anwen_ut

I'm about a month into my somewhat expected hair loss stage. I think it's slowing. I've been taking Biotin and getting Protein, so have hopes that regrowth will be starting soon. However, I've noticed that my leg hair (and - ahem - other hair) seems to be growing awfully fast these days. While I long for the days of seeing new happy follicles appear on top, my legs seem to have no problem growing luxuriously long and thick locks. The kind that dull even the sharpest of 5-razored implements after only one use. I'm definitely going to be investing in laser hair removal soon, but wanted to see if this is normal? Or is it all in my head? Do I have leg hair dysmorphia?! Second thought is to chase that dream of messing with cryptozoologists by running around forests and letting people take bad photos of me.

I had my surgery four months and two days ago. I have lost 70 pounds, am training for a 5K and just fit into a size 16 for the first time in.... a long time. This is awesome! I am so glad that I made this lifestyle change. However. HOWEVER. My first real hair loss (we're talking half a brush full just now) has really kicked in. And the stretch marks on my stomach look like they have gone Nuclear. Seriously, I think there is a radioactive tint to them in the dark. I have so many amazing things to be grateful for, and my health is a huge one. Usually I want to focus on that, but had to rant a bit today. P.S. Fear the unstable atoms radiating from my belly!

I have never done waist training, but I do wear corsets occasionally for historical reenacting and costuming. I can say that a well made corset can be comfortable for a period of time and can even help with posture (especially if you have a bad back). That said, I know I would never be able to keep one on for the amount of time required for waist training. They sure can make you look fabulous for a while though! Especially if you are squishy in the middle (which I definitely am!). But yeah, I guess since I don't do it I really don't have much to add to your specific question. Research and be healthy!

Huge, big, wonderful congratulations to you! That is so fantastic! I just finished my first 5k, so a half marathon is something that I can still only fathom. On my 5k race I did experience the same thing you did with the faster time. Something about the adrenaline in the moment just made me go that bit quicker, I think. I have needed to get motivation back after finishing my race and this definitely did that for me, so thank you so much for sharing!

Oh man, were I that cool to have that much of a back story on my name. Alas, it is just a Welsh name based on my time living there. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anwen. Oh, and also the fact that I currently live in the state of Utah. But now I feel like I am a slacker for not having something with hidden meanings and sooper secret codes!

If you go this route, be sure to let me know! I'd love to cash in on some of those photos! Total deal! It's my million dollar idea for sure this time! So glad I'm not alone in this! My poor, poor razors. I weep for them. I also weep for my wallet when I have to replace them at the rate I currently am. Maybe the razor industry is behind this after all?! <put on tinfoil hat> Did not mean to be mysterious! I didn't realize my gender is not in my profile. Only posting to this section because I am indeed a female.

Confession: Sometimes (ok, a LOT) I come on this site just to stare at my ticker and feel happy. Still a ways to go, but proud of my little moth. Also - I'm now just "Overweight"!! Just wanted to say thanks for the visual representation of the journey. It helps, even on bad days (stalls, I'm looking at you!)

From what I've read my bariatric surgeon has a very different outlook on Protein than most that I've heard about. He only approves Protein drinks as a part of the pre-op diet and advises that protein post-op should come from "real food". He also does not recommend the use of any artificial sweeteners. So far, I've been really on board with both of these tactics. I prefer "real food" and cutting out all sweet stuff for months has really helped me not crave sweets at all. That said, I'm nervous about getting my correct amount of protein in. Another tactic I have been using is to only eat three meals a day, to stop myself from getting into the habit of grazing (also surgeon recommended practice). With what my pouch can handle, there just doesn't seem to be a way to get the needed protein in three sittings without severe food type restrictions. (I have been tracking through MyFitnessPal, and yep... it's pretty hard, if not impossible) I'm very tempted to give Protein shakes a try. I know you should always follow your surgeon's directions, and I do plan to discuss with him, but wanted to talk with people who have been down this road before. Do you think protein drinks helped you? What were the pros and cons of adding or subtracting them from your diet?

Yep, I am 4.5 months post op (probably should have led with that!). My goal is 70-80 grams of protein a day and I admit most of the time I can barely squeak in the minimum, if that. The eating "small" without grazing does makes sense to me. Something to think about to! Thanks!

I recently have discovered flavored mustard and it has completely changed how I eat cheese sticks. Deli shaved meat, flavored mustard (horseradish or sriracha are my favorite), and cheese all rolled up is yummy and carb free.

I went from not having periods at all for about seven years to suddenly having them. A lot. And either I had forgotten how crummy periods are in general or they really weren't fun ones. (I believe one particularly bad night I spent hours groaning "I used to do this every MONTH?!?) Granted, I am only four months out, so can't speak to how they will stabilize. I had read all about the hormone changes and thought I would be able to handle it all with grace and dignity. After experiencing it, my husband would testify under oath to the exact opposite. Glad he is understanding.

I did it. I am now registered for a 5k - my first EVER. It is a virtual race, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to be walking it rather than running, but adding in a few bursts of speed to get my time down would be nice. The race is end of March-first of April time frame and I just started really walking again for exercise. I have an app that I use that should help me track my progress, but looking for some advice from real people as well. Have any of you gone this route as a method of exercise? How did it go for you? Any advice?

