♕ajtexas♕

O k I know about the different plastic surgery's but can you inform me what everybody that has some kind of plastic surgery what are drains and what do they do, please enlighten me so I know what to expect if I ever think about having it or if I will have to, thankyou and I am glad you are feeling like your new self, also happy for you that you could do this ,
When you have surgery your body generates fluids during the healing process, this Fluid collects under the skin and has to be drained out. I had 2 drains (left & right), they were each a plastic tube coming out of my groin to a plastic collection thing (looked like a hand grenade). I would empty them when they got full and record the volume of Fluid for the doctor.
The doctor removed them last Wednesday, but my body is still producing the fluid and now I have a Water balloon for a tummy. I go to my doctor this morning so he can remove the fluid....probably with a needle.
Hope this answers your question.
FYI - as painful and troublesome this surgery has been, it is worth every minute of it to me!!

I was worried about my port, would it be in the way, etc... I researched surgeons and picked one who has years of experience doing TT on banded patients. Yes the port and tubing are in the way, the doctor has to work around them. The port is attached to muscle (not the skin) so it doesn't have to be moved. I no longer have the scare on my stomach showing me where my port is, I have to feel for it, lol.
At my week post op appointment my doctor asked me if I had any troubles with getting fills. I said no why? He said that my port was tilted sideways.... He straighten it and added a few sutures to it. Fixed it while he was in there, lol. It could of never become a problem but didn't hurt to correct it now. I am thankful my surgeon is so familiar with the band and yes he did send a report to my Band doctor regarding the port.

I had my one week follow up appointment today. Doc said everything looks great. I still have both drains (one more week).
Asked doc how much skin did he remove.....he removed almost 6 pounds of skin. Holly cow! I have not stood on the scale since surgery (& don't plan to until all the swelling is gone).
Can't wait to go cloth shopping!

Hey girlfriend, great to hear from you!

Don't ever forget this! You are so right.

I'm sorry but that cannot be the same person.....
You rock Princess!!!

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.

O k I know about the different plastic surgery's but can you inform me what everybody that has some kind of plastic surgery what are drains and what do they do, please enlighten me so I know what to expect if I ever think about having it or if I will have to, thankyou and I am glad you are feeling like your new self, also happy for you that you could do this ,
When you have surgery your body generates fluids during the healing process, this Fluid collects under the skin and has to be drained out. I had 2 drains (left & right), they were each a plastic tube coming out of my groin to a plastic collection thing (looked like a hand grenade). I would empty them when they got full and record the volume of Fluid for the doctor.
The doctor removed them last Wednesday, but my body is still producing the fluid and now I have a Water balloon for a tummy. I go to my doctor this morning so he can remove the fluid....probably with a needle.
Hope this answers your question.
FYI - as painful and troublesome this surgery has been, it is worth every minute of it to me!!

☠carolinagirl☠
Here you go gf.

The band doesn't "come with Fluid in it" however some doctors put Fluid in at surgery. The amount is up to the doctor.
Congrats on the great loss post op. Keep it up.

The band doesn't "come with Fluid in it" however some doctors put Fluid in at surgery. The amount is up to the doctor.
Congrats on the great loss post op. Keep it up.

AJ is giving you some very good advice. Although, waiting is very hard and the unknown is very hard on your psyche too. If you're anything like me you worry and think the worst possible scenario is what is going to happen. Try to meditate on the positive and think on what you are going to do once you have your surgery.
Like AJ says do some research online. Look at what people are saying about the surgery and how they are doing and what they are doing to be successful. It really will help. The lady that helped me with my paperwork at my surgical center gave me a list of things to practice so I would be prepared for when I had the actual surgery. It really helps get you in the right state of mind, and once you have the surgery it will all make sense.
If you can, start walking. That's what I did. I wasn't ready for a full on exercise program because of my back issues. So, I started walking, and little by little I could walk longer and longer and I started doing yoga. Low impact stuff is what was working for me. I know its to each their own when it comes to exercise, but it does help with weight loss.
Also, if your insurance requires you to do the supervised diet just jump on here and talk with people. You will find a ton of support and you might even make some good friends. I love this site. There's just so much support.
I too want to say congratulations on making the choice to begin your journey! I wish you the best of luck and go digging through the forums. You will find all kinds of info... the good... the bad...and the ugly! LOL
Best Wishes!

☠carolinagirl☠
Here you go gf.

OK Princess, now that you are wearing the coral capris it is time for a new goal.
Watch your mailbox for a pair of size 12 fusha pants.

You are simply beautiful, inside and out.

hey, AJ got me skulls

now dont know about that........but def a change in my face....one little thing, like clothes being too big or going down a size or noticing a older picture vs a new one, can make ones mind go heck yeah i got this and keep them keeping on.....
why i posted it....to show the bigger BMI's that yeah, it can be done....
there is so many bypass/sleeve people on the band threads and i want the ones
who got the band to see, the band works..
not just me but jim or missy or aj or floridays and many many many more...or YOU go.......its a GREAT thing
add patient compliance to the band and whoop .....WATCH OUT

I tried to message you and it wouldn't go through. I can't believe you blocked me.
You didn't block me for real did you..............

NOT HARDLY and NOPE i did not and would NOT block you
i think my hearts next to my name make it hard to PM me (*dangit*)

Well thank goodness! I was feeling a little paranoid. Let me know if you get my message.
You could always ditch the hearts for skulls.

i WISH i could do the skulls in front of my name..
maybe someone can show me how to do that....now that would be RAD

lets see if ole girl can make myself have my beloved skulls.......hold your breath yall

☠carolinagirl☠

LOVE to AJ..........i now have SKULLS

There is a website for how to do special symbols:
http://www.wikihow.com/Type-Symbols-Using-the-ALT-Key