lynnt1215

TheDailyPlate.com is a free online journal for yur food intake, exercise performance. it will log a complete breakdown of almost anything you eat.

look at LIVESTRONG.com for it. You can enter how much you want to lose in a weeks time, as well as start weight, and all the pertinent info. it is a great tool for keeping track. It has restaurant entries, name brands, store brands. ALmost anything you may put into your mouth

elasticity of the skin as we age lessens. I to was told no amount of exercise would get rid of the loose skin. The tightening of the abdominal muscles is still uncomfortable.. I feel like I have on the binder even if it is off. Good I guess.. Also, I was told as I heal things will begin to loosen just a bit..again from the loss of skin elasticity

Finally feel good enough to post. Even though I can already say it was worth it, it has NOT been easy. My PS has been wonderful. I did a lot at once- a circumfrencial fleur de lis abdominoplasty, which means I have an incision going all around my lower stomach, as well a a vertical incision from below my breasts down. Also, at the same time, I got a breast lift with implants. My abdominoplasty involved liposuctin as well. Needless to say, I was out of it for several days, on percocet and valium. I had to lay off te percocet because of Constipation, and now my scars are starting to itch. Did any of you experence itching scars?

I KNOW it will be awhile before I feel anywhere near 100%. I am just taking one day at a time and not pushing myself.

PS was my only option. I am 33 and have been working out hardcore with a trainer 4 days a week for over 2 years. My sagging skin was there to stay. I am justgrateful I had this option!

Goodluck to the upcoming surgeries!

Erika

Itching skin, OMG.. it was terrible. even at just about 5 weeks post op I still itch. I have started to use one of the scar gels they say helps lessen the scarring and I do see a difference.

ou had more done than me, I had the circumfrencial done, with Lipo, but no vertical incision as well as my thighs, no breast lift or implants..lipo in my back felt like I had been kicked relentlessly for about 2 weeks. Back at work full time. and will have revision on my thighs done later this Fall.

A word of advice: Give yourself time to heal. Do not do too much too soon..

went for my ps follow up today. Dr is pleased with my recovery. I will schedule the revision for my upper thighs in the next few months. Still a bit of swelling to go down before the revision. Also, still a bit of mild discomfort but nothing outrageous. Won't be 100% for awhile yet..

I weighed in for the first time at my post-op visit, no scale in my house! Once back to work I weighed every Friday. I kept myself to 3 different scales: work, LB doc and my PCP. they all seemed to be pretty close..Of course if you weigh in the AM you will be less than later in the day..no matter who your are.

Personally I felt better with once a week, so much fluctuation if weighing daily, but that is my take on it..

I lgged all my food and exercise on TheDailyPlate, it kept me on the straight and narrow and would calculate your calories burned versus waht you ate..and it is free!

pre-op diets do vary. I have spoken to some that has very little pre-op counseling of any kind. when talking about pre and post op diets they were clueless. That is a surgeon I would shy away from.. I was glad my surgeon had a very extension pre-op review..I knew I was healthy, except for the weight, BP and cholesterol.. which of course are back in check now.

The degree of pre-op diet is different, but I had 3-4 days of Protein Drinks and such, then a few days of Clear Liquids.< /span>

Hi Everyone, I am soooo excited. My insurance just approved my ps. I am now on hold with the doctor's group to set up the schedule. I can not believe that this happening. Thank you to my fellow shamrocks for being a source of support, comfort and knowledge. I do not know what I would have done without all of you.

what procedure(s) are you having done? my insurance would have covered the pannectomy, but wanted me to lose another 25# and I am comfortable where I am , so went ahead and self paid.

Hope you can get it scheduled quickly. Waiting cn make you so much more anxious..

Gosh, everyone must be super busy, no posts for a few days.

Back to work full days starting tomorrow..Can't wait. 4 1/2 weeks post PS surgery.. feeling about 80%. will be awhile until 100%, but all in all feeling good and very glad I did the surgery.

plastic surgery - As we age the elasticity of our skin decreases. At 55 I know there is little chance to get back to what I would like after my weight loss. therefore I opted for PS. Always a personal choice and the cost is a major factor. I am glad I did it. I will admit I think the recovery was more painful than the LB surgery, but I had alot done. back to work after 4 weeks

Tomorrow is the big day. I am supposed to be at the surgery center at 7:30, and the surgery is set for 8:30. I will be so glad when it is all over and I am feeling good again. The procedure is outpatient. Part of me would rather stay the night at the hospital, but that is not the way my surgeon does it. I will post when I am feeling up to it again... I hope it's sooner rather than later!

Good luck, let us know how you made out when you fell better

oreo, great news about hubby's job.

cheri, I have been fortunate to be able to donate my "big" clothes to a women's shelter that helps those recently released from jail or just getting back in the workforce. they greatly appreciate any donation, but were extremely happy to get the bigger sizes. so glad to find them to make my donations.

Today was day 2 back to work for half days. Doing pretty good, but greatful I am only doing half days.

Still haven't gotten back on the scale since ps on 7/29. but am enjoying the looseness of my pants and shirts..waiting to buy anything new until swelling is gone and thigh revision is done.

