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Changes in diet can sometimes lead to hair loss Tuesday, September 13, 2005 By Tara Parker-Pope, The Wall Street Journal Dieters hoping to lose weight are discovering they're losing something else -- their hair. The little-talked-about secret of the dieting industry is that a successful diet can also trigger hair loss. As Americans struggle with obesity and tackle countless fad diets, some dermatologists say they are increasingly hearing complaints from perplexed dieters about thinning hair. After Esther Sokol, a New York City records manager, lost nine pounds on the Atkins diet a few years ago, her hairdresser noticed her usually thick hair was beginning to thin. It was only after talking with doctors and hair experts that she learned her diet was the likely culprit. "Diet was the only major change I'd made," says Ms. Sokol. Hair loss can be triggered by a variety of factors including pregnancy, stress, surgery and age-related hormonal changes, to name a few. But few people realize that weight loss can also cause hair to shed, likely due to a nutritional deficiency. Although iron deficiency is often associated with diet-related hair loss, a range of nutrient deficiencies can result in thinning hair, dermatologists say. Changes in levels of zinc, magnesium, protein, essential fatty acids and vitamins D, B and A can all trigger episodes of shedding hair. The problem affects both men and women, but women are more likely to notice it and seek treatment, say doctors. The fact that so many different nutrients can be the culprit in hair loss means any diet can take a toll on the tresses. The threat of thinning hair shouldn't discourage patients from losing weight, but it should convince them to avoid fad, quick-reduction diets, says Wilma Bergfeld, head of clinical research for the department of dermatology at the Cleveland Clinic. Such diets often lack proper nutrition, and rapid weight loss in itself is a stress on the body and can also trigger metabolism changes that affect hair growth. For hair health, doctors say the best weight-loss plans are reduced-calorie diets that promote gradual weight loss with healthful foods from all of the food groups. Diets low in protein and iron, such as vegetarian diets and very-low-fat diets, often result in deficiencies. But high-protein diets like Atkins that initially discourage fruits and vegetables can also trigger hair loss, says Dr. Bergfeld. The typical patient complains of thinning hair after losing about 20 pounds in a relatively short period of time, she says. "We see it all the time," says Dr. Bergfeld. "If you start eating only one thing and you're not well balanced, you get into trouble." A spokesman for Atkins referred questions to the company's Web site, which addresses hair loss in its frequently asked questions section, noting that any weight-loss plan can trigger hair loss. The site contends the Atkins diet is the "least likely" to cause hair loss. However, dermatologists say no scientific study has ever determined whether certain diets are more or less likely to cause hair loss. In a healthy person, hair typically grows about an inch every two months. Hair has a three-phase life cycle -- the growing phase can last two to five years. A second, less-active phase lasts only about six weeks. A final resting phase lasts three to five months, before the hair falls out and new hair grows in. About 15 percent of hair follicles are in the resting phase at a time. Abrupt changes in nutrition can disrupt the hair-growth cycle, causing hair follicles in the growing phase to convert to the resting phase too soon. This can mean a 20 percent to 30 percent or more increase in the number of daily hairs shed. For many people, diet-related hair loss is temporary and may last only about two to six months. Once a person starts eating a more balanced diet, hair eventually comes back. In some people it may take one to two years to regain a full head of hair, dermatologists say. Some dieters aren't even that lucky. A hair-shedding episode triggered by dieting may become a chronic problem if the dieter has a genetic predisposition for thinning hair, says Dr. Bergfeld and other doctors. In addition, hair loss triggered by dieting can be exacerbated by hormonal changes, stress or medications -- sending patients into a chronic cycle of hair shedding. Ms. Sokol says she stopped the diet and has since regained the weight -- but her hair has never recovered. She says that if she had been aware of the link between weight loss and hair loss she probably wouldn't have tried the diet. Dermatologists say they often advise dieters to take a multivitamin with iron and keep weight loss to a pace of one to two pounds a week. Dieters with a family history of thinning hair or baldness should be especially careful about proper nutrition and slow weight loss. Patients considering obesity surgery, which often results in rapid weight loss, should also talk to their doctor about ways to protect their hair. In addition to nutrition supplements, patients who experience thinning hair after dieting or for other reasons are advised to avoid chemical treatments like bleach or permanents that weaken hair. Minoxidil, the active ingredient in the topical treatment Rogaine, is often recommended for chronic hair loss, although it doesn't work for everyone and has to be used consistently or the hair shedding will return, notes Brooklyn dermatologist Morris Westfried, medical director of the New York Hair Loss Center who published one of the first reports on minoxidil. For men, the oral medication Propecia may also help improve thinning hair. Hair extensions and transplants are also an option, but they can be expensive.

