angelnurse

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.

<p>Stefanie-I exercise vicariously through you guys, since I can't right now. I guess you could call me a lurker, as I read all the posts and keep an eye on you guys. I'm feeling pretty good, but will be glad when this darn swelling goes down, as I feel like a stuffed sausage in my compression garment.</p> <p>jm-I found a liquid calcium citrate that I like that is sweetened with stevia not corn syrup. I also try to stay away from corn syrup, it's hard as it is in so many things. I used to see Stevia in a 100 pkg box, like Splenda at Wal*Mart, but the last time I was there I didn't see them, maybe they didn't sell too well. I think they were about $8 a box, not real cheap compared to the Splenda, but I'm sure you could find them at a Health Food store or Super Supplements.</p>

Dibaby-Hope you start feeling better, those head colds can be a b***h! I had one just before my PS. As for not knowing when you'll be able to get back to the gym, I know how you feel, I'm having to take off 6 weeks. I'll have to start slow and work up to where I was before the surgery. It is what it is! Good Luck!

Julie-I can't imagine how you must feel, all done except for the healing. I'm looking forward to the day that I can say the same. Also looking forward to updated pics!

Nina-As for your friends decision on the TT or LBL the surgeon can help her decide which one will give her the best results. I think it just depends on how much the buttock and outer thighs are "drooping". As for the sleeping, I'm doing okay, but I'm a "side sleeper" and it isn't comfortable to sleep on my sides yet. I've tried a few times, but am more comfortable on my back with pillows under my knees to flex my hips.

I'm having MAJOR exercise withdrawl. I miss the gym and posting with all you guys. Hope to be back by February. Hope everyone is doing well and hitting their goals. Miss you guys!:cry

Karey-The drain isn't usually painful, but every once in a while it'll get pinched or pulled and that doesn't feel good. I won't miss it when it's gone.

IMO you shouldn't have any PS for anyone but yourself. Some people just don't understand how you feel about certain body parts even if they think you look perfect just the way you are. I didn't have my LBL lift for anyone but me. I look okay clothed and foundation garments can hide a multitude of "sins", but I wanted it for me. The BL isn't a absolute, I can "tuck & roll" the girls into a bra, but I the option of looking better naked. Your VERY lucky that your boyfriend is so supportive. I have very supportive family & friends that understood why I wanted & needed the LBL for me.

enterprise-My next surgery will be a BL, but I have to wait 6 months between procedures as well as save some $. Are you pleased with the results of your brachioplasty? I have some hanging skin, but decided it's something I can live with.

According to the MSW that runs the support group that I attend, your don't change "body types". If you're an apple, when you lose weight you'll just be a smaller apple and if you're a pear, just a smaller pear. My waist measurement at my consult was 57.75 inches and at my 2-year check-up it was 34.5 inches. I just had a LBL on the 20th and am still so swollen, so I don't know what the final results will be.

Julie-I only had one drain removed as I had a little swelling above the incision around my pubic area and the Doctor was concerned that it was excess Fluid and decided to keep one drain in until Monday. He likes to be very cautious (spelling?). It burned like a hot poker when the Nurse removed the drain but only for about 20-30 seconds, at least I know what to expect on Monday. They were very pleased with the way I was healing. They won't take "after" pictures at least 3 months and maybe more like 6 months post-op. I am getting my "before" pics on Monday but don't think I'll post them until I have an "after" to compare with. I could take showers 2 days after surgery, I don't think I could wait as long as you've had to. No sutures for me just the skin glue. Enjoy your shower!

Julie-Just want to get rid of these drains, even if it hurts, I know it'll only hurt for a minute or two, at least that's what I tell my patients. It's just much harder being on this side of the process. I think I'll eventually post the pics, but will wait until I have the "afters" to compare with. I have been encouraged to have PS by yours and others threads, so I think pics are important. I've followed your "trilogy" and think-How can she go through all that surgery and I struggle with one? You must be one tough cookie! Thanks again for your encouragement, it means a lot to me.

My port flipped 6 months out, June of 2006. I had it revised 6/26/06, under general anesthesia and through my original port incision. I didn't miss any work and felt pretty good. I don't have any kids, so don't know how that will be for you. I've heard of some Doctors doing it under local anesthesia, but my Doctor opted for general. Unfortunately don't know why it happened, but he made sure to suture in very good this time in case it was his fault. I had to pay out of pocket for the surgery, $2,125 (ouch!). Luckily I had my income tax money in savings to take care of this. Good Luck!

Karey-Thanks, I hope the drain removal is a cinch! Sounds like your PS journey is going to be quite the adventure. I would like to get a BL but have to wait 6 months between procedures as well as get the $. Will you be starting a PS thread soon?

Karey-Thanks, it was your encouragement that got me to start this thread. I guess everyones recovery from PS is different as everyones pain tolerance as well as type of PS is different. I actually lost 1/2 a pound, so maybe the swelling is starting to subside. Looking forward to the Doctor visit tomorrow with mixed feelings, want the drains out but hope it's not too painful. I guess it'll be over with quick. You're getting a TT in March, right? Any other procedure at the same time? Happy New Year to everyone at LBTF!

Diane-I asked my Surgeon about a pain pump, but he doesn't use them. All I can say is thank goodness for the other pain meds and muscle relaxants. This too will pass. I'm just looking forward to having the drains removed on the 2nd!

As of right now I don't have the "before" pictures from my PS, but am planning on getting them. I'm not sure if I'm ready to "bare all" to everyone just yet, but have been thinking about it. I'm not sure when they'll take the "after" pictures, as I'm so swollen, but I plan on getting a copy of them also.