~April Sleevers~

[ThisTimeIsIt 71]

I was sleeved 4/13 & started losing hair a few weeks back but I think it's because I can't do the Protein Shakes. Starting Biotin and use a Shampoo with biotin to try and slow loss and stimulate new growth

[WillowsKnot 71]

My hair loss has just picked up speed as of last ***ht!!! I washed my hair and when I was combing it after it air dried a bit, I had two handfuls come out I have long hair, so when a handful comes out for me, it is really noticeable. I ordered some Biotin, so will see if that helps.

On a different note, I was researching the whole Protein thing because I never have gotten a good answer as to just how much Protein I really need. I mean, really, nothing is a one size fits all for any of this stuff and I had a feeling that just like we decrease calories as we lose weight, that should include protein. Well, I finally found a formula that calculates the amount of Protein One should get based on your current weight. You take your weight x .37 if you are doing it in pounds. This will tell you how many grams of protein you should be getting every day and yes, it changes as your weight does. So according this this, I should be eating 99.16 grams of protein. I have not even been close to this!! If you are doing it in kilograms, you would multiply your weight by .8. I did find another calculation that was even higher, but that seemed excessive. Heck, getting in 99 is a lot as it is. With my small stomach, I don't think I can do much more than this. This formula is the RDA recommendation. I was glad to finally find this formula so I could calculate this for myself.

I am going to increase my protein even more. Guess I will be adding another shake to my day. I'll keep you all posted to see if it has an effect on my weight loss and my Hair loss. Take care all.

[arj1016 57]

I feel like I'm going to be bald next week. Even my hair dresser was concerned. I knew it was going to happen but this is crazy!

Saw a commercial for fructris that helps slow hair loss... Worth a try!

[GrammyK 11]

I was sleeved on 4/10 and I have been taking Biotin and zinc as my doctor recommended and have not had any hair lose yet---hopefully that will stay.

Also on the Protein formula---my doctor told us 80-100 gms of protein a day, which I have been managing to do but with that formula, I would only need to eat 62.16 gms a day. This would mean I could eat more salads and fruit! Maybe I'll give it a try. Miss the fruit and veggies because of all that protein we have to eat!!

[Joni 94]

I have very fine thin hair and was so worried about Hair loss. I haven't had it happen to me yet - for which I am very thankful. From the very beginning, I was able to get enough Protein in. Don't know if that is making a difference or not, and don't quote me, but I think I remember hearing at the hospital the hair loss happens around 4 months AFTER not having enough protein intake. So, if right after surgery you did not get enough protein in, you might be seeing the hair loss now. It should also stop soon if you've been getting enough protein now.

[ThisTimeIsIt 71]

I feel like I'm going to be bald next week. Even my hair dresser was concerned. I knew it was going to happen but this is crazy!

Saw a commercial for fructris that helps slow hair loss... Worth a try!

I use the fructis line now cause nioxin did nothing for me it smells really good and hoping it slows the loss

[MiTurner247 34]

I've been a hairdresser for 11 years and have had many clients that have had success with a system called Nioxin for Hair loss. It is a professional product so you must get it from a salon. If you get it from a Smart Style and keep your reciept you can return it if you don't like it.

[TrumpetTinklers 196]

I'm 4 months out TODAY. I am down 56.7 lbs! Feels great!

[Vsglass 17]

I haven't been on here much since the school holidays began but I check in when I can. Sorry for those fellow April Sleevers who have had problems along the way, hopefully you are on the mend now. Everyone is doing really well and sounding so much more positive than three months ago!

I was sleeved 26th April. Started pre-op diet 10 days prior to surgery weighing 224lbs (I'm 5' 2" and couldn't see my feet any more) and am now 176lbs. Not the fastest loser but I'm really, really pleased - AND I can now see my feet:)

I too am starting to lose hair. I don't know if you have the Meal Replacement diet called LighterLife in the US (I live in Scotland)? It's a 500kcal a day Meal Replacement rubbishy diet that you do for 100+ days (screws up your metabolism, everyone PILES weight on afterwards...) We all lost hair at the three month stage but take heart, it does grow back. Hair loss lasted less than a month and then everything settled down again.

So good that all the people on this site have increased their life expectancy by years and years. You will be around for your loved ones, put less strain on already overstretched medical facilities in the future and be able to lead much more fulfilling and productive lives. You should be proud of yourselves!

