Couple of questions for Postoppers???

Hi everybody :)

I'm at home recovering and wanted to ask some questions. If you have a minute could you please shed some light for me...

1. At what month in did you reach your 100lb weight loss? I started at 303 and am at 284. 19lbs in 7 days is insane to me so I'm wondering how fast this process will be.

2. Is there anything youre doing or have heard of that prevents hairloss? I've been debating on getting some braids to prevent putting in damaging products.

3. For women who suffered with irregular periods, bad cramps, odd facial hair or PCOS. Did the weight loss help any of this? If so, when did you first notice (how far in?)?

4. Did any of you notice a change in how people speak to you or treat you after a noticable amount of weight loss? Was it for the better or worst?

5. Would you take it back? Do you miss eating w/o limits? Avoiding scales?

Thanks for you that have the time to respond!

Tennille :)

1. It took me 1 year 4 months to lose 100lbs from surgery, prior to surgery I lost 36lbs on my own.

2. You cannot prevent hair loss - its a combo of malnutrition as well as anesthesia. You can help the loss by meeting your nutritional goals *daily* (keeping up with the protein!!!) and being faithful with your vits/supps. Biotin is a suppliment you can take but it only helps with NEW hair growth... I reccomend taking it for the first 6 months or so... keep in mind it makes *all* hair grow.

3. I had horrible cramps pre-op, I still have horrible cramps post-op... now that I am smaller I notice the bloating a lot more... a few pounds of bloat on a small person makes a big difference... damn pants are soooo tight!

4. yes... but there was also a change in the way I presented myself, carried myself and respected myself. There is no doubt people will treat somebody differently based on the way they look - but people will also treat you differently based on what you project - I look people in the eye now, I smile a lot, Im very open and talkative... before I tried to blend into the wall. I also keep up with how I dress, makeup, hair and all that girlie stuff - I did before somewhat but love it a lot more now since I have options.

5. No. I have a better relationship with food now than ever - I can basically eat what I what when I want. I have learned to eat to live, not live to eat... I love to cook and love trying new recipies, I love finding healthy ways to make my old junky favorites... I practice mindful eating and no longer need to stuff myself silly to feel satisified. As for scaled, I actucally weighed almost daily for the past 8 years... that hasnt changed. The way I looked on the outside never matched how I felt on the inside so the number on the scale didnt really mean much to me. Now the scale is a tool I use to help maintain my loss.

Thank you for responding and for pointing out that the hair growth is every where lol Thats important to know but I do plan on being faithful with the vitamins. Congrats on your success!

1-Well, I have reached a 100lbs yet. So I will get back to you on that.

2-  You could take Biotin. I got some from walmart 5000mg for like7 or 8 bucks. Some people say it doesn't work, but I willing to try anything. I started taking it at two months. It is supposed to help with new hair growth. I also wen to a hair salon and bought Nioxin shampoo and conditioner. This is supposed to help strengthen the hair you have.

3-I have PCOS- Isn't it a pain in the butt! This is actually the reason I had the surgery (I want to have kids and have married for 4 yrs with no luck). My starting weight was 227 and would hear a lot you aren't big enough to have that surgery. However, since I have starting losing weight I have had my period every single month.  It hasn't helped with the facial hair yet but I am still keeping my fingers crossed on that one.

4-People are people. I actually was getting frustrated. I have lost 51 lbs and people are just now starting to notice!

5- I think it was the best thing I ever did for myself. I started working out at 3 wks out and have really found that I love it. I love being healthy. I had a major sweet tooth before so occasionally I eat sugar free candy. Sometimes I wish I could eat more esp if I am eating something really good, but I just try to enjoy the portion I can eat. Besides wearing super cute clothes (size 10 Babe! HOLLA!) more than makes up for it. Now my shopping habit on the other hand is a different issue.....LOL!

Okay......
1. I am 2 years and 2 months out. It took 9 months to lose 10 pounds and just over a year to goal of 126 pounds lost.
2. Protein, vitamins and shampoo that starts with a "N"...I can't remember. Go to Sally's. You will lose hair. I did, but no one said they noticed.
3. Before I had regular periods with no pain or fatigue. I still have regular periods, but shorter with lots of cramping and fatigue. I double up on my iron from Bariatric Advantage during.
4. Some friends and fmaily may act different in the beginning or always stare at you. Men always **** me off, they run to open the door, run to help me, where before I did not exist. I just look at them and get the door myself.
5. My only regret is that I waited so long to have it! I wish I would have had WLS on my 18th birthday! I don't miss a thing! I am addicted to the scales. I am terrified I will wake up and see over 200 pounds again! Good luck! Any other questions feel free to ask, Holli