theladyslipper

Here's an article that explains what's happening with our hair! Harvard Health Publications Telogen Effluvium What Is It? At any given time, about 85% to 90% of the hairs on the average person's head are actively growing (the anagen phase) and the others are resting (the telogen phase). Typically, a hair is in the anagen phase for two to four years, then enters the telogen phase, rests for about two to four months, and then falls out and is replaced by a new, growing hair. The average person naturally loses about 100 hairs a day. In a person with telogen effluvium, some body change or shock pushes more hairs into the telogen phase. Typically in this condition, about 30% of the hairs stop growing and go into the resting phase before falling out. So if you have telogen effluvium, you may lose an average of 300 hairs a day instead of 100. Telogen effluvium can be triggered by a number of different events, including: Surgery Major physical trauma Major psychological stress High fever, severe infection or other illness Extreme weight loss Extreme change in diet Abrupt hormonal changes, including those associated with childbirth and menopause Iron deficiency Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism Some medications Because hairs that enter the telogen phase rest in place for two to four months before falling out, you may not notice any hair loss until two to four months after the event that caused the problem. Telogen effluvium rarely lasts longer than six months, although some cases last longer. Although losing a great number of hairs within a short time can be frightening, the condition is usually temporary. Each hair that is pushed prematurely into the telogen phase is replaced by a new, growing hair, so there is no danger of complete baldness. Because hair on the scalp grows slowly, your hair may feel or look thinner than usual for a time, but fullness will return as the new hairs grow in. Symptoms If you have telogen effluvium, you'll notice more hair than usual accumulating on your pillowcase, on the shower or bathroom floor and in your hairbrush. Your scalp hair may feel or look less dense than usual. Often, though, the hair loss is subtle, and other people may not notice anything different about your hair. Diagnosis Most cases of telogen effluvium can be diagnosed based on medical history and an examination of the scalp and hair. If the hair loss has been occurring for several months, there may be visible thinning Patches, but often the hair loss is not dramatic enough for a doctor to notice. If you have large bald patches, you probably don't have telogen effluvium. If the doctor gently tugs on some hairs on your scalp and four or more hairs come out, you probably have telogen effluvium. Also, the hairs will look like hairs in the telogen phase — they will have a white bulb at the end that was in the scalp, and will not have a gel-like covering around that end of the hair. You may be asked to gather all hairs that fall out of your head over a 24-hour period, and count them to see if the hair loss is truly excessive. Losing fewer than 100 hairs in a day is considered normal. You also may be asked to gather and count lost hairs every one or two weeks to see when the shedding starts to decline. In some rare cases, if there is reason to doubt the diagnosis, a biopsy of the scalp may be done. In this procedure, a small piece of the scalp that includes several hair follicles is removed and examined under a microscope. Your doctor also may do blood tests to check for conditions such as thyroid abnormalities that may be contributing to hair loss. Expected Duration Typically, hair loss begins two to four months after the event that triggered the problem, and lasts approximately six months. New hairs begin growing immediately after the hair falls out, but significant growth may not be noticed for several months. Prevention Nothing can be done to prevent most of the types of physical shock that can start telogen effluvium. Some cases may be caused by a poor diet, and these might be prevented by eating a balanced diet that provides enough Protein, iron and other nutrients. Treatment No treatment for active telogen effluvium has been proven effective. Some causes of the disorder can be corrected. For example, if you have a poor diet, consult a dietitian to help you balance it. If the hair loss began after you started a new medication, talk to your doctor to see if the medication should be discontinued. Many times, however, the cause is a specific event in the past, and you can expect that the hair will grow back. In cases where hair growth has not returned to a satisfactory level, your doctor may prescribe minoxidil (Rogaine), a lotion applied to the scalp that may stimulate hair growth in some people. When To Call a Professional See your doctor if you experience excessive hair loss or obvious thinning patches on your scalp. Prognosis The outlook for telogen effluvium is very good. Most cases run their course within six to nine months, and the hair usually grows back. In some cases, the disorder may last longer. In other cases, not all hairs grow back. External resources American Academy of Dermatology P.O. Box 4014 Schaumburg, IL 60168-4014 Phone: 847-330-0230 Toll-Free: 1-888-462-3376 Fax: 847-240-1859 http://www.aad.org/ Disclaimer: This content should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a call or visit to a health professional. Use of this content is subject to specific Terms of Use & Medical Disclaimers.

