Sue Magoo

Hi: I had a tummy tuck in 2009 and will never have to do it again, but I would highly recommend it if you have hanging skin like I had. It's amazing how much better I felt about myself once this was gone. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it's painful. Yes, it's so nice to sit down and not have my tummy hit my legs! Best wishes to you. Sue

Glad to hear that you're having reconstructive surgery. So good that something positive can come out of your battle with cancer. Keep us posted. Take care. Sue

Brandon: Try adding some of your favorite music to an MP3 player. It really makes a difference. I prefer to walk outside with my headphones on. It's more interesting to me than being on a treadmill. Best wishes to you. You can do it! Sue

Wow! You look fabulous, and such little pain for you. You go girl! Sue

Best wishes to you with your medical issues. Keep the positive attitude!

Glad to hear it's going so well. No pain meds - WOW! I hate taking them because of nausea but I was on them for at least a week. Look forward to seeing updates. Hope you continue to do so well. Take care. Sue

My surgeon's website has the food plans all spelled out for you. Take a look at www.massweightloss.com Here's a link for you................... http://www.massweightloss.com/patient_area/files/Post_Op_Diet_1-4.pdf Good luck to you newbie!

Best wishes to you. Hope all goes smoothly (and flatly too - as in tummy flat!). Let us know how you're doing afterwards. Take care. Sue

Amanda: I'm from MA. I had my surgery at Norwood Hospital with Dr. Adam Glasgow. I had BCBS with my first band and Harvard Pilgrim with my revision. Insurances vary by plans instituted at your company. The best thing to do for insurance questions is to call the 800 number on the back of your card. Good luck! Sue

Hi: I've been banded for more than four years. Been struggling with my band for the past six months with weight gain and being able to eat alot more than I used to. Tried the fill method with small, but frequent fills. My surgeon did a barium test a couple of weeks ago and he said he's filled me as much as he will because the stream of barium is very small below the band, so the band is tight enough. However, I can still eat way too much. He's recommending that my band be emptied and then start the fills gradually again. Has anybody done this? How does this help? Did it work for you? Please advise. I've got to do something! Thanks. Sue

Hi: You should see your doctor. Please call and get in or go to the emergency room. Your band should never cause pain after the initial healing period post surgery. If you still have your gallbladder it could be that. Take care and please let us know how you're doing. Sue

Really amazing!

My doctor's website has lists of things you should be eating at the different stages of the band recovery. Here's a link. www.massweightloss.com Best wishes to you. Sue

Katie: They have one at JC Penney that I bought that has the "bones" or "stays" in it. You want to make sure you get one that won't roll up or down, so the "bones" really help. They gave me one that had velcro on it at the hospital. It's good to have a spare or two spares because they take a long time to dry after hand washing. Another helpful thing to have is sweat pants or pajama pants with pockets. It's nice to stick the drain bulbs in the pockets. Sue

Hi: The most important thing about post tummy tuck is making sure that you've got enough nutrition to heal well. So, don't be concerned about 1,000 calories a day. Be happy to maintain. I had tummy tuck with muscle repair, but my port stayed where it was (top of tummy - just under middle of rib cage). I think I got refilled at either 3 or 4 weeks after tummy tuck. By then it was not too uncomfortable to get into the proper position for a fill in that area. You'll be surprised at how numb some areas are after the initial healing time. So, it may not be that uncomfortable. They'll probably fill you gradually because that's the most safe way to approach fills. Best wishes. Can't wait to see pictures or hear your comments. You're gonna love your flat tummy! Sue

Michelle: I had the small band installed in 2007 and lost 150 pounds in less than 18 months. Had a slip and got band replaced in 2010 with the larger band. I had pretty good restriction (without fills) for more than a year, but started gaining and getting fills about two months ago. Have been struggling to get back under 200 since then. I loved my old band, but new band and I are just barely friends now. My old band was my "belly cop" and this one doesn't even go on patrol. Best wishes to you. I've been getting fill after fill and will continue until I get under 200 again. Sue

Just wondering how you're doing? Hope all is well in the flatlands! Sue

Katie: If you have trouble getting approval ask Dr. G. if he can look at the letter that Arthur wrote that helped me get approved. Of course there were very embarassing pictures involved too, but it was worth it for the cost savings. I hope you liked Dr. H. I think she's great and very personable. She has a good bedside manner too. Best wishes for a quick approval for you. Take care. Sue

It may take a few days to get on the painfree side, but then you'll be so happy that you did this. The best thing is to look down and see that there isn't any excess skin hanging! Best wishes. Keep us posted on your progress. Remember, this is major surgery so you need to rest, relax, and recuperate! Take care. Sue

Katie: Please tell her hello and that I have all good things to say about her and the tummy tuck she did for me. So exciting! If you're anything like me you'll be so glad to see it gone. Sue

HI Katie: Glad to see your consult is next week. Are you going to see Dr. H. at Newton-Wellesley? I think she did a great job on my tummy, but it cost alot more than $1k extra like the poster above said. If you've got really good credit, go and get a credit card that has no interest, and then play the credit card juggling game to trade for a different one that has no interest until you've paid it off. Another possibility is a credit union loan if you belong to one. Let us know how it goes. Sue

Congrats! You look fabulous! Sue

Your surgeon did a fabulous job! Congrats. Sue

Once you look down and don't see the excess skin you'll be so glad that you spent the money, had the embarassing pictures taken, and went through the discomfort from the surgery. It'll all be so worth it! Take care and look to the finish line! Sue

Hi: It's hard to say what my recovery time was. I was unemployed at the time, so I didn't have to hurry back to work. I think I would have been able to go back to work after two weeks, but I was very tired for months. I do desk work, not physical work. The fatigue was surprising. I had to wait 6 weeks to do any exercise other than walking. It is painful, but so worth it to sit down and not have your lower abdomen touching your legs. If you click on my name you'll go to my profile. Click on gallery and you'll see my pics. Let me know if you have any other questions. Sue