Looking for Support

Hi everyone, My name is Denise Howes. I had open RNY on Aug.27th 2003. I have lost 70 lbs. as of today. I have had several set backs Infections, injury's to my pouch and so on. I am not yet feeling all that great my hair has started falling out. If you have any thoughts or suggestions please email me. I would love to hear from everybody. I am in a small community and the closest support group is 80+ miles away. I want to succeed so bad, but my depression is really working overtime. Thanks for listening, Denise Howes

Hi Denise I also had the surgery back in August, and have luckily done very well so far. But one thing that caught my eye about your problems is the hair loss. Let me tell you, my doctors insisted that I start drinking protein first thing once I could tolerate it to prevent hair loss.....and so far it has worked. I have very thick, long hair anyways....but I only lose a few more strands than normal now than I ever did. The protein really works, and my doctor recommends taking about 40+ grams daily.....I like Herbalife in Wildberry myself. A lot of it isn't too tasty. As far as the depression goes, I have dealt with that for years previous to my surgery, and my best advice is to go see a doctor for it, and get medicine if that is necessary. Right now I take my medicines in halves and in liquids since the surgery, but it's worth it to still feel good. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and remember as long as you keep the hope alive you'll be okay. Just think about where you'll be a year from now! That always keeps me going. Jennifer

Hi Denise; Hang in there. 70 pounds is great. My surgery was August 7th and I've lost 72 pounds so it seems to me you're right on track. I agree with Jennifers reply and I got similar advice. Except I'm a male and I'm suppose to take around 60Gm of protien a day. The number one reason for the hair loss is not getting enough protien. If you don't get enough, supplement with a protein drink. I like Carnation instant breakfast (no sugar added) to supplement when I know I haven't gotton enough protien. I agree also that you need to treat the depression. Go to you're doctor and have him prescribe an anti-depressant. I take Prozac and it really helps keep my emotions on an even keel. Good luck. You can do it. Dennis Woods

You have my support. It has been very hard for me i developed an ulcer from surgery, i'm cheating and eating the junk again. I could use your support too. I am almost 3 months out and i have lost 41 pounds, I don't know if this is good or bad but i wish i could lose more. I do exercise i just don't follow the diet very well because i am on a sleeping pill that makes me want to eat, i guess i need to get off this so i can get to the goal weight. I will say a pray for you hun, and i am here for you i know i thought this surgery would be a piece of cake but it is hard and depriving. Do you feel better now? Please email me at [email protected]. Hang in there things may look bad now but they will get better. Believe me i know what you mean, i have been so sick from this ulcer. Your friend, Rachael

I'm sorry to hear that you are having such a hard time. This is a real life changer and as much as we think we want to change, when it does we still are not ready for it. How are you feeling now that the "holidays" are over? I was in a real funk because of the changes I was going through. I was missing the turkey and dressing, but I also lost my grandfather last spring and this was the first holiday season I was spending without him in 40 years, and I also had a second total hip replacement at the begining of December (2 days before my birthday ). I decided that even if I couldn't eat any of the "goodies" I was still going to do the things that make the season great for me and I still did my baking and cooking without tasting. Keeping your emotional priorities in order and not letting your emotional demons sabotage your progress is the best that any of us can do.