Clint69

While I agree that you have to fine tune your eating habits to accomodate what works for you, there is framework that should be followed. It's very simple: Count calories - You have to be able to know your intake vs your output to know how to achieve you goal. This includes your days for your exercise routine and rest days. Too much of a calorie deficit will force you to lose weight but not keep it off for the long haul. To much surplus will obviously promote weight gain. I think that a 300 cal. deficit is a good cutting deficit to ensure that you don't lost too much muscle while trying to lose weight. Eat a balanced diet - approximately 40% protein, 40% carbs and 20% good fats (omega 3s etc). Little to no saturated or trans fats. Small meals a day - this definately has an effect on metabolism. It has been scientifically proven to speed it up. The ultimate measurement is your BMI. If you lowering your body fat and increasing strength/size, you are on the right track (for lifters). BTW, vegetables are not worthless.

TTP, Yes, I have just experienced a couple and I am at month seven. Mine are a little more towards the crown which is where things have been lagging a little. I though for sure I would be done gaining density around month 6 but at month 7 it is getting thicker and I still get a few pimples here and there.

I have been taking NO products for several months with absolutely no issues. I would think that the increadsed blood flow would certainly help. I do not believe I have lost a hair since I have been taking them.

Whenever I get into a situation where I experience anxiety, I ask myself, what can I do about it today? Then, I just do it or let it go.

azza, Very nice improvment. I hope things continue to thicken over the next several month.

I never had a problem with flat bench. I did notice some tension with incline and decline press though. Only when I went heavy.

Opinions will vary slightly on this subject but they become secure at about the 8-10 day mark. Clint

HairIsThere, I am also an avid weight lifter and I had some of the same concerns. I went to a top doc and he stated that I could go back to my normal routine after 4 weeks. I started walking on a treadmill on week three and after week four I started lifting light weights. I resumed heavy lifting at about the 7 week mark. I have no visible stretching of my scar currently. Obviously if you feel any tension, stop the eexcercise immediately. That being said, you should follow your Drs post operative instructions to a T. Clint

Thats a very good head of hair. Clint

riky, I am the owner of a nutrition store similar to a GNC. I will sell you a tub of top line protein for $30 and you can get 30 quality protein shakes. You got ripped off.

riky, I would like to see your pre and post op photos. Do you mind posting them?

Thanks for the comments guys. It is quite a reliefe to finally see growth. I will keep everyone posted of the progress at month 5. Clint

jbkg, Thanks for the kind words. The scar visability is minimal at this point. I really have to look to see it. To the untrained eye, its not visible. I will try to get better pics. Good luck with your procedure, you are in great hands with Adrian and Dr Rahal. Clint

Hey Guys, Check out my blog for my most recent pics. I am just shy of 4 months. I have experienced a considerable amount of growth over the last 30 days. I am the world's largest skeptic but so far Dr. Rahal is proving me wrong. Considering I am only at 4 months, I am very optomistic of the next several months. IMO, I have had a considerable amount of change. Please excuse my poor picture quality, I was in a hurry today. Yes, it is as full as it looks. I do not use any concealer. Please let me know your thoughts. Clint

Hey Guys, Check out my blog for my most recent pics. I am just shy of 4 months. I have experienced a considerable amount of growth over the last 30 days. I am the world's largest skeptic but so far Dr. Rahal is proving me wrong. Considering I am only at 4 months, I am very optomistic of the next several months. IMO, I have had a considerable amount of change. Please excuse my poor picture quality, I was in a hurry today. Yes, it is as full as it looks. I do not use any concealer. Please let me know your thoughts. Clint

If I had to guess based on the photos, I would say somewhere around 3500-4000 from a top doc. You could probably use meds to button up the rest.

Here, I will help you with the name of your site. Homajackass.com

Bishal, Its hard to tell with your hair so short. My donor area looks similar when I have it shaved to a 1 guard. When I grow my hair, it looks thick and my doc actually stated that I have good donor density. The best thing to do is to research the docs on this site and get some consultations lined up. You may be suprised at what can be done for you. Clint

PK, I feel for ya man. Many of us have been there at one time or another. I have to ask, is there something preventing you from getting and HT? Are you on meds? Whatever the reason, just hang in there and your situation will improve. I would suggest that you refrain from comments to your girlfriend though. Letting her know that you can have this girl or that girl is a definate sign of insecurity and she will pick up on that. Don't let your insecurity drive her away. Get into a solution and remember that god will never give you more than you can handle. Clint

Very nice eman! Congrats! I am heading on a similar path. I have amazing growth and have not even reached 4 months yet. Dr Rahal is the best. Clint

Buba, Where in the hell did all of that hair come from? Congrats, it appears that you are progressing well. I am having similar growth at just shy of four months. I look forward to the next few as I am sure you are as well. Clint

Dr. Lindsey, My thoughts and prayers are certainly with you. I have an 8 year old daughter and I can not possibly imagine the difficulty of your situation. I truely wish you and your family the best.

Looking good. Definate signs of growth. Next couple of months should be real good for ya.

Abedogg - Yes, I am taking Rogaine. I used Rogain prior to my surgery but only once daily. I stopped prior to my surgery per Dr Rahal's instructions but resumed two weeks post HT. I am now using it twice daily. I am also using Nizoral 2% twice weekly. Hair hope - Thanks, I am looking forward to the next several months. Bill - Yes, I still have just a slight bit of post op redness. That being said, it seems that the pics make it look more red than it actually is. In person, it is much more difficult to see the redness. I am hoping for a nice growth explosion in month 4. Wantego - Yes,lol my hair does stand up naturally! As it gets longer, it should start to lay down. Thanks for the comments and encouragement guys. Clint

TC - I believe that the break was approximately 2300 in the hairline and temples and the remaining 1740 in the crown. These are just close estimations. When Dr Rahal and I discussed the plan he asked what bothered me most about my hair. I told him it was first and foremost the temple recession and lack of framing of my face. We decided to concentrate more in the front and less in the back but understanding that a future procedure would eventually be needed. Although I expect to have a good result, my challenge is thin, straight hair probably average or slightly below in terms of fineness. None the less, I am getting excited knowing I am shifting to the growing phase.