♕ajtexas♕

To all of u that had plastic surgery ( Tummy Tuck, arms etc). How much weight had u lost? Still

Losing or at ur goal ? Does insurance pay anything? I've only had my lapband since end of may but have lost 70 pounds and I can relate to the post if "flying with wings" my arms are driving me crazy and I know I will want to look at TT and having my arms done for sure. Feels so good to be thinner but looking at my naked body still scares the hell out of me!!!! Lol.

I was banded Feb 2012 and lost 80 pounds, I reached my goal Dec 2012 and have maintained for almost a year now. My insurance doesn't cover plastic surgery (didn't cover the band either) so I paid cash (approximately $7,000 for a full TT).

I'll be honest, Alex, combining the forums makes me nervous. I understand from the 'business' perspective, but does that make it best for us? I trust you and and knowing that you are a Bandster eases my mind. (I Just needed to voice my concerns).

I look forward to the new changes (& being able to blog again!!!).

Thanks for the update.

First' date=' congrats on a successful surgery and wishing you a speedy recovery. Can't wait to see the pics (tapping Alex on the shoulder....cough cough)

I did want to share my experience so others considering Cosm. Surgery can get other opinions/experiences.

I had a Tummy Tuck, Breast Lift and Augmentation and Arm Lift on October 8th. I don't know if it's because I had 3 previous 3 C-Sections or what, but the pain was nowhere I was expecting. First couple days I needed help with most things like getting up from the couch (aka bed), cooking, and of course household chores like laundry etc. But the pain in general was manageable. Everyone from the get go said the tatas and arms would be nothing compared to the TT pain and I disagree, the arms have been the most uncomfortable but even they are manageable. By day 3 I was more mobile and was starting to get around with less assistance. By Day 7 I was wearing normal clothes and only needing assistance putting on my sports bra because my arms have limited range of motion, but I was getting out of the house for 3 hours or less. Walking for long periods was the most stressful, not because of pain but ab muscles felt tight/fatigued. By week 2 I was flying alone back to Canada, wearing regular clothes and I was able to get my own sports bra on, do my own cooking etc. I am now 2 days shy of one month and the only thing I don't do is heavy lifting (think picking up kids, picking up laundry baskets or heavy food items like milks and dog food). Now there is sensitivity and will be for many more months as the incisions continue to heal. My arms are uber sensitive and I think it's because you always use your arms, therefore they don't catch a break, even while sleeping because pressure is being put on them.

As for the band, I did not get any Fluid taken out and have had zero complications. I too transitioned with liquids to solids over 3 days to rehydrate and get my band readied. But I am SO grateful I did NOT get any taken out.

Pain tolerance, healing, acclimation/adjustment and coping ability is highly individualized so there's alot of variance in what we experience and what we can tolerate. I won't post any opinions or recommendations. Just sharing my experience as an example of how things can go a different way [/quote']

Thanks for sharing your story too. You are right everyone is different. I am not saying what others should do, I shared my story and said what I will do in the future.

Thanks for your post! My surgery date is December 2nd. Any other words of wisdom? Did you spend the night? When I had the band put in it was overnight and I'm glad it was. My tt surgeons scheduler said this might not even be overnight. That really surprised me to say the least. I figure if I push for it they'll let me stay. What are you wearing? Sweats' date=' dresses? Did you have a full tt or just below the belly button? Congratulations, I hope I'm as strong as you![/quote']

I did not stay overnight. Surgery was at 7:30am and I left the hospital at 3pm. I have to wear a crotchless corset and I have 2 drains. I had a full TT. I wear sweat pants and a shirt during the day. You definitely need someone to help on day 2. That was my worst day.

I got out of the house today, saw Last Vegas this afternoon. I laughed so hard it hurt my stomach.

Good luck to you.

I follow several different rules. 1) the LapBand rules on eating (cause if you don't it means trouble). 2) During my weight loss stage I set personal rules that I followed (low carb, exercising, no eating after 9pm, etc...) 3) Now that I am maintaining I have created some lifestyle rules for myself.

But I don't see them as rules, more as guidance. I don't deprive myself of anything but I do make health choices that others would see as being deprived.

When I post about following the rules I am referring to how to eat with the band. In my opinion the biggest problem with the band is the patients not learning how to eat/manage their band. This is a high maintenance tool, we cannot ignore/abuse it, if we do there are consequences. Almost two years banded, I have learned to listen to my band and not to push it. I learned to "follow the rules".

It get's better & better!!!

I had a Tummy Tuck four days ago (Halloween). Today is the first day that I feel human. This surgery makes the LabBand surgery a walk in the park, lol. I learned a few things that I would like to share (I would blog this but…..)

Day 2 was hell. Extreme pain, I couldn’t get up from sitting without assistance. I hurt from my boobs to my crotch (and have the colorful bruises to show for it). It is really important to stay on top of your pain meds.