Ugghhhh!!! The hair loss is so irritating! I'm 3 months out, as well, and am totally shedding. I'm taking Biotin, b-complex, sublingual b-12, Vitamin d (I saw a hair restoration guru who said all of which are important to keep at good levels). I'm even taking a random, but delicious supplement called "Sugarbear Hair." Still shedding. I'm thankful that I have thick hair, but it's totally falling out more on the right side than the left! This X-fusion keratin colored hair fibers is the best product I've found--it thickens hair like a dry shampoo & kinda colors the scalp area so you see no scalp. It has an atomizer or you can just sprinkle it on. It makes a HUGE difference. My mom is in her early 60's & she got sleeved a year & half ago and she lost 147lbs in the 1st year--she's 5'8 & 127 now, but her hair has gotten much thinner & apparently, it's a little harder to grow back hair after menopause b/c hormones. I got her this hair Fiber stuff & you cannot even tell that her hair is thin anymore. Good Luck everyone!!!!

Protein shakes, protein soups (for when you're feeling like something savory) & whatever drink enhancements you like! PB2 powdered peanut butter & laughing cow cheese wedges in tiny mushy bites that melt in your mouth REALLY helped me swallow those supplements & pills early on! Good Luck to you!!!!

Milk of Magnesia & Colace (not peri-colace, which is a laxative & stool softener). From what my doctor said about laxatives, it actually does your body a disservice b/c they start to train the bowel muscles to depend on the laxative--but I think it's more dangerous for continued use than just occasional. I used peri-colace in the beginning twice out of sheer desperation after lots of milk of magnesia, benefiber & miralax fiber supplements. I didn't realize that peri-colace was a laxative! The colace stool softer works like magic w/ no cramping or discomfort! Good Luck!!!!

Don't know abt the bathroom part, but in the first month I was EXHAUSTED after I took a shower. My heart raced & I was out of breath & sometimes a little light-headed. It was SO ridiculous. I've never been one to nap, but I had to rest or nap after every shower. I'm 3 months out & don't really much need a nap unless I've done some intense exercise like walked 1-1.5 hrs the day before (I live in a hilly area) & that's about all that catches up w/ me now the next day. Listen to your body as best you can & get ready for a fantastic journey! Good luck!!!

I love it, too! I'm 3 months post-op & PB2 helped me swallow many a supplement early on.

I don't know why I love spicy food, but I do. I travel with Gas X strips & usually don't have any problems, but I'm only 3 months out & haven't tried a lot w/ my new sleeve. So, yesterday I had some pineapple & jalepeno hummus w/ sugar snap peas--maybe 2 Tablespoons at the most and it lit me up. Thought I wasn't going to make it. Will I now be sensitive to spicy foods?? Anybody got experience w/ this topic who has been sleeved for a while???

Sounds great to me! Way to go. I'm 3 months out & my team recommends at least 60g protein & 64oz liquid (protein can come from liquid in my program). My first 2 months I usually got btwn 80-100 grams protein (lots of protein shakes) & 75-100oz liquid. Good luck!

I can't even believe the way my mind & body have transformed in only 3 months. I feel motivated, grateful, empowered & energetic. This procedure has been life changing for me. I'm around 6'0 tall & have gone from 268 to 207. I still have a way to go & am so thankful for the weight I've lost and my balanced lifestyle with food...however, today, I'm especially grateful for a non-scale victory: Today I'm getting my gray hairs touched up and it finally happened...the SMOCK wraps around me! For a year, the smock barely even came together!!! I know this is a small thing in life, but each time I'd go to the salon I'd say to myself, "one day this smock is going to fit me," and today's the day! [emoji176]

That airplane seatbelt gave me some serious anxiety last year. I flew a few weeks ago & I still expect it to BARELY snap shut. You go @@anitavee! Show that seatbelt who's boss! Good luck to you:)

Colace was a life saver for me in the beginning. (Not peri-colace) You can find it at any drug store. Life changer. I will say that those first few weeks before I tried colace, I used miralax & benefiber--I literally still thank God for each BM I have. TMI, but when you are struggling in that department, there is a gratitude that I don't know when I'll stop having. I'm 12 weeks. Colace!

I'm 12 weeks out & I remember thinking so many things either tasted weird, bad or were just unsatisfying to my taste buds during the first 2months. At 3 months now, I will say many things taste quite good! My tastes have changed & I find myself craving healthier foods. What a gift in itself!!! I do make sure to have a small bite or 2 of things that look delicious, so I'm not depriving myself--I used to either indulge or deprive. I've found so much balance since the sleeve. Good luck!

I only told 4 close friends, my husband & mother. For me, it's just a personal thing. I have so many friends who are always trying to lose weight or are so weight conscious & many of them I consider normal to thin weight. Some people can get competitive and not always be happy for your weight loss. We all have our own issues. You'll know who to share with and who not to.

Way to go @@iwillbeachitagain!!! Keep up the good work! Okay, this is a great topic. I've turned it into one of my non-scale victory GOALS. I attend a bariatric surgery support group once or twice a month & I learn so much from the people who are 2, 3 & 4 years post-surgery. I also get reminded of where I was not very long ago with the newbies who are just entering the program. Anyway, one of my goals is being able to take a few bags of 1x & size 16 clothes to be able to offer anyone who would be interested after the meeting. Can't wait!

