Hair Loss

[KimN]

That's a good response Princess Sunbeam.

I was initially worried about my hair loss, but figured I was focussing on this more as I had read all of the negative postings about hair loss prior to starting up. Yeh, my body would have had a slight SHOCK to eat smaller portions, but hey - I am not having the up/down sugar jitters or anything, and I am finding myself able to stay up for a bit later in the evenings to get chores done. I am taking all of the recommended vitamins and supplements on my program, and feel everyone else should do that too if they want the maximum benefit. I have had horrendous feedback from outsiders (including my doctor) about this program, but choose to let this slide over my head, because I know myself what I need to get onto track to feeling and looking healthier. I just can't stay this way forever, so Cohen's is my choice now. WW worked for me in the past, but ya know - It didn't teach me anything else than that I knew I could starve myself all day and save my main points up for that one big motha piece of mudcake. It didn't teach me anything about getting my head in the right space and making a permanent life change. Yes, I am still finding it hard after 1 week on the program, yes, I am always mindful of those hunger grumbles that occur constantly, but truly, with this forum, it has helped me rise above the dreaded D ("Deviation") so far. I really pray I have the inner strength to carry this on well and past maintenance time.

Kim

[hexi2]

Yep I had hairloss near the end but it does grow back...lots of it so noone really notices it as new ones are coming out all the time. 8 months later I still have the 'shorter bits' that are catching up with the old hair

No drama - a little bit of hairloss is nothing in the grand scheme of the positives

[hope_ful]

mette you're so right about the money thing. before i filled out my form and paid for cohens, i worked out that if i had just continued to go to my dietician every week like i was, at $50 a time, in 15 wks that would add up to $750 anyway. so im actually saving money in the long run because (pray to god) i i will never have to go to another dietician again! also, since you dont really eat out or buy takeaway coffees on this program, you save so much money. i think i saved about $150 just last week because i didnt eat out. i work freelance, so on my days off i would normally go for lunch with a friend, and then once a wk id go for dinner with my friends, dinner with my boyfriend, and sat lunch, sat dinner, sun breakfast or brunch and often dinner were normally eaten out or takeaway. so really, you save so much money and so much more (health, confidence, LIFE) by doing this program. i also had to put my gym membership on hold! yay! so thats another $45 a fortnight im saving. the only thing that will be expensive is buying new clothes at the finish line but thats money well spent


also kim, im really interested to know what negative feedback you got? when i asked my dr he said it was based on science and that it should work (god knows why he didnt mention it when i went to him for 2yrs complaining and trying to work out why i couldnt lose weight, and giving me fasting glucose tests and putting me on metformin for insulin resistance). my dietician also said the same thing.. again, why she didnt mention it.... although thats probably because it would mean id leave her practice!!!

x

[KimN]

Hi hope ful

I openly mentioned to my doctor that I was on this program. He had never heard of it. I explained my program to him, he told me that I should cut the egg out totally, that it would be bad for my cholesterol levels. That the intial blood test results I was after a copy of provided no benficial information for any clinic to base a weight loss program on. He then proceeded to explain how he has lost weight on just 1 weetbix in the morning, piece of fruit for lunch, and something or rather for dinner...I forget now, as he had me panicking at that stage...and that I didn't need to pay someone to simply hardly eat anything... There were other things mentioned. This is the same doctor who told me I should lose a few kilos a while back... a good doctor for my daughter, not so sure about a good doctor for me. I am moving to another town next month anyway so I will search for a new one then.

Cheers, Kim

[Sissa]

Hi Kim

Im sorry to hear that youve been suffering.

In all honesty Ive been hunting high and low for negative feed back on Cohens and yours is the first Ive found.

I would say tho...

Originally Posted by KimN

he told me that I should cut the egg out totally, that it would be bad for my cholesterol levels.

as far as I know - too many eggs is bad for your cholesterol - but one a day is fine. Im not sure how old your doctor is - but the no eggs theory is a pretty out-dated one. I always like to check my doctors "professional development" to make sure that she/he is always up to date.

Originally Posted by KimN

He then proceeded to explain how he has lost weight on just 1 weetbix in the morning, piece of fruit for lunch, and something or rather for dinner

and hrm...Id be wary of anyone doctor or not who suggested that an adult survive on 1 weetbix for breakfast and a bit of fruit for lunch - my daughter was eating more than that when she was 10 months old.

My sister has been on the program now for 5 weeks - she looks amazing - I was a skeptic when she first told me about it - but seeing her Im joining up too.

Her skin looks amazing, her eyes are clear and bright and her teeth - Im still not sure I believe her that she hasnt bleached them :P

Maybe an error was made with your program? Can you not go back to your clinic? or if you have some issues with the people at your clinic can you not go to another one? I dont meant to belittle your experience - its just that what you've experienced seems soooooo far from what Ive seen with my own eyes with my sister and what Ive read in my hunt for Cohens feedback.

