i have some lightweight questions. had surgery on tuesday

You got some good advice here so I'll just say Congrats on your WLS.... wishing you a speedy recovery.  Cindy

Welcome to the Loser's Bench.

I didn't have any hair loss and have no idea why I didn't.    I don't think we lose slower.  I think it is work to stay at a goal weight no matter what size you start out at.  I don't think I'll ever have to worry about being underweight. 

Good luck and be sure to keep us updated on your progress.

Linda

Samantha, welcome to the loser's bench.  I'm glad your surgery went well.  You'll feel 100 times better in another week.  Just keep moving, sipping water and resting. 

Congrats on starting this exciting journey!!  I'm so excited that you are young. 

LW's don't lose as much each month as those who have a lot more weight to lose but we do get to goal a lot quicker.  I'm guessing it takes about a year for most of us to get to goal.

I only know of a few who haven't had much hair loss.  Mine got pretty thin.  When it slowed down  I started taking Biotin and using Nexium Shampoo and Conditioner.  My hair  has gotten thicker and it actually holds a curl now.  It is so much nicer than before surgery.  I think concentrating on Protein Drinks is what keeps it healthy.

I don't know of single person who followed the rules, got their protein in, and ate balanced meals losing to much weight.  I did get as low as 106 and it scared me a little so I increased my calories and I have big regrets for doing that.

Welcome, Samantha, and congrats on your farts! :P It is a huge relief, in more ways than one, when it starts to come out. I remember I burped a lot before I started farting, and my doc told me I had to fart at least once before I was sent home. :) (I was in Mexico, though, and so he wanted to be sure things were moving before he sent me back to MN.) 

I don't think we necessarily lose more slowly, but we do lose smaller numbers per month than a heavyweight. As far as ease of maintenance, I think that depends on the person and how willing they are to remain focused on good habits.

And hair loss.. I don't have any tips for you. I'm only 2 mos out, and nothing has happened yet (KNOCKING ALL OVER EVERY PIECE OF WOOD). I've read iron, zinc, flax oil, protein, and/or biotin supplements help.

Abby

Be very careful if things don't improve for you let your doctor know right away. I actually had a bowel obstruction 2 days after surgery that nearly took my life. I had abdominal pain. I was passing some gas. I had even had an explosive bowel movement but it was blocked higher up. I walked and walked some more doubled over and really sore. Luckily I was still in the hospital with amazing doctors that listened to my husband...he told them that I am a person that can take pain. My heart rate went up. I had a fever. With in hours they were rushing me to the OR. After the surgery they told my husband if I had been at home when this happened I wouldn't have made it back to the hospital. This can be very serious. Don't ignore your body if things don't improve seek medical advice. I am not trying to scare you by any means but I wouldn't want anyone to have to go through what I did. Prayers and best wishes going out to you.

i have not had a bowel movement besides the day after surgery after a suppository, and it was just white and weird, nurse said it would be that way. i think i am just moving slow. i have gotten enough gas out now that i don't feel like i'm dying and i picked up some milk of magnesia today that i will take in a bit here :) hopefully it will help move the rest of the gas out. i talked to my surgeon today on the phone and i see him on monday to have my drain removed. if the gas is still really bad monday, i will ask him what's up. i am pretty sure my bowels are just empty right now and still sleeping. i've gotten some probiotics in and it seems to be helping :)

If you are puking blood, that is not normal and you need to make sure your doctor knows about it.  You shouldn't be throwing up at all, much less blood.  Personally, I would go to the emergency room.  Be careful not to get dehydrated with the throwing up.

Lightweights do lose pounds slower than people with more weight to lose, but if you look at percent of weight lost, it may be the same. I don't think it makes it easier to stay at goal though. That last few pounds is hard for anyone to lose, and keeping it all off is also hard for everyone. I haven't met very many people at all who have to struggle to keep enough weight on. And the one person I know who has that issue was not a lightweight to start with. I also think that it doesn't make a difference with the hair loss. The trauma of any surgery will do it, and if you don't get enough protien of vitamins, that will do it too.  It takes about 3 months to recover from hair loss.