glitter eyes

@FlabbyNat. I am almost two years post op and I have lost about 50% of my hair too. My hair was really thick before so thankfully it could be worse. However, my hair also got very dry and brittle and would break off in addition to the hair loss. I would lose huge clumps when I washed my hair. What really helped me was I started taking a powdered collagen supplement that I added to a bottle of flavored water. After about a month my hair loss slowed way down, now it's probably a tiny bit more than normal, but not what it was. Then I started drinking bamboo tea which is very high in silica which helps skin, hair and nails. That has helped the dryness and the brittleness. I have very little breakage now and my hair is soft and shiny again. For the record, I think all this hair loss is just the luck of the draw. I have always gotten in my protein everyday (I track my food religiously), I take vitamins, I have tried biotin (no luck with that), and my lab work has always been perfect. Also, my weight loss has been stable for a year now. I also have tried multiple types of Shampoo, scalp massages, coconut oil, emu oil, essential oils, hair masks... The list can go on. I think the key is experiment and find what helps you. Good luck.

A lot of it depends on your age, genetics, how long you have been overweight, etc. if it helps here are my numbers. I too am Apple shaped and carry all my weight in my stomach. I started at 271 pounds 5'3". I currently weigh between 145-147. I have extremely thin arms and legs. They have tightened up fine. I still have a lower tummy bulge and my skin is saggy there. I most definitely would benefit from a tummy tuck. However, it isn't that noticeable when I am dressed. I can't wear very tight fitted dresses because of the loose skin bulge. The loose skin is a million times better than being overweight!!

You look fabulous. Love the top and the print.

I had a two week liquid diet- just protein shakes, sugar free Popsicles, jello and broth. I stuck to it and didn't cheat due to fear. I was so worried my liver would not shrink enough and there could be the potential for complications from the fatty liver getting in the way of the surgery. So fear kept me on track.

@Elode. You are looking fantastic!! Your surgeon is an artist. I love emu oil too it's amazing and I bet it will help with the scaring.

I only lost four pounds on my two week liquid pre op diet, but post op my weight came off much quicker. If I was you I would order one size smaller in the uniforms. I wear uniforms in my job too. I ordered one size smaller and then as I lost weight I would get them altered and then reorder as the altered uniforms got too big. Good luck

Some things that have helped me... I drink bamboo tea- it is very high in silica. I also add collagen powder to a bottle of water every day. The biotin never helped me. When I started taking the collagen my hair loss slowed down to about half. The bamboo tea helped with the dryness and brittleness. I have always gotten in my protein, vitamins, fluids and all my labs have been fine. My hair loss started about five- six months post op. I am now almost two years out and still have hair loss. But with those two things the loss and dryness is much better.

@KristenLe. Haven't tried birch box yet. I need to sign up. I know I would love it!!

Interesting question. I think I have replaced food with a slight nail polish and beauty product addiction!! I love adding to my nail polish collection (it's way to large) and giving myself frequent manicures and pedicures. This also helps when I am sitting around in front of the TV at night and want to snack. I just start repainting my fingernails and I can't eat while they are drying- by the time they are dry my cravings have usually vanished. This helps me maintain my weight and do something to treat myself. I also enjoy buying the latest makeup and skin care products. I do home facials a few times a week. This keeps me focused on pampering myself without involving food. Also, like Dub mentioned above- just having a new zest for life has replaced my food enjoyment. The feeling of having a strong fit body to do fun and new things is a huge motivator. Every time I go kayaking or hiking it reinforces how much eating healthy and staying active pays off!!