[KimN]

Hi Sissa

I am not taking the doctors advice anyway. Afterall, I figured this was indeed just a one-off remark from a doctor who perhaps has not delved to far into the dieting and weight loss sector of medicine. I didn't think what he was doing as a diet was a good option to consider, afterall, you do need to eat something to get that metabolism going! I was totally surprised with his comments equally as you were. Especially after I have seen in these forums of how many other doctors swear by it for their patients. Anyhoo- onward and upward, I'm not going to get too wrapped up in that from now on in. This is my life, and I make the choices, this time I make the choice to eat healthily and shake off this lard!

My consultant at the clinic I contact - She is fantastic! I have talked to her a few times and she is helping me out with a few things (quantity checks, etc.) so it is all good. I feel so much better for having started and gotten through the first week.
Thanks for your reply too, all the best!
Kim

[Sissa]

oh Kim sorry I think I might have confused you with the original poster - good luck on your journey hope you have the fantastic results my sister is having - Ill join you soon on my own journey!!

My comments about getting help from the clinic were for Betty Spagetti it seems

[DevilDollie]

eep, I just found this post and it kinda freaked me out. I don't wanna lose hair, my hair is kinda thinner than it used to be anyways

can I take double my vitamins to help?? has any1 found anything to help with the side effects? bit worried about the whole gall stone thing, and the bone density too. talk about a good way to scare the crap outta me!

should I be overly worried?

I have however noticed the crankiness that someone else mentioned, Iv been PO'd for the last fortnight or so in general. Im thinking that might be my sugar addiction though.

so far 6.5 kilos gone in 19 days, so I'm happy that it's working but I don't wanna be unhealthier for it in the end..what to do?!

[Kohinoor]

Hi DD,

Aww, ride easy with it. For every negative post, I can probably point you to ten more that are positive. We allow people to discuss all sorts of things on here, and that can include negative thoughts too.

Any weightloss program is worth sharing with YOUR Doctor - they know you better than most. If they are saying "Go for it", then know that this is not a "dangerous" program.

Re the hair loss, etc. it seems to be an individual thing - some lose while on the Plan, and others don't !! Will that be you? I dunno !! Even those that DO lose hair, find it grows back again better than ever afterward.

Re gall bladder, ANY weightloss program can have an adverse effect - IF you were already prone to GB problems - so, ask your Doctor !!! And, while there, ask him/her "What is better?" To lose the weight (and maybe risk GB problems) or to stay the weight you are, and perhaps be able to avoid GB problems.

Meanwhile, have a look at this thread - it might put a bit more hope in your heart:-

It's early days, DD - ride with it, use your diary to invite comment re "how do I get over these feelings/concerns ?" - I'm sure people will step in to share THEIR experiences with their journey (and hopefully putting your mind more at ease).

I hope that helps some,

Koh

[shell]

Hi DD,
I was on the program for 35 weeks and never had any of the side effects mentioned.
As Koh, said everybody is different.
Shell

[Maya]

DD, calm down. It is not that bad.
Koh is completely right.

Listen - when I was first time on the program, I didnt chose right foods, I ate just to get by. Same things every day, just to not have much to deal with food. Instead of choosing the variety of veggies, I had same spinach, same fish, same chicken (also didnt have an option due to living situation, not being able to shop in a normal store and by myself). So, I didnt get much nutrients. And I had probably not the best multivitamin either.
I also lost too much weight (1st sending the doctor wrong information, I made myself smaller for 5 inches and cut some of my feet...ridicilious, I know - but measured myself in primary school the last time, I think?!) - and then wanted to be even better and was underweight (165 cm and 48 kg).

After that I lost hair BIG TIME.
I was pulling them out like crazy. I even start getting bold.
But not because of his program, but because of my stupidity and not checking my height (I serioulsy thought the whole time I was 160 cm tall).

Then a hairdresses recommended me Hair Factor pills from Twinlab. I only took few and the hair stopped falling out.
When I went back to the diet the 2nd time around, I haven't even lost those 100 hair a day we're suppose to.
And I look very funny, cuz my new hair is growing back.

So - if you are so scared - make sure you have GOOD MULTIVITAMIN (don't overdo them, either!, better take a good one than too many of medium quality) and chose different kinds of food.

But if you will be so stressed - then you can lose hair just from stress... the best is just relax and enjoy every day.

[DevilDollie]

aaah I see now, phew. Im on magnesium and calcium tabs and multivit that my clinic suggested, so they should work well thanks for the clarification

[katielou]

Hi, was just wondering if anyone else has noticed that their mood has changed. I am noticing that in the mornings that I am not as patient with the kids and a bit short with my hubby.

Thanks K

[Kristine..]

Hi Betty, although you are probably not on Cohen's anymore, it is still your thread

My experiences with Cohen's are different again

In 2006 I lost 28 kilos and 110cm in 20 weeks, and during that time my hair and nails grew at an amazing rate and were very healthy

I maintained my goal weight for over a year with no trouble at all.

I have recently lost 15 kilos (why I put 15 kilos back on is well documented elsewhere so I won't go into it again) and again, my hair and nails have grown significantly more than usual whilst on the program.

