tebowfan

I've had many surgeries...c-section, nephrectomy, gallbladder removal, lapband. When my band slipped I lost all hope and gained all my weight back. I had RNY less than two months ago and I'm already down 50 lbs!!! The doctor took out the lapband at the same time. I only stayed in the hospital 2 days and have had no complications. I was scared to death, but this has been the best weight loss decision i've ever made. In my opinion RNY is the way to go.

tebowfan,
this is what I used...
http://www.oleeva.com/product/oleeva-scar-shapes/
I have no idea how well they worked as I have nothing to compare but I can tell you....they were a pain in the a$$!!
taking them on and off, cleaning, shower, put them back on, they would roll a bit....oh....and very expensive!!

How are you doing after surgery?

Yep, it's a long surgery. Each day will get better!

Best decision I ever made band to bypass!

I don't know if I'm naturally this cynical, or if it's a product of 8+ years, 2 lap-band surgeries, and currently trying to convert to RNY. Bear with me, because I'm thinking as I type. Hopefully, this will all make sense, lol, and I won't unintentionally offend anyone.
I think when we first have WLS, we subconsciously think that if we're open about having it, it will somehow be more acceptable to people and that we're being "honest." Let's face it, though. People will know whether or not we tell them (it's hard to miss someone losing 100+ pounds), and us telling them isn't going to make them gossip about it less. On the contrary, it makes them feel like their nosiness is acceptable and that we welcome their input. This type of surgery is like religion and politics: trying to "educate" the people around you rarely works. And for being "honest," well, is failing to tell someone that you've had a mastectomy and breast reconstruction somehow not honest? Is not telling everyone around you that you've had a colostomy or breast reduction or spinal fusion dishonest? I think we need to get past this world of Facebook and Twitter, where we believe that every person out there somehow deserves to know every little thing about us. We are all entitled to our privacy, especially when it comes to our health care decisions, and wanting to have some part of your life remain private doesn't mean that you're ashamed about it.
I feel that this surgery is exactly like religion and politics, wherein everybody has an opinion about it. And just like religion and politics, I don't generally discuss it outside of topic specific forums, because I don't give a flying rat's patootie about Joe Blow's opinion and I know that he doesn't give a flying rat's patootie about mine. And to be perfectly honest, I don't feel like it's my responsibility to educate the masses about the joys of WLS. If someone wants to know for their own benefit, they can approach me and ask. If they do not have it in them to ask, then they aren't ready for surgery, anyway.

You have been more open with people than I was. The people that I told before surgery was my husband, child and two friends. I finally told my dad and step mom when I was three weeks post op. Here's the great thing about family (meant to be sarcastic) I only had to tell one person for EVERYONE to find out. I feel that my permission should have been asked if it was okay to tell people before it was announced to the entire family.
My friends and husband have been great. They listen to me go on about what I tried to eat and how I am feeling. Since post op I have told a couple more friends. I only plan on telling people close to me.
You do whatever is comfortable for you. This is your journey, not theirs.
Good luck!

Today is your day! Wishing you well, and a speedy recovery! I'm sure you are going to love your results - can't wait to see those before and afters!! Keep us posted.

@@tebowfan, I am green with envy! I hope everything goes well and you are recovering soon.
Warm thoughts and prayers are coming your way!

Wishing you a great outcome and a speedy recovery!

It's gonna be great! Good luck!

Hi guys, Time flew by & I am scheduled this week for arm and thigh lift! I am kind of anxious. Ready for it to be over and the healing to start.
I will be going on a cruise April 26th for my 20th anniversary & hope for quick recovery!
~~If you don't mind sending a prayer up if you think about it????

Hi guys, Time flew by & I am scheduled this week for arm and thigh lift! I am kind of anxious. Ready for it to be over and the healing to start.
I will be going on a cruise April 26th for my 20th anniversary & hope for quick recovery!
~~If you don't mind sending a prayer up if you think about it????

I have always been a Water drinker. I used to joke and say it was one of the few things I did right. I do have my 1-2 cups of coffee in the morning, but no sodas, tea, or juice. only occasionally will I have a glass of milk.
Since getting surgery, I have actually struggled getting in my Water needs. I never really drank with meals, either, so it isn't that.
But I definitely carry my water wherever I go - it is my Linus blanket I finally downloaded an app on my phone. Silly, but effective. The one I use is Aqualert (android) but I've been looking at others as well. Just thought I'd throw that out there!!

sending some positive vibes and prayers your way...Good luck!!!

I had my first plastics procedure at 11 months out, but I scheduled it at 9 months out. If your current weight is 119 pounds (go you! I cannot for the life of me get under 130) then you are more than ready for plastics. I read a study that showed that people who had plastics after a weight loss surgery were less likely to regain than those who did not. I LOVE my new stomach (and my new boobs, new arms, and new thighs) but my stomach is the thing that consistently amazes me. How can MY stomach be so flat and hard?! I am glad I didn't wait any longer before I had surgery and I hope you find it to be as awesome as I have.

@@rhfactor272 I couldn't agree more with ^^^. I had same experience and so glad I went with doctors recommendation and had the RNY.

Easy choice if these are the options, the sleeve!!

@@tebowfan good luck! You are going to love it!

I had the choice between sleeve and bypass. Military bases no longer perform the band due to the high number of complications. There seems to be a trend in that regard.

I have the band now and I regret ever getting it. It's now slipped and caused a hernia, I lost 70 pounds but puked every step of the way. I get it out and converted to the sleeve on the 26th. I wish I had done this first .

I use the Newgel+E, as recommended by my surgeon. She also said Mederma doesn't really work. I'm just not sure if this does either, guess time will tell.

First, let me say, it isn't anyone's business but yours. If your boss says anything to anyone, it is a violation of the HIPPA law.
As for your bosses advice to tell them, remind your boss politely that it his/her opinion is appreciated but not warranted as this is your health history and your private medical information.
As for your colleagues who are noticing a change, if you don't want to tell them HOW you are losing weight, but know they will keep asking until you tell them something (because you can't get them off your back) do what I did!
I told them that I am exercising (which you are) and eating a high Protein diet with limited natural carbs -PALEO of sorts (which you are). I tell them I gave up white sugar, refined and processed carbs and food, (causes me to dump which they don't need to know) and I stay away from dairy (high fat makes me dump and I am lactose intolerant)/]. You aren't lying, you've thrown them a bone and who cares what they really think. I lost 33 pounds on the Protein drinks BEFORE I had any surgery. That's the God's truth!
They are not privileged to know your medical history and it will keep them off your back. Alienating them by not saying anything will be frustrating for you, especially if they are persistent, but they DON"T get to know anything you don't want them to know.
PS. IF your boss says anything, it's a lawsuit in the making and you will win.
Let me know what you decide to do! We support you!

Came home last night! Truthfully, day #2 (Saturday) was horrific pain-wise, and I was crying in agony at several points. I had to spend a second night in the hospital as I could not urinate without the catheter.
However, since then I am improving more and more every hour! I am now able to sit up and walk a bit as well as eat/drink normally. I have switched from Percuset to Tylenol/Codeine and am excited to see myself feeling better in the next few days.
Thanks all for reading!

Thank you everyone !! I have told everyone that it is my decision and whether they support me or not I'm doing this for me. They don't know what's it's like covering up all the time and having to sit a certain way so the fat doesn't bulge through shirts etc.
I am actively looking for a surgeon now and will probably travel to Florida to get it done. I have heard great reviews from Dr Fisher and I am hoping to go with him but will keep my eyes open for anyone else that's great.
Thanks again everyone for your wonderful comments it makes me feel so good !!