About 40 days ago I noticed the amount of hair I was losing in the shower had tripled. This lasted for several weeks. I thought the hair loss was due to the stress of surgery, and my delusions were quickly squashed after my 3 month post op appointment yesterday. My labs overall looked good but my protein levels were low. Hence, the hair loss. I am at 6.1 and should be at 7.
I've said this before, but taking the protein is much more difficult than I expected. I am prescribed to take 4 shakes or 80-100 grams a day. The protein that works best for me is BIOPLEX "plain". I mix it with a low sugar juice or juice cut with water. The shakes have to be thick so very little liquid is used. Sometimes I throw a raw egg in too.
The doctor would like me to start B12 shots once a week. My labs don't show a serious deficiency and this is just a preventative measure. I am also adding iron and continuing to take a high dose of vitamin D.
I can not stress how important it is to be diligent with your labs post surgery. What you don't know can hurt you. Follow your Doctors' orders. It's much easier to keep your levels up with supplements than to bring them back up after they have fallen.
We've started a gastric bypass support group at work. Currently there are 3 of us that are post op, 3 that are pre op, and there are several gals who are interested in learning more, but have not committed to the process yet.
If you're interested in attending a free seminar on Bariatric Surgery in the Pierce/King County area, check out: http://www.centerforweightlosssurgery.com/
Till next month.
- Twickity
