PattyGirl66

@Jim, congratulations to you as well!!! You are also doing a fantastic job with your band..whooohoooooo!

@Jennifer, that is marvelous news on your weight loss!! Have you started to lose hair right after the surgery, or have you notice it falling out little by little. yes, many people on here swear by taking Biotin supplements, it can't hurt. Any issues with your thyroid in the past? You look amazing by the way! Keep us posted and congratulations!!!

Congrats to all the newbies, I too have a tentative date of June 13th. I have been going through the process since Nov 24th, 2011. Long haul but I am sure it will be all worth the wait to finally start leading a healthy lifestyle. Thanks for the tip on bending and lifting. I have 2 cats so I will be making sure my hubby does the cat litter box daily. got my daughter to come over and help me as well. I just wish I knew how long will I be able to resume back to my daily chores? Keep in touch everyone! -Patty

Hi Jean, Your menu looks yumcious!

Hi Tom, you are deff a success story. Congrats on the weight loss

@Secondchanceatlife: Congratulations on your surgery date, the first day of your new life. I hope I will be the day right after you Keep us posted on your progress!! -Patty

Yessss, this is why I love so much to read these stories! You are an inspiration to all of us! I think I should take your pic and put it on my fridge as a reminder, LOLOLOL. Thank you for sharing ShelleBell!!

@Rainenroses - I did the same thing you did. I went to a seminar 2 years ago, loved the surgeons and put it off because of the same fears. How I wish I could take it back because in those 2 years time frame I developed severe arthritis in my left hip and the weight only made it worse to where I will have to have another hip replaced ( I had my right hip replaced many years ago). Imagine being in my 40's having both my hips replaced like an 80 year old! The main thing is, that is the past and we learn from our mistakes, we don't have to beat ourselves up anymore. You've made the right decision, and I know I have as well. Whatever the outcome is we will fight to keep ourselves fit and healthy, and most importantly never give up on ourselves. Keep us posted on your progress, -Patty

@Missy281, I think you got the best two advices on here and I couldn't agree more with both. Stay on here and read read read, ask ask ask, thats what I do, LOL. Best of luck to you with whatever decision you decide (hugs) -Patty

Mizpk83, looks like you are doing really really great! Congrats on all your hard work

Hi Sabrina, I am not banded yet and hope I can continue to drink the Water. Its really the only thing I drink and I drink lots of it about a gallon and half a day. I don't drink teas or coffees or even juices, just water. You think with all that water I drink I wouldn't be this heavy, LOL. Hopefully someone who has been banded can answer this for you but so far it sounds like you are doing really great with the band!

@Skyvic, that is wonderful to hear!

Strips, Chewables, or liquid?? I dont know which one to buy? Thank you, -Patty

I am praying that I can swallow a small multivitamin pill because I just spent $10 on a bottle of Centrum chewables and it made me sick ( I am not even banded yet) I just am making sure I have everything prepared beforehand.

@Show1980: The protein shakes are a hit and miss when it comes to personal pereference. My suggestion is to try several brands and mix the powder with Almond Milk (unsweetened). I have found for myself that I really like "Pure Protien" chocolate from Walgreens. 2 LBs. for $17.99 (can't beat that) was by far my favorite. Oh, I found what works best when mixing it is the blender. Milk first, powder, and if you want it frothy 3 icecubes. I have tried mixing this in my blender ball container and found it comes out lumpy. Now, through trial and error I have found if I warm up about 4 ounces of the almond milk in the microwave (30 seconds) add the powder mix throughly with fork and then add the other 4 ounces of milk in, its great without having to use the blender. Over ice is great!

@Tamg, the link is above in my initial post

I came across this website on FOCUS 28 fruit Protein drinks and saw they had a variety pack of 7 fruit Protein Drinks and was wondering has anyone on here purchased these? How did this taste? They look so yummy and I am really getting tired of the chalky Protein shakes. Any suggestions? http://www.focus28diet.com/store/products/Variety-Pack-Fruit-Drinks-pv.html

@eyewonder, I am going to look into this! Thank you!

Please keep us posted on her progress...

You are all an inspiration to me. I hope I will be one of those success stories one day. Congratulations to you all and thanks so much for sharing your journey with us

I think the hair growth varies from person to person. It cant hurt to try them and don't stress about it, the stressing will only make things worse. I cut off all my long hair that I love so much (8 inches) but honestly, it feels great on my head more manageble, less knots. Lots of layers can help for the time being (just a thought).

OHH thank you Tamg, I am going to order these tonight and let you all know how it taste. Donna12, I will deff let you know hon. Pollyanna12, that is a wonderful idea and I am going to buy some sugar free cranberry juice and make those. You all have been so helpful

Hi TJWrangler, First I want as a woman to say thank you very much for caring as much as you do for your girlfriend. It is very important that you get involved as much as you can. You are going to probably be her 'main' support system/backup. I am not banded yet, but I already have a great support system in order (my daughter and Husband). You will learn a lot from this site and it will be very useful to you and her while she is recovering during and after as well. I can relate very well to her mishaps or clumsiness. I have to be very careful what I do because I have fallen so many times in the most akwards way possible. Last year I fell coming out of the shower while vacationing in florida. I was lucky enough I didn't make it to the floor however my left leg as hard as can be banged towards the porceline tub and till this day I still have the markings (it takes up my entire lower leg. 6 weeks ago I went to Atlantic City and stood at Bally's they have a beautiful indoor swimming pool with many hot tubs. My friend and I decided to go into the pool first and my first 2 steps down I went. That didn't hurt so much because the Water broke the impact, I just fell on my rump and made a very loud 'splash' sound. However, as soon as I was finished in the pool I walked as gently as I could and made it without falling, well until I hit the tile floor to the chair. I went down pretty hard and hit my new hip I had replaced years ago on the last step. Two falls in one day was all I could take, I went back to my room and stood their all night.

She is taking 5000mcg

You know I have never heard of anyone overdosing on Biotin supplements. I take a dosage of 2500mg once a day. I have informed my doctor first because I also take blood pressure medications and meds for my thyroid. My hair started to thin. I cut it short and got lots of layers. My hair does feel a little fuller. My friend takes 5000 mg once a day and she takes many medications and she says she feels as if she has more energy. She is in remission from having thyroid cancer. I would always check with your doctor first before taking any supplements, just to be on the safe side as you really don't want any interactions if you are taking other medications or if you have an ailment that the supplement could do more harm than good. BTW, I am not banded yet but I was told that losing hair in some patients is 'temporary' once you have had weight loss surgery. Maybe some others on here can be more helpful