Lillie52

Hello! I just had tt with breast augmentation 4 days ago, on 5/17. I have an abdominal binder and 2 drains. I was sent home with Percodan and compazine. Used 2 tabs of Percodan 3 times I think. Would have been fine with just ibuprofen but used the Percodan as a sleep aid. Honestly, I have more pain due to hunching over (in my back) than anything. I was told not to sand straight the first 5 days. I'm hoping my drains come out tomorrow when I go for my first postop visit. The best person to ask about necessity of binders and drains really is your doctor. He/she knows your health issues and can best give answers. Best wishes in your recovery!

100 lbs!!!!

Hello Dr Schulman I have abdominoplasty and breast augmentation scheduled in 6 weeks. I work out vigorously at least 3 times/week. Various forms of cardio, weight lifting, pilates, yoga... I am 48 years old. Don't smoke. No diabetes or other health issues. I am told light walking only for the first 4 weeks. How long would one typically expect before getting back up to "full speed"? I've worked very hard to get in shape. Except for my deflated breasts and saggy tummy I have excellent muscle tone and pretty good skin. My personal trainer says my shoulders are "sick!" (thats a good thing) Ha! Anyway, after working so hard its a bit distressing to think about going for an extended period of light activity. Would appreciate your words of wisdom. Thanks!

I was banded 5/2008. My last fill was March 2009. Slow and steady weight loss the whole time. I lost the first 65 without exercising. Started working out July 2009. I absolutely believe the lap band was a good idea. No regrets. It was hard at first, I admit, but definitely a good decision.

I work out vigorously at least 3 times a week. Various cardio as well as weight lifting. Have scheduled breast augmentation and tummy tuck in 6 weeks and am worried about the 4 weeks of very little exercise. I have been told light walking only. Has anyone been through similar procedures? How did it go for you? Thanks in advance!

Hmm after reading this thread it sounds like it would be cheaper for me to fly hmoe to Illinois for a fill than to establish care in Florida. I currently pay $130.00 and have had 6 fills. Why would I pay start up costs plus higher fill fees in Florida? Airfare is $400 round trip at the most. Usually less.

I'm now at 5cc and feeling pretty sweet! Had gained a few over the holidays so went for a fill in early January. I am now feeling what I had heard about. I get satisfied with small portions of food. No crazy cravings for sweets, fast foods. Funny thing is, no more PBing either! Maybe I've just learned how to chew! And the pounds are falling off. Yay!!!

Thanks for sharing your awesome story!!! YOu are an inspiration!

I've lost 53 lbs. YAY!

Hang in there Mair, it does get better. Well worth the sacrifice!

You don't say how long ago you had your wls. I had some discomfort for a while post-op. Tenderness. After a fill the area is tender for a few days, too. My doc uses local anesthesia when he fills. I've had 4? fills. The last one I was the most tender but nothing terrible.

I'm just wandering what kind of diet other bandster's follow after a fill. I am doing 2 days liquid, then 2 days soft, then regular.

I used the baby food fruits. They were ok.

Hope things settled down for you. Sounds like you're really tight. How much as added to your band? What size band? By the way, I see that you have lost 60 lbs. Awesome!

Hi Amber Loved your vlog. What a great idea! Hang in there. It does get better. Don't be discouraged. You are doing great! I am 5 months out and have had 2 fills. I do think I am almost at my sweet spot. I can eat more than I probably should but because I continue to lose weight steadily my surgeon agrees that I do not need another fill at this point. I am LOVING the band.

Hi. I was banded 5/21/2008. My insurance co is BCBS IL. I was denied twice, filed an appeal, and was finally approved. The Bariatric Coordinator at my surgeon's office handled everything for me. Best wishes to you!

I have no problem with pasta. I do eat it with cheese, chicken or meat sauce though. THe proteins seem to keep me full longer.

New clothes! I plan to go back to yoga class, too. It's much easier to do when I don't have lots of flesh getting in the way.

I absolutely agree with what Snowbird said. Focus on eating those foods that you have found fill you up. I can eat slider foods all I want. It may be a process of trial and error to find out just what those foods are, but you will get it figured out. Meats and vegetables are the foods that fill me up.

I too have done all the diets (multiple times.) The band has been a wonderful tool for me. I was banded 5/21/08 and have lost 41 lbs so far with no weighing/measuring/counting of foods, other when I was first on liquids/mushies. I eat more like a normal person now! It has not been an effortless journey by any means. The biggest challenge for me is recognizing "head hunger" versus real hunger. Also remembering to make good food choices. Best wishes to you! This website is a great resource.

Isn't it wonderful to be able to eat and actually get a full feeling! Yay for you! The lap band is an awesome tool.

As you are only a month post-op I don't think it is a surprise that you have less restriction now, even after a fill. Is it possible that you had restriction post-op for a while because of the healing process itself? It may take a few adjustments to get that feeling again. I was banded 5/21/08. Have had 2 fills and now have 4cc in a 10cc band. I definitely have some restriction again, but am not at my sweet spot yet. Sometimes I feel more restriction than other times. It just depends on the day.

Hi! I hope your next fill makes a difference for you. I have had 2 fills (now have 4cc in a 10 cc band). My second fill really made a difference. I had been at the same weight for almost 4 weeks. Since my fill I have lost 10+ lbs. It does sound to me like it is a matter of finding your sweet spot.

Everybody is different. That is the one thing that my bariatric coordinator really drives home at our support group meetings. I have noticed that men especially seem to lose weight faster. My husband had WLS (gastric sleeve) two months after me and just blew right by me with weight loss. Congratulations on your weight loss so far! Even a modest weight loss (5-10%) reduces your risk of obesity related health problems! Eighteen lbs lost in 6 weeks is great!

We have all been there, so don't feel alone! It really is a "one day at a time" process for me. Especially because some days my band seems tighter than at other times. We are breaking habits that we've relied on for a very long time. You CAN do it. Here are some of the things I am working on: Try to make good food choices. Slow down. Watch Fluid intake. Don't be a grazer. If I am thinking about snacking between meals, my body is telling me it is thirsty! Try something new. Get out of the habit of "all or nothing" thinking. If I had problems with Breakfast, then lunch is the time to make it right. Don't wait until tomorrow. Exercise (I REALLY need to work on that one!!!) Best wishes to you.