Cecilia

How are you all doing with hair loss? Has anyone not lost hair at all? I've been losing a handful every time I shower, and then I shed profusely throughout the day. My hair is so fine I asked my kids to touch my head and they freaked out. My former dime-size pony-tail is now like the width of a pencil, and all my barrettes fall out. I'm ready for it to slow down any time now, but the hair loss is still going strong. How are the rest of you doing?

Fabulous, ECUJenn!!!

This was me a few days before the surgery. I was feeling pretty good because I had list 20 lbs over the summer. I honestly didn't think if myself as *that* big... I would eat a bag of candy for dinner then follow up with a quart of Ben and Jerry's. I always felt full. I wore a size 20. My blood pressure and sugars were borderline. This is almost six months later. Size 14, down 50 lbs from surgery date. I mostly eat protein and vegetables. I drink water, milk, or coffee. No juice, no soda, no artificially flavored drinks. I have the BP and blood sugars of a healthy teen. I think nothing of running up the stairs, and running to catch the bus no longer winds me or sends my heart into an irregular rhythm. I am so grateful!

I almost forgot to mention: in the past I always posted a full-length picture of myself sort of as a full disclosure on what I really look like and how big I was. I always thought if I lost weight I would put a full-length skinny picture of myself on there and get better guys. Interestingly, at 70 pounds thinner, I have no desire to attract men who would judge me on my size. Interesting,huh?

I have something to share: After two – year hiatus in dating, I put my profile out on okcupid.com. I briefly dated two different men who turned out to be not right for me, but, as they say, the third time's the charm. For the past three weeks I've been dating this very nice young man. I say young because he is nine years younger than I am. I feel 10 years younger, so why shouldn't I date someone who is 10 years younger, almost?

Padlrd, I'm so happy for you!!!!! I have to share: I also just snagged myself a boy-toy. He is 9 years younger than I am and very kind. You have made amazing progress and overcame a ton of hurdles early on!

I'm so excited!!! I broke into the 170s and I'm wearing a size 14 slacks!

Coolest thing happened. I went into a consignment store I've always wanted to shop at but couldn't because they only go up to size xl. in there, I find a cute jacket, and I'm looking for a shell to wear under it. I ask the sales lady for help, and she goes to the Medium rack. I think she's nuts. Then she picks out this pretty sleeveless top and says "try this--it may be too big for you, though... it's a size 16." Now, it turns out I DO wear a size 16, but the idea that she looked at me and thought I was even smaller than that was baffling. I still can't get over it! And lately my littlest daughter has been hugging me and saying "you're so skinny!" And finally, I went on a date the other night, and we were sitting on the couch, and the guy took my legs and swung them across his. I was shocked that my legs are light enough that A) he could lift them, and B) he would want to have them over his. In some part of my mind I'm stil as big as a buffalo... but other people are telling me something very different! What a head trip!

From everything I'm hearing, it sounds like loosing weight changes a relationship. Whether the relationship survives that change or not depends on those involved, but it sure does seem like a stressor. What surprises me is that I thought the weight–loser would be the one to leave after he or she regained some self-esteem. I'm surprised at how many partners change or want to leave. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, however. Relationships live in a state careful balance. When one of the partners changes, whether it be due to weight loss or gain, or mental or physical health (whether it is improved or it suffers) the balance is thrown off.

OKCupid.com

Good for you!

Closing in on the 170's... I've been charting my food with MFP again and it definitely helps me get all my protein in and focus on three meals, no grazing. Today I'm down to 183. I had hoped to reach my goal of 150 by my birthday in early October... If I can lose 10 pounds a month for the next two months I might be able to pull it off, but it will take diligence! I'm so grateful for the support I'm receiving here! p.s. I have begun to date again, and the weight loss has given me back my confidence! Not just to dare to date, but to realize when someone is not right for me, and not "settling" just because I think "I'm lucky to have a date at all."

Just thought I'd share: now that I am 50% to my goal weight, I find I'm a lot pickier about who I date, and don't mind saying so when they go on a little too long about their ex, or are smothering me, or whatever. Welcome back, self-esteem! How are you all doing, and how is your weight loss affecting your relationships (for better or for worse)?

Welcome back Kat! We're all still here, although lately we seem to be losing as much hair as weight, LOL!

... On the plus side, it only tales half as long to dry my hair these days... *Sigh!*

I don't know what to say other than I have a huge new respect for PAs. As far as I know, no other medical profession had to retake their boards periodically. Sending you "smart" vibes!!!

It's funny. Before my surgery, the vast majority of the comments I received about my plans was negative. "Why would you do that?" "I have a (friend/relative/etc) who had the surgery and (insert bad outcome)" "You don't look big enough to need it." "I could never do that to myself." etc. Hence I decided not to tell anyone at work. Now that I'm back from my leave and visibly thinner, I have had nothing but positive feedback. "You look fantastic!" "It's not just your size, you just look happier!" "Can you tell me more about it? I've always been interested in getting it." etc. Most of all, I've been a little overwhelmed by the kindness others have shown me, and by their support. And I honestly am surprised that I look happier and more confident. I can't tell you how often I get this. Anyway, just had to share.

Today I had the experience of having to park very close to another car. I thought "I'm never going to make it out of my car door". And yet, to my surprise, even though the door only opened A foot or so, I was able to slip out quite easily!

what keeps me going is this graph. If you don't use MyFitnessPal I would recommend it on the basis of this feature alone. Even when the weight loss seems impossibly slow, I look at the graph and it helps. Plateaus disappear and you see the overall trend!

My blood pressure is lower than it's ever been in my LIFE. 90's over 60's!! C

This is very cool! I've been told my personality has changed as well: people see me as more confident!

Funny that you would mention hair... I was just going to take a poll of how we all are doing with our hair. A few weeks ago I noticed a few of my hairs on the dash of the car. That's odd, because I don't usually shed, and when I do, it's in the Fall. My girlfriend and I joke about the "fall shed." Anyway, a while later I noticed a lot of hair in my hairbrush, and then, almost as if overnight, my hair was falling out. Every time I shower I get gobs of hair in the trap, and I can impress/freak out friends by running my hand through my hair and pulling out a dozen or more hairs each time. I looked in the mirror yesterday and noticed that I can "see in" an inch from my hairline. I always had dramatic hair loss after my pregnancies, and always grew it all back within a year, but it doesn't make it any less traumatic when it starts to fall out. I just have to remember that the advantage of fine hair is that it's super-easy to dry and style, and a little hairspray goes a long way. Still... bummer. C

I was thinking I wish someone had given me this info as I was gaining weight... you won't be able to touch your toes. You will get winded coming up the basement steps. You'll stop being able to fit into a booth. You'll spill over the edges of a chair... etc. I don't know if it would have helped me exercise more or eat less or get help sooner, but geez. I gained it so slowly, I didn't realize how much my life changed for the worse until it started changing for the better again!