I could use my nails as screwdrivers and my hair is now so long I have to wear it up all the time

There is an old saying:

It's A Poor Workman Who Quarrels With His Tools.

It is not the tools which do a bad job but the person using the tools.

Having said that, every person is different and how we got to be obese, and why we no longer want to be obese, will be quite different from one person to the next.

I was obese and hated it. I am now slim and no amount of wishing would have got me from one state to another.

I discovered Cohen's and it worked for me. Brilliantly. But if it hadn't, would that have been the fault of the program? The Clinic? My consultant? Me?

Even though I had 'good reason' for the weight gain during 2008, it was still me who ate, not the clinic, not the consultant, not Dr Cohen. Me.


Maybe the program is not for Betty or Tom or Dick or Harry. Perhaps going on Cohen's has caused too rapid a loss, been too confronting. Perhaps going to a dietician is a better idea, or a herbalist or a GP

I asked my GP about losing weight. He said 'Eat Less, Exercise More, that's $75 thanks'

So much for professional advice to a very serious question.

I am a healthy person but I was obese and every year I got more obese. Now I am a healthy person who is slim. I can't ask for anything more than that.

Cohen's program is about rapid weight loss. It is not about anything else. We all know that when we sign up, and the program delivers the goods.

And I can honestly say that during the program I was never hungry, never angry, always pleased with myself and would jump out of bed every morning eager to have another exciting day. I loved filling in my program sheets and really enjoyed what I cooked for myself.


Sorry if everybody doesn't have such a positive experience, but this is my experience and I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every minute of the Cohen's journey and could not speak too highly of the program.

Ciao!
Kristine

[perthwoman]

Hi everyone.

I don't know where to start but i am losing ALL of my hair. It has been going on for about a month now, to the point where now i am freaking out, i can't wear it out because all the hair at the back has broken off and gone all short. My hairdresser was shocked at the condition.

I read a couple of things online, as i am very worried, one mentioned after big weightloss the body goes into a state of ''shock'' and is classified as a starvation mode, where the body is lacking nutrients so the ''unimportant places such as hair and nails'' gets cut off completely so the rest of the body can function normally. This however does change when the body reaches it's plateau ''goal weight'' and is injected with more nutrients.

Another is and this tends to apply to gastric bypass patients, that the body does not get enough protien therefore will lose alot of hair also in a ''shock phase''.

I am taking zinc 3 times a day
fish oil 3 times a day
blackmores multi twice a day
blackmores hair skin and nails 2 times a day
vit c

Now this hasn't seemed to make any difference at all, and it is also very difficult to swallow so many pills a day.

I can't make it to the doctor until next saturday so i am just calling out for any help anyone can give me.
I have roughly 15kg til my goal weight, however if my hair keeps going this way i'm afraid i will have none left

I don't wany anyone telling me this is a small price to pay because it isn't. My hair defines me as a female and i have a wedding to go to in a few months, i'm already embarrased by my hair.

Please help

[Annabelle Joy]

Perthwoman, this has been raised before, several times I've just found. See if this link works for you: http://newyouforum.com/forum/search.php?searchid=74694. If not, go to Search, Advanced Search, in the Keywords box put hair and under it choose Search titles only.

Your hair will grow back, but probably not while you are still on Cohen's. I don't think anyone has lost all their hair on Cohen's, if that's of any comfort.

AJ

[Sandie]

Hi there,

Just dropping by to see how your getting on with the hair lose. I have no solution for you, sorry!! But want to pass on my support to you. Keep up the vitamins, I think they are sooo important. I have been taking Blackmores sustained release X2 a day. I have not experienced the hair lose but have not ruled it out either, with 17kg to go.

Regards

Sandie

[thenewvee]

Hi Perthwoman!

Your hair loss situation sounds terrible, and I really feel for you. It seems your body is perhaps dealing with things more extremely than is the case for most of us. Perhaps you could check with your doctor and see if there is someone they can refer you on to to get the problem identified and then resolved.

I so hear you on the loss of hair defining you as a woman.

I really do hope you find the right answer for you, and soon!!

Big hugz!

Vee

[KitKat]

Hi Perthwoman

I have experienced hair loss also and found this to be distressing. When I questioned my GP he said it was due to my 'plan' basically being a Very Low Calorie Diet - however he did say it should correct itself when 'normal' eating resumes and from my experience this is true. I have also been using very expensive Joico K-Pak reconstructive shampoo and conditioner in an attemt to make what I do have as strong as possible.
I would suggest that you consult Blackmores on line advice re your situation and the cobination of vitimins you are taking - I have found them to be really helpful and honest - even in an economic climate where most people are scrambling for your money.
I guess you have to weigh up (no pun intended!) what is happening to you physically, how this effects you emotionaly and look for honest and sound solutions. If in doubt consult a professional like a GP. Good luck
Kath

[Shanara]

HI Perthwoman,

Oh you sound like this feels quite extreme for you. Have you consulted your consultant. Perhaps she has a suggestion for you.

Shanara