NewSho

OMG, Yes! Yes! Yes! No your insurance might not cover an unfill, but if you are in severe medical distress - never base your decision on being a self-pay LapBand patient. :sick It might not even be band related - it could be GERD, reflux, gastritis, a stomach virus, a flu or anything. In other words, these could be the band-like symptoms but something else could be causing this. PLEASE go quickly and let us know how you're doing. Happy Band (and Life) Journeys To All...

There are some good suggestions here. I think I'm beyond Dermablend / makeup because the scars are thick & raised, rather than just dark & flat. Another good point was the sun exposure - I'm definitely protecting my whole abdomen with mucho sunscreen if ever I were to have the nerve to go out anywhere! Right now, I'm protecting the faux BB (which is also pulled down through a new hole after my TT) with a little faux BB jewel - since I think the BB looks like a cave now, and the jewel really helps. (And yes - I know I'm really hard on myself. I just want to look good again, and it's a difficult process!) As soon as (or if, LOL) my post-op swelling goes down (from the Mini TT part of my gyno surgery) - then I will try posting a pic of the abdomen in question. Happy Band (And Life) Journeys To All...

I can beat that... Yesterday I went to a local premium Ice Cream shop with two friends. They didn't have any yogurt or sorbet - so I just bought a bottle of water. My two pals each had a large ice cream cup and they enjoyed it. But I wasn't even tempted, didn't even want a taste. Now granted, I don't like ice cream - I prefer sorbet (yum!) or even frozen yogurt but ice cream (or even milk) is not what I like. But still, it's interesting that now that I'm banded I am able to turn down things that I don't want. It's a huge life chance: because previously before banding, I would find myself eating/snacking/picking over something whether I really wanted it or not. Now, I rarely, if ever find myself doing that. I guess that's a type of Non Scale Victory. Happy Band (And Life) Journeys To All...

When I first started losing weight early on with my LapBand, I experienced this big time. As my weight loss slowed down and became more steady, this problem really did subside. But the breath wasn't the worst part - that can be quickly/easily handled. The worst part was that for the first time, I had underarm odor. Seriously - when my body went into ketosis (active fat burning state) the secretions (yuck) were released through my underarm pores. :phanvan It was so embarrassing and troublesome for me (even as an obese person, I never was a sweaty type) that I always carried a small stick of deodorant/anti-perspirant in my briefcase or had some with me in my work desk. I couldn't afford to wear anything sleeveless because I was afraid of having an offensive underarm scent. I could never take off my jacket if I wore a tank or camisole underneath. :girl_hug: And keep in mind, I could no longer use the nice, flowery-scented Ladies anti-perspirants that I'd always used. Instead I had to switch to the heavy duty mens' active sport deodorant to handle my serious underarm issue. It lasted for months and it was really awful. I was so glad when this difficult phase passed. Smelling like a rose again, Happy Band (and Life) Journeys To All...

Hey PhotoNut, To explain: I think my scars are so prominent because I had a LapBand repair surgery in 2005 - so my LapBand doctor (who is surgically excellent) used my then-4-year-old original LapBand scars again to avoid making new incision scars. I'm grateful of this but it's made the scars darker and thicker, than they would be if were only one-time-surgery scars. So I've actively used various scar treatments on them (and will keep doing so once I heal from this latest round of surgery 2 wks ago) but after 5 years and 2 LapBand surgeries, I think they're here to stay. :girl_hug: And the suggestion of the Fake Tattoos is a good one, but scar tissue doesn't take tattoos (real or fake) very well, because the skin area is so raised and darkened. I'm admitted more sensitive and self-conscious about them because they are thicker and darker then most LapBand patients' scars. They are very noticeable. And yes, I have to get a belly ring just to distract from my (to me) very obvious 'faux' belly button that was created after my Tummy Tuck. To me, it doesn't look quite normal, though my Plastic Surgeon is quite proud of it. So I need a Belly Ring (I'll just get the plainest stud-type I can find, nothing hanging or dangling :phanvan ) to kind of make that area look more normal - and to distract the eye from the man-made BB. Since I don't do body piercing I am going to start with a fake belly ring to see if I can even tolerate the idea of having one. This suit is really cute, and I wish I could figure out a way to make it work for me. Happy Band (and Life) Journeys To All...

