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NYC1992

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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Posts posted by NYC1992

  2. Posted · Edited by NYC1992

    21 hours ago, TaylorMade4One said:


    I haven't had my surgery but I'm concerned about lose skin on my back. Is this something covered by insurance? Sorry I asked a question with a question but I'm sure someone ready this will have an answer for you. emoji5.png

    I know with my lower body lift (tummy tuck/outer thigh/partial butt lift) and arm lift were not covered by insurance but I believe they did cover the hospital stay.

    TaylorMade4One reacted to this

  3. Posted

    20 hours ago, AshAsh1 said:

    My mom had a breast reduction a few years ago. She wasn't overweight, but had very large breasts. As a result, she also had "side boob" which was removed by her plastic surgeon along with the breast reduction. What she thought was "back fat" was actually breast. She looks a lot smaller around than she used to. I imagine they used liposuction to get that side area.

    Hope that helps.

    I'm transgender so I technically didn't even have breast tissue when I was losing weight (I have a considerable amount now but not as much as I would like, plus the back skin is both upper and lower) - this is probably true for most though!

    TakingABreak reacted to this

  4. Posted

    Hey all,

    I've lost about 200 lbs in my WLS journey (first lap band, then revised to gastric sleeve) and back in 2015 had a lower body lift and arm lift.

    As I've since gender transitioned, I am now looking to have breast augmentation as well as a bra line lift to remove the excess skin on my back. Not sure if that's the same as an upper body lift / back lift?

    Has anyone had any experience with this procedure? It seems pretty uncommon in relation to how many people deal with loose skin around their backs.

    Thank you!

  5. Posted · Edited by NYC1992

    Hey all, been a while since I’ve been here!

    To make a long story short, I had lap band done in May 2013 followed by a lower body lift and arm lift in 2015. In August 2016, I had my lap band removed and revised to gastric sleeve. I’ve lost (at most) 200 lbs to date which also gave me the courage to start my gender transition last year.

    As part of that, I will be getting a breast augmentation soon but am wondering what can be done for the excess skin between my breasts and back (below my arms). My back skin is also quite loose in that area. I know the implants will push the skin a -little- forward but the surgeon I consulted with said it would mostly remain. What options are out there?

    Thanks!

  7. Posted

    Hi Alex,

    I'm wondering if there is anything that can be done for someone in a case such as mine who has had two bariatric procedures done?

    I had my lap band in May 2013 and still was ~150 lbs lighter when I had my revision-to-gastric sleeve done 2 weeks ago on August 24th... it seems like I'm only able to merge the info together which either makes it look like I had the gastric sleeve done in 2013 OR that I lost 160+ lbs in 2 weeks :lol::blink: while it's pretty funny it also makes my history appear very misleading.

    Thank you!

  8. Posted

    I have:

    2 tiny circular incisions (the size of scabs) with one being at the bottom of my chest

    2 longer incisions with one being where my port was; the other is on the opposite side in similar place but is not very noticeable

    1 more distinct incision less than 1 inch northwest of my bellybutton

    None have given any pain but I'm find it tempting to scratch off the little scabs LOL - I wouldn't, though.

  11. Posted

    Hi all,

    Glad to be part of this section of BariatricPal since previously spending it on the Lap Band forum!

    To give a bit of background: My highest weight ever was 357 and I underwent lap band surgery on May 2013 - four days after I turned 21.

    I found great success with it for the first 18 months, losing 156 lbs before having a body lift (tummy tuck/butt & thigh lift) and arm lift in late February 2015 where an additional 11 lbs of excess skin was removed, making my total loss 167 lbs and my lowest weight to date being 190 lbs.

    Last summer, to put it as simply as possible, my band pretty much "stopped working" and I ended up gaining 30 lbs back. It was torturous and I worked tirelessly with my surgeon's office to resolve it (multiple fills which all did nothing, the highest being 6.75; anything above I couldn't swallow water) and even went on Phentermine for a few months - which helped me lose 10 of the 30 lbs I'd gained back - before my body became immune to it.

    After expressing for a long while that I felt helpless and would like to have my band removed/revised to a sleeve, my surgeon's office helped me apply for insurance approval which was a success!

    My weight pre-revision surgery was 209 lbs and I had the revision done just this past Wednesday, August 24th. I am recovering well although I'd forgotten how miserable the 2 week liquid diet is!

