4meonly

WASaBubbleButt, Thank you so much for replying. I have read your posts over the past year or so and appreciate your honesty. After being unfilled for two weeks (liquids only), I had an upper GI done. It came back "absolutely perfect". No slip, erosion, ulcers, or irritation. Because of this, Dr. Aceves said I could eat anything. I have been careful, but have eaten half a hamburger and a few fries for the first time in 2 1/2 years. It was nice to have real food and throw it up! The doctor now feels very confident that he can do the band to sleeve revision in one surgery. That was what I was hoping for. When you have some time, can you tell me exactly what to expect from getting to Mexico to leaving? I was happy to hear that Dr. Aceves has not had any leaks. I think she said no complications in any sleeve operation. Thank you for your help. I know I can trust that you will be honest in your experience. Cheryl

Mac, Thank you for replying. I read your story on another board. You had a very interesting time. I appreciate others who have gone through this, sharing their experiences. It really helps the rest of us. Again, thank you. Cheryl

Limelight, Thank you so much for your reply. More questions. Did you drive back home? If so, how far was it? Were you uncomfortable? Were you put on liquids before the surgery? If so, how long? Some people talk about their 'last supper' the night before the surgery. Was the drain uncomfortable? Did they numb before the IV? (I always find that this helps). How long were you out of work? I hope you don't mind my asking all these questions. I just want to be prepared when I go. Thanks, again. Cheryl

Hi. I will be going to Mexico on Oct 19th, with Dr. Aceves. Surgery will be on the 20th. I was banded in 2006. I will be having a revision surgery from band to sleeve. I will be getting a complete unfill this morning and going on liquids for 3 weeks preop. That's a little scary :biggrin:. My weight is 125 (up from lowest of 115). I hope to lose the 10 lbs and then maintain. I hope the sleeve will help with that.

Sandy, I had the same problem with the old gallbladder scar. I'm sorry, but I didn't understand what the surgeon will be doing. Could you explain more? I had my TT May 31. BBK, you've done great. Congratulations! Cheryl

Wasa, Thank you for your reply. A couple of questions. I don't believe that much of my food/drink makes it to my stomache. It seems to stay in the esopagus (sp). If the tests show that the stoma is open and I chew well, why would it not go down? I don't have any acid reflux, it just comes back up. I've been banded for 2 1/2 years and have lost 90 lbs. Also, why wouldn't I continue to lose weight if a majority (if not all) of my food stays in the esopagus? Another thing, I had a TT March 30th. My problem had started in Dec 07. Thanks, again. Cheryl

Hi, Wasa, I've been having the same problems as you for about 5 months. The test show that my opening is okay. I have gastritis and esophagitis (sp). The doctor says to chew better. Right!!! I am presently at 116 lbs. I can't keep much down, although, I am staying at the same weight (don't know how that is posible). I have feel, unfill, fill, unfill, and on and on. Could I ask how much it costs to convert over to the sleeve? Thank you for coming on and telling all. It gives me hope. Cheryl

I just called for a fill and was told that the earliest appointment was for May 12th. I can't go that long! I just ate dinner and ate far more than usual. Sitting around the house bored is causing me have an appitite like I haven't had since being banded. I need to go back to basics, again. Cheryl

Julie, I had my slight unfill the day before my TT surgery. I've done fine until today. My TT was 2 weeks ago tomorrow. I have been eating every piece of chocolate I can get my hands on. I never liked chocolate. I think I need to schedule a fill. I'm like you, I need to feel a PB coming on to know I'm done. I always thought I was the only one. Good luck. Cheryl

I must have gotten a mons lift with my TT. I am awfully flat there, now. It was puffy before. I didn't ask for it (too embarrassed) but pretty sure I got it. That area looks a lot better for sure. Cheryl

Steph, I have a great, suppotive husband, also. I love him more than when I married him 37 1/2 years ago. He's great! It's always nice to hear hear from others who feel the same about their DH. I don't know how to post photos. I'm not very good at this computer thing. Cheryl

Steph, I'm 5'4" tall. Yesterday was a hard day. My stomach felt so tight. I really haven't had much swelling. I've left my compression garment on 24 hours/day until last night. I slept without it. I only have two more days until I wear it only during the day. I may go back to work next Monday (18 days out). I saw th doctor on Monday. He said things are healing very well. The belly button still has a little redness to it. I won't see him again until my 3-week followup. It's getting closer for you. Cheryl

Julie, Congratulations on your surgery date. I had a TT plus lipo on the 27th of March. I remember how excited I was before the surgery. Good luck. Cheryl

Julie, My surgeon supplied the compression garment, foam padding, and binder. I needed the foam and binder for 1 week. The compression garment is to be worn 23 hours a day for 2 weeks. Then, just during the day. Cheryl