Nykee: We understand; nearly all of us have probably felt some concern about our non-performing bodies. Whether we have to lose 50#, 100# or 200#, skin is an issue. If you want a Breast reduction/Lift (mastoplexy) and your breasts are of enough large volume or size, insurance will pay for that, no questions asked. You don't even have to wait on it. The things you mention about the sweatiness, rashes, irritated skin, etc are ALL medical justification for an Abdominoplasty (we don't say the phrase "Tummy Tuck" to the insurance company, right?" ) to rid you of the excess skin and flab. Whether or not an insurance policy covers weight loss surgery - no insurer can justify not covering your reconstructive work. It's clear that your skin is (remember this phrase) interfering with your healthy and daily life. That's justification. Plus, if I were you, I'd get letters from any doctor, chiropractor, or medical professional that treated me. All of your physicians including PCP, OB/Gyn, LapBand surgeon, Urologist, and don't forget your Dermatologist - can be valuable in writing letters to support your need for surgical help to get rid of excess skin and flab. Heck, in your letters no one has to mention the Lap-Band or Weight Loss Surgery - they can just say you've lost 100# or 150# or 200# or whatever. I think you might qualify for more than an Abdominoplasty, by the way. You might be eligible for a Lower Body Lift which would probably address several issues at one surgical procedure. With excellent documentation, pictures, and letters - you can get this covered once you're ready. Don't feel like this condition is permanent, Nykee. Insurance may not cover bells and whistles like liposuction (only rarely, you can get that covered as part of a lower body lift) or breast augmentation - but it does cover symptoms like you. Continued Success. Happy Band (And Life) Journeys To All...

CONGRATS! CONGRATS! CONGRATS! :clap2: In fact, I think you're being too humble. Think of it - you lost more than a Hilton Sister weighs, LOL :heh: You have every right to be proud, satisfied and downright full of yourself - you're doing great. Continued success to you! Happy Band (And Life) Journeys To All...

Well, my my LapBand surgeon said I was overly focused on numerical results rather than overall results, so he made me toss my scale.:phanvan Plus I was a (relatively) lower BMI patient so he speculated my success wouldn't mean huge number of pounds lost. He said I could just weigh in his office. He thought it might stop me from obsessing on daily weight fluctuations and reduce the temptation to constantly compare my LapBand weight loss results to other RnY Bypass patients I know. It's actually been OK to not have a scale but I did find myself looking for scales in all my other doctors' offices (even my podiatrist, LOL). Generally, I now concentrate on clothing sizes which mean far more to me. It's clothes I care about, and what size I wear isn't always reflected in what the scale says. Plus I focus more on my BMI than pure numerical weight, which gives me a more overall sense of perspective. It's worked OK but my fill doctor thinks it's OK to have scales... how tempting! :guess Happy Band (And Life) Journeys To All...

You're not banded yet, right, Randi? Well, let's see... Hmmm, I maybe I thought about this issue as a PreOp patient - but I honestly don't remember even wrestling with it. But I guess I saw it like this: pounds and pounds of fat was a type of foreign object that I carried around my belly for YEARS. What's worse than lugging around all that flab that I had? So I was absolutely determined to get rid of the fat even if it meant using a tool on my stomach to do so. The fat was worse, in my mind. I know people who have dental work from Crowns to fillings and brances, with contraceptive devices from IUDs, to Norplants, to NovaRings - and of course, staples in their knees, splints in their joints, and various cardiac implants and etc. So the LapBand (which I have been known to call my Silicone Freeloader, LOL ) is just another tool I need for medical reasons. Good Luck with your banding. Happy Band (And Life) Journeys To All...

