest. So I'm trying to keep healthy options available to me. Like I just made a big pot of chili so now I have lunches for work and if I'm really hungry I can have a half serving as planned snack, or some peanut butter on an apple is pretty easy and satisfying. I also keep sugar jello and sugar free ice pops. That helps if I just feel like having something but not really hungry. Sugar free pudding helps with those time of the month cravings. Also experiment and find things you like. I'm not a daily salad eater but I will grill up veggies and eat a whole plateful that way. Find healthy choices you do like and that will make your life easier.

I like to check online at the menus too. I try to get salads as a entree or stick to grilled chicken or meat. Red sauce is less fattening than white sauces. And I ask for my veggies steamed. And the most important... utilize the doggie bag.

I do incorporate a snack into my meal plan. Especially when I'm working since i work overnight shifts and go an extended period of time awake. For breakfast I like low fat granola with yogurt and fruit. Either a piece of fruit or a serving of berries mixed in. I usually incorporate fruit with breakfast. A common snack for me is an apple or banana with creamy, natural Peanut Butter. A well planned out snack is ok. It's when you a mindlessly eating that you can get into trouble.

I live in suffolk county and went with Dr. Ahmad. He's very good with a whole team in his office. You may want to check him out before making a decision. Good luck.

Lots of good advice and support hear. Many things I needed to hear myself. I want to add that I stalled in my weightloss and my Dr and his staff were wonderful. But I know I need to get bac on the band wagon. The first year is a lot of learning especially when you need to wait to get to proper restriction. I feel like I'm dieting. But after a second fill bringing me up 5ccs I'm excited that I'm finally feeling the restriction. Don't drink too close to meal time and keep up with cardio, stength training is also important. Those are the big culprits hindering me. And like someone mentioned... just because you can eat it, doesn't mean you should.

Oh then make sure you eat slowly and chew thoroughly. I was able to eat plain bread but since my second fill I decided to I was a bit afraid to try that. So I made well done toast so it was hard... wasn't thinking and gobbled my food. Chew chew chew and you should be fine.

Just happened to me today. I was having an egg with whole wheat toast and I don't think I chewed the toast throroughly. It really hurt for a while but I'm ok, no pain now, just taking it easy. I guess that 1cc made a difference! I hope you are feeling better.

Luckily my husband would try to eat when he wasn't around me or at least not in the same room. He was very considerate. But also remember, he is not on a liquid diet. I'm saying this because neither of you should be punished but both should be a little more compassionate. I found that the low carb and liquid diets made me cranky... esp. during that time of the month. So I had to control my emotions. Just remember, this will pass and you will be able to eat food again! Not as much but you will be able to feel human again.

I've had two adjustments at 1cc a pop. Brings me to a total of 5ccs in a 10cc band. Keeping fingers crossed I get proper restriction! :thumbup: We didn't do fluro but I had to drink water as the Dr. filled with saline until I felt the water slow. Then I had to keep drinking to make sure I could get it down.

I notice that when I'm doing good the motivation keeps my going and kick it up. I make better choices and exercise. But if I slip, the opposite happens. I lose motivation and don't exercise as much. I've been going through this recently. I felt better when I made healthy food choices and went to the gym more consistently. So do I want to keep in a positive or negative direction? So I'm working on getting myself back the other way. Working out with girlfriends or making myself go to the gym after work (I work 12hours overnight) helps a lot.

I track on fitday.com and it's for free. I paid attention to my lean protein sources and getting at least 60g of protein daily plus a supplemental shake. I like the isopure the best but if I mix fruit in with the mixes they aren't so bad. Anyway, I focused on lean protein sources then veggies, then fruits, then carbs (whole wheat toasted english muffin or whole wheat pasta etc.) My calories varied between 1000-1400 and I also went to the gym a lot once I got the ok otherwise I was walking. I had great restriction when I first started on a regular diet and as I healed, the swelling went down and I was left with nothing. I just had my second adjustment and until I know if this one gives me restriction, it's totally all my own will power. But as you loose weight it gets easier and more motivating to keep going. And seeing the changes in the mirror is the best motivator. My husband even commented on my 'guns'. Lol.

My first fill was postponed too. By the time I went back I couldn't wait toget my fill because I was so starving!! I got 1cc filled for a total of 4. He said he'd see me in 6-8 weeks but I'm going back in 4 (which will be this tues) because I feel like my portions are too large and I'm still hungry. I'm thinking maybe I was still swollen when I originally went in for a fill. It's definitely a matter of what you eat as well and with that said it's going to be a learning process!

I liked the isopure the best. Some flavors were better than others but I bought the variety case from bariatriceatting.com so i could try many of them. The fruit punch is my favorite. The zero carb protein powders aren't so bad. I mix one scoop of the protein mix and one scoop of carnation instant breakfast. I only did this post op though.