December 2012 Post Op Group

[one4ozzie 434]

Have any of you started using straws yet? Since most of youvarev3 months out now was wondering. I think it would help when we drink the Protein shakes

I use them now and then too. They do help with the protein.

Gen :-) 12/15/12

[one4ozzie 434]

Haha! I know what you mean about not recognizing yourself. I think that I still wear a 3-4x top. When I try it on and it's big I get kinda confused but I look at the 1-2x's and I think there's no way that will fit' date=' but they do. It's so strange. I had to have my Mom go with me the first time I went shopping cause I literally could not do it on my own. And jean shopping....oh boy! It doesn't help that you are a different size in every store! And thank you, the ulcer thing did scare me and I have just been trying to really accept and embrace this change of lifestyle. It's difficult and I think we all deserve kudos for it!![/quote']

My aunt was with me when I bought my first couple pairs of pants. If she wasn't there for the tops, I would have oversized them. We were at old navy and I liked this green shirt. I took the XL and she took it out of my hands and gave me a large. I told her she was crazy. Boy did I have my foot in my mouth when I tried it on and it fit.

I hear you about the jeans and different brands, stores, etc. kind of frustrating. Oh well. I was asked the other day if I recognize myself when I look in the mirror. I do. But an odd thing happened this morning when I woke up. I thought I was my old size and when I looked in the mirror, I was thinking "whew" I must have had a dream or something that made me think that.

Gen :-) 12/15/12

[ready2smile 138]

Have any of you started using straws yet? Since most of youvarev3 months out now was wondering. I think it would help when we drink the Protein Shakes

It's a no-no for me, but I don't remember for how long. I do it anyway sometimes (probably 5x's in the 2mos since surgery). I totally agree with you that it would make it easier with the Protein drinks-especially to get past the smell and make it go down faster. I'll probably have my daughter bring me some from her work for those occasions-they have the large ones.

[one4ozzie 434]

Not sure of the different articles that commented on the shampoos w Biotin are true. However, I read a couple articles that stated that the biotin has to be ingested to work. In Shampoo form, it doesn't help. For those of you using the shampoo and conditioner only, not the Biotin supplement, will you please let me know how you like it. If you believe it makes a difference.

Gen :-) 12/15/12

[momlambert 77]

Not sure of the different articles that commented on the shampoos w Biotin are true. However' date=' I read a couple articles that stated that the biotin has to be ingested to work. In Shampoo form, it doesn't help. For those of you using the shampoo and conditioner only, not the Biotin supplement, will you please let me know how you like it. If you believe it makes a difference.

Gen :-) 12/15/12[/quote']

My husband's full head of hair started thinning in back and receding in front. I asked my hairdresser what to do and he said he has seen amazing results with (mostly) women who use Bosley. I bought it and after using it a month my husband went to the woman who cuts his hair and she just couldn't believe the difference. She thought it might be so pronounced because of the change in his diet as well as the shampoo. He's been doing my diet (times twice as much food) and has lost 25 lbs, which is all he needed to lose. it doesn't appear to contain biotin so this may not be a helpful answer to your question.

[thisshizzisbananas 97]

My aunt was with me when I bought my first couple pairs of pants. If she wasn't there for the tops' date=' I would have oversized them. We were at old navy and I liked this green shirt. I took the XL and she took it out of my hands and gave me a large. I told her she was crazy. Boy did I have my foot in my mouth when I tried it on and it fit.

I hear you about the jeans and different brands, stores, etc. kind of frustrating. Oh well. I was asked the other day if I recognize myself when I look in the mirror. I do. But an odd thing happened this morning when I woke up. I thought I was my old size and when I looked in the mirror, I was thinking "whew" I must have had a dream or something that made me think that.

Gen :-) 12/15/12[/quote']

Isn't that crazy? It's like I recognize myself and I see that I have gotten smaller, but I'm not used to it yet. But then I really can't remember what I looked like to myself when I was heavier either. I guess I'm not the "new" me yet, but I'm not the "old" me anymore either, to me I've always just been me. Lol. Does that make any sense? It is only 6am.

[Momof4boys 46]

Isn't that crazy? It's like I recognize myself and I see that I have gotten smaller' date=' but I'm not used to it yet. But then I really can't remember what I looked like to myself when I was heavier either. I guess I'm not the "new" me yet, but I'm not the "old" me anymore either, to me I've always just been me. Lol. Does that make any sense? It is only 6am. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

Totally makes sense! Just be you! I feel so much better and have more energy now. I love the me that I am becoming.