(hehe I said eat out). ! LOL She said 'eat out' HP burning those chickens was great...A picture's worth a thousand words! So may I ask why you decided to go vegetarian? Health? PETA? I've thought about it before, but I already have a hard time cooking, etc. what would I eat??

That made me laugh too hard! The Accidental Sodomite, could be a movie. Talking PC, there was a time, when I was the cook at the vegetarian restaurant when I was uber PC. I call it my humorless lesbian phase. Man o man, we could turn anything into a PC slur. Many of the young tattooed and pierced people working with me were college teaching assistants...the conversations were priceless. Oh and there were the stoners too. I could write a book. What a mess. :thumbup:

I had this nice long post typed in and fell asleep at the computer last night....literally. I ended up over typing everything with a kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk. Now I can't remember all the stuff I wrote. Apples, your generosity is wonderful. It's nice you try and include people that might not have anywhere else to go. You are so set up to cook for 20 or more that I suspect it's no big deal for you. Charlene, that check thing to Santa is pretty funny. Now why did Santa need a check? To help pay for reindeer food? It is so much fun to create the illusion for little kids..as much fun for the parents (or should be) as for the kids. Hey I got a Chatty Cathy one year. Lori, sorry about your leg...you rest today. Your Grandma is very lucky to have you and you to have her. I hope she gets through the decision making alright. It's pretty tough for them at that age and it's very nice she has you to help her. So you didn't mention your own traditions, just your DH's. Did you adopt his? Laura K...mimosa? Sounds like a great new tradition. I can just imagine the kids with their cookies. Must have been lots of fun. Julie, your Christmas sounds nice too...not too much cooking and being close to those you love. What did your parents tell you about having presents early? Phyl, your RV looks great...congrats on the prize!! So are you driving that decorated RV up to the SF area of just taking your regular vehicle? It seems like a lot of work to pack up your house for a short trip. The decorations really do look great. I love Christmas lights. Cheri...I can understand why you don't have any set traditions with all the changes you've had over the years. I'm also sorry you don't seem to have a really good friend (besides your DH). What I wish for you in the New Year is to find a really good girl friend...a really good friend will love you no matter how abrasive you might be and will stick with you through anything. I find my friends really help me through the rough times. They put up with me no matter what. It really makes my life fuller. I wish the same for you. Janet...you've had a few changes too. You've handled everything so well and I'm glad you are happy. The story about Star and the tree rearranging is pretty funny. How did you manage to sleep through that? Sorry about the leg cramps. Hope that gets better quickly. I stayed up rather late last night....falling asleep at the computer. I've started on the prep for Christmas Dinner. The number is growing, 16 confirmed and 19 possible. I'll have to borrow chairs from my friend. Today is trash day, so I cooked all the meat (chicken, pork, sausage, hamburger) last night and deboned the chicken and drained all the fat off so I could get it in the trash today. We have trash pickup only once a week and if I get all the stinky stuff in today, I won't have to smell it later in the week. So the chicken (organic thighs) and pork (tenderloin) will be ground with some proscuitto to make the meat filling for ravioli. I'll get that together today and will just have to add the eggs on Friday before stuffing. The hamburger (home ground beef) and italian sausage (made at a local shop) is now simmering with seasonings and tomatoes to make meat sauce. I have the vegetarian sauce already made and in the freezer. I'll make cheese filling today too without the eggs and add the eggs Friday. I'm also going to make butternut squash ravioli with a sage and browned butter sauce. So besides three kinds of ravioli, we are having 3 sauces, caesar salad with home made dressing and croutons. Fresh bread (DH makes sourdough and I make regular). Appetizers are white bean and garlic dip, veggies, roasted olives, a meat and cheese antipasto with marinated mushroom and artichokes. Fresh bread with olive oil (oil I brought back from SF). Desert is all the cookies and stuff I have from cookie exchange, a pear cobbler with cranberry streusel and a cheese board with a bunch of cheeses and fruit. I love to cook like this, but I'm usually exhaused by the end of the process. So if you don't hear from me you'll know why. I'm trying to pace myself so I'm not so wiped out I can't function. Do I take on too much....maybe, but I really enjoy the food prep and I love when people eat it and love it. I also like the interaction of all these people I know...I could just be a fly on the wall and be happy. I did get on the scale today after weeks of being afraid to do it. I'm up 2 pounds.....and I've been at this level for a while. I was afraid I had gained 5 or more pounds. YIPEE, I love my band. I really believe that after Christmas I'll be getting back on the "band wagon" and applying myself to eating right and the weight will start dropping again. I think I needed the time for my body to adjust to this weight and then it will be ready to let go and I'll start losing again. Okay, I'm off to do something...I have to clean the dining room and get it set up for a bunch of people. Later, Eva

