CanyonBaby

Oh, I'm so sorry for you. Is this your first surgery, then? You have a little adjusting to do, to mentally come to grips with the loss of a body part, but it will pass. When you start seeing the loss of weight, you will see things in a different light, and the remorse will fly away! All the best to you....

Biotin does not make you grow hair, it just makes what you have healthier. My nurse suggested Nioxin shampoo, it is suggested for those on chemo. I found it on Amazon.com, but you can get it at salons, apparently. It stimulates the follicles, but doesn't actually regrow hair. I have found just using the shampoo is best for me, as it seemed the conditioner actually made more hair come out. The loss appears to be slowing, but I cannot attribute that to the shampoo, or anything else, for that matter. I have hypothyroidism, and my thyroid was low again for awhile, so that probably contributed to some of my loss, as it always does for me. Now that I'm back on track with the proper dosage of Synthroid, like I said, the hair loss is slowing down. I am at 4 months out tomorrow. I heard to massage the scalp daily, gently as to not encourage more hair to fall out. What I do is this: I wash it every 3-4 days. After I wash it, I let it air-dry for about a half hour, then blow dry the rest of the way. After I comb it out, I then use a detangling brush and vigorously brush the scalp area (I have chin-length hair, so it doesn't get tangled from this). The reason I brush it like this are two-fold: getting rid of most of what will fall that day, so it doesn't shed into everything, and to stimulate the scalp. It feels great! A lot may disagree with the brushing part, but hey, I have a lot less of the hair around the house now! I figure it is going to fall out anyway, let's get it out now! As for WHY it is falling out, this is what my nurse and dietician have said: we are starving (in or body's mind) and it is sending the nutrients to the vital organs first. The top of the head is last! When the body has adjusted to the new dietary situation, it should grow back. And be prepared, it may grow back in a different color and texture. Fine to thick, or reverse. Straight to curly, or reverse. Your normal color to something else. Just part of the ride, folks!

Was it the blood that got to you, or is it something else? How much blood did you lose? If this is a concern for you, make sure to call your surgical team, that is what they are there for, and you did pay for them! Best of luck to you....

Totally normal, and you may have this for life. Some do, some don't. Enjoy the new ride!

Are you doing self-pay? If so, there doesn't seem to be as many hoops to jump through. Also, it depends on your particular situation, such as your starting weight. If you are not comfortable with this ASK THEM!!!! You paid for their service, so make sure you get what you need and want from it. Good luck to you!

@@Stevehud I am impressed with your bravery for stepping into the ladies room, sir, it is truly NOT for the faint of heart! I, myself, have wandered where no female should go, the men's room (albeit unknowingly!), and found some very interesting discussions! Seriously, I am touched by your account of your Walmart visit. It amazes me how such a thing as fitting into smaller sizes (that haven't been worn by us in who knows how long) can affect us, and at the same time I feel it is sad, for why should a size be our undoing? Maybe it is just that we (or maybe just me) need that number to be an affirmation of what we have achieved, and the difficulties/challenges with which we have gone through in search of that number.... But I digress... I hope you bought that jacket!

@@beachgurl84 I know what you mean about it being depressing, so I am OFFICIALLY refusing to shop the plus sizes anymore! PERIOD. NEVER NEVER going back!

The thing is, you don't KNOW how you may have affected him, he may have just taken that information home with him and DID something about it. You may have planted a seed where none may have ever entered that thing we call a brain before! This is where faith comes in. AND SLAPS US AROUND A BIT, I might add! Nothing will grow without a seed, a graft, whatever you want to call it, but it MUST be placed, then left to grow, or not. Now, that doesn't mean we all go out and shout to the world what we have done and tell of our success stories, or force everyone who is over-weight to listen to us. But IF there is an OPPORTUNITY, and it can be told with GRACE, leaving the person with DIGNITY, then have at it! You may just be saving someone's life (in more ways than one!!!). And off of the platform I go......... ......

Oh please STOP! I am DYING from the coughing from the laughter I CANNOT stop!!!! I must remember NOT to read stuff like this 'til I'm well!!! But thanks for the lightening of my load!

@@LisaPunkinHead Yes, I have been told to use the calcium citrate, as well, especially for the fact that it has far less chance of forming stones, and is better absorbed, as well. I've been using the powdered form in my "cocktails", and it goes down ok, but I have to constantly mix it before a swallow. It just sinks, otherwise. It is tolerable, and cheap, so I will use that as my "home-bound" choice, and then I think I'll try your (and others') suggestion for the chews when I am not at home. Thanks so much for your help! Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions! I am soooooo glad you are here!