    Two questions I currently have are:

    1) I am very bloated from having IV fluids for 3 days and saw my weight fluctuate to 214 and then back to 210. I don't plan to weigh myself knowing it will just upset me in the meantime - when can I expect for this to resolve itself?

    2) My goal weight is 165 lbs (being 5'8 tall and 24 years old) but realize that I've already lost a large amount of weight; is this a realistic expectation? I've suffered so much heartache as a result of the past year that my fear (probably irrational) is that I won't lose any more weight or be able to see weekly progress.

    Thanks all for reading - any advice/comments are appreciated!

  12. Posted

    My band-to-sleeve revision surgery is August 24th!

    I was very successful with my lap band for the first 2 years, losing 165 lbs (even had skin removal)... ever since last summer, my band has completely stopped working and I gained back 30 lbs within 3 months. My surgeon's office and I worked really hard to see what the source of it was, trying several different fills - sadly I am not able to tolerate anything higher than 5.75 cc. Phentermine helped for a few months before my body developed immunity to it.

    I'm very grateful that insurance has approved my revision surgery and it's very surreal for it to be happening so soon. I've been bad with trying to follow the liquid diet (though nothing other than yogurt and gluten free crackers) and feel guilty about it. However, I had a very hard time sticking to it the first time around and really hope it won't impact me negatively as long as I don't have anything more solid than those options.

  14. Posted

    Wow, has it been awhile since I've posted here... glad to be back, but wish it was under better circumstances.

    To give backstory - I had lap band surgery on May 6th, 2013 - just days after my 21st birthday (I am now 23) - and it was one of the best decisions I could've made for myself. My highest weight was 357 lbs, and by September I had lost 90 lbs (with about 4.5 cc / 14). During that August, I dealt with extreme dehydration/nausea (I was throwing up everything) and had to be hospitalized several times to get the necessary IV fluids. Nothing was wrong with the band and it was actually Prevacid that helped me recover, but during that time is when I had my first unfill when doctors were trying to determine the cause. I was briefly back at 3.5 cc between September and November, but horribly got an unfill right before Thanksgiving. It stayed that way until March 2014 - I had gained about 35 lbs back.

    Thankfully, I got a fill in that month and got back on track, reaching 100 lbs loss in summer and by December 2014 I had lost a total of 150 lbs, weighing 207 lbs. It was then that I began my consultation for body reconstruction surgery - by February 2015 I was 201 lbs. On February 27th, I underwent a lower body lift (tummy tuck, butt and thigh lift) and an arm lift, a 5 hour procedure that took over a month to recover from with nurses helping me 24/7. With the 11 lbs of skin that was removed, I got to my lowest weight ever of 190 lbs and it was the happiest I had ever been.

    I got my fill back around April (around 3.5 to start), but did not feel anywhere near the same level of restriction as I did before. I went to 4.5 in June, with no success. In fact, I began to crave junk food more than ever and, between July and October, gained 32 lbs back. By early September I went back to my surgeon's office, devastated, and got a fill of 5.5 ccs (which was higher than what I lost all my weight with). No difference. We were concerned there might've been a port leak but it turned out false. I went up to 6.5 ccs with no change, then 7 ccs which made me too tight. I went back to 6.5 ccs and my weight has fluctuated between 220 lbs and as high as 228 lbs. I gave in to any craving I had without any ability to restrain myself (there would be nights where I'd have two pints of Ben & Jerry's - it made me feel like a monster who couldn't stop once I started). I'd instantly regret it after I finished it all and would often cry myself to sleep, only go to the supermarket the next day to buy more and repeat it all over again.

    Desperate to find a resolution, I went again to my surgeon in November and was prescribed Phentermine (37.5 mg). As soon as I took it the first day, I thought I had found a miracle. It gives me a boost of energy and even though it causes dry mouth and insomnia, it does wonders for my hunger throughout the day - problematically, the effect wears off by midnight and my cravings come back. In those late night moments I would have junk food again, and therefore no progress occurred. I was averaging between 220 lbs and 223 lbs at this point.

