CLN.BK

Silly, vanity post. Read at your own risk. I've always had a dream that I could have mermaid hair. I'm not referring to the multi-colors that have become trendy over the last couple years. I'm referring to the length and waves. Here is an example of what I mean by mermaid hair: http://kristinaludwig.com/ludwig/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Mermaid-mermaids-15836666-1024-768.jpg My hair is already to my boobs, so I'm good there. It is naturally wavy and thick. However, I need it to be just a little bit wavier to achieve my vision of mermaid hair. I read a post previously where someone's hair grew back very curly after the loss, whereas it was straight before. My Question: Have any of you had your hair grow back wavier or curlier after the hair loss? I'm curious if that was a one-off situation or if others had the same or similar experiences.

Has anyone used them before? Opinions?

I know my family will not be supportive of this decision. They actually shunned someone we knew who had it and never spoke to her again. My family is very judgmental, close-minded, and "uppity." Regardless, they all live about 1,200 miles from me. I'm pretty much on my own where I live (dysfunctional family... had to get away from everyone about 4 years ago). I have 2 friends where I live now. They have never struggled with their weight. They're great friends, but they won't understand or support my decision to "give up" and "give in" to WLS. So, basically, I'm doing this on my own. At some point I will have to tell people, but for now, I don't want to fight that battle. I want to focus on pre-op, post-op, and adapting to a new lifestyle. I don't want stress or distractions from F&F. Has anyone basically done this alone? How did you get through it emotionally, mentally, and physically? Support group? Therapy? These forums? I hope I don't sound rude saying this, but I'm not looking for advice on how to get F&F on board with my decision. I'm seeking advice on how to get through this alone. Thank you in advance :-)

@@jenrae1 I had the surgery on August 5. My 1st day back at work was Friday (2 days ago). I feel great! I've struggled to meet my Water requirements the past two days at work. I was surprised, because I had no trouble getting in enough water while at home. I will have to be more diligent. Surprisingly, none of my employees commented on my weightloss (I've lost 24lbs since I last saw them). Granted, I'm their new-ish boss, so I don't think they'd be comfortable commenting on it yet anyway. As they get to know me and I lose more, I'm sure they'll start asking.

I've lost 13 pounds in 4 weeks, 16 days of which I was stalled and didn't lose anything :-(

Once I made my decision, I was ready, so I can't help you with the wishy-washy stuff. No one at work knows why I was out of work other than HR. Before I left on FMLA, my boss made the comment that he hopes I'm okay but doesn't want to be nosey. He was hinting around to try and find out why I was out, but I was vague and just said I was fine and everything would be okay. I only see him once a month, so when I see him next, I'll probably be down about 45lbs. I don't *think* he'll comment on my weightloss, but if he does, I'll say "thank you" and move the conversation in a different direction. If my employees ask why I was out, I'll say hiatal hernia repair. If they comment about my weightloss, I'll tell them the partial truth: exercise and a proper diet.

I returned to work today. I put on pants for the 1st time since surgery (I've been wearing dresses and sweat pants for the past 4 weeks). They were wayyyyy too big! I tried on another pair. TOO BIG! I decided to try on a pair that I couldn't get past my hips 2 months ago. TOO BIG! Finally, I tried on a pair that I couldn't get past my thighs 2 months ago. THEY FIT! Better yet, the waist already has room to spare. Looks like I'll be wearing dresses until it gets too cold, and then it'll be time to shop!

I will be there for sure. Am I supposed to bring the clothes on hangers or just fold them nicely?

I have a job where I'm on my feet hustling for 8 hours a day, but I'm indoors. Like you, I get a 30 minute lunch break. I have taken 4 weeks off and will be returning to work in 2 days. I can tell you there is no way I would have been able to return to work sooner. Due to the calorie deficit, I had very little energy and would not have lasted an 8 hour shift on my feet. I've had to take a 2-3 hour nap most days since my surgery. Your shifts are 2 hours longer than mine, and you're outdoors in the heat. I would think you'd need a minimum of 4 weeks off, if not more.

@@trekker954 I'm not a fan of cottage cheese, but I'm forcing myself to eat it due to the nutritional value. Some people put salt and/or pepper on it. It didn't work for me, but give it a try.

I put Texas Pete's Hot Sauce in my pureed chili (I'm 3 weeks post-op). I didn't have any issues with it, but I know others have been unable to tolerate it so soon.

@@gustavio I take Flintstones Complete multi-Vitamin (it's chewable). I also take 1000mg of B12 (CVS's liquid version). I haven't personally tried the patch, but I've read where it has burned & peeled skin that resulted in infections. Conversely, there are people such as trekker who use it with no issues.

I haven't tried hummus yet, but I definitely need to incorporate more variety into my pureed meals. I kind of wish I could stay on the liquid diet a bit longer, because I looooooove the chocolate Premier Protein shakes.

@@dede_mont I'm on purees and made chili the other night. It had tomatoes in it. My stomach didn't like the tomatoes (or the chili?) on the 1st day, but now I can eat it. Edit: I pureed the chili prior to consuming it, of course.

Congratulations! Your accomplishment is very inspiring!

I'm newly sleeved, so my answer is a short-term one. I knew I'd be tired after surgery, but I'm surprised by how much I am tired. I have spurts of energy throughout the day, but I have to take a 2-3 hour nap every afternoon. I'm nervous about returning to work because of it.

@@kelliev2015 I was given conflicting information from 3 different people within my medical team, so I don't even know what kind of restrictions I have. Unfortunately, I'm going off information from the web, these forums, and my step-dad (he's a doctor). Yes, I know this is far from ideal, and I hate it. I've been using the weight machines for my arms and legs only. I'm not using any machines that target my core, abs, back, etc. I'm waiting until the 6 week mark (Sept. 15th) to actually work with the trainer b/c that seems to be a general consensus of when restrictions are lifted, and I have a follow-up appointment with my PCP on the 14th.

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This is so, so true. I had very intense head hunger cravings the 1st two weeks. I'm now 3 weeks post-op and the head hunger has dissipated to some degree. It's not completely gone by any means, but it feels more manageable now.

@ In this context, "normal" means someone who isn't a compulsive, binge-eating food addict constantly chasing a sugar high.

I have a somewhat physically demanding job, so I am taking off 4 weeks. I'm supposed to RTW this Friday. I've read that people with desk jobs are able to go back much sooner though.

Wow, you look great. You look at least 10 years younger. Congrats!

Brooklyn here :-)

I'm only 3 weeks post-op, but I had an "Aha!" moment today. I was reading health and wellness articles online, and one article regarding junk food had a picture of several different donuts. In the past, that picture would have triggered an intense I-have-to-eat-5-donuts-right-now type of craving. I would have walked to Dunkin Donuts or the bakery, bought a dozen, and eaten them all by the end of the day. When I saw the donut picture today, nothing happened. I simply read the article and then moved on to the next one. Like a normal person.

Exactly this.