Hi all... Okay found this amazing bakery in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. No glutten, no sugar, Spelt and agave...everything all natural vegetarian. Boy am I a happy camper!!! I bought ten things and had a small teeny weeny bite of each...just had to!!! The only thing I didnt love....the agave sweetened, glutten free Brownie....tasted like..um passover brownies too sweet!!!! Everything else to die for!!! All this and a kosher certification as well...meaning I could bring this stuff in the house...and I could now have healthy treats for shabbos for Dassi and her friends...oh yes and me. lol. Doing the happy dance...woo hoo. Happy days are here again....havent had a treat like this in five months..... no no JAP....lol No JCC? Sometimes a JCC will offer after school and will pick up from the school as well...no need to be jewish either...not sure if there is one in your area but check it out if there is.... Phyll I hope your back feels better...I for one love the Chiropractor...I would go every day if I could!! I go and get a deep tissue massage and then an adjustment and I feel great after...its one price..for both so that makes me a happy camper. My daughter loves going as well. She gets real upset if we dont go once a week..she says it helps her concentrate and keeps her body from getting out of sync. Ive been taken her since she was a week old! If she got sick or had any infections especially ear ones....it was right to the Chiropractor before the Dr. You should try it....you never know...id take that adjustment over drugs anyday. Hope you feel better soon. Oh I hope your daughter feels better soon and the facility is going to be able to meet her needs...Shes lucky to have you and her husband for support...thats half the battle for any illness, but if drugs can help for the interum until your daughter can begin to take control of her life herself.....it might be the best thing at the moment...Drugs are a tool and need to be used as such....some were never meant for long term use...some longer then others...but whats important is that she realizes that she needs help and cannot get through this alone. Lori....ROTFL...hahah. Good for you!! So it isnt just me...its this newfound postive energy that you are putting out!!! You must feel pretty great!! No matter who he was or if he was "younger" the fact that he payed attention and gave you attention...should have made you feel like a couger...grrrrreeeat! Btw.....enjoy the first visit to OB..Dr. The first is always the bestest!!! Congratulations again! No, we arent going to have her Bat Mitzvah at the wall....the men would stone us if we did. lol Woman arent really supposed to bring attention to themselves and god forbid they might make a spectical by singing aloud there together....lol No....im not ready to get that much attention ....yet. So far I looked into several different programs...for bat mitzvah girls...what I found was....that in Israel there is no such thing as a big party like in the states for this occasion where a girl turns 12. What they do is they take on "chessed" projects (acts of kindness) from Rosh Hashana of the year of the birthday till the following Rosh Hashana the next year...the new year to the next year, During this time....the girls take upon themselves several projects and work with them the whole year...at the end of the year they have a meaningful celebration of sorts. So...I thought...heck Im not going to spend 10,000 dollars to have just a party here in the states....and invite her whole class and the second