Hi Shirlene, I just recently found this board also. It sure makes me sane when I find people who are doing the same as me. When I read on the main board how great some people are doing, I feel like I am failing, but when I do some research, I find I am doing just fine. I Had my surgery Oct. 1st and have lost 69 ponds as of today. In which I am so thrilled about. I started at 260 and today I weighed 191. I have also lost alot of inches. I went from a 24 -26 to an 18 now. I have been losing hair just before my 3 month post op. My hair is really thick, so that does not bother me. It is still coming out and hopefully will cease to fall out soon. Take care, Janice

HELLO PEOPLE, i AM EXPERIENCING HAIR LOSS MYSELF.. JUST STARTED TWO WEEKS AGO AFTER I HAD SURGERY OCT. 07. 2004. I AM WONDERING IS IT SAFE TO COLOR YOUR HAIR NOW SINCE I AM A BLONDE AND THE ROOTS ARE STARTING TO SHOW... HAS ANY OTHER READERS OUT THERE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING AND DID YIU BLEACH YOUR HAIR NOW OR WAIT? THANX A LOT FRAN

I think that you are doing great, some people lose faster than others some lose slower, the main thing is that you are losing. I was told that if you have a high weight number when you have surgery that you tend to lose faster than most for a while then pateau. My beginning pre op weight was 377 and I am only 5 feet five inches, Had my surgery on the 21st and it is now February19th, I have lost about 105 pounds so far. I feel that you should be proud of your weight loss, and comfortable with it and 71 pounds is still quite an accomplishment since your surgery was in October also. Keep up the good work....... My Doctor thought that I was losing a little to fast but according to the charts that are given here as a tool I am right on track also.....

I have only had slight experience with this, although I think most of us from time to time get worried that we might not lose anymore weight. It is always in the back of my mind, and in my case I think that is because of the many times that I have failed at dieting, Losing the weight only then to gain it back, along with additional weight. I agree with others there will be ups and downs. Hang in there and keep a check some weeks will be better than others but don't get discouraged.

Hello all who have replied to the "HAVEN'T LOST A POUND IN ALMOST 4 WEEKS"!!! Oh, and hello to all others as well. This may sound wierd to say and may not come out the right way, but it is (sort of) comforting to hear that "I" am not alone. I lost 75 lbs in the first three months (fairly quick in my opinion), then boom...for the last 3-4 weeks I haven't lost one iota of a smidgen of a pound. My feelings and emotions were/are the same as yours...is this ALL the weight I am going to lose???? I surely hope not. My husband understands, but feels I am worrying for nothing. He says you are doing everything right, Protein, water, exercise...and not to worry. Even still, I can't help but wonder ( I am only human) that I may not be doing enough, or possibly eating too many carbs, or just NOT enough protein for my height and weight (as you see conflicting stories on just how much of one thing [carbs, protein, fat, sugar, etc.] we should be ingesting). Sure, we all get a food "plan" so to speak, from our Nut./Surgeon's, but each and everyone you hear on this forum has a different opinion. So many books tell you conflicting stories as well as far as how much protein/carbs, etc. we should be getting. Who is correct, what do we go by? How do we know just how much protein and carbs and sugar and fat, etc. is good for us individually or needed to sustain weight loss and keep a healthy body and mind? Any suggestions out there? You are an amazing group and I love to come here for support. ((((hugs)))) Audrey