Oh, here's the pic. It's very similar to this - same brand and color, just with more solid black than print. Happy Band (And Life) Journeys To All...

Wow, who would have thought? Sometimes my life is like the classic Led Zeppelin rock song: "Good Times, Bad Times You know I've had my share..." Good Times: Me, Master Sale Shopper Extraordinaire, saw the cutest 2-pc bikini swimsuit on clearance. It's a great brand, they usually sell in the $70-$85 range at full retail, but I saw it on a clearance rack for... $5. For both pieces. Brand New With Tags, as they say. (I'm attaching a picture of a similar swimsuit, same brand & color ) Of course I thought it'd never fit. I usually don't buy "wishful thinking" clothing but at $5 I thought I should get it, figuring it would fit someday. Well I finally tried it on and the darn thing actually fit. This is a major non-scale victory for me, a girl who's been overweight most of her adult life. Of course, it will look better in a few weeks - I have post-surgery swelling and Fluid retention from my gynecological/plastic surgery procedure less than 2 weeks ago. I didn't look bad at all (and if I had my New Perkier Boobs that I plan on getting one day soon, it would look even better!) and later this summer, I'd love to be able to wear it proudly. Bad Times: So the bad part: it's how my LapBand Scars show. Since my Tummy Tuck, my LapBand scars are lower on my abdomen - they are now front and center just over my new 'faux' belly button. No matter how much Scar Therapy I do on them, I don't think they'll fade completely away. I think the scars are too prominent to wear the 2-pc suit. How nice it would have been to actually wear a 'cute girl' swimsuit for once. So I never thought I could wear a two-piece, but how ironic that the procedure that helped me fit into the swimsuit - is the reason I probably shouldn't ever wear it. ~ Has anyone else ever had mixed feelings about a Non-Scale Victory like this? ~ Happy Band (And Life) Journeys To All...

Congrats & Good Luck... you've had quite a journey...:clap2: Happy Band (and Life) Journeys To All...

Oh, well, that's exactly what you were doing. That's fine. I'm sure I was supposed to be offended but I've never heard of (or previously noticed) you. You questioned me and I answered. This board is THAT powerful? Really? That's interesting. I've read good, bad, and ugly about doctors here - and some of the stories are absolutely gut-wrenching. Yet the surgeons involved still go on - this board can not shut anyone down or ruin a reputation that was stellar to begin with, I bet. Good for you. I stated I don't have mine yet but since you felt like questioning me, my knowledge or my experience with international LapBanding - I thought I'd throw that in. This is ironic. Your own tagline asks if you have scared us yet - so my 'Big Words' comment was a direct response to you using a children's cartoon character along with a sarcastic tagline. Since the irony was lost on you, honey, I'll withdraw the rather-amusing comment. :confused: This is a thread about one of our fellow members' very bad experience. She posted her heartfelt story. I jumped in initially only because she couldn't remember his name or the spelling of his name. I instantly recognized who I thought it was, and just posted in. Then the comments in the thread strayed so far from the story, and so many other things were posted that begged comment. I added mine (which was clearly labelled as my opinion, based on my research). So since some don't agree with that I say, then they expend more energy refuting what I said, rather than doing their own independent research to see if any of it had merit. Oh well, their loss! As always, there is never a dull moment here. Happy Band (and Life) Journeys To All...

Oh, you're addressing me? I rarely get teased or challenged by ghosts, so this is a treat. How nice to be flagged by a cartoon character. Priceless. Let's see - recapping my posts (I'll try to stay away from the big words for you) : I admitted that I had major complications with my surgery IN THIS COUNTRY Surmised that I think I was saved in large part, due to my surgeon & top medical facility being minutes away Am not a Rumbaut patient but have most definitely had the pleasure of seeing him in person (*yum*) Have been banded 5 yrs. and have mentored literally dozens of patients, including those who were banded both in Mexico & domestically Am getting my Masters in Health Care Admin - with a nod to Bariatric Specialisation (if only the Academic G-ds will grant me full approval :phanvan ) Speak Spanish fluently, spent time in Mexico and 'peeped out' the facilities in question - for both LapBanding and plastic surgery. His new place is better but Kuri's old place was a McSurgery Shack. Even by TJ standards, it sucked. I repeat, I refer to it as a McSurgery Shack. Got it? If there is anything else you want to question me on about Mexican medical facilities? My opinion can be worth 2 cents to you, hon, but I stand by mine. Enjoy your week. Happy Band (and Life) Journeys To All...