Prilosec works for me & I NEVER go anywhere without Gas-X strips!!!

I'm 2 months & 3 weeks post-sleeve & at Disney now, and had the same concerns as you! I haven't had a problem at all after 6 days of being here. We've been to all 4 parks. I so agree w/ the post about the Garden Kiosk at Epcot during the International Flower Show--the small plates are amazing & truly the best food I've had here & we've been to some pretty fab spots. The jerky small bites has been my saving grace b/c I'll suddenly get hungry sometimes & feel STARVING. I also keep a Luna protein bar in my bag. I've found that there are a good number of Mexican food spots w/ ground beef & nachos or chicken fajitas on the grounds--I just get the ground beef alone or chicken & it's flavorful. I can only eat 1/4 cup or so--sometimes only 4-5 bites. There seem to be so many healthy options available compared to yrs ago. Syntrax Nectar sample size protein powder packs are great for purse to mix w/ low-fat milk & milk is easy to find in single serving size in the parks. Honestly, my toughest thing is finding liquids I like & that work for me. Plain water hits my stomach weird if I drink more than a couple of ounces. Crystal light packs are great for purse. So many drinks here are carbonated or loaded w/ sugar. A lot of spots have flavored iced tea drinks--like peach iced tea, but it's made w/ 4-6 pumps of peach syrup. I just order plain iced tea & add Splenda. Some spots have coconut water & there are Starbucks at every park that have caffeine free Passion Tango shaken iced that is very refreshing. I will say that I've tried a bite or two of some desserts AFTER my protein on a couple of days (sweets were my biggest battle pre-sleeve) & I am now able to stop after a bite or two, b/c I'm already full of protein! It's weird that I don't have major sweet cravings anymore. What a life-changer. I've been extremely diligent about making healthy protein choices through the airport & parks. We walk these parks from morning til night & I can feel my pants getting looser & looser--you've got built in exercise & entertainment coming your way! YOU can do it! Hope you have a wonderful time!!!

I'm 9-10 weeks out & Water still hits my stomach weird. I LOVE this drink--10 cal for whole bottle & 1g sugar.they have variety packs at Sam's Club & you can order on Amazon. good luck!!!

I felt hungry a few days after surgery--my stomach was growling & just felt empty. Sometimes even while I was drinking my protein shake & right after. I learned that a lot it was stomach acid getting adjusted to Prilosec & my new eating habits. It lasted a little while, but I'd just start walking through the house (figure 8's from one side to other side of house) & it always stopped then. Good luck! I'm 9 wks out & it gets easier!

Just reading through & I really don't know my recommended calories per day--my goal is 60-80g protein & 64 oz liquid, but what about calories??

Well, waiting 20-25 minutes between eating & drinking is the most annoying part of the sleeve. I end up setting a timer on my phone to make sure I've waited long enough. I understand that liquid makes the food in the stomach "drain" quicker or move along quicker, but it's totally annoying. It's been 8 weeks, does it get any easier?? I find myself starving as I wait those 20-25 min until I can eat. Please tell me it gets easier[emoji24]

Well, I only have one drink right now that feels refreshing--iced Passion Tango herbal tea from Starbucks w/ a couple of Splenda. I really miss Diet Ginger Ale--it was the only soda j drank. Does anyone have a really cold & refreshing drink recommendation??

Every strong smell completely grossed me out after surgery. I'm 8 weeks post-op & somewhere along the way, the sensitivity went away. I remember walking figure 8's through my house twice a day in the beginning (it's a long house) to get my 30-40 min & my route went through the kitchen where my husband was warming up stuffed peppers. Oh.my.gosh. The pepper & onion smell was SO repulsive. Gag-reflex repulsive. Hang in there--it goes away!

Wow. My mother has been very nervous about losing too much weight, but she hasn't had the esophageal issues that you have--that sounds terrible:( She lost 147 lbs in her first year. She's around 5'8 & went from 275 to 128, but she doesn't exercise a whole lot--she did only have protein first. She looks great, but 2 doctors have told her she's a little too thin. She swears her pouch is small & doesn't hold that much, but she's always eating b/c she's afraid if she were to get sick, she'd lose more. Good luck to you!

I felt the same way. I'd lost 8 lbs in my first 2 weeks. The surgeon said there were a lot of fluids from IV & then swelling. I'm 8 weeks out now & have lost 50lbs w/ 2 stalls. Try your best not to worry about it--just make sure you are getting your protein & liquids, along with your walking and your body will take care of the rest!

Absolutely incredible!!! Way to go!