My surgery was 4/22/03 and I started losing my hair 3 weeks ago. It seems to be a normal process but still scares me. I'm being extra careful about getting B12 and protein levels...I've lost 105 lbs but have started slowing down. I keep waitning for something to happen and all the weight to come back. I am loving the smaller sizes but am still a little scared to get rid of my big clothes (went from sizes 28-30 and 4X to 18-20 and 1X). I can eat pretty much anything but occasionally have problems with high fat foods. Probably not good is the fact I can eat sugar and sweets with little or no problems! It's a struggle sometimes not to graze thru the afternoon or evening! Hang in there and keep trying! ...marsha clark

YEAH< THAT"S THE TICKET! I'll just remain positive about it! Life is so good. I could get caught up in all of my worries & concerns, But I CHOOSE to think positively! I am very happy that I made this decision to regain a wonderful life, in a normal size body. To all of you pre-ops, please know that for all of the stress that we go through preparing for this life changing surgery, as well as the pain immediately afterwards, it is TOTALLY WORTH IT!!! To all of the 'newbies', you are well on your way & it will get better each day! To all of us post-ops, we need to be very proud of ourselves, because we have taken our future back into our own hands. We are creating a better life for ourselves & our loved ones! May God continue to bless each & every one of us!!!

10-22-03: WOW! What a whirl wind 6 months this has been! I am very emotional, this morning, thinking about 6 months ago, today, at this very hour... I was at the hospital, in my 'gown', laying on a gourney, waiting for my new life to begin. My best friend was with me & she gave me a beautiful little, brunette angel. It made me think of my Mom. It comforted me. I was nervous, yet, I was positive that I was doing the right thing for my life, health & my child's future, as well as my own. I have had NO regrets, what so ever. My life has changed in so many ways. I am wearing 5 sizes smaller in my clothes (size 16, X Large, & Large). I have lost 75 lbs. & 110 inches are off of my body! I am regaining my confidance. Men are holding doors open for me & flirting! My daughter doesn't like that at all! If anyone has any advice for me, on how to talk to my 13 year old daughter about the prospects of me beginning to date again, I would REALLY appreciate it! Thanks in advance. My hair is still falling out, yet it seems to be slowing down, now. Of course, there is a lot less of it remaining. So, I guess the % is still pretty high! GOTTA LAUGH, what else can we do? I take Biotin & Zinc for my hair every day, I use NIOXIN products & NEXXUS's new Biotin products, I drink a protein shake every day (well, most days)! So, I guess, now, I just go on with life & KNOW that the hair loss will stop soon. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!

Kristi, Yes it's me. Tater Tot. Think back a year ago, were you dieting and how much weight did you loose. Are you gaining weight, or are you slowly loosing weight. Many people loose weight at a different rate due to the amound of weight they need to loose. My weight loss has slowed down greatly. I may only loose 1 or 2 lbs in a week or two now. That was discourging to me at first until I thought about it and it finally hit me that I HAVE LOST 1 LB. I didn't gain it but lost it. Then the next week I lost another lb. And again I thought to myself that I had lost a lb not gained a lb. If I didn't have the surgery where would I be? I would still be gaining the weight. I am so thankful that we had the surgery and are doing well. If we loose a pound a week or two weeks it's better than being where we were and still gaining weight. Don't be so hard on yourself and give yourself credit wher credit is due. You are doing great and you are taking care of yourself. Have a great week and see you at the meeting this month. Love, Tater

I have lost 80 lbs. in less then 6 months and still going . I went from a size 28 to a 14 and they are baggy only 5 days after getting into them. Its so exciting to put on new sizes. My husband really likes the changes and is eating alot healthier too! my health has improved and for the first time in over 15 years i went to the park with my 4 year old nephew and actually ran around the swings and slides , we played in the field more then with the toys and i didnt even have to stop for air ....... My nephew is a very active 4 yr. old and really keeps me going. Some of my friends dont even recognize me after not seeing me for 2 or3 weeks at a time. I love my reults and anyone who needs or just wants to talk jus e-mail me and we can swap # or meet somewhere. Thank you Dr. S. cara clay 4-22-2003