[one4ozzie 434]

My husband's full head of hair started thinning in back and receding in front. I asked my hairdresser what to do and he said he has seen amazing results with (mostly) women who use Bosley. I bought it and after using it a month my husband went to the woman who cuts his hair and she just couldn't believe the difference. She thought it might be so pronounced because of the change in his diet as well as the Shampoo. He's been doing my diet (times twice as much food) and has lost 25 lbs' date=' which is all he needed to lose. it doesn't appear to contain Biotin so this may not be a helpful answer to your question.[/quote']

Congrats for your husband. I'm not sure if I'm thinning. I have such a thick head of hair. But I know we are in those months (3-6) for it, so I was doing the research. I just worry about it.

Gen :-) 12/15/12

[mrsblues 81]

Been checking in but not posting.... Happy to hear that most are doing well, even if the weight loss isn't what you hoped for. Don't lose hope!

I've been running around to doctors trying to figure out the laryngitis issue that coincided with the bronchitis I developed, early in February. Found out I have a mass on my vocal cords that has to be removed on the 22nd of March. The ENT went down with a scope and found it. Irritated because the physicians assistant at my primary doctor's office was almost angry with me for being so concerned about the laryngitis. So many medications later and still no relief but at least, we finally have a cause. It is covering 2/3's of my vocal cords (both sides) and is quite huge according to him. He doesn't "think" it is cancerous, but rather from prolonged acid reflux. He has put me on 80mg. of omeprazole which has helped tremendously with pouch pain I was experiencing. I never felt any burning in my throat, just an overfullness occasionally. My biggest complaint would be pain in the same pouch region every time I ate. I chalked it up to healing. So today, I had my three month RNY surgeon follow-up and nutrition class. He was pleased with weight loss and all blood work/vitamin levels, etc....normal! Explained everything that's been going on, Healthwise to the surgeon, and he was not concerned about the GERD now, because the medication the ENT provided gave me relief from the pouch pain. Never suggested what it could be but by your posts it sounds like maybe an ulcer. I also agree with all the posts about the clothes shopping being so different, now. I hold clothing up and someone mentions I am buying too big, yep! Still trying to convince myself that I am smaller, compliments and all. I see it, but can't believe it! Wow! Don't always lose the pounds quickly but there always seems to be a shift in the fat cells somewhere! My average loss is only about 2 lbs. a week.

[Nicole K 352]

Been checking in but not posting.... Happy to hear that most are doing well' date=' even if the weight loss isn't what you hoped for. Don't lose hope!

I've been running around to doctors trying to figure out the laryngitis issue that coincided with the bronchitis I developed, early in February. Found out I have a mass on my vocal cords that has to be removed on the 22nd of March. The ENT went down with a scope and found it. Irritated because the physicians assistant at my primary doctor's office was almost angry with me for being so concerned about the laryngitis. So many medications later and still no relief but at least, we finally have a cause. It is covering 2/3's of my vocal cords (both sides) and is quite huge according to him. He doesn't "think" it is cancerous, but rather from prolonged acid reflux. He has put me on 80mg. of omeprazole which has helped tremendously with pouch pain I was experiencing. I never felt any burning in my throat, just an overfullness occasionally. My biggest complaint would be pain in the same pouch region every time I ate. I chalked it up to healing. So today, I had my three month RNY surgeon follow-up and nutrition class. He was pleased with weight loss and all blood work/vitamin levels, etc....normal! Explained everything that's been going on, Healthwise to the surgeon, and he was not concerned about the GERD now, because the medication the ENT provided gave me relief from the pouch pain. Never suggested what it could be but by your posts it sounds like maybe an ulcer. I also agree with all the posts about the clothes shopping being so different, now. I hold clothing up and someone mentions I am buying too big, yep! Still trying to convince myself that I am smaller, compliments and all. I see it, but can't believe it! Wow! Don't always lose the pounds quickly but there always seems to be a shift in the fat cells somewhere! My average loss is only about 2 lbs. a week.[/quote']

Glad they figured out what was wrong. Prayers to you for a flawless surgery and recovery. I'm dealing with nausea that they can't figure out why. Have had back to back UTI's and not lots of tests ahead. CAT scan, Endoscopy, ultrasound, blood work and urologist.

Keep up on the great work despite how crappy your feeling!

[laurelle1980 40]

Been checking in but not posting.... Happy to hear that most are doing well' date=' even if the weight loss isn't what you hoped for. Don't lose hope!