Greetings,

The surgery went well. I do feel much better now that I don't have the GB pain. He said I also had a pretty severe adhesion wrapped around my stomach and my port tubing that he removed. My stomach is sore and extremely swollen unlike when I had the band done. I have gained nearly 10lbs but I'm thinking that is the swollen abdomin and extra Fluid. So, I'm not to worried yet. I'm gonna give it a couple of weeks to sort itself out. Trying to figure out how much walking I should or can do at this point.

Joann: I didn't realize you were in Korea again. It is fun when you have a daughter you like to spend time with. My girls and I love to do things together or just spend time with each other talking. Enjoy your time there, it will come to a close all to soon.

Lynn: Not sure I could undergo all that surgery! I admire your courage.

Glad you are doing well. I was back to work after a week with GB surgery. alot of gas, fluid, and meds add to the weight gain after surgery. My PS doc said not to weigh for a few weeks as the fluid build up would be high. Walking is always a good first exercise.

I went back to work for 4 hours today. at about hour 3 I was feeling the strain of sitting for that amount of time.Right now, home with my feet up relaxing..

Eva- It has to be interesting to see the fill as it is done. I have only had blinbd fills, never using fluoroscope. but never had any issues either.

Surgery recovery is going well. swelling is pretty much down. A bit in the upper abdominal area and of course my thighs. alot of that is also skin that will be taken care of in a revisionj in arou7nd 6 weeks or so.

True test will be back to work tomorrow for 4 hours. sitting for prolonged times is uncomfortable..i see several mini waks in my office...

5 days until my plastic surgery. I am running around like crazy trying to get everything prepared. I have 3 kid who just started back at school and they are finally settling in. I filled all my prescriptions already and purchased tons of pillows and bedding to keep me as comfortable as posible. Any extra tips/ideas/suggestions of must haves for the recouperation period? I am a little freaked out by the amount of percosets and valiums that my doctor has given me. For how long were you guys hunched over? Will I feel like the Hinchback of Notre Dame? I think I am justfreaking out as this gets closer. I am trying to think ahead to how happy I'll be a month or two down the road.

I had ocycotin, keflex, percocet. only took for 3 days once I got home. be ware, th pain killers will constipate you. and the first time you go will hurt..take Miralax to help go easier..

I was hunched over a bit for about a week. still a bit of discomfort with up and down in a chair, especially as the day goes on. but really doing good, 3 weeks post op..back to work for half days next week.

good luck on your surgery

will weigh in on Monday. I will have about 10+ pounds loss from PS surgery

Thank you all for your words of encouragement! Great I remember you having the GB out right after your banding. I know it's a lot easier now to have it out then when you had yours out Janet. Lynn, I've heard the Tummy Tuck is like really a hard recovery. My sister in law had one back in December and she was cut from hip to hip. It took her a long time to get goin again. Plus you had more then one procedure done, right? I am glad you are doing well and happy with the results.

Well, signing off so I can retire my GB once and for all. Goodbye Mr. GB, you have served me well for 56 years and now it time for us to go our separate ways.

So long to your GB. Hope recovery is quick.. let us know how things went.

I had full TT done. totally around, as well as thighs. slow moving still, 3 weeks post-op, but going back to work Mmonday, for half days. Wil have revision on my thighs in about 6 weeks.

I am wearing a 38c bra and it is way too big I could probably fit a 36B and the boobs I do have are hanging way down south.

I will need a revision on my Tummy Tuck. I saw the doc on tuesday and the top part of my belly is still too saggy. He said that happens a lot of times when there is so much skin. He said he would do it without charging me more. He also said insurance might cover to have something else done. He said to still give it time and see what happens with the lower part of my belly since that is still hard. he thinks that will loosen up some. Not really wanting more surgery but I am not happy with the results so far.

Thigh revision, that will be decided on 9/3 at next follow up. Told it will be in the office. that bothers me.. plan on a few days vacation to recoup. Other than that I am fairly pleased, but still have swelling to deal with.

my PS surgery was not covered by insurance. I was happy at my current weight, but they flt another 25-30# was needed. I did not agree o I self paid. If they would cover anything it is just the pannectomy, lower apron of excess skin.

I know breasr reduction is a bit easier to get covered. back pain, welts on shoulders from bra straps.. all this can influence insurance company..

I understand the stress of issues with ailing/elderly parents. I am helping my boyfriend deal with that issue now. The stress for him is tremendous. All I do is give my support and a person to talk things over with.. Just remember to take care of yourself. Stress will make the band feel tighter..

Lynn--

12 -15# SKIN!!! Whoa!! Now THAT is serious weight loss! Do you feel different? Lighter? Do you find that it changes your posture?

I'm finding that I'm standing straighter --- shoulders back - head up -- chin in -- without even trying. And I'm finding that shoulder, neck and left arm pain in greatly reduced.

When did your MD say you could get back to exercise? I can do treadmill, upright bikes, elliptical in 1 more week and then I have to wait until 6 wks out of surg for weight machines.

I haven't weighted myself at all. I'm afraid to. I know I lost about 1.5 from tissue/skin but I'll bet I put more than that on before surg from stress. They took the sutures out today -- and I'm back on low carb today so I'm motivated.