    The week of Thanksgiving, I got -the runs- (we're honest here, right?) where I was having to go #2 almost every hour. I knew any weight I would've lost wouldn't be the right way, but I didn't even lose a pound. I'd had to go off the Phentermine because of this and once I felt back to normal, I gained 6 lbs back in the course of two days, making me 228. I got back on soon after and lost about 5 lbs (assuming the 228 had bloating), but only had a few days worth left.

    Last Monday, at 222 lbs, I saw my surgeon's office again and was given a refill of the Phentermine as well as a fill, going at first to 6.8 cc again but, once trying to drink Water, realized it felt too tight and we decided on my current amount which is 6.75 ccs. I was on liquids for 2 days, then mushy for 2 days, and then solids by Friday. I even got the motivation go on the treadmill 4 times this past week, which I am proud of. I have noticeably increased my Water intake and am trying to get Protein in with yogurts and Protein shakes while I do my best to develop a macro plan. Surely the no-solids diet for almost a week and all the treadmilling (burning between 250 and 300 calories each time) and more water should've helped my weight loss, right?

    It hasn't, really. I fluctuate between 221, 220.8, and 219.5. Nothing higher and nothing less. I am at my highest fill amount ever at 6.75 as well as the Phentermine and do feel the effects of it. I'm just not losing any weight by anything I'm doing.

    This year started off SO WELL with my body reconstruction surgery... now, I am heavier than I was this time last year. My chronic depression and anxiety are at an all time high (even on Lexapro which I am beginning to think my body has become immune to). I look in the mirror at my body (especially my stomach which is still tight but significantly bigger than when I had the loose skin), seeing how much heavier I look in each area (it doesn't help that my back and chest have loose skin left), barely take any photos of myself anymore and often feel extremely hopeless, crying myself to sleep and having more panic attacks in last few weeks than I have in over a year. I see all these stories where people on Phentermine are having the same effects I have but are losing as much as 10 lbs the first few days and wonder what is wrong with me.

    Any advice or reply would be extremely appreciated... I worked so hard for this and it is the worst feeling to have that being taken away from me, not knowing why this is happening :( thank you very much for reading.

    - Mark

  16. Posted

    Came home last night! Truthfully, day #2 (Saturday) was horrific pain-wise, and I was crying in agony at several points. I had to spend a second night in the hospital as I could not urinate without the catheter.

    However, since then I am improving more and more every hour! I am now able to sit up and walk a bit as well as eat/drink normally. I have switched from Percuset to Tylenol/Codeine and am excited to see myself feeling better in the next few days.

    Thanks all for reading!

  18. Posted

    Thank you for the acknowledgement, Mark. That was very thoughtful and kind. I am so happy for you and proud that you had the courage to take control of your health, your happiness, and your life at such a young age! You have a long and wonderful life ahead of you. Always remember to live it fully and with no regrets!

    I also am glad that you have the support of a loving family and friends in your journey. That truly makes a vital difference. One can never have or give too much love.

    I followed you on Twitter and checked out your Instagram pix. The one pic you have of your full body already looks like you had plastic surgery! You look fabulous. When you are all done you'll have to do a photo shoot to Celebrate the new you! You'll be more fabulous than ever.

    With love upon you!

    Cheryl

    Cheryl, you are an angel. I am so thankful that you've helped me make this process so much easier than it could've been! I will say 'hello' for you and take everything in :D

    Hi Mark. So nice to see that you've done well. I remember when you first got banded and struggled with doubt and worry about whether or not you could be successful. Well, it's obvious that you did what you had to. I bet your mom is so very proud of you. I'm proud of you. It's not easy to be disciplined...especially as a young person. Heck, lots of folks aren't as disciplined as you and have lot's more years and experience that you. But you showed everyone, didn't you. Dr. Fielding is probably thrilled. Maybe I'll get to see you one of these days at our support group or even in the office. Good luck with the plastic surgery.

    Hi Liz! Glad to see you saw my post :) yes, I cannot believe how far I've come. I don't let myself believe it. Fielding is very proud and was the first person to really give me the go-ahead - he even convinced my mom! She is very nervous for Friday but will be right with me the whole time. Thank you so much again for everything :)

    Mark, I'm so happy that you've shared your story with us. I had my surgery in Nov. and have just gotten to a 60 lb. loss. I can't believe how great I feel and how happy I am that I made this decision. I admire you so much for having made such a huge decision at such a young age. Now you have your entire life ahead of you to live and enjoy to the fullest. Be proud of everything you've accomplished.

