BlondePatriotInCDA

I agree with SpartanMaker that you can try all the supplements people suggest but; ..I recently went to my dermatologist for hair loss and I worked in a dermatology clinic for years so not only did I ask my personal dermatologist, but I went back and asked my former employers about supplements/treatments. My personal dermatologist said studies/research shows that they really don't work including biotin shampoos etc. Biotin coats the hair shaft to fluff it i.e. make it stand up a bit giving the appearance of being fuller and working, but its coating hair that's already dead so its not treating hair loss. So until your hair stops shedding it can help with appearances. Collagen can't hurt, but most likely won't help. All the dermatologists at my old clinic (6 separate doctors) all agreed that hair supplements aren't worth the money since they really don't work, but if it made me "feel better" taking them and I didn't mind "wasting money" they couldn't hurt. They all agreed that making sure I got all my protein in each day and taking my multivitamin so I wasn't deficient was the best route to take. I was told that in general after a major surgery if people continued to "shed" after 12 - 18 months to be sure to make an appointment as there could be more going on but until then it was completely normal. Needless to say I continued to shed past 18 months and made an appointment. I'm now being treated for possible LPP which could have been brought on by the stress of surgery - its difficult to determine as its idiopathic. Luckily for me its really early and doctor feels I won't get bald patches. Whew! So, unless its major shedding (clumps), you notice bald spots, itching, sores, redness, scaling etc, or you've gone past the 18 months timeline its a "normal" reaction to the stress of surgery there isn't anything to be done other than wait it out. All else fails to assure you, make an appointment with your dermatologist to alleviate your concerns.

Did you go in to the clinic and did your doctor do a full physical? If not I would consider a second opinion especially being 9 weeks out. At 9 weeks you should be on solid foods unless you were advised to do liquid/puree for longer and you didn't? A second opinion can never hurt. You said mentally food makes you want to "gag"and you find food " disgusting ", perhaps not only having a complete physical but talking to the dietician or a mental health professional would also help... Also, you never stated what your average meal menus consist of...and quantity..other than low fat meats and protein drinks. Are you getting enough fiber to assist with those " accidents"? I'd at the bare minimum set up an appointment with the dietician. Good luck hope you start doing better soon!

I agree with the other two posts, contact your surgical team, what you're experiencing in is not "normal." Don't risk your health further.

I told him that's ok..I wouldn't want my sexy time with Thor interrupted anyway!

I agree!!! It was a backhanded "compliment"!

I would say based on your responses you hope that they never have to go to the doctor for colds, pain, broken bones...etc...after all those are all medical interventions for things you/your body can handle overtime and with enough brain power over it! After all, you wouldn't want them to take "the easy way out." I'd go on to say doctors don't prescribe surgical procedures for the easy way out, nor do insurance companies approve and pay for surgeries for the same reason. Lastly, I'd add if they don't have anything nice to say you don't want to hear it - you're doing what you feel is right for you and you don't need negative comments on your journey to better health.

Lol I said pretty much the same thing but it was Chris Hemsworth AND Mamoa! 😝 I showed this to my husband and told him your and my responses...he said he first thought "his wife" which sounds great...but he wouldn't go up those stairs for me..now I need to contemplate his answer! 🤔

Just tell them you've made a life choice to be and eat healthier to lose weight and wine has empty calories for you, so as its a wine "tasting" you'll taste it but not drink it all down. Explain you want to enjoy the flavor and time spent with good friends but don't want to sabotage your health plan!

Finasteride is usually for male pattern baldness...its not usually prescribed for women (I'm assuming OP is female). I concur lighter hair color works for pale skin hair loss and darker for darker skin tones.

Congratulations, you've done great! That 100 pound achievement is a great feeling.

Thank you, I'll take all the luck I can get! I have just the "normal" shedding most complain about after major surgeries, except it has continued past when it should have stopped or gotten better 12 month - 16 months. Sometimes its a brush full sometimes lots of hair fall. I don't have any bald spots as of yet <fingers crossed>🙏 I just happened to go in for my yearly skin check and mentioned it to my dermatologist (surfer, scuba diver, life guard, sailing ) so lots of sun in my past). My doctor said she saw a few small scars and thought to just be on the safe side decided to do two punch biopsies. She has me on antibiotics and then in 10 days I go in for follow-up diagnosis (I diagnosed myself based on pathology slides - I'm a pathology lab director) and treatment options. I just wanted to put it out there for people so if they were losing hair to not wait to long jic. There is a cut off that can be blamed on typical bariatric surgery for hair shedding, but if it continues the sooner you get treatment the better outcomes.