Now I'm thinking about having the arm and neck done but I will wait until I'm at goal weight for that.

Some people say --wait until goal to have the BR but I'm very glad I had it done now. MD says they will get smaller as I lose but they will stay in proportion and be good.

The doctor told me my weight loss will not show up right away. Fluid build up from surgery, swelling. Still wearing the binder 24/7. I bought a Spanx type garment to wear for my thighs when going back to work.. They seem to swell as the day goes on. Go back to doctor on 9/3, then he will decide when to do the revision on my legs, they need a little adjustment, not totally proportional due to all the selling during surgery.

Over all, feeling pretty good. and the muscle tightening has effected my band... great restriction, but not too much.

No exercise right now , except walking, and no lifting or weights for quite awhile..my boobs even look bigger, since there is nothing below them hanging loose..:confused:

Had my gallbladder out about 5 years ago. speady recover. was back to work in 1 week.

I will admit my Tummy Tuck and thigh lift are the most difficult recovery yet..but so glad I did it.. just have to remember not to overdo it, as with any surgery.

Susan, Good luck on Friday. All will go well..

Hi everyone!

I just found this thread, someone on the intro thread mentioned it. Wow, I can't believe there are so many of us over 50 going through this! A week ago, I would have sworn to you that I would never have WLS. But on Thursday, I went for my annual GYN exam, and my holistic-minded, all natural, fight the establishment doctor told me YOU HAVE TO DO SOMETHING, my weight is out of control. She recommended Lap Band! So I am going to the meeting on Sept. 3rd. I have spent the past few days pouring over the info on this site and for the most part everyone seems happy with the results of this process. I have changed a lot of misconceptions already, like this is the easy way out. Far from it! Sounds pretty hard to me! Lap Band is obviously a TOOL not a quick fix. Ironically, I try to eat healthy foods, I never consume artificial sweeteners or soda. But you know, they do make organic potato chips and cheese puffs!!

So I called my insurance company, they will cover 80% after a 6 month supervised diet. I have found out that my local hospital will not do the surgery anyway until you have gone through their 6 month pre-op program regardless of your insurance, I think that is a good thing.

Happy to be here, looking forward to getting to know you all better. I live in Bethlehem, PA.

Deb:smile2:

so many differences in pre-op rituals. I have talked to some who see the DR. and get scheduled.. I had appt with pulmonology, cardiology, sleep apnea study, psychology. a whole process. I think the better work up and pre-op education is the best way to go. and support groups are a must.. god luck

Wow, we all have so much going on

Hate the tactics of companyies these days. letting go the knowledgeable, experienced worker for the young kid who doesn't want to do the job, and not having all that experience. Companies are really biting themselves in the butt over their behavior..

Just got back from PS follow up. All is well.

may need a bit of evision on the upper thigh area. still alot of swelling, so waiting to see how that resolves anything. if not a small procedure in DR office and not extra time lost from work. back to work for half days next week.. then full schedule after that..

As we all move forward, just hink of where we were awhile ago. now, healthier, hopefully happier and moving forward!

Hi Ladies--

I'm also back from my breast reduction. They didn't take any fill out of my band either.

I was surprised and glad they didn't put any drains in. They kept me in the hospital an extra day because I developed Tachycardia. My pulse is still high but under 100. Blood pressure is low. They ran all sorts of test and don't see anything wrong with my heart but I have to follow-up with my PC.

I'm looking forward to getting back to the gym.

no drains, surprised. Glad they kept you that extra day to check thing out

Went to surgeon for follow-up this morning. He told me about 12-15# of skin and fat removed. Clean bill of health. Will most likely need a bit of touch up for the thighs, but not for about 6 weeks. Luckily that is covered in my initial fees. All follow up services are covered for a year.

Back to work next week, for 1/2 days. then full days the folowing week...going back to a chaotic office

I am 12 days away from plastic surgery. I can hardly believe it. Lynn and Scrappy, did your surgeons recommend getting an unfill before your procedures or not?

I did not get an unfill. I went to my LB surgeon about 10 days before PS and she said no fill then. Stated the surgery would add extra pressure to the band, due to swelling and would increase restriction. She was correct. I know the band is relocated with the muscle tightening. I go back to LB surgeon on Sept. 19. I have had more restriction since surgery.. even at 2 1/2 weeks post op. Not too much restriction, but feel like it is at a good place. And being home and less active I have been made much more conscious about what I eat and how much. Sort of a kick in the pants to stay on track.

My only issue now is the terrible itching..I want to scream..

What are you having done. I have been extremely satisfied with my results, even with the swelling that is still present.

Any questions.. I learned alot as I got close to the process, even watched at TT video on the computer..

Hope, I don't think it really matters if we reach out goals fast or slow just so we don't give up.

seems like fenton is the one that added so much to our message board and we all talked more. I sort of miss him.

Has anyone heard from FENTON? Seems any men who come to the site post for a bit then vanish. But Fenton was always here and had so much to add. Maybe he is just too busy with a new book.

Fenton, we miss you!