    Having all the surgery is a big decision too. Even at my age (62) I've already made up my mind that when the time comes I'll be eager to have whatever surgery I need to make my new body the one I've missed and grieved for over the last 20 yrs. I look back over these last few months, and I wish I had been able to consider having WLS many years ago. I look forward to the day when I can once again do all the things I haven't been able to do for so many years.

    I'm curious about the recovery time too. I'm going to follow this discussion so that I can get "educated" on what to expect down the line.

    Congrats on your incredible success, and be sure to keep up posted.

    Thank you for reading my story and for the well-wishes! I am honored that you have gained something from it. Having WLS and losing almost 160 lbs have set me up for even bigger decisions in ways that I would've never been able to have the confidence to make. I will gladly be a guinea pig for you all who want to see what it's like, haha!

  19. Posted

    Congrats wish I could loose it that fast lol I had mine done March 19th 2013. Though I haven't been able to work out much due to injury in the past. Though I know I will need to get arms legs and tummy tighten.

    Thank you!! To be honest, I only started intentional exercise this year (2015) but I think it's impossible to everyone to have the same method for ideal results. You will get there!

    Congrats on your incredible loss! I'll be watching this thread with great interest as I wonder how all that works, and know that I too will eventually need some these.

    You've already taught me something... I didn't realize these could all be done in ONE day. I always figured each was its own surgical day and separate recovery periods. Interesting, but slightly frightening to learn they can do it all in one swoop.

    Best of luck. Anxious to hear more.

    Thank you!! I will do my best to update as often as possible. Instagram is my go-to for pictures but I know that actual words detailing my experience could be beneficial :) I'm anxious too! Not for the same reason though ;)

    I also meant to ask how long recovery for these surgeries is. Feel free to update us on a regular basis on how the recovery goes. It would be nice to know how long to take off work, when you start looking normal enough to go out in public, or before you can move well enough to get around.

    Thanks!! I have been told around 2-3 weeks for feeling "normal" and 4-6 weeks for overall. I am currently unemployed for personal reasons (including anxiety) but I definitely should be able to answer the other questions.

  20. Posted

    Hey all,

    Excited to post in this section of the forum for the first time! I thought it would be nice to share my ever-evolving journey with you all :)

    To make a long story short:

    My name is Mark - I am a few months shy of 23 years old and live in New York City.

    I am a proud Bandster, having had lap band surgery with Dr. George Fielding of NYU Langone Medical Center on May 6, 2013.

    My highest weight ever was 357 lbs. As of February 21, 2015, I am 201 lbs, giving a total loss of 156 lbs! I have attached some pictures that are pretty recent.

    I am overwhelmed with joy to say that my next chapter in getting to my body goal is super near - I will be undergoing a body lift (tummy tuck + muscle repair, thigh and butt lift) as well an arm lift this coming Friday, February 27th at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey.

    My plastic surgeon is Dr. Joseph F. Capella who specializes in bariatric patients and was recommended to me by fellow member Cheryl, also known as My Bariatric Life! I am eternally grateful to her for this.

    I am excited to document this part of my journey with you all and become more active on this forum again! I'm super nervous for the recovery but have zero doubts that it is what I need for myself.

    Thanks for listening :) please feel free to add me here, Twitter and/or Instagram.

    - Mark

    post-135282-0-91994100-1424581823_thumb.jpg

    post-135282-0-15174900-1424581831_thumb.jpg

  24. Posted

    I felt the same way the first few months of having my band. I think you get to a stage where your relationship with food changes. I love food' date=' and I think society has really encouraged our lives to revolve around it.

    One year later,

    I now try and think of my banded life as I need food to live, not live for food. I still eat whatever I like, but if all I can have is a mouthful I'm happy with that. I don't look at the plate full and think 'I wish I could finish it all', I'm happy with my taste.

    Trust me, as you see results your thought process will change. Overtime you will realise I can have that fried rice, but maybe I can only have a little bit.

    Hope that helps, and keep going. I think we all go through a period where we question 'did we do the right thing?, is the band for me?'. At the end of the day it is reversible if all else fails.[/quote']

    Yeah, this was months ago and I am much happier now :)

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