Well, I disagree with this particular viewpoint on Mexican surgeries. There is no need to turn this into a "I think this, you think that" discussion but I have no problem clearly stating my opinion (based on very extensive research) of the situation involved. A person who is self-pay for whom money is no object? Than sorry, I'll step out and say I'm glad your decision worked out for you. And it's been, what? 10 days? (By the way - I know how mentioning how long or short a time someone has been banded seems to really bother some members but it's very relevant in this poignant example.) Well, the good thing is that most gross surgical errors are evident LONG before 10 days. If something goes wrong with a serious medical mishap from the actual surgery, it usually is clear in the first few days (or hours) after the original surgery. On the other hand, LapBand complications seem to appear a bit later in the game than that. But length of time banded aside, there is absolutely no way I would inform any friend/relative/acquaintance of mine who had no financial concerns - to go to Tijuana (or TJ as it's called). Yes this site is full of successful TJ patients :clap2: - I'm happy for them. But there are just a few more exceptions to the rule for my taste. And having had experience as being the exception to the rule, I don't recommend it. It's not sour grapes making me talk about how difficult complications can be - it's the voice of experience. Trust me when I say I realize that bad things can happen right here in the 'States. I didn't have a surgeon error, or other medical mistakes happen to me - yet I suffered mightily. I did survive. I attribute that to the fact that I was minutes away from my LapBand surgeon (got there in 20 minutes), and minutes away from a Trauma Center in an internationally famous medical facility. I some of the world's best surgeons at my disposal (now whether they all agreed on what was wrong with me was a different story:rolleyes ) and I didn't (in theory) lack for trained quality medical care or facilities. These options are NOT available to 99% of the patients who have surgery in TJ. {NOTE: A rare exception is a friend who lives in San Diego and was going to self pay in Tijuana . Now she was just across the border from TJ and would have been in better shape than the average American who goes across for "tourist surgery" (yes, that's what I call it). Even then I found her a comparable surgeon on this end who was more insurance-friendly and more willing to fight. We got her approved and her American surgeon/American hospital surgery was paid by her insurance, at 85% and she is VERY grateful. } Not one TJ facility is internationally recognized as a level one trauma center. Many TJ patients find difficulty getting treatment on the off-chance they need higher-level medical care back home. I don't espouse being thousands of miles from your surgical team if you can afford it - whether you get your surgeon here or abroad, closer is better if you have the choice of medically-equal facilities and surgeons. And to be honest, in my opinion Ortiz and Kuri are decent surgeons but they aren't on the level of a Dr Roberto Rumbaut in Monterrey. Plus, nothing about the TJ experience (especially the old shack of a clinic that Kuri USED to practice in) rivals Monterrey's facilities or surgeons. When the US President travels to Mexico, Monterrey's San Jose hospital is the designated Presidential emergency medical facility. Enough said - that is considered to be a world class medical hospital. So I don't think going to Mexico (or going anywhere far from home) is a great idea. But if 'money is no object' and Mexico is (for some reason) your intended destination, I would only point someone toward Dr. Rumbaut. His experience, his ability and his facility are above par in every way. He's the only Mexican surgeon I can recommend in good conscience, plus he has the most association with US surgeons and facilities. Gzr-Sue's anecdote about him being in Chicago at a bariatric surgery conference is very typical - he answered his cell phone, he was presenting to other surgeons, and he addressed her questions. Not every US patient who goes to Mexico is going to have such experiences, but by far, I've heard more positive Rumbaut stories than from any other Mexican surgeon. (NOTE: And I do not work for, get commission from, or am in ANY way associated with Dr Rumbaut, nor is he my surgeon. But he rocks! ) There's my .02. Happy Band (and Life) Journeys To All...