class.....nope... Havent decided which program to choose from...yet. There is one program in Israel...in Natanya...there is a girls orphanage....more like a home for troubled girls who cannot for whatever reason live at home. You can donate a certain set amount of money to the home....and they will make a big dinner celebration for all the girls together who live there along with your child and family so that they too can go to a party. I like this idea...but again its only a party...I was thinking of doing this and something in conjunction with it......maybe the second program....which takes place At Rachels tomb (an auspicious for girls and woman to come pray in Bethlehem). Here apparently you pray for Rachel who is one of the four mothers to help you..have a baby if you cant....(as she cried out to god to give her a child and he listened and did) or a girl who wants to get married.... so we pray...saying..."mamma Rachel cry for us again....wont you shed a tear for your dear children and pray that we should get what we need....together). When a baby girl is born they bring her here...and put on a red string that was made with prayers to ward off the evil spirit...and to recieve special blessings.... I like this idea....and I think for Dassi this would be the most meaningful for her. The program....starts in the U.S. at the beginning of the year and you begin learning with your mother, sister, grandmother..(woman) something of importance to being a jewish woman...and then you come to Israel and then do several projects...like volenteer in a soup kitchen for a week with your mother or others...or a hospital or give water out to soldiers or babysit for parents who lost children do to war etc etc. You pick what you want..... I like this idea and id like to combine the two...as well. I would also like to begin doing other chessed projects here in the community.... maybe collect clothing, school supplies..or whatever to bring with us to the Oprhanage in Natanya which weve done the last time we came and it was a fabulous experience for Dassi and she would like to do this again.... so to answer your question....um not sure...but youve prompted me to get on the ball to get things rolling New Years....is just a month away and I havent even been in touch to see about the real possibilities...who knows...perhaps both of these ideas will be astronomically expensive and we wont be doing either on the scale I would like...and will have to look into others. What ever the case may be....Im thinking that it will be passover time...and thats something that at least has been the consensus..all around. Of course my dad....funny guy....called just last week and asked what date he should make the airline reservations....and I just laughed!!! Who did he think he was talking to??? He should know that I wouldnt have a plan about 10 months in advance of anything! lol wew...that was a long response to a simple question but...you asked lol. Hope I didnt bore you with this....but perhaps you can help...with an idea or other even? [ Thank you... You always have such good insights to tell us about the things you learn at support group. Thank you for sharing. Cherri, I hope that you will get to the bottom of what ever is ailing you and you can just change your diet and not have to take so many extra pills.....being in pain is no fun....I hope knowing what is causing it will help somewhat as well. Thoughts are with you. [Hi....yes ouch. I hope all goes well and recouperation is minimal. okay..all...I post way way too much!! Have a good night all Jodi