Time to baby yourself a little! Take some time to treat yourself to plans for the future; maybe shop the catalogs for new outfits (you don't have to buy now, just plan!), start a new hobby, invest in some really soft fleecy sheets....just give yourself a treat that you don't eat! Have fun with it!

Head-hunger is a mystery, for sure, our bodies are so used to eating like we have for DECADES and it doesn't WANT to starve! It will tell your brain to feed it anyway it can, so the brain kicks in and will fight to the end for food. You will more than likely lose hair because the nutrients you ARE getting are being sent to the vital organs and essential areas, and unfortunately for us, the top of our head is the last to get it. As a result, the hair follicles stop production and goes into a kind of hibernation (if you will) mode. It will grow back once the body gets used to the new program. In the meantime, our brain continues to scream "FEED ME", and it will send all kinds of sensations through your body to get you to feed it. It's not something you can really control, but get used to. How I do it is the 2-3-2 program. Eat within 2 hours of waking up in the morning. Eat every 3 hours. Eat within 2 hours of going to bed. I don't get the chance to get hungry this way. I hope some of this helps, and good luck to you.....

Great job! You deserve.....a protein shake! Seriously, you have a lot to be proud of, good luck to you on your journey!

Time to see your surgeon! And don't delay. Let us know how you do.....all the best to you....

Yes, it will get better. When was your surgery? Try using water enhancer drops in your water, and make that water room temperature to help it go down easier. If you just had the surgery, remember your tummy is NOT happy right now, and it will NOT appreciate cold water when you haven't had anything in it for awhile (like overnight). Kinda like someone throwing cold water on your face before you are awake! Let us know how you do, and have a better day tomorrow!

They are not bad, but vary greatly in price. You can probably get one for under $20, but then again, I haven't shopped for one for awhile. And they come in lots of sizes for differing reasons. They have some with an automatic turn-off, which is great and highly recommended. One thing, though, don't over-use it. Maybe call your Dr. for suggestions on how long to leave it on there. Good luck to you!

I would call the airlines to see what the policy is on taking protein shakes with you. They may have suggestions for you. Also, ask your surgical team when you will be on soft foods, regular foods...getting a food schedule now (assuming all goes well with your recovery) may help you plan for this. Ask the airlines if having a Doctor's note will enable you to take your protein shakes with you. If you are on soft foods, you might ask if taking pudding/gelatin cups with you is ok. Ask your Dr. if they will let you have the pudding/gelatin while on the full-liquid stage. Lots of questions, huh?! Let us know how you handle all of this, and what the airlines tell you/allow you to do. I'm sure there are many who will benefit from your experiences. As for helping in moving, BE CAREFUL!!!! You will just have had major surgery, where no heavy lifting will be allowed, especially if they repair a hernia (often done) during the surgery. Again, ask you Doctor about this, it is imperative! Good luck to you, and HAVE FUN in Hawaii....I'm envious!

Sorry I can't help with that, however, if you are unsure, do you have a urgent care facility near you where you could go and ask/have them help you with it? Did your Dr. show you how to do it? How urgent is it that you have it tonight? Can it wait until tomorrow, where you could have someone show you? I hope you can find a good solution, and when you do, maybe share it on this site for those who have the same questions as you. Good luck to you.

I don't know of any programs that assist in co-pays, sorry. My husband worked for me to have this surgery; he is a law enforcement officer, so he put his life on the line so I could have a healthier life. Here's to all the law enforcement officers out there....THANK YOU!

P.S. Thanks for the scoop on the meals...it ALL helps! But no toys....SOMEONE must PAY!

Are we talking boycotting for lack of toys? IF so, I'm IN! No toys, no joys...my sadness is OVERWHELMING me.

I probably should add that the juice maybe shouldn't be so acidic, like orange or grapefruit, but ask your surgical team to be sure. Hope this helps.....

Then maybe try juice that is room temperature. Juice will, for the most part, become a no-no because of the liquid calories, once you are on the solid foods. But for now, you need calories, so drink up!

The only thing about the Tylenol is to make sure it is ok by your Dr. I was allowed liquid Tylenol for my arthritis, but ONLY rarely, especially right after surgery. It's always something, huh?

It sounds like your head-hunger is having it way with you! Are you on an acid reducer? If not, call your surgical team and ask if it is something you should be on. It might really help you. Because you SHOULDN"T be that hungry, or have the intensity you are describing. Also, how are you at getting hydrated? A lot of times we mistake thirst for hunger (or did I inadvertently get that reversed?), and you may just be thirsty. That could also explain your headaches. Are you getting in the recommended 64 ounces a day? Drink sporadically throughout the day, hopefully this will help with the headaches. All the best to you....