Woo Hoo! Now those are some fun vacation photos. You two are a handsome couple - and yes, the hat takes him from handsome to HOT and Handsome. (*fans herself*) Congrats to you and enjoy your continued successes & NSV's. Happy Band (and Life) Journeys To All...

Well, I generally eat most of my dinners out - and usually many of my lunches when I get them. It was a learning curve as a newbie. Occasionally I would go out and try to eat more than my band would let me, and that was uncomfortable. Now if I don't stop myself before I'm anywhere near full (I usually do now) then I get hiccups and that's my signal that the meal is just about over. I no longer try to get past that signal (but I tried as a newbie Bandster, and the band almost always won!) Whereas before I'd have at least part of appetizer, an entree, a couple of drinks (and sometimes a dessert, though not usually) - now I have an appetizer and a mixed drink or glass of wine (sometimes, maybe even part of a second glass). That usually does it. I often order my appetizer as an entree - no one makes a big deal of it. I don't inform casual acquaintances or new dates (if I remember what those are) of my surgery in most cases, and all they think is that I'm kind of a light eater or trying to watch my weight. I was so concerned about my social life that my surgeon thought the band was a better choice than the RnY bypass for me. I was clear with him, about my lifestyle. (Disclaimer: But as a single female - I sometimes feel that having lost more weight and having done it faster with a bypass, could have probably more positively affected my social life, but hey - hindsight is 20/20 and I've just resigned myself to slow baby steps to losing this weight.) Basically, I did want to be able to eat a decent range of things (only less quantity of them) and to be able to have a social drink or so. My surgeon felt the LapBand better assured me of the possibilty to enjoy a full social life with eating/drinking opportunities. So as someone who goes to restaurants daily, I've yet to absolutely not be able to find something to eat or have something made for me. It just hasn't been as big of a deal as I feared. I skip the bread basket and I do my almost all my drinking before my meal - other than that, I'm just eating a lot less. It's really not a big issue, overall. Good Luck to you. Happy Band (and Life) Journeys To All...

Put me down for (English as my native lang, of course) Spanish (fully fluent, I even dream in Spanish, and go out for Spanish acting parts) French (I speak/read/write it - but only get to use it when in Europe, of course ) Italian (Very conversant - enough to go out to eat, drink, shop, and of course flirt ) Hebrew (read only - I speak it only by rote) I have a gift for accents and some ability with languages. I don't speak any Asian languages but as a child I had decent Greek (Ancient) and very conversant German skills - since my sisters/dad were at University while I grew up. Those two skills were never used, so they never developed. I don't have kids, but I'm passionate about my friends/family members' kids learning a second language. I nag/preach about it all the time. (Just like I am not fond of the phrase "foreign language" - I mean, French isn't a foreign language to the people of France is it? ) I think it's going to be crucial for all citizens (of America, and elsewhere) to be able to communicate globally in a few years. The future is now. Happy Band (and Life) Journeys To All...