Cheri~ It wasn't drinking any wine or anything like that when the band was too tight, it was after. I know how it feels when it is too tight now and this was definately that "feeling". After I was so sick with my band too tight and having reflux every night for that month, I never want to feel like that again. It caused that partial slip that I had. It's only when I'm too tight that I get reflux. I have never gotten it from food. I don't consider myself semi-vegetarian, I just sometimes don't like the taste of meat. It depends I guess. Usually my salads will have chicken on them. Yesterday it did. But I don't do much dairy. It makes me have gas. TMI. I do love cheese, but I limit it very strictly. The dr just took out a super small amount, he said almost "unmeasurable". I feel like I make better choices when I am able to eat a wider variety of foods. Eva~ Thanks girl. Its tough, but I know I can't beat myself up over it. I have come to the point where I'm ok with the weight loss slowing down. I'm wanting to have it off by my 2 year bandiversary which is June 26th. I feel like that is realistic. Right? Linda~ Once again, thanks to you too! I needed you girls and your positive feedback. I do make much better choices now. Its amazing compared to what I would have eaten before. Good point! I'm going to take a little nap now. Just got back from the shower not long ago. It was very nice. Open house style. CBL~Meredith

Thanks Becky and Marie, I know... I am done studying for the night. It gets to a point that it all just goes round and round in my head. At one point I was trying to figure out how I had gotten the correct answer to some homework questions I did the other day. I battled with it for 30 minutes and finally figured it out. That was one of the simpler problems! There are just so many steps and peices its mind boggling. I am going to study for a couple of hours in the morning and then work a few hours and then off to the test. It can't be as bad as some of her past tests... Normally KC and I get along pretty well but he has no sense of responsibility and sometimes it drives me nuts. He was 18 when we got together so we have basically grown up into adulthood together. He never even understands why I am mad about things like this nor does he realize any wrong doing. We are going to the coast this next weekend so maybe we'll get some chatting time. It is hard not seeing him all week. I also want to see about counseling thru our church or something. Don't know, but somethings got to change. I know I'll be making more eventually. Hubby thinks that will be the time he gets the life of leisure... Ha! Yeah right! If he goes back to school, he had best work part time thru it too. Really he is a bigger idiot than you realize. LOL. Since he works at a college, we BOTH get all of our classes basically free there. He has been there 5 years and hasn't taken a single class. Today I ate: 1 veg. sausage 1 egg iced mocha (sugar free) 1 oz jerky 1 veg. sausage 2 chicken legs (no skin) 1/4 cup cottage cheese snacks: 1 cup of cheese popcorn (75 calories) 1 biscotti @200 cals. 1/3 apple Ended up being just under 1000 calories. Not sure if I'll get in to weigh tomorrow or not. I didn't get much excersise today but was surprised I didn't collapse from those stairs. I'll have to try those again. I ussually avoid them and take the elevator. Marie, they sell those vegetarian sausages at Costco. I think it is $8.69 for 24 of them. It is only slightly better priced then the grocery store but I like getting them in quantity. Thanks for the love all and plan on having a better day tomorrow. Teresa

Hi. I was banded the 9th. I'm doing well. I walked around a lot the day after surgery and as a result haven't had any gas pains at all (at least I think that's why!). I haven't needed any pain meds - not even Tylenol - since the day after surgery. I can't start mushies until after I see my surgeon on Thursday. I'm not hungry at all though. I'm getting my two Protein shakes in, a reduced sugar apple juice and Water. broth does not appeal to me at all. I'm vegetarian so my choices are mushroom broth, Miso or vegetable broth. They all taste way too salty to me and one of them is low sodium. At this point, I cannot imagine disobeying my doctors orders. For me, I know it would be a slippery slope so I'm committed to do everything my doctor says. Best wishes to all of you guys! We are headed to healthy!

Try some tofu you can cook it just about anyway, Morning Star has some great Vegetarian food. I hope that you can tolerate that Feel better keep up the good work. I was Banded May 9,2013 at 9:00am. Sent from Ladybug29 iPhone using LapBandTalk