I'm still new to all of this, so definitely do not have the long-term view that you may be looking for. Since sweetness has always been a weakness of mine, I have cut out all sugar and all artificial sweeteners. It sucked at first, but it has really helped me not crave sweet things as I've moved forward. Of course, the real challenge will be when I am at maintenance and re-introduce limited sugar. Hope I can keep it together then! Again, nothing sweet may not work for everyone, but it has been a godsend for this sweet-tooth.

Chapstick was recommended, and I was glad I had it. I do wish I had brought my own comfy, plush socks since the hospital ones always feel a bit scratchy to me. That could just be me though.

I have to say that does sound a bit odd. I was self-pay as well and my Dr. took my debit card and also offered to take cashier's checks. There could be a legitimate reason, but I'm with you... I'd hate to be carrying around that amount of cash for any amount of time!

I had a 6 and 10 year old. They knew I was having surgery to be "more healthy". For the 6 year old specifically it helped to come up with an arbitrary number for her to know when it was safe to hug me, etc. For me, I told her that each day I would gain 10%. It helped her know when we could snuggle, hug, and eventually jump. (10 days was a good amount for me to get back "100%" - at least for hugs!). It has actually been great to see how supportive they both are. They don't need to know specifics to know you are doing this to help your health. And, from my experience, they can really help with support through recovery and ongoing work! I agree that it may not be something you need to burden your class with, though. As someone who isn't a teacher, I really can't add a lot of insight on that aspect.

I bought a pair of regular width boots. My ridiculous love of shoes seems to be returning. My poor, poor husband.

I am officially far enough along that most of my clothes are no longer fitting well, or even at all. This is hugely exciting for sure so I am definitely not complaining. I still have a few older pieces at the back of my closet that now work for me, so I'm limping along ok for now. Unfortunately, I do need to look professional when I travel for work and these baggy clothes just aren't going to cut it for much longer. I don't want to invest in new clothes only to outgrow them soon... so, I was thinking of trying a clothes subscription service like Gwynnie Bee: https://closet.gwynniebee.com/ Does anyone have experience doing something like this? Once I reach goal I'll WILL invest in some very good pieces, but this seems like a way to update size and trends without being stuck with too-big clothes in my closet at the end. Any pitfalls I should watch out for? Or ideas on how you dealt with this stage?

@A New KK Glad to know I'm not the only one in this position! I'll let you know how goes when they get here. Good luck on the new job and congrats on the loose skirt!

For those interested in update - I went ahead and started the process. It's free for the first month (That's how they get you right? First hit is free?) so figured it's worth a shot. I have outfits on the way. They happened to all be dresses, and I am pretty excited to see how it goes. https://40.media.tumblr.com/0bd0871725c611123ea4c5f78dea791f/tumblr_o1mbd4Xz6m1v6a6p3o1_1280.jpg

@@careya123 That is a really good point on dresses. I admit that I've stayed away from them for forever because of my thigh rub (no fun!) and never being able to find tights that would stay up all day. Both of those issues are resolving themselves though, so hopefully I can go back to dresses again. My inner little girl just kind of squeed from this realization.

@@JamieLogical I have heard of it and have been really tempted. The only reason I haven't is because I'm currently using Zombies, Run! for my workouts (Basically an app with a story line that has you running, or walking quickly in my case, from the undead. It is strangely motivating. But then I am a geek. A BIG geek.) I'm going to do some research to see if I can find a way to work it into the program I'm doing now. Awesome to hear that it worked for you! Not stopping to walk a 5k seems almost impossible for me right now, but man it would be cool.

This may not work for everyone, but I had a body pillow left over from my pregnancy and it helped immensely post surgery as well. I've even named him. We sleep together every night. My husband may be getting jealous.

One of the things that has been the most shocking to me in this journey is how different the plans can be from surgeon to surgeon. My surgeon specifically has us NOT eat any Protein drinks or artificial sweeteners after surgery (though he does allow it for the pre-surgery diet). In fact, he told us to not worry about reading labels too much because "If you have to read it on a label it probably isn't healthy." We are still very much taught to do the high protein, low carb, but he recommends it come from meats, cheeses and vegetables - fresh where possible. I admit that I've been nervous a bit because I have a harder time tracking how much protein I actually get in each day. That said, not having sweetened drinks has I think really helped me not have ANY sweet cravings at all. I do like the idea of the cleaner eating - just hope there are no hair issues down the road. All that said - I definitely recommend you stick with the plan given by your doctor. I just found the variety in plans very interesting!

I will be two weeks out from surgery tomorrow. So far, food hasn't been too much of a challenge for me. However, perhaps in part from the surgery but also in part because of the season I am always cold so really wanting a lot of Hot drinks. Since pumpkin spice lattes are out of the question (obviously!... but darn... I do regret not having one before surgery) and I am ready for a change from my herbal tea stash (mostly peppermint, chamomile, and a few herbal blends) I thought I would see if the hive mind has any ideas for sugar free and caffeine free hot beverages. Thanks in advance!