Dear Angel, I would encourage you to start tracking your food and water either online (www.fitday.com or some such program) or in a journal (such as diet minder). It is easier to stay compliant when you see the counts right in front of your face! I also plan each day's meals that morning so I know I will get my count in rather than taking it as it comes. Planning just seems to work better for me. I can't do the protein powders either, but I do use the Power Crunch bars for breakfast. They are more like the sugar wafer cookies and less like bricks! Some protein bars are just too dense for me. You might check that option out. Also, try a bit a beef if you find chicken isn't working. I actually can do beef and lamb better than chicken. If you like shrimp (as many non-fish eaters do), that can be a good low calorie choice to balance the higher calorie beef and lamb. Numi has some nice herbal teas (they call them teasans) that I can get either at the grocery or online (more flavor options than what the store carries). I drink both hot and cold tea, so these help get the water in. I have also found some Boca or Morningstar Farms brands items work well for me. The Boca chili has 20 grams of protein at just 150 calories. I usually make a stew or something to eat on all week, but frozen items can be really handy on rushed days. I looked at all the before and after pictures on the main site this morning, and I really look forward to that kind of change in my appearance and health. But I know I will have to continually work at it to get there. I'm doing well so far but it requires constant vigilance! Best of luck, Sally

Angel; There is no shame on this board, so pick your head up. Try adding almonds in as a snack. Almonds are a good source of protein and the fat they have is "good" fat. Plus, they don't increase your blood sugar as much as some nuts. 10 days is not that long to have been stalled. You body is probably just taking a break from the rapid weight loss. Right now, I haven't lost any lbs. in over two weeks, but I have lost inches. I've upped my protein (I don't mind the shakes) and water this week and am hoping I'll see a result soon. Keep doing your exercise, do your best to increase your protein and water. If the scale still isn't moving in a few days, try the plateau buster diet. Blessings, Jennifer 253 / 178 / 137

Jasmine: Yes...most all of us November people are right here with you on the hair loss thing. In fact, I just said to my daughter yesterday that I need to take stock in Drain-O The drain in my bathroom tub/shower needs it at least once a week right now. I also had very thick LONG hair pre-op...I still have the length but not the thickness. I have decided not to cut my hair because nobody can tell I have lost a ton of hair...but I know it everytime I wash, brush, comb, or even run my fingers through it because I see it coming out. The good news is that this is usually temporary and will resolve around 6 months. We're almost to that mark so don't be sad...be gald it's almost over Tanya 329/244/healthy & happy

(bloopers)ten days.walking my block.dancing in the house. Correcting.

Jasmine; Hey surgery sister! I've lost quite a bit of hair. I had really thick hair to begin with, so I've still got enough that only me and my hairdresser notice. Losing is pretty much inevitable, so I've upped my protein to help me not lose as much. A lot of people use biotin. I haven't tried it. I figure I'm pretty much done with the hair loss stage of WLS, but should I lose a large amount, I'll check into it. Blessings, Jennifer 253 / 178 / 137