Hi Fran, I weighed 115 lb. (no clothing)the day of surgery. The day after surgery I weighed 128 lb (some clothing). I now am back down to 115 lb (with some clothing). So, I'd say I'm probably down a pound or two since surgery. I had expected to be down more. I didn't have drains and am a bit swollen still. I think will be a while before I see the 'real' results. I am 1 day behind you, so we should compare how we are doing, feeling, etc. Did you have the full tummy tuck or the panneculectomy? Cheryl

Steph, I went in to surgery at 115 (undressed), after surgery was 128.8 (fully dressed), and I'm now 115.2 fully dressed (9 days out). That's a real lose of at least 3 pounds, already. Cool!! The doctor only took off about 2-3 lbs of skin and another 2 lbs of lipo. They showed me pictures of the skin. weird!! You don't have long to go. Good luck. Cheryl

Steph, I will be going back to work either the week of April 14th or 21st. I work at school only 4 hours a day. I test students, so not a strenuous job. Cheryl

Carlitaaz, Thanks for the well wishes. I am 56, so not exactly a chick. I am very pleased with my TT. It sounds like you are happy you had one, also. It's so nice to see a nice flat tummy. It's been a long time. I've had 2 c-sections, hysterectomy, appendectomy, and my gallbladder out. My stomach looked pretty well worn. It now looks new. The flatlands is a good name for it, huh?

Hello All, I have been watching you all go through your tummy tuck adventures. Now it's time for me to start on my own. I will be having a tt with tumescent liposuction to the abdomen, waist, and hips this Thursday morning at 11:30. I can't believe it! Only 2 more days. I have to admit to being a little nervous, but very excited at the same time. I will be having the surgery in a surgical center and going home the same day. That's a little scarey to me! My husband will be with me for the first 5-6 days. He's wonderful and will be a big help. I would appreciate any advice, info, or aftercare tips any of you oldies could give me. Thanks in advance. Cheryl

Steph, I had my surgery 1 week ago today. Everything has gone great. Day 5 was a bit dicey, only because of the constipation. Just remember to take a laxative of some kind starting the day after surgery. I didn't have any drains so never had that to deal with. My new belly button is kind of cute. I get to stop using the foam and binder starting today. I will still use the compression garment for the next month. I don't have much swelling. Thanks for asking.

Steph, You are very blessed to have it all covered! I didn't know that insurance covered anything but the pannus removal. Congatulations!! I, honestly, am just glad to have it behind me. I didn't like all the waiting. Keep us posted on your journey. I'm enjoying the posts on your journey to the flatlands.

Mer, I'm a few days further along then you. I had my TT on March 27th. Can I warn you about one thing? Take a laxative for the next few days. I didn't listen and ended up constipated on day 5. It was the pits. Other than the constipation alert, things have gotten better by the day. Today starts day 8 for me. Not much swelling, no drains, and feeling more alert. No meds since day 5. You will do fine. Congratulations!!!!

Question for Kat and Steph. I was approved by insurance for a panneculectomy (sp). I had to pay extra to get the TT. Is your approval for a TT? If so, that's great!!! If not, the insurance only pays for the portion of the surgery (and hospital) having to do with the panneculectomy. My original PS was going to stop and start a stopwatch to time the difference for the hospital's part. The extra hospital costs alone would have been $2,400. Then there would be extra for the anesthesiologist's (sp) part. I think that was $750/hr beyond the time taken for the panneculectomy. I ended up going to another PS who has his own surgical center. So, the hospital part wasn't a problem. I paid $7,000 and will see what I get back from the insurance co. The insurance company (Regence Blue Shield) told me that the maximum to the doctor would be $1,500. This is long and rambling, I know. But, I'm curious if your insurance company's are paying for the whole thing. That is, are they paying for the whole tummy tuck, lipo, muscle, new belly button, etc.? Or, just to have the pannus removed?

I had my TT done 6 days ago. I have had a pretty easy time of it, except for the constipation. That was horrible!!! I'm pretty much over that and feeling good again. I had the TT with lipo to tummy and flanks. I had it done with an epideral rather than general. That was nice. No after effects. I went home within an hour of surgery. No drains. Just a compression garment and a foam pad and binder. I slept most of the first 3 days. I went in to the PS on Monday for a follow-up. There was no swelling, just a some bruising due to the lipo. He was a little concerned about the gallbadder scar, but thinks it will heal fine. The belly button may not do as well. He said that it looks a little dusky. He said that it won't be a big problem because the belly button is made up of scar tissue anyway. He will see me next Monday to see how it looks. I'm thinking that the skin is a little saggy. Not bad, just a bit. The doctor said that it couldn't be pulled any tighter. Why??? Anyway, that's my only complaint. I am looking forward to the foam pad and binder being gone after tomorrow. They are a bit confining. Which day was the worst for all of you. Mine was definately the 5th day. Cheryl

Fran, I had my TT with lip to tummy, waist, back and thigh one day after you (Thurday, March 27th). I feel very good. Did you have muscle repair? I didn't. No drains, either. I sure am flat. I see the doctor tomorrow. Cheryl