I've been running around to doctors trying to figure out the laryngitis issue that coincided with the bronchitis I developed, early in February. Found out I have a mass on my vocal cords that has to be removed on the 22nd of March. The ENT went down with a scope and found it. Irritated because the physicians assistant at my primary doctor's office was almost angry with me for being so concerned about the laryngitis. So many medications later and still no relief but at least, we finally have a cause. It is covering 2/3's of my vocal cords (both sides) and is quite huge according to him. He doesn't "think" it is cancerous, but rather from prolonged acid reflux. He has put me on 80mg. of omeprazole which has helped tremendously with pouch pain I was experiencing. I never felt any burning in my throat, just an overfullness occasionally. My biggest complaint would be pain in the same pouch region every time I ate. I chalked it up to healing. So today, I had my three month RNY surgeon follow-up and nutrition class. He was pleased with weight loss and all blood work/vitamin levels, etc....normal! Explained everything that's been going on, Healthwise to the surgeon, and he was not concerned about the GERD now, because the medication the ENT provided gave me relief from the pouch pain. Never suggested what it could be but by your posts it sounds like maybe an ulcer. I also agree with all the posts about the clothes shopping being so different, now. I hold clothing up and someone mentions I am buying too big, yep! Still trying to convince myself that I am smaller, compliments and all. I see it, but can't believe it! Wow! Don't always lose the pounds quickly but there always seems to be a shift in the fat cells somewhere! My average loss is only about 2 lbs. a week.[/quote']

I am very familiar with what u are going through. I have a 7 year old son who was born with the same thing connecting his vocal cords. He has had 17 surgeries to remove it and it continues to grow back. He is going in for number 18 on the 28th.....we have switched from children's hospital to uofm in hopes to get some answers. They are removing his tonsils and adnoids this time as well. I will keep you in my prayers for a quick and easy recovery.

hw--295<br />sw--278<br />dos-- 12/12/12<br />cw-- 229

[mrsblues 81]

I am very familiar with what u are going through. I have a 7 year old son who was born with the same thing connecting his vocal cords. He has had 17 surgeries to remove it and it continues to grow back. He is going in for number 18 on the 28th.....we have switched from children's hospital to uofm in hopes to get some answers. They are removing his tonsils and adnoids this time as well. I will keep you in my prayers for a quick and easy recovery.

hw--295<br />sw--278<br />dos-- 12/12/12<br />cw-- 229

Wow, your family has been through a lot. Have they told you what the growth is from or what is causing it? I am anxious to hear what they say mine is caused from. ENT told me it's as if my vocal cords tripped and fell and have a big scab on them. Baffled him! Hope this surgery goes well and that soon your son will be free from having this growth and anymore surgeries. Has his voice stayed intact throughout all of the surgeries? I will also say a prayer for your family for continued strength.

[ginsyn76 51]

We must def be in the time frame for hair loss!! I'mtaking the Biotin everyday and using fall fight Shampoo. I'm almost scared to brush my hair I lose about 60 strands each time and when I wash and condition another handful and I have to wear my hair up in a ponytail cause when it's down I'm covered in hair it's embarrassing! The odd thing is its not breaking off its just falling out of my scalp with the roots still on the ends of the strands idk what else to do you can tell it has thinned luckily I had thick hair to start with hoping it will regroup and fill back in and this nonsense stops before I'm bald!

[one4ozzie 434]

I am very familiar with what u are going through. I have a 7 year old son who was born with the same thing connecting his vocal cords. He has had 17 surgeries to remove it and it continues to grow back. He is going in for number 18 on the 28th.....we have switched from children's hospital to uofm in hopes to get some answers. They are removing his tonsils and adnoids this time as well. I will keep you in my prayers for a quick and easy recovery.

hw--295<br />sw--278<br />dos-- 12/12/12<br />cw-- 229

Wow, I'm sorry for the difficulties and what your son and you guys have had to endure. I lost a son at birth so I know what these hardships are like on parents. I hope UofM is able to finally get rid of it for him. It's a great university and hospital, you are in great hands.y thoughts and prayers are w you and your family.

Gen :-) 12/15/12

[one4ozzie 434]

We must def be in the time frame for hair loss!! I'mtaking the Biotin everyday and using fall fight Shampoo. I'm almost scared to brush my hair I lose about 60 strands each time and when I wash and condition another handful and I have to wear my hair up in a ponytail cause when it's down I'm covered in hair it's embarrassing! The odd thing is its not breaking off its just falling out of my scalp with the roots still on the ends of the strands idk what else to do you can tell it has thinned luckily I had thick hair to start with hoping it will regroup and fill back in and this nonsense stops before I'm bald!

Keep up on your Protein and biotin regiment and it should turn around on you. I'm thankful for thick hair too cuz either I'm paranoid or mine is thinning a little.

Gen :-) 12/15/12