MoreganK

Can't wait to make this post myself! Go you!! *high five!!*

Nooo... not like that. Umm.... I can't really think of a famous person who has the cut I want, unless you're familiar wit the latest Battlestar Galatica? The character Starbuck at one point in the show has her hair cut exactly like I want. Its a longer pixie cut. And I love long hair, like I said, I've always had it. I've also always used to to hide behind. And when I rach goal weight, I want to experience short hair at least once, while my confidence is flying high. Besides, I'm not out to impress anyone but myself.... and maybe my fiance, but he supports me no matter what.

Totally! After my wedding in April, I'm seriously considering I may be rocking a pixie cut for the first time ever! I've always had really, really long hair. Right now is the shortest its been in years.

You got this! Welcome to the new year!

Yeah, I had something like that. I was told I need to to rest for a couple days while I healed up. I pulled an internal stitch about 2.5 weeks after surgery. *head smack* I felt better after about 2-3 days of resting and taking it easy.

Have you mentioned this to your doctor? I think I'd check in for advice from them.

I think that the men on this thread seem to handle the temporary hair loss a lot better than us females. I think for us it is pretty tramatic, not that it isn't for guys, just its easier for a bald man to blend in than it is a woman with bald Patches. That said, I am just now on the other side of the tramatic scary hair loss, and I was FREAKING out for about 2 months. It hit me hard in month 4, and I had thin hair to begin with, so, it really got thin, scary thin, and I thought I would be wearing a wig for my wedding in April. However, I think a combination of things have worked now in my favor that helped. Timing... its going to happen, and usually around month 4 & 5 is the heavy hair loss. I took supplements, recommended by my doctor and through lots of reading. I take 3000 mg of Biotin, 1 silica tablet, 1 zinc tablet and my Multivitamins daily. I also try really hard to hit no less than 60 grams of protien, but aim for 80. I also make sure to stay hydrated. All of those things help your skin, hair, and nails to grow strong and healthy. And its not an instant fix, it is more like help for your new hair that starts growing in. I have new hair growth happening, but my hair has always grown fast (thank goodness). I also tried Garnier Fight Fall shampoo... but everytime I used it felt I lost more hair, so I stopped using it, and took the advice of a hair care expert... I got a good organic, paraben free shampoo and used it. I also made sure to massage my scalp really well. My hair is still thinner than it should be, but I can tell that new hair is already growing in, and am relieved. Just hang in there.

What you said on stalls is exactly my issue too!! Glad to know my secret is not only me. With that... 1) I confess I eat 1 oz of dark chocolate s day 2) I confess that when I get discouraged or in a stall my old self tries to creep back in. 3) I confess I used a straw once... Or twice. 4) I confess I'm terrified I won't succeed and hit my goal weight. 5) I confess this is harder than I thought.

Excellent idea! I'll have to try this!

The purpose of the liquid diet is to shrink your liver some to make it easier for the surgeon to get around during surgery. Most doctors will want you to do at least a one day liquid diet, but all are different. I had to do a one week liquid diet. When in doubt, always ask your surgeon what he/she would like for you to do to prepare for surgery. Congratulations and good luck on your journey!!

I am now 5 months and 2 weeks post surgery. I've lost 61 pounds. I'm pretty happy with this.. but I've been struggling mentally lately. I hit a stall, and broke it... but, during my stall some of my old me habits started creeping in. I've been fighting them... I know I'm strong enough too. So, my first question is this. How did you all stay motivated? Did you fall off the "wagon" at any point or did you breeze through with super focus? I have 45 more pounds to go to hit my goal. I want to hit that goal more than anything! I've let stress sabotage me a little lately. Second question is... did any of you ever have that moment of seeing yourself one day post surgery, and go, "Whoa, is that me?!" I did this morning. I was walking into work, and caught a glimpse of myself in the windows of my building as I was walking in. I did a double take, like I was seeing myself for the first time. I look so different! I'm smaller... and I'm wearing clothes that hug me, and I don't look bad! My face is thin... my legs are strong.... whoa. I've changed. When was your "whoa" moment?

I checked in the morning of. And thank goodness for that... the nerves would have been crazy! My surgery was scheduled for 11 AM. I checked in at 9 AM. And let me tell you, the time flew by so fast.

It depends on your surgeon. Mine insists on a minimum of 2 nights in the hospital. I had some minor complications, not with the surgery itself, but with other things... like a negative response to the anistesheia and them setting me up on a glucose based iv when I was pre-diabetic. So, I ended up being there 4.5 days. I think its different for all of us, but your surgeon should be able to give you an idea. And good luck! What a great way to start of your 2013! A new start!

Yes. You don't need to tell anyone you don't feel needs to know. I told my immediate family and my closest co-workers (who knew I went out on a LOA). No one else knows how I've lost weight. Whenever anyone asks, I tell them what is the truth, "I eat much smaller portions, exercise at least 15 minutes (usually more), and I don't eat white flour, Pasta, or rice." I've only had one "friend" be a little snide who found out. She wants to lose 30 pounds, and go from her size 10 to a size 4.... *rolls eyes* So, she commented one day to me, that, "I've thought about taking the easy way out and do surgery like you. But, then decided I would do it the right way." Lets just say, I've started to distance myself from this person. Easy way!? PAH!

Oh! And if you ever need to vent PCOS frustration shoot me a message!

Do you know what the sugar and carb count is?

Whatever you do, don't give up!!! I've had two major stalls since my surgery at the end if June. Each lasted 3/4 weeks and it gets frustrating because of the expectations we place on ourselves for the surgery, I'm learning that's not the way to think. I just broke that second stall. I'm here to say it will get harder mentally if you start letting yourself think like old you. I don't mean just the food habits. I mean, you are strong, you are worth it! Keep staring down your goal and you new lifestyle! It's so worth it! I have to become a snob about food to keep myself on track the best. When I see junk food, I start making myself think, "eww, you put that in you body!? Do you know what's in it? All those chemicals and..." You get the idea. I politely refuse any that is offered. Just don't give up!!!

I think the only time I ever felt my NUT was beneficial to me was when I went from eating mushies back to solids. Other than that, most of what she tells me are things I already know from lots and lots of extensive reading on nutrition and healthy eating because I've been passionate about this topic all my life, especially after I was diagnosed with PCOS. I say, that if you research, use the folks information on this site, and just remember the basics of 60-80 grams protien, 48-60 oz of Water, and do your best to stay away from white flour, you'll be golden! Good luck on your adventure overseas and with your sleeve!!

Go you!!

I drink all of those... but try to stick with skim milk as much as possible for the highter protien.