*Do you guys ever fear you're going to "mess" it up? I'm afraid of slipping occuring, which is why I chew everything until it's liquid before I swallow. This is next to impossible with meat, so I'm basically vegetarian, not by choice. Trust me- after that surgery, there is NO WAY I will "mess" it up intentionally! *Is the sliming and getting stuff stuck, is that frequent? Does it happen forever? How do you cope with it, especially in public? I had my band placed December 30th and have yet to experience sliming or stuff getting stuck. Perhaps this is merely an issue once the port has been filled. I have another 4 weeks before this occurs, though. *Speaking of in public, how do you eat with out being noticed when you're out with coworkers or friends? Opt for Soup. No one will say anything, because many "normal" eaters get soup for an entree anyway. You could also opt for a salad, once you're allowed to eat solid foods again. Not to sound rude, but, chances are, if you were approved for the LB, you aren't exactly the skinny kid who can get away with eating a cheeseburger and fries. Opting for healthier choices wont look suspicious, no matter how little you eat!

Hi Im new here, I need to lose over 100lbs. I have a few questions hope someone can answer.Dont have money, does state funded Medi-cal pay for this? I have sleep apnea(well my oxygen drops)diabetes, and have had about 8 operations on my body.. bad arthritis, bad back, knees etc. 2) I have diabetes, but at the same time I can get really bad low blood sugar that comes on suddenly, would this be a problem.? 3)How long are you in the hospital and how long before you can resume normal activities? 4)Im vegetarian, will that complicate things?I eat alot of cheese and drink lots of my cows milk- thats partly why im fat.Otherwise I eat healthy. Just cant exercise really,because of broken back etc 5) Ive heard that some doctors require the patient to loose 30lbs before they will do the surgery - is that true? (If I could loose 30lbs on my own I wouldnt get surgery.) Hoping for some advice, anyone had surgery at UCSF medical center in SF. calif appleaday

How is it to late for her to become a vegetarian? Anytime you want a different lifestyle change is good. Im sure she has reseached it and was asking for recipes.

ey lillyegg, how are you doing now, is you pain lessening. i was just checking in. and Cathy CS with all those fills, are you in your sweet spot yet- you've been banded the longest an had 2 fills, what's it like - are you on you 'normal' sirt now- one last thing, i swear i don't get money for pushing this book, but the instinct is great recipes for everone- quick meals on the run, home cook meals, vegetarian or meat. the recipes are all clear on how much fat, carb and protien- plus she has tons of 1200 cal/ day meal plans and lots of substituting where she clearly lays out like a 300 cal meal and a 400 val meal etc. pre op we made some of the 300 cal meals instead a lean cuisine, they were great. it's my new joy of cooking

i was pregnant essentially for three years straight. Each pregnacy gain compounded on top of the other . I gained around 110 pounds total. Decided to work on a total lifestyle change for my family by becoming vegan for a year (totally unsustainable for me) then vegetarian (or carbetarian lol ) for 10. I lost about 30lbs that way and was there for years. I was never an obese child but i wasnt small either. As a teen i was in the range of 150. I was about 165ish when i got married and about the same when i got pregnant. I ate normally, i dont think i had any im eating for two moments. I also dont think i ever placed any real focus on losing weight until it became medically necessary. I was so busy that i put myself last, never recognizing my weight was a problem because i was "healthy fat" lol I think people should have goals and smash them but not everyones goal is a set number, sometimes its range. Im ok with a range as long as its sustainable. I really only care about long term changes.

