jea(n__n)ette

It's only been 2 months post-op and I didn't think there were any noticeable differences besides my scale numbers and some extra upper arm jiggliness, until I was looking at photos! Please share your lap band before and after pics, I find them very inspirational and motivating. [emoji4]

After losing 45 pounds, the band port no longer feels like a flat surface to me. It feels more like a dome shape. Does anyone else's port feel this way?

It's my understanding that weight lost in the sleeve is fast and primarily the excess weight lost is in the very first year. You have up to 2 years to get your skin to reduce before attempting any plastic work. Stay hydrated and keep up on exercises, especially ones that help reduce excess skin by toning muscles.

I used to wear XL in scrubs but now fit into M. I was so excited that I had never been a medium before, and then later I realized scrubs run large so in really a L. I don't trust the size listed on tags anymore, inches lost is more important.

Age 33 Lap band on 04/18/16 207 - 45 = 162

Are your drinks flavored? Sometimes when I only have plain water available I noticed that I'm not reaching my water goal. But if my drinks are flavored then sometimes I even chug it down (not to the point of vomiting) because it's much more palatable. I like Diet Fuze, Diet Snapple, and Powerade Zero since they are sweet, zero calorie, and not carbonated.

My surgeon did both of my fills, especially since he does not do x-rays and relies on me reporting my response to drinking water.

I just got the Isopure variety pack yesterday and omg the aftertaste and smell is horrible. Still 10 more bottles to go through. At least the sales guy at GNC is hot so I have motivation to finish drinking the protein bottles quick! ????

Did the surgeon tell you which method was used to anchor the port? I remember how painful my port site became mid-2nd week post-op, doc said it was encapsulation. Hope all goes well with your procedure. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using the BariatricPal App

I've had chronic constipation for about 20 years, and now that medication worked for me (Linzess) has become unaffordable (it went from $25 to $230 for 1-month supply). Without taking this med, the dietary restrictions of WLS isn't helping me as I simply can't just "eat more" bulk foods. Anyone with pre-op diagnosis of chronic constipation have any tips? ????

Stretch. Stand tall, put your arms up in the air, arch your back slightly, look up and keep reaching up. Do this a few times and the stuck food moves down. I've had to excuse myself to the restroom a couple times at restaurants to stretch, vomiting avoided.

I thought that the relationship between losing weight/appetite level/clothing size was straight forward, but now I'm confused and need perspective. As a 3-month post-op, I only had 1 fill so far and I wanted to get my second fill since it took me 1 week just to lose 1 pound, and then I remained the same weight for another week. My surgeon said I should come in for another fill once my weight loss stalls. I am feeling hungrier, but I still only eat once or twice a day. When I'm hungry I try ignore the sensation as long as possible. Part of me feels that if I get a second fill it just might be too tight for me to eat anything, or it'll take away the hunger sensation like I felt in the first post-op month. Since last week I also had NSV. When I went to buy work uniforms the salesperson took out size M when I asked for L, and it fit! Even in highschool (before the weight gain of my mid 20s) I always wore size L, but the number on the scale doesn't seem to match this newer clothing size. I'm still 41 pounds over my goal weight. My bra band size is also down another 2 inches since the measurement was taken. (I can't exactly remember my previous waist size measurement, I need to write this stuff down!) I'm also moving to a new place soon that's a 4.5 hours drive away, so I'd like your input on whether I should go ahead and squeeze in an appointment for a second fill or just wait longer once there's no other noticeable NSV.

Thanks everyone. I have an appointment to see my surgeon tomorrow. My next dilemma is that I'm moving 4.5 hours away this weekend and I'll need a new surgeon for follow ups. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using the BariatricPal App

I'm moving to Austin, TX this weekend and wanted to know of there's a Bariatric surgeon you are satisfied with our don't recommend. Until there's someone in Austin I can visit, for the next foreseeable 2 months I'll have to drive 4.5 hours to get my fills. [emoji33]

All of these pre-op tests and screenings are for a good reason, to assess your surgical risk. When surgeries are not emergencies (or can wait a few days), the cardiologist's evaluation tells the bariatric surgeon whether your risks are low, medium, or high for complications. In your case, would you really want to go ahead and have the surgery if the potential complications meant you end up admitted to the telemetry or icu floor instead of the bariatric floor? By having these pre-op tests done ahead of time it's a good thing. You and the doctors know what your current risks are, and since the surgery is elective, there's time to improve your health. I'm glad that you're seeing a cardiologist.

Thanks everyone. Between what the CVS pharmacy tech told me ($110), the CVS Caremark phone operators ($230), and the Caremark website ($175), I was quoted 3 different prices for a 30 day supply. However the website displayed that a 90 day supply would have been $60. I called Caremark and they said that $60 may not be the actual cost, and the pharmacy tech said it's showing $30 on their computer. I have probably never been this happy to poop since the potty training years.

I have Aetna, Well Care Level A, with Prescription drug coverage by CVS Caremark. The last time I was able to fill out my Linzess prescription it was $25. As per the insurance documentation, "Retail Brand (30-day supply) When no generic alternative is available* $25 copay." The script had no refill authorization so I had to call the office to send another script. Boy did I get sticker shock. The pharmacists tried calling my insurance for me but was kept on hold. When I tried calling they said now I have to pay $230, and I haven't made any changes to my insurance coverage.

You all just made me crave pork rinds/chicharrones! [emoji23]

Surgery on Monday. I felt like I was having a poop baby on the toilet on Sunday. [emoji23]

The general side effect of hormonal birth control is weight gain, but by no means is it enough to negate your WLS. My uterus was too small for Mirena (I wanted something with the greatest side effect of stopping my period) so I ended up with the Nexplanon. It totally beats having to remember taking a pill at the exact time every day.

No jewelry, you can remove them right before you go to the OR, give it to a friend or family member as they wait in the waiting room. Put it back on when you are fully awake and out from PACU. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using the BariatricPal App

Reminds me of a season 4 episode of Orange Is The New Black, just don't bathe for several days or put some dabs of tuna fish juice behind your ear, you won't get selected for pat downs!

Once the body scanner sensed chemicals and I had to have a manual check. Immediately the agent knew it was my hair, as I had colored it the night before. Any slight anomaly can set those expensive multimillion dollar scanners off.

When the question "How much weight did you lose?" started to bug me, I noticed it quickly decreased once I was significantly slimmer. The only person that kept asking at 2 months out was someone interested in WLS. In lieu of "How much weight did you lose? " I'm getting more "You look great!" What I find hilarious was when I put 2 Oreos in a carton of fat free milk and a fellow nurse (who formerly worked on a Bariatric floor and is overweight herself) gasped and with wide eyes said, "Are you not suppose to eat that?" Ha! I just smile and keep shedding the pounds away.

I didn't get my fill undone, although I did throw up 3 days in a row. I rode it out. Now I only feel hungry twice a day. I'm still losing weight and don't plan for another fill unless my weight loss stalls.