I am losing it!

Hi everyone, I have just been really struggling..... I am sitting here and typing and I can't seem to just stop crying! This is so not like me! I lost my job and have had a HORRID time finding work that is comparable in pay. So, i am struggling with that and staying positive that something better is out there and this must be part of some bigger plan. My weight loss has been good and I am ever so thankful that I have been blessed to have this surgery and I feel SO much better! I've lost amost 90lbs and feel alive again. I just am having a really hard time with the hair loss. I dread brushing, combing or washing my hair as SO much comes out each time! I talked to the doc and he told me to take botin and vitamin e, but I am not seeing any results and its been a month and it just seems like more hair falls out everyday. I know if it continues at this rate i will not have any by the new year. This is really making me sad too. I know i am not my hair, but when I was heavy it was the one thing everyone loved about me and now I am feeling so upset. I am sorry to ramble, I just really needed to get this off my chest as, I can't talk to my daughter about it and my mom can only handle so much, I feel like a burden talking to her and complaining about it. I am just glad I can come here and vent and release this frustration with out being judged and knowing others have been where I am today. I guess I just need something and I can't figure out what it is! I am dreading the holidays as everyone is a couple and there is me... If that makes any sense... I guess I am just at a low point. It too will pass, as it has before and I will go on. Thanks again and If anyone has suggestions about the hair, i would really appreciate it.... I am getting about 40/50 grams protien per day and struggle with protien shakes still... so... Unless there is a magic protien pill I don't know about, i am sure that has something to do with the hair.?? Thanks again, Tam S 6/15/2005 268/180/???

Tam, I am so sorry that you are having a rough time. As far as your hair, and your overall health, the very most imprtant thing is that you are taking care of your new needs. Vitamins, calcium and protein, protein, protein are CRITICAL for you right now. I know all of our plans are different, but surgeon's plan requires me to have a minimum of 70 grams of protein per day. If you are struggling with the shakes, you need to keep trying different kinds until you find the one that works for you. (I discovered that Atkins cans are mine right now - a 12-pk at Sam's costs $13!) Your hair loss will slow, but you HAVE to get your protein in. I know it is easy for me to say this, but chances are it is not nearly as noticable as it feels. Does your hair stylist know what is going on? Mine has cut my hair shorter and with more layers to help it look fuller for now. As far as your job, I am sure you are right - it is part of a bigger plan. The perfect job is out there, and you WILL find it. Hang in there, hon. You will make it through the holidays. Just focus on all of the amazing things taking place with your body right now and LOVE your new life. ((hugs)) Nicole Lap RNY - 6/7/05 312/201/150

sO glad you posted this in here too! HANG IN THERE were all experiencing the hair thing and it sucks big time. I am six months post op and still looseing it alot. I will ask my surgeon on this when i see him on the first. ITS hard to deal with. I too find im battling depression hard. Your not alone ((HUG)) lisa

Tam, When my hair loss started to increase I began taking boitin, increased my protein and started using a kit for thining hair(the woman told me it wouldn't grow new hair, but would strength what I had). My hair loss is now back to the normal few strand you lose here and there. Being that I started all three at the same time it is hard to say if it is one thing that is working or a combo of all 3. The good news, it will eventually stop and people say it grows back nicer. Sorry to hear about your job loss. The holidays are a tough time in general, but I am sure looking for a job makes them tougher. What field are you looking in? Good Luck, Lisa P.S. I hear ya about the everyone is a couple. My last single girlfriend got a boyfriend a few weeks ago and I have been kicked to the curb.....lol

Dear Tam, I know exactly what you are going through as far as your hair loss. I have lost so much I almost shaved my head and bought a wig. I did talk to my Mom and Sister, who have each had the open RYN surgery. My sisters was 2 yrs ago and my Moms was 5 yrs ago. Your hair will grow back. It can take up to 6 months, so please don't get too discouraged. My alternative to shaving my head was to walk into a salon I had never been in. Look through a few books. I picked a style of short hair that I thought was cute and manageable, and told the lady she had full artistic style to go at it. Not only was it fun, but she was so pleased to be doing something other than do this style do that style of the normal ladies. But I got it for a deal too $19.00!!! I looked at like a part of the procedure! It will grow back eventually! Good Luck! Take Care! Heather Powell

Hi Tam I wear a wig when I leave the house and it raises my spirits a lot! I'm using Nioxin produts & my hair loss has slowed but not much regrowth. Best of luck. Kathy O.

So sorry to hear that you have been down. I know it ha**** most of us at one time or another. My sister is a hairstylist and she has suggested using the Nioxen. It is a bit pricey but worth it. I did not have to use it but have a friend that it has done wonders for. I also agree with upping your protein. I was loosing tons of hair refused to go anywhere on the weekends just so I didn't have to brush or wash my hair. I started getting more protein and the loss stopped and the regrowth started. I slowed down on the protein here lately and have noticed that I am starting to loose hair again. So I really believe it is the protein our bodies need. I completely relate to you when you say as a large person your hair was you. I was the same way. Never went anywhere without my hair done and every hair in place. It was very important to me. You say about a magic pill for protein...Well there's not one that I know of but I do know there is a liquid protein. You take a spoonful 2-3 times a day to up your protein. It can be found at GNC or local health store. I hope you are in better spirits and wish you the best. Shelley 298/226/130

I certainly relate to a lot of your post. I'm single (never married, no kids) which is always hard around the holidays, going bald which stresses me, my skin on my legs is frightening, and find that my family doesn't really get what I'm going through. I too feel better physically after losing 100 pounds. I now need to focus on my mental health. I feel really fragile right now. You are not alone. Dawn 340/235/healthy