Pierogies come in the box... but they have them in small bags and I am tooooo lazy to go downstairs for the name of the one we use flavors...... potato potato with onions and potato with cheddar cheese I get them on sale for less than a dollar and they are really good...no heartburn either Jen- Your soup looks yummy Do you serve them in bread bowls... DS loves it that way Bread Bowls... crusty round high rolls (we have a wholesale bakery close by) and cut off top ... toast inside alittle and fill with soup..... My DH is a vegetarian so ugh I pull my teeth out with him...very difficult to feed Jen..this might be up your alley the chinese restaurant sells shrimp in lobster sauce I take campbells low fat cream of mushroom soup and add plenty of powdered skim milk for extra protein and some milk or water to thicken...add the frozen cut up carrrots and peas...heat ...then you can add seafood and heat up...I add strips of pollack (thick fish) or catfish nuggets and cook in the soup (cooks quickly)....add some soy sauce...taste adjust seasonings to your family needs...I serve for DH over rice but I eat it as a soup........did i say yummo or OMG...what am I going to do with that left over chicken:cursing: Take some chicken broth or cubes whatever heat up add some cornstarch or potatoe starch to thicken add some soy sauce could add optionals some ginger or chinese seasoning or chives then add the chicken (cube it) mix and heat more taste..yummo continue not adjust seasoning serve over rice and then add some cashews over it and they will eat....... ................... my son just called from school..so forgot what i was going to write he called..and i thought the worse...but it was so funny...the school allowed him to make the call on their phone...never here goes..ma, why did send me to school with cannelli beans me..what??????????? me..now he is in high school...did I pack your sandwich ds...yes, ma...why did you pack me a can of beans (had to repeat it)..(personally, I think the school wants to know if I am ok) me...are you ok him...yes mom me...ok, eat your lunch and bring back the beans him..bye and he is lol ing so:sneaky::thumbup::sneaky::thumbup::sneaky :thumbup::cursing:now my high schooler will be digging this in for a few days:scared2::thumbup::scared2::thumbup:

I'd love to know more about and to try exotic/foreign produce and how to cook with them-or even just more international vegan dishes. I've been doing many meals from the vegan (and a few vegetarian) recipes on budgetbytes.com it's pretty much my go-to site now. I need to venture to others. I think there's only two recipes that I've (or my hubby) made more than once. Otherwise, we've been having a new meal most everyday for the past month or so! It's been quite fun.

I am currently reading the book and have started making the change to vegetarian/vegan lifestyle. I love the book! Since my sleeve surgery I haven't been able to really tolerate much protein and would get most of my daily amount from shakes. I have been so confused on what I should eat even after almost 3 years. So I was excited to know that I there is an alternatives and that it's ok to not have so much protein especially since it doesn't set well with tummy . I have had on going digestive issues and feel the main cause is dairy. I have cut out dairy and most meat protein for the last week and a half. I am proud to report that for the first time in months I have had almost no issues with digestion. WOW! So happy there are like minded bariatric people to share with.

So at orientation they give you specifics on the 1200 calorie diet? I am a vegetarian so I am a bit worried about the protein part. I plan to ask alot of questions!! Maybe have to do shakes I don't know yet. So how is everyone else doing? Anyone going to the December 16, 2008 orientation in Richmond? Oh is Kaiser in a bad neighborhood. I checked mapquest and it sure does look like this bad area I went through once.

I vote to keep the prizes and Marie I'll happily ship yours if you win. Bummed you won't be there. I am joining THIS challenge. food today: 1 egg, 1 vegetarian sausage (morning star) 1 24 oz. iced white chocolate mocha with carmel (all sugar free) 1 chicken soft taco made fresco style from taco bell 1 cup of arm roast mixed in gravy and 1 sauted small zuchini 5 hersheys minatures Having a tough time getting all my Water in but have recently discovered getting kool-aid mix and making it with splenda. Very yummy and no sugar or calories. Not sure if this really replaces water or not but it helps me get more fluids in. Not sure if I'll get on here to do this daily. I just started another grueling 4 weeks of my last chemistry class ever but I'll try to often. I only weigh once a week already on wednesdays and no fill yet and none planned. Happened to glance at my weight while getting a depo shot today and I had lost 1.1 lbs since last wednesday when I had that plateau week but since today isn't my official weigh in day, I am will wait for the official scale reading till then. Best of luck to you all, Teresa