If it makes you feel any better. I only lost four pounds on my two week liquid diet and I stuck to it faithfully. I think if you just stay on track like you have been it will start coming off. I can't imagine that your surgery would be cancelled or delayed. You have already proven that you are working hard and have lost some weight on your own. Hang in there. You can do it! Keep us posted

I know it is tough, but the post op diet restrictions are there to help with the healing of your new stomach. It's like feeding an infant pizza toppings- just not a good idea. Try to start looking for alternatives during each of your food phases that can help you with the cravings.- because it will only get harder if you don't establish some habits and control early on. Alternatives can be anything from a tasty yogurt, specialty cheese to a non food alternative. When my cravings hit I give myself a fresh manicure- it's hard to eat when your nails are drying. Usually by the time my nails are dry the craving has passed. Also, I will do a facial and have splurged on some really good facial treatments. My motto is that I was the one who choose to have surgery- not those around me. I can't expect everyone to change their lifestyle because of me. I had to learn to deal with it. There will always be food around, try to begin now making food just fuel for life not enjoyment. Start researching new hobbies or make a list of all the things you want to do when you lose weight. These things helped me stay focused.

Congrats!! What an amazing milestone

I use full fat mayo. I don't eat anything low fat. My portions are small so full fat cheese, milk, mayo, salad dressings, etc. have not affected my weight loss or my cholesterol numbers. I have tried veganaisse and it tastes fine to me.

I get regurgitation if I eat too close to laying down and sleeping. I have to quit eating at least two hours before I go to sleep. When I have experienced this I wake up coughing too, however once the coughing spell is over I have never experienced any other symptoms or feel bad the next day.

Holy moly- you look fantastic!! I know you must feel so happy that the surgery is behind you. Love the flower!! LOL

Some people use a tea called Smooth Move that is supposed to work. I haven't tried it yet myself. I have used milk of magnesium and that has worked for me.

I didn't have an appetite for months. I had to look at food and my shakes as fuel for my body. Sometimes even smelling food would gross me out. Just make sure even if you don't have an appetite you stay hydrated and try and get your protein in. Unfortunately, for most of us the appetite comes back[emoji30]

Congrats!! What a great milestone [emoji3]

When I was taking biotin every hair I had grew crazy wild... EXCEPT the hair on my head. It did nothing for me so I quit taking it. The razor industry couldn't keep up.

@crazygoose. Hope your surgery went well!! Just wanted to let you know that if you can't get a ride home from the hospital, many hospitals have free cab vouchers that they will give out to those who don't have rides home. I am a nursing administrator at a hospital and we give out tons of cab vouchers on a regular basis. That way at least it's free and you get a ride home. Hang in there and take care of yourself!!

Wishing you the best of luck on your surgery!!

@rking. The brand I use is called Veda pure. I order it from Amazon and its 100% pure fish collagen. It is almost tasteless. I add it to a bottle of water flavored with some crystal light drops and can barely taste it. The bamboo tea has really helped me too. Bamboo is high in silica which helps with hair. I ordered that from Amazon too. My hair took forever to quit falling out- probably around month 18. It still sheds some but way less. The bamboo tea really helped it get stronger and softer. I have way less breakage now.

Two things that helped me was I took powdered Marine Collagen in my water everyday and that slowed my hair loss by at least half. I also drink Bamboo tea (very high in silica) and that has helped the texture and dryness of my hair. I lose just a normal amount now and my hair is softer. I tried the biotin but that didn't work for me. My hair loss stated at around month six and continued until I was about 16-18 months post op. My vitamin levels have always been normal and I eat plenty of protein and healthy foods.

Congrats on your upcoming surgery!! 1. Things to take to the hospital: comfy clothes, lip balm, a small travel pillow (to brace against your stomach to help with the pain &for the ride home), cell phone charger, toiletries, I took Biotene mouthwash which was a life savior when my mouth was so dry. Those were the basic things I took. I have a tendency to overpack and took my makeup and nail polish and believe it or not I used both... Had to look good! 2. I took off for four weeks. That varies greatly from person to person. My job can be active and can get quite hectic so I was glad I waited. Plus the time gave me a chance to learn to eat and drink properly after surgery. Some people go back way quicker. 3. My pain levels were probably a 5 out of 10 right after surgery. I took the pain meds around the clock for the first week. I was able to walk right away. The more you walk the more it helps with the pain- at least in my case. Overall, it's not a horrible experience for most. It's kind of like childbirth- the reward is so great we have a tendency to forget the pain!! Good luck

What an amazing NSV!!!