Well, here are the lyrics of that song "I Can Eat It All" by that two-bit parody guy Mark Lowry. I can scarf a dozen doughnuts, And lick the suger off my hands, If I had a hundred tacos, I could eat 'em on demand. If I eat 'em even faster, You can see my waist expand, But the bloated feeling that I get, Is the part that I can't stand I'm the middle of the kitchen, I can't help but gain a pound, I'll never taste the feel of victory Till I finally chow down I can offer no defence, When that aroma fills the place, When I'm served a tray of burgers, I will gladly stuff my face, I can eat it all, Alfalfa, sprouts, and grains, But when it comes to fast food, I eat everything, I can eat it all, Whatever I desire, It's fat that I require, Cause I'm a butterball, I can eat it all. The source of my condition, Is the fact I don't obstain, I can measure my consumption, By the weight that I have gained Though my friends call me a glutty, And that causes me such pain, If they serve me one more salad, I think I will go insane Cause I've laid aside the health food, For the fatter foods I've found, When I get my hands on pizza, I can never put it down When I hit my favorite restraunts, I eat everything I see, After hours at the buffet, They are begging me to leave I can eat it all, Alfalfa sprouts and grains, But when it comes to fast food, I eat everything, I can eat it all, Whatever I desire, It's fat that I require, Cause I'm a butterball, I can eat it all I have a favorite verse, I would like you all to know, And it goes like this, "Man cannot live by bread alone" That is why I lay my ground beef, On a golden flame of fire, The more I have, The more that I desire I can eat it all (small break) I can eat it all, Whatever I desire It's fat that I require Cause I'm a butterball I'm wider then I'm tall I'm pure cholesterol, I can eat it all That's the song that some juvenile deliquents sang about me as I walked through a mall. I'd never heard of the song then, but I soon found out how bad it was. I didn't even know about the Trace Adkins song. I'm saddened but not surprised. Making fun of fat people, in songs or in person - is still acceptable in the world today. Happy Band (And Life) Journeys To All...

Wow, You certainly do have quite a bit to think about. I guess I'd weigh my options: Can you endure any further complications (even years down the line) if you re-band? Could you succeed (or maintain your current weight) if you were completely unbanded? Has your surgeon considered revising to another form of surgery if you don't reband? All in all, your attitude sounds excellent and no matter what you'll decide, I am sure you'll succeed. Please keep us posted on your decision. Happy Band (and Life) Journeys To All...

GSue: You look great - simply great! Happy Band (and Life) Journeys To All...

Misfortune: Sorry for your very scary experience. I can relate as I also had a near fatal illness just after my banding five years ago. This happened right here in the 'States, during the LapBand's US trials. So I certainly understand how horrifying it is to have a procedure you hope will improve your health, only to have it endanger your health. Although there was no medical/surgical negligence proven in my case, these complications can forever affect your life. Five years later I'm still recovering and trying to make myself a personal success story after all. But be aware that you may feel that those around you (even those that love you) may silently or not-so-silently blame your decision for surgery for your complications. It's unfair but it happens. Be stronger than the ignorance of those around you. So just concentrate on your healing and recovery. Frankly, whether you get sick following a surgery or if you develop or inherit a disease, any type of serious illness just sucks. Someone asked about the clinic that banded you. Was your surgeon's name Dr. Huacuz, by any chance? The Molding clinic is a Mexican clinic that has been discussed at length on this website. Here is another thread that discusses the Molding Clinic and Dr. Huacuz. Good Luck on your continued recovery, and we are all pulling for you. Happy Band (and Life) Journeys To All...

Oh my g-d, I thought the same thing, I'll succeed. I totally understand the horror of weight gain, but you do NOT look 20# heavier in the 265# pic than you did in the 245# pic. Seriously. I would bet that your lean-muscle-mass has increased, and your total percentage of body fat decreased overall. So definitely the 20# weight gain is not reflected in the photos we see. And yes there is tons of overall improvement from the pre-op pic, which I'm sure you can see. Happy Band And Life Journeys To All...

What a horrible experience. The examples of fat prejudice just keep going and going but I have been the victim (I don't have a victim mentality, but in this case - I was a victim) of it myself. A few years ago, I was walking through an upscale mall carrying a shopping bag. Some truant little juveniles were sitting around and commenting on shoppers who were walking back and forth. As I passed them, one sang out loudly "I can eat it all !" as the other youths laughed. (I was (of course) dieting at the time and was then wearing a size 14, and I'm relatively tall. But it was clear they were definitely talking about me, and I was mortified. That phrase, it turns out, was part of some parody song (by some two-bit Weird Al Yankovic wannabe back in the day). If I find the song lyrics I'll post them and you'll see how offensive it was. Bottom line: there are stupid, sad little farts out there who have no self worth so they take it out on others. They should all be sentenced to one year wearing a fