marcyinak

We are VERY blessed in Western Alaska to have LOTS of money for our schools...just wish they'd spend it right. Last year they decided to offer both the Elementary School Principal job and the Sped. Ed. Director job to ONE PERSON! He took it and...as you may have guessed...can't do either effectively. (Don't get me started on the Nome School District/Board....debacle after debacle! Hey, it's all I got going on here so this is where I put my energy!) Haha! We have a tsunami warning here...my relatives are worried (we're VERY near the beach)....but....it's....frozen.... 'nuff said! I AM, however, worried for all the other coastal towns/cities...especially in Alaska that are land-locked (only way in is by boat/air...no roads to drive out).

Questions are WELCOME! I had a goal of something like 180...but it was just a number. I had my LapBand surgery 7/10/07 and lost about 60 lbs. I hoovered around 202 for a couple of years. I knew I needed a tummy tuck (there was a HUGE amount of flap) and so I asked around for surgeons. My SIL had a tummy tuck and breast lift done by a surgeon in Seattle (Dr. Lisa Sowder) and was very pleased. So I sent info off to Dr. Sowder and got a quote and "suggestion". She felt I should have a full body lift...then have another surgery to do my breast lift and a little chin lipo. I had the body lift done on a Tuesday (early Feb) and then had the breast/chin surgery a week and a half later. NONE of my LapBand expenses, weight loss expenses, or plastic surgery was covered by my insurance. ALL out of pocket$$ My husband does quite well and I can make some "side money" so we have no debt from this. I recovered amazingly well. I was told I wouldn't stand up straight for weeks....I did in 5 days. (Both were out-patient. My husband came with my and a nurse friend was there for the first surgery.) I had no pain, just a lot of stiffness. I DO have a couple of sore spots still, but I'm sure that would go away if I....ya know...exercised! (gasp!) I still do not have a lot of feeling on my hips (like that's a big deal or anything). What she removed was 14 lbs. of skin/tissue! I'm at about 212 right now, but I don't really care about the number, I care that I can walk, breathe, have sex, etc. without feeling like a blob. It's winter in Alaska and I always "bulk up" a bit and then get active in the spring...so just a few more weeks and I'll be out and about more.

Hey ladies! For some reason LapBandTalk is sending me reminders all the sudden to talk to you....haha! Iditarod has started and the "fun" will really be in full swing next week. It will be Spring Break for the kiddos too. It's been a year now since the full-body lift and I'm still flat! (It disappeared in a day so it can come back in a day....right?) It's all very psychological! Unfortunately there aren't any therapists to talk to here....well there ARE, but either I know too much about them (and they shouldn't be counseling anyone) or I'm worried about confidentiality...it IS a small town after all. I've gained a little weight and just do not have the motivation to do anything about it. It would take just small changes to get it off, but I'm too lazy, too set in my ways...I don't know... Good to see you! -Marcy

WOW! 161 Pages already! You guys are going strong for realz! So, I emailed Indio (I think) wanted to make sure I was on the correct thread. My husband and I are currently in Seattle....the surgeries are COMPLETE! I had the Belt Lipectormy (abdominoplasty, flank lift, and butt lift) on 2/2 and yesterday I had a breast lift and chin lipo. I really healed AMAZING! The Belt was actually quite easy...the lipo hurts more than anything! I've been out walking the malls, Pike's Place Market, downtown tonight (although one-day out today after surgery I was a bit tired). Have some plans for tomorrow, but the rest of the week is RELAX until we head home on Wed. Used Dr. Lisa Lynn Sowder and am VERY happy! Thanks for all the support and help!

Thanks for the advice on the plastic surgery. Took the nekked pictures today to send to the surgeon I'm considering in Seattle...not pretty...confirmation that somthin' needs to be done here!

Mini, that price is pretty decent...and SLC is a decent place for me to go (family in Logen, friends there) that may be TOTALLY doable...could you please email me your docs contact info? Thanks so much!

Alright ladies, long-time-no-hear-from-me. I'm doing well up here in Nome....been hangin' at about 210 for a year now and have decided that I'm good with it. Looking at a Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift....any suggestions of surgeons? Has anyone had surgery yet? It HAS been a while for us so I figured that someone here might be able to give me some advise...looking at pricing too...gotta travel for it all so it really does make a difference.

Thanks mini...I took a peak at your pics....awesome! My tummy has a *bit* more skin...quite a bit more actually...which I should be happy about because it can come off, but disgusted I let myself get that way! Oh well...can only change the future! Now, just researching docs and prices...since I have to travel, etc. Anchorage is pretty pricey, but it IS closer to home...I have a friend/sis-in-law that went to a surgeon in Seattle she really liked so I'm really thinking of heading in that direction...it's just a long time to be away from home - especially so far away...you know? Nome is getting cold. Summer sucked...we had over 70 degrees maybe 3 total days! And I had some killer shorts too that I couldn't wear! We're gathering wood for the winter - which is work out time for us...lots of chopping to be done (my husband and I actually fight over who gets to do all the chopping! haha). We added on to our house this spring/summer so we have a little more room to spread this winter...it helps when you're stuck inside for so long sometimes. Certainly doesn't help when you're already unmotivated to get up and move!

I'm just looking at the last page and can't belive that mini and prty are still on...it's been so long since I've been on. I've been "stable" for about a year and now we're looking at a tummy tuck/breast lift. I wonder if I could lose more or am I REALLY happy where I am? I'm at 210...(I actually look and feel VERY skinny at 180), with a TT I'd probably be at 200, then with the improved mobility probably drop another 10...so I'd be purrrfect... advise?

talkalot - my SIL had surgery w/ Dr. Todd back in January and had her first fill last month. She was/is very pleased with him...although her insurance takes care of all the costs. I haven't heard anything negative about him.

Hello folks! Been a LONG while...thought I'd just update and let you know I haven't died or fallen off the planet...yet! :-D I'm just hovering at 210 and although I really think this is fantastic, I'd sure like to get under 200...it's been almost 2 years, you think I could control myself! Geez! I'm going to get another fill in May and hopefully that'll cinch me up good and I'll lose that last 10 this summer...of course we had a BAD winter and it may be late June before all the snow melts here, but I went out walking today (and that sure isn't a regular activity for me!) Take care!

Holy crap Indio!!! 138???? WOW!

Been a LONG while...just an update...to let you know I haven't fallen off the planet! I'm still hovering around 210, but I'm actually ok with it. Still working with my "new" fill doc here in Nome and will probably have another fill in May...last one was in Oct. Looking into a tummy tuck. When I was married, weighing 180, I was SKINNY so I think if I were to actually lose another 10 and then have surgery, I'd be a skinny little thing (well, I'm tall so not really little). I've learned to eat around my band pretty easily, but noticed today that I didn't have much in the way of breakfast or lunch and when I sat down for dinner I could barely eat anything..then didn't really stop...just nibbled all evening...therein lies my problem. At least I figured that out!

You are correct...do as much research as you can. Every doc is different with each procedure too (my docs pre and post op diets and instructions were quite different than others). My background is in health care so I didn't feel I needed to be coddled by my doc. although I've heard that Dr. K is a coddler when needed. I have friends that have had the bypass and the sleeve. They all lost weight QUICKLY, but I just don't think that's healthy...slow and steady...and I've kept it off. ALL of my bypass friends have gained some weight back. My sleeve friends just had it done last year so they haven't really "bottomed out" so don't know if they'll gain some back or not...that's why I like ADJUSTABLE. :-D I have issues with meat, but have found that I do ok when it's greasy like meat balls, Jerky, roast chicken that's not dry. The great thing is that (even though this took about a year) I don't crave things that I have "trouble with". So...if I get a fill and can't drink soda I'm sure I'll lose the craving for that too.... It's fun and quite interesting how it happens.

I live in Nome and was previously going to Anchorage to see Dr. F. Leland Jones. Charges ~$225 for a fill...quick, easy, and uses a small needle...also puts in as much as you want. Insists that you go in on a Mon., Tues., or Wed., just in case some "tweaking" needs to be done...doesn't charge for tweaking within a week of the fill. Found a Dr. in Nome, Dr. Bob Lawrence. He did his first fill on me and after some trial and error we found the spot. Made a big produciton with streile stuff and a different needle than Dr. Jones...no biggie, it worked and that's all that matters. Cost less than Jones' office too!

My only regret is that I waited so long to do it. It's been 1 1/2 years and I've lost 50 lbs. and KEPT IT OFF. I love food also so I've actually decided not to have a fill for several months so I could "enjoy myself"...mind you, I haven't gained anything while doing that. I know now that if I diet, the weight will stay off. That was impossible before! I like my Lap-Band because of two major reasons: removable and adjustable. With the other surgeries it isn't reversable...even if I get sick! I like knowing that I can cinch myself up if I need to or let it all out. To note: I'm a RARE example of someone that can eat and drink things that others can't. I can drink soda with no problem (diet is a little bubblier than regular though). And "crap" goes down easy. I don't even crave breat or Pasta anymore (those would be the two things that throw me over the edge...of the toilet). I went to Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver lapbandrockies.com and he has a "package price". There's a thread on here for him "Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum" and there are LOTS of positive things said about him...good guy and "guarantees" his work for a year! Can't get better than that! Good luck with whatever you decide!

Oh...Velvet Eyes is a reindeer that likes to ride in the back of his owner's pick-up...he thinks he's a dog.

WOW! Everyone is doing so well! I'm doing fine, but not really losing..I think I'm getting motivated to really go at it next week though...I'd like to lose at least another 5 lbs. before we go to Orlando in February...I think that's reasonable. Merry Christmas! NOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS ~~ Sung to the tune of “There’s No Place Like Home for The Holidays” ~~ Oh there’s no place like Nome for the holidays ‘Cause no matter how far away you roam When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly gaze For the holidays you can’t be Nome, sweet Nome. We’ve got great craft fairs and the carnival and even Velvet Eyes Lots of choirs and school Christmas plays to see. Front Street is decked out in bright twinkling lights, the polar bear wears a hat Even though we seldom see the sun, that doesn’t dampen our fun- Oh there’s no place like Nome for the holidays Cause no matter how far away you roam If you want to be happy in a million ways For the holidays you can’t beat Nome, sweet Nome!

Oh, and another thing. Don't know if I mentioned it, but my SIL has decided to NOT have the Bypass, but wants the Band now. (She makes this sound like it was her decision, but I think insurance may have a role in it.) I'm very happy about this. She doesn't have an insurance OK yet, but has decided to start a pre-op diet?!? Now, I'm all for dieting, but I think she thinks that she's going to get the OK and then go in for surgery in a day! Haha! The doc she's decided to use requires a LOT of stuff...group meetings, pre-op appoinments, etc. I know she's done some research on the Band, but not, apparently, on the doc! It's actually making me laugh a little.

To be sure...I DO read all your posts every day...it just takes so long for my internet to load the pages that I don't respond as often as I'd like. Jaime - sorry you're feeling sick. "Out here" we request the "shot"...you know, good 'ol Penicillin in the butt cheek. It works faster than the pills. Although I don't have trouble taking pills...except for extended release stuff (Mucinex is #1 BAD culprit there). I hope you feel better. AND...there are MANY pharmacies that will turn anything into a liquid so don't fret...your doc should know of a pharmacy that can do that. Heck, we have one in Anchorage that'll turn meds into gummy bears or lollipops! Went to Anchorage with my husband. I found this super hot dress (at Torrid - you should try it) and got all ready for a night of dancing and...well, there was a lot of cleavage, what do you think I wanted? :tt1: Andrew could barely manage to hold a smile for the picture so here's all we have. The party was LAME-O so there wasn't any dancing. It was a bummer of a night, but at least I got to shop at "real stores" for Christmas for the kids. Speaking of Christmas...that's what we named the puppy. We call her Chrissy. She's doing quite well, although a little overwhelmed by my daughter.

I can't remember the x ray folks, but Dr. Jones's office knows...they're the ones that referred me. Good luck!

So I'm reading about all these PB episodes and I'm thinking...I LIKE having a little PB every now and then...lets me know the band is still working. Now, I know, that's a little *sick*, but way up here where I can't easily get it checked out, it's nice to have the literal confirmation that the band is working. It's -7 today. I'm not feeling the motivation to get out of the house. I NEED to though. One thing is good though...the sun rise (it's almost 10 am right now) is SLOW and my living room is lined with windows to view it. It's that pretty pinkish and blue twilight thing...feels good after a long weekend! mishear lyrics...best of all time "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly....haha!

Ok...I'm back from Hawaii. Actually, been back for a week now, but am easing back into "normal" life! Haha! The trip was great and I'm proud of myself for not dwelling on the (only two) arguments that my sisters and I had and I'm remembering the good stuff. I didn't realize how cynical I'd become! So...the fill didn't seem to do much (the one I got from my new fill doc here in Nome), but low and behold...it's been two weeks and I'm getting "cut off"!! I just weighed myself Sat. and was still at 215...today I'm at 210!!! :thumbup:Now, just how the heck that happened I don't know (there are still Hershey bars here from Halloween and you can bet that I'm partaking!). Now, I'm not complaining, but strangely in awe. Of course, I've been eating very little today to make sure it "sticks". Haha! I'm going to try to post a picture of me in Hawaii and one of the puppy we'll be picking up in a couple of weeks. Still looking for a good name....although Lexi seems to be at the forefront now.

csteed - I don't know of anyone in Fairbanks...although I've heard that there's an "x-ray place that will do it". I'm thinking that it would be dang expensive and would be worth taking a few days to go to Anc. and see Dr. Jones (if you look under the fill-docs in Anc. thread you'll see why). I found a fill doc in Nome (where I live) and that's just plain LUCK. If you know any docs in Fairbanks personally then you could probably ask them to try...Dr. K was AWESOME and talked my Nome doc into how to do it. Good luck!