African American vsgers!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

My natural hair ladies, I need your help!

So I'm in or very close to month 3 post surgery and somewhat dreading it. This is the month that people seem to have noticed hair shed and loss. I'm vigilant and understand that I am not super woman and immune to what will be but I can't tell. I'm a natural with a big head of thick - ish hair. And I can't tell the difference between post surgery shed or my normal hair shedding. Naturalistas, could you tell a difference?

Initially I did not notice. Around month 4 I noticed that my edges were getting really thin. I was already taking Biotin because I am menopausal. I also have a small area of scarring alopecia from where I used to wear an afro puff hair piece. I was thinking of trying collagen, but a lot of it is made from seaweed and I have a sever seafood allergy. I am seeing the dermatologist for the alopecia so I am going to discuss collagen with her at my next appointment. Fortunately so far I can style are the thinning. It appears to have stopped falling out but it's growing back really slowly.

[BackSpin81 350]

Thanks ladies for responding. I may be ok. But still unsure if my hair is shedding or falling. I'll find out when I wash my hair again. I'm currently on a volunteer mission in Lima, Peru and can't wait to get home to wash my poor, poor hair. I arrived here with braids but took them out after a week in a half. Sadly, Lima does not have hair products for us and I only carried a travel sheen and small plastic vial of coconut oil from the states. I had planned on rocking the braids for a bit longer, but nope. My head wasn't having it. I've had to rely on a makeshift "leave - in" and stretching my coconut oil THIN! I can't wait to get back to the states on Saturday!!! Uh, my poor hair! Lol

[TammyDTM 391]

Give yourself a really good, long deep conditioning treatment when you get home!

[sleeveme77 28]

Finally got my approval today and my

Surgery date (August 19th)!!!! WooHoo!!!!

[nurseforlapband 11]

Congratulations! My surgery date is September 3.

[tam_mandala 33]

So glad to have found this forum! Just saying hello. I am very early in the stage and have my first meeting with the surgeon on Thursday!

[tam_mandala 33]

Does UH require going thru Optum? That isn't clear to me in looking at my paperwork...

[twinmommiesrock 72]

Finally got my approval today and my

Surgery date (August 19th)!!!! WooHoo!!!!

Congratulations had my surgery the same day last year. Good luck on your journey

[Peekboo 472]

Twinmommiesrock, how has your journey been? I am also a mom of twins :-)

[sleeveme77 28]

Does UH require going thru Optum? That isn't clear to me in looking at my paperwork...

Yes and I think it's the best option since you will have nurse guide you through the process and make sure that you are meeting all the requirements. She will also check back with you over the 6 months to make sure your going in the right direction

Finally got my approval today and my

Surgery date (August 19th)!!!! WooHoo!!!!

Congratulations had my surgery the same day last year. Good luck on your journey

That's awesome! How has your process gone?

[twinmommiesrock 72]

Peekboo and Sleeveme77 my journey has been all over the place. Had a hysterectomy that slowed my progress down in February. I'm 22 pounds away from my goal weight. HW 353LBS PRE OP 329LBS CW 202. Fit into size 8 yesterday couldn't believe it they are snug but hey I got them on lol.

[tbaby10 27]

Mine too, I'm so excited. Don't start my 14 day liquid until august 20th.

[Peekboo 472]

Twinmom, wow size 8!

I had my surgery on October 7 2014 240 pounds now I weigh 178. I am 5"3 and wear a very loose 12. My surgeon wants me to lose 30 more pounds but I am struggling. He said it will be difficult but its possible :-) I am 50 and he said thats slows the kids being older I want to lose at least 20 more pounds to get my Tummy Tuck :-)

[twinmommiesrock 72]

Twinmom, wow size 8!

I had my surgery on October 7 2014 240 pounds now I weigh 178. I am 5"3 and wear a very loose 12. My surgeon wants me to lose 30 more pounds but I am struggling. He said it will be difficult but its possible :-) I am 50 and he said thats slows the kids being older I want to lose at least 20 more pounds to get my Tummy Tuck :-)

Great job so far I'm sure your get there in your own time. Yeah those size 8 are Old Navy I doubt I could fit an 8 from Jones New York lol. I wish I was 178. I'm 5'8 so that helps me look like I weight less than I do. I have so much extra skin ughhhh.

[Peekboo 472]

I don't think I can meet the weight chart recommendation of 130 - 140

I have a lot of skin om my stomach. Twins and 3 c sections. I am trying to get to 155. Good luck everyone.