Its not a physical thing, but the most important thing to have is patience. Patience with yourself and patience in the process. Trust the program/process and follow your doctors guidelines. Lastly, give yourself some grace, the weight didn't come on overnight and it won't come off overnight. You will have doubts and mistakes - don't be too hard on yourself, just take it a step at a time and get back up and on the program again. Other than that, there have been numerous forum posts covering your question. You will find tons of advice on actual items etc., if you put in a search for your answers! Congrats on your upcoming surgery and welcome to the forums and a healthier way of life!

Very well said!

I would definitely schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Mine continued to "shed" even with all the right macros and supplements etc. My hair loss slowed quite a bit at one year - but then started again so I talked to my dermatologist, she did a punch biopsy and found out I have LPP (lichen planopilaris) which started/triggered after surgery. Luckily I didn't ignore it just thinking its the standard shedding after bariatric surgery ppl discuss on these forums. My doctor said if it had been, it should have slowed down and stopped by a year -16 months following surgery especially with eating properly. Luckily I caught it early and I'm hoping it won't get bad. At the very least if you set an appointment with your dermatologist you will have peace of mind with a doctor looking you over and confirming its just the stress from surgery causing it. Unfortunately, sometimes the stress from surgeries can set things off in our bodies. Good luck!

I completely agree with all your points. Herbal life has had a really bad reputation for years plus for the reasons you pointed out. Plus, I too wouldn't do soy, as "Soy contains phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that can mimic estrogen in the body" why add to hormones when you're trying to get protein not hormones. Especially since the release of fat our bodies are metabolizing after surgery release extra hormones as it is!

Thank you! I've read numerous posts about "set points" and always thought if it was actually a thing then why did I need surgery (my body would have stopped at its set point) or why even bother giving plans for exercise if my body has a "set" point!? I realize that most of it is to get our minds set to a healthier way of thinking with follow through, but its simple math: calories in vs. Calories out vs. Bodies requirement = weight/health. Nothing has really changed other than our awareness of this math and adherence to it. It all comes down to calories in calories out. If set points were actually a thing none of us would have needed surgery. Anyone can gain weight if we exceed calories beyond daily needs or lose if we exceed calorie burn. Even those ppl who are bone thin and complain no matter what they do they can't put weight on, if they exceed needs everyday they too would gain. Thank you for an excellent post!

Same 😔 as well as my breasts. I'm reminded of those National Geographic photos!

Probably because it varies depending on mg prescribed and type (brand name) of the meds. Plus, if your insurance will cover it or not.

What you need to ask yourself is something I used to help me when my weight appeared to not be fast enough; did I put the weight on in just a few months? No, so I need to be patient and let the process work and do my part while not expecting the weight to come off in such a short time! Give yourself the gift of being patient with your body. I know its difficult, especially being that we're an instant gratification society now, but you deserve the grace, time and patience knowing you made the right decision for yourself having had the surgery! Follow the guidelines you were given by your bariatric team. But f you still don't feel the weight is coming off as fast as you think it should - schedule an appointment with your dietician/surgeon and ask for they're advice. You've got this! Lastly 13lbs is an average/"normal" weight loss for 5 weeks 🤗

I added a high quality whey protein powder to most everything I consumed and I mean everything.. My coffee, my soup, my flavored drinks (crystal lite) etc.

This is a question I'd recommend consulting your bariatric surgeons office about. Now having said that, everyone is different, I personally didn't have much pain following my surgery BUT my energy was low for several months (5-6 months) remember you will be on a significant reduced calorie change that your body isn't used to. Disney requires a lot of walking and I know I couldn't have done days at Disney walking that much only 4-5 weeks out. Again, everyone is different. Also, I was told NO travel for 3 months following my surgery: too much sitting on plane (blood clots), distance from surgeon if an emergency medical situation were to arise etc. So again ask your surgeons office. Sorry to not answer directly.

Yes! I too am exactly in the same situation. Most food just as you said taste off lately. It just doesn't appeal to me. I used to enjoy food, now its just something I force myself to do. I'm hoping this is just a phase, keep us updated on if its your meds or something else!

Nooo but they look delicious. Which are your favorite flavors?

Lol I agree and I'll look into it! I hate that I've come this far only to still be too embarrassed to wear short sleeves or shorts!