Hi All, I haven't been to the board in a couple of weeks because much has happened. On August 2nd my mom passed away and I'm still having a hard time with it. She has been ill for quite a while with COPD/Emphysema, but she was my best friend and I have no idea how I am going to get on without her. I am saddened because I wanted to have this done and to have lost a lot of weight before anything happened to her. I do have some good news I think, though. I am going in for my H&P consultation with the surgeon on the 22nd. I am supposed to go for the psych evaluation and the nutrition consultation on the 26th, but I don't know if I am going to be able to go to that one because I don't have the money up front to pay for that. I find myself getting the jitters here and there, but I know I have to do this to keep myself on track with any type of diet. I have also become a vegetarian and it's been 33 days since I have eaten any meat and don't miss it. I am worried I am not getting enough Protein though. Anyway, I'm sorry for rambling and I've missed you all. I'm just looking forward to getting everything done.

canned vegetarian chili weight watchers frozen dinner tuna melt egg white omelette with toast oatmeal turkey sausage (pre cooked - just have to heat) leftovers (at least 2 times per week)

Why can't you a vegetarian drink the shakes? They are whey and soy protein...that's ok for vegetarians isn't it? Have you had your band yet? how far along you are postop will affect how much water you can drink that's also pertinent to if you can have peanuts or not

@_ItsAun_ Hi there, I'm about 11 days post-op (bypass). I've been vegetarian (mostly) for about two years - completely vegetarian for about six months. I did a diet that sounds very, very similar to that - mine was called PSMF - Protein sparing modified fast, thru a D.O. It was ALL meat for protein, with very little carbs/veggies added. Had to had labs every two weeks, got checked for ketosis every two weeks, etc. Very strict - I did lose about 80 lbs or so over about 6-8 months (I was at about 390 at my highest). After that time, (I wasn't veg at that point), I just couldn't face another piece of meat/fish! I asked about a veg option and was told I could have cheese like once a week instead of meat. I. JUST. COULDN'T. DO IT. Adult son is vegan, so that helped me -- but after going off that strict diet, I did start to gain weight, which eventually lead me to WLS. Post-surgery, I eat cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and have had a bit of tofu w/soy sauce, too. I'll work up to Beans and more, but I don't see myself EVER eating meat/fish again for so many reasons - personal preference, health, animal health, etc. I don't begrudge others, but it's not for me ever again... That all said, you can indeed be vegan/vegetarian after WLS... PS - tempeh is great too, I espec love Tofurkey brand Smoked Tempeh Bacon - delish!

It's been no big deal for me, either. I rarely get a lunch break, so my normal work day consists of constant grazing.....mixed nuts, Quest bar, Protein smoothie, Jerky, string cheese, whatever I can eat in between appointments. My partner actually comments about how I'm always eating. As for going out and buffets, etc. I just eat what I can eat, no biggie. I often split an entree with someone who's also "watching their weight". Or I get whatever I want and end up with a lot of leftovers. Everyone knows I've had surgery so they are used to what I eat and no one really cares. I was at a memorial service yesterday where the served spaghetti and meatballs, vegetarian lasagna, bread, salad and various Desserts. I had 1 meatball (no pasta), some salad, and dissected the layers of 1/2 piece of lasagna to get mostly the veggies and cheese. A little later I split a cookie with someone and took a couple bites of someone else's cinnamon roll. Oh yeah, and drank 2 16 oz bottles of Water but passed on the beer and wine.

Tina, I only know what Dr. Baggs gives me so the answer is no, this is the first time he's given me a goal. When I asked him, he said he doesn't go by numbers (protein etc). It's probably different for Banders because you need the follow-up care for fills. Sleevers just get blood work every three months and I guess a visit with the surgeon every three months. I have a feeling that's until Year 1, then it may change to every 6 months or once a year. I like seeing the doc because he inspires me to really go for it. I understand the challenge of vegetarianism. I was a vegetarian in my 20's then vegan for 9 years in my 40's, raw vegan for 3 years in my 50's. You can do this! Are you getting in all of your vitamins? I never took them before surgery until the month pre-op but now I'm all over them to try to stay healthy. Let me know if you're in and I'll send you a PM. Have you ever been over to Obesity Help forum?