[wanttolose32 15]

04/16/12 :wub:

I am almost 4 months out and have lost 60lbs. My hair is falling out but not too bad, just notice if I run my hand through my hair and come out with a few strands. I hope everyone else is doing good!

[GrammyK 11]

After a 5 week stall I have finally lost 3 lbs this past week!! Yipee!!! But I also decreased my caloric intake from almost 1100 calories to 900 calories. I'm still getting at least 70-90 gms of Protein a day and I try to get at least 50-60 Fluid ozs. For me, it's tough getting all 64 oz in. It's been 21 weeks since I was sleeved. Anyone else having a hard time losing weight. I'm down 42 lbs with 35 more to go and I rejoice in that number, but it's coming off so slow. It's tough having a body that has fat as it's BFF(best friend forever!).Hope everyone else is doing fine.

[randalljohn 22]

Four months out and haven't lost any weight since August 1st--- have gained 5 pounds which makes me concerned, but I just need to get more disciplined. I have gotten into the habit of grazing throughout the day too much. My appetite is back right now and i wish it wasn't. This happen to anyone else?

[GrammyK 11]

The one thing that I have learned about myself through this whole journey, is that old habits die hard. I can't believe that I still have such a great appetite and I still find myself grazing at night. I was really hoping that the urge to graze would have vanished after the surgery. I was wrong. Some days are better than others, but each day is still a struggle. I find that if I keep a food journal, I can control my munchies at night. During the day I don't have a problem. The journal will also let you know if you are eating too much, I believe that we all can gain the weight back by eating too many calories. No one said that this would be easy, but Randaljohn, you have done so well so far and you will lose the rest of the weight. Keep a jounal, I know it's a pain, but try it for a week and see where your weakness' are. This might help! Good luck!

[ReeseMae 8]

I am also four months out and it seems like in the last week or so my hunger has returned with a vengeance. It's really scared me. I wasn't prepared and found myself taking in too many calories. It is so important, now more than ever, to keep track of what I'm eating and prepare. I got lazy and relied on the reduced appetite too much. Now is where the rubber meets the road and I've got to work harder to put to work everything I've learned. I've been on a stall for about two weeks. I'm not sure if it's taking in too many calories or if it's a normal stall. But, I'm going to continue to take it one day at a time and do my best. This opportunity is one in a lifetime and I refuse to let it go to waste. I've been successful thus far and am halfway to my goal. I will not give up now!!! I'm thankful for this forum to be able to get support from those who have been on the same journey. We are not alone and that's very valuable. How is everyone else doing?

Starting Weight - 331

Surgery Weight - 311

Current Weight - 252

Total Lost - 79 (59 since surgery)

Surgery Date - 4/19/12 (four months)

[WillowsKnot 71]

I also have some hunger that has returned. I still can't eat more than 3 oz. at a time or I get sick, so that is a good thing. Bad thing is that I feel hungry more often. I am eating very dense Protein to help slow down my digestion and that seems to help. I have added nuts into my diet as a Protein snack and I am keeping up on my Protein Drink. I find that when I don't get in enough protein, regardless of calorie count, I don't lose. I seem to be losing a slow, but steady 10 to 12 pounds a month. I am ok with this. No, I have not been exercising as much as I could or should and I know I would lose faster. I have had a lot of things to do around my house with this drought, so I have been tending to lots of these issues. Won't matter how much exercise I get if my house crumbles around me from lack of watering, etc. to try and keep my foundation from getting any worse

On another front - let the hair loss begin!!! After I showered and washed my hair last night, I was picking through it with a large tooth hair pic so as to be gentle on it (I have long hair) and gobs of hair came out!!! I knew it was only a matter of time. I know it was to be expected, but still. It was a sad night. I took a picture of the lose hair. I know that one day, I will look back on last night and smile because I will have reached my goal and the hair will grow back.

On yet another note, when getting ready for work yesterday I went through 5 pairs of pants and had to discard them all and opt for yet another skirt (got to love elastic waists!!!) so that I would have something to wear. Today I am wearing a dress...which I will probably be able to wear for the next two weeks after hanging on to it for 5 years, and then it too will join the discard pile LOL

I am so glad that we are all progressing. Yes, all of us at our own rates, but that is ok. I am so happy with how far I have come to date. Yup, a long way yet to go, but I'll get there, just like the turtle did in the race... slow and steady. Happy Friday to all and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.