angelnurse

Thanks LJM-I'll be waiting to see your pics and to hear about your PS journey too!

Thanks Donna, I wasn't sure at first that I would post naked pics but then I figured what the heck! So many other people had done it before me and it has helped so many, so...I'm looking forward to the final results.

Sunsett-a LBL is a lower body lift, which includes a tummy tuck, removal of the pannus, tightening of the abdominal wall, an outer thigh, mons and buttocks lift. My price was $8,900 cash price but it varies from state to state and doctor to doctor. That was also last years price, went to a consult with a friend last Friday and she's having the LBL with the same surgeon as I and the price has gone up. She was quoted $10,370 and the patient coordinator forgot to add $500 more that she was supposed to, so she was able to save a little. The patient coordinator said the Hospital fees had gone up. Most plastic surgeons give free consults and I'm sure if you know what you want they could quote the prices over the phone. Hope this helps you.

Paulax-Thanks! I'm trying to take it easy, but am so bored. Looking forward to going back to work on the 1st, just hope I'm ready then.

Karey-I'm feeling better, thanks! The swelling is a tricky thing, everyone is so different and the doc didn't know when it would be down, but the final results are usually at 6 months to a year. I wear the compression garments 24/7 for 6 weeks then 2 weeks during the day and off at night. I'll probably wear them as long as I can stand them, as it'll help with the swellling as well as the scarring. I think the worse thing has been the swelling and the next was the 2 drains. The best is yet to come with the final results. Keep me posted on your PS journey.

The after pics are only 3 weeks out, so I have a lot of swelling and the final results will be much better. Sorry that the pics are so big, hopefully no one gets grossed-out. It may not look like it but I'm into a size 10 jeans even with all the swelling, so hoping for at least an 8 when the swelling goes down.

Good job Karey!

The after pics are before my LBL and at 172 pounds

Nina, Thanks for the help, I tried to upload the pics but they failed, so I don't know if it's something with my computer or what?

Nina, Thanks for the help, I tried to upload the pics but they failed, so I don't know if it's something with my computer or what?

Karey-I get to wear the compression garment for minimum of 6 weeks 24/7 then 2 more weeks during the day. I will probably wear them longer to help with the swelling and the scarring. Sorry that u couldn't help me with the pics either. I'm very swollen today as I overdid it. After I went to the docs, I had to do some grocery shopping and I was up too long. I'm supposed to go back to work on the 1st of Feb, but I may take off another week or two if I need to. How r things going with your PS plans? Hope everything is falling into place for u.

Went to the doctor's today and had the last drain removed. Hooray! It feels so good to have that out, now if I could just get this sweeling to go down, I'd be a happy camper. Got my pre-op pics and some 3-week pics today, but don't know how to post them. If someone could PM me and walk me through the process, I could probably post them. Help!

Karey-you go girl, do some for me!

Karey-according to my trainer and the book that I got, slow movements with heavy weights is the key. You go until your muscles are fatigued. I usually only get about 6 reps in, if I can do more, it's time to increase the weights. When I say slow I mean 15 seconds to contract, then another 15 to relax. It's a little hard at first to go so slow, but after a while you get used to it. I think with lighter weights and more reps you're actually at a higher risk for injury. I see people on the weight machines going so fast, that's when you can pull or strain something. Of course, this is just my opinion.

been there done that, u r right, it doesn't work.

Kat-I'm doing okay, still in some pain, but drugs help. Went to the Docs today for the last drain to be removed but it stays til Friday. Doc says I'm doing great! Good Luck with your upcoming PS.

i'm out here recovering from my LBL, so I'm on the computer a lot to keep from eating the fridge out of boredom. Hi to all the fabulous forty-somethings out there.

jm-I've got a book you might be interested in. It's all about higher weights, slower movement and less repetitions. It has really helped me and was recommended by my personal trainer. "The Slow Burn Fitness Revolution" by Fredrick Hahn, and Michael R. Eades, M.D., and Mary Dan Eades, M.D. The Eades' are the ones that wrote the book Protein Power, kind of like the Atkins Diet, high protein, low carb diet. Check it out and tell me what you think.

Nina-Just got back from the Doctors. I thought I had gotten a seroma, a collection of Fluid just under the skin,just above my pubic incision. The Doctor didn't think so, but tried to aspirate some fluid, no fluid, but will keep the drain in until this Friday. Would like to have the drain out, but I can handle it, just glad I didn't have a seroma. He said the incisions were healing very well. I felt much better after seeing him, I'm just very swollen. I actually slept on my sides the whole night. It felt great to get off my coccyx as I don't have much padding there and the incision over my tailbone area is a little sore. The LBL is a bigger surgery, longer recovery, but the way I look at it, more bang for your buck!

Julie-Sorry to hear about the seromas. I went to my surgeon's today for the last of the drains to be removed and thought that I had a seroma. Well the good news is no seroma, the bad is the drain stays until Friday. You're right, PS has it's ups and downs. Hope things go well with you.

I wish I could of had this surgery in my 20's. I went through all my adult life morbidly obese. Being left out of all social life, only 2 dates and both were "blind dates'. I've never had the self confidence to participate in life and all that goes with it. Thankfully, my family has always been there for me. I've tried just about every diet known to man, had some success with some of them, but nothing long-term. I feel like I "missed the bus" and life had passed me by. Don't wait and have regrets. I do, but am learning to live with what is and getting on with my life. The lapband was the best present I could give myself and I feel like I've been reborn. I'm not too old to still have a life and do all those things that I couldn't because of my weight. Your family will get on board once they see how this will change your life for the better. Good Luck!

Karey-The Doctor didn't touch my band and I haven't had any problems with food or fluids. I was a little nauseated in the hospital, but I think that was the anesthesia and they gave me something for that.

Karey-I second Julie's idea of you starting a thread on the life at or neal goal forum!

Julie-Looking good, especially for 2 weeks post-op!

Karey-I think the paying it forward thing is a great idea. We kind of have that going on in our support group, we go an tell our story at the Informational seminars that our surgeon puts on. I've talked at 6 of them, the Doctor does his "thing" they says he has patients that have been through the "process". We tell our story, then they ask questions. It was kind of scarey at first, but gets easier. I'm also thinking about changing jobs, I'd like to work for a Bariatric Doctor, as I'm an RN, and I've been through the "process", I feel that I have a lot to offer. I need to revamp my resume and visit a few Doctors offices.