Day 3 was better but still needed a lot of assistance. The highlight of the day was a sponge bath and hair washing (Mom helped with this).

Today, I’m human. Last night was the first night I could get out of bed without waking my husband. Pour guy felt like he had a newborn again, up every 2 hours.

So what did I learn?

My doctor did not require removal of Fluid from my band for the surgery, however FOR ME I wish I had about .2cc removed. My band has been extremely tight (borderline too tight) ever since I woke up. Yes I’m on liquids and soft foods. I had to be sure I was staying hydrated and that was difficult. On Friday I considered getting some Fluid removed but the thought of a needle going anywhere near my stomach….. I decided to manage the situation. Things are settling, I was able to eat about 1-2oz of meat last night. So with good management on my part I was able to get through the worst. In the future (if I have the option) I will remove just a little fluid.

The second thing I learned is that I have the most wonderful husband in the world. He had to step in as my nurse, emptying drains, helping me dress, picking me up (yes he can lift me – that was cool).

I will post pre & post pictures once the tummy doesn’t look like a war zone.

Oh so very true, love it!

The best advise I can give is Just Do It!

You've made the first step with this post. Print your post and tape it to your fridge so you see your committment everyday.

If bad food choices are hurdles, clean out your kitchen remove all temptation.

Regarding exercising, do what you can. Just a little bit is a start. Before you know it you will be moving like crazy (asj CG about that).

This is for life and it does take time. You can do this.

The best advise I can give is Just Do It!

You've made the first step with this post. Print your post and tape it to your fridge so you see your committment everyday.

If bad food choices are hurdles, clean out your kitchen remove all temptation.

Regarding exercising, do what you can. Just a little bit is a start. Before you know it you will be moving like crazy (asj CG about that).

This is for life and it does take time. You can do this.

I feel your frustration. I have been at goal for 11 months. For the first 6 to 8 months I struggled up 10 then down. Too tight too loose. Maintaining was becoming a huge struggle. Once I got my head around it and quit obsessing about the numbers (weight and Fluid amount) things got easier.

It takes time for the head to catch up and boy can it mess with you. I think I had more fills/unfills in those 8 months than during my weight loss. Lol

Hang in there. It does get easier with time. And congrats on reaching your goal.

Yes, I really need support and have questions about my procedure.

I pm'd Carolina Girl this link. She will answer any of your questions. I'm sure she will reply in the morning.

Can you deal with another week of downtime ? I promise to make it up to everyone...on multiple levels

You just like keeping a girl waiting.....

I had both and have only 2.5 cc in my band and am losing fine and feel even though I'm not in the green zone yet, I have more control of my hunger than I ever have. I'm undecided if I'll get more Fluid in my band or not as this seems to be working fine. Carolinagirl had band and plication and has never had a fill and has lost a lot of weight. She is my hero.

CG is my hero too!!!

Congratulations on five years & thank you for sharing your story. You (& your sister) look fabulous. It is great to hear from seasonal bandsters like yourself!

I feel your pain, I really do! We were planning on having this entire upgrade completed ages ago. We should have most of the maintenance completed by this weekend. The plan is go live with the updated site this Sunday or Monday (fingers crossed!!) Thank you all for your extreme patience

Monday has come & gone.....

Got serious pouting going on!!!

Love you Alex, but you're killing me!

Way to go girlfriend. So very proud of you!!!

I don't even know why' date=' but this Prince gif made me drool my Water laughing![/quote']

Prince will make you drool all kinds of stuff.....j/s

Probably not once the swelling goes down. My port doesn't protrude out, but I can rub my hand over it and feel it.

I often find myself rubbing my port, almost like a comfort thing....yep band still there.

I am a side sleeper. It has been almost a week since my surgery. Will I no longer be able to sleep on my side.

The bad news is you can never sleep on your side again.....

The good news is, I'm just kidding!!!

I know, not funny, ok seriously in time you will be back to side sleeping. Give your body time to heal. I know it is frustrating! I'm a stomach sleeper & I kept trying to lay on my stomach, but no way was that happening. took about 3-4 weeks before I could get back to sleeping on my stomach.

Yep, it's your port.

My dear Alex, I know you are working hard to improve LBT but...... I NEED BLOGS!!!

I want to blog soooo bad I can taste it.

want to read CG's and Missy's blogs, they get me through the day.

I really miss the blogs!!!!

You don't realize how good something is until it's gone....... please hurry up and bring back the blogs!

Congratulations and welcome!

I'm sure you will do great. Just focus on the band rules, ask as many questions as you can think of and remember this is for life. This is a lifestyle change, not a diet.

We are all here to support you along your journey, good luck to you.

The fact that you have to tilt your head side ways to see the pic makes it even better. lol

Junkie, hugs to both you & your wife. You both are amazing people.