Hello I'm "NEW" to the board..

Well I am "NEW" to the board but had my surgery February 12, 2004 I had my surgery at Harper/Hutzel Hospital through the CORI CENTERS (Garden City,MI) Dr Kerry Kole. I am 8 weeks out today and down 75lbs. I am still struggling with my diet as I am still on mostly Full Liquids I can eat soft foods like Baby Food, Oatmeal, and Cream of Wheat. I drink about 60-80 ozs of water per day and get in about 60 grams of protein per day (trying to do more). As far as excercise...well I have tried most all of it and have found my groove is "WALKING" which I do 6 miles every morning and alternate between Low Impact Aerobics & Belly Dancing 3 times a week in additon to walking. So far my hair hasn't fallen out... I heard a lot about this happening when you get 3-6 months out So how's everyone else doing? Alicia "DIVA"

Hi Alicia: Welcome! It sounds like your doing great! One of the most interesting things about this site is to read the differences between post surgery directions from our surgeons. They are all a little different. I'm 10 weeks out. I really started to feel terrific around week 9. I like walking too. I mall walk about 45 minutes a day and then I excersize on my recumbant bike anywhere between 6-8 miles. I probably skip excersize about 2x a week. I've found that my loss has really slowed down this past month. But it sure beats the heck out of traditional dieting. I still get sick about 2x a week from one thing or another and I struggle getting in the protien. In terms of hair loss, I started using Nutri-Ox shampoo and conditioner about 1 month before surgery. I ran out of the conditioner and was only using the shampoo for about 3 weeks. I did notice more loss. I went back on the conditioner and it immediately stopped. I've heard it works for some people but it is not consistant. I hope none of us have to go through the hair loss thing. I look forward to your posts in the future. Eileen Eithreim RNY 2/3/04 -46

:Eileen: Seems you're doing great too girlfriend and you are so right about "NOT" having to diet..Sheesh I am going to try that shampoo/conditioner. Tell me where can I find it? Alicia

Alicia, Welcome to the group. I'm 6 1/2 weeks out and on solids. I still supplement with protein shakes. I found that during the pureed stage that I did pretty well if the food was chopped/pureed very fine and had some moisture to it. Cottage cheese and yogurt were great. also. I walk every day and try to do 30 to 45 minutes. Hoping to be released soon to ride my bike and use the pool. My surgeon is adamant about no exercise but walking for the first 2 months. I feel great. Mary

i'm a newbie too. had my surgery in houston on 2/10. i am back to walking, about 30 minutes a day, although the houston rains stopped me on sunday and monday. i'm down 60 pounds although i haven't lost weight in a couple of weeks (i think!). i'm hoping that i won't lose hair! i'm on 70 grams of protein a day, mostly from protein shakes. i've been able to eat lean cuisine low carb meals (chicken with three cheese sauce), and some ham. i have to be real careful because i have been throwing up -- i'm not sure if i'm eating too fast, too much, or drinking too soon after eating.

70lbs is awesome girl..your right behind me that's too I was afraid that maybe I was losing too fast but I feel much better now As far as the dumping it could be a combination of all the things you named so just take it slow girl. That's all I can say...Take it slow Alicia

Hi Alicia: I get my Nutri-ox shampoo and conditioner from Sally's beauty supply. I've been told that most beauty supply companies carry it. You might want to call around your area first. It took me a while to find it here. Good Luck. Keep on losing. Eileen

Good looking out Eileen...We have Sally's Beauty Supply Stores here in Michigan also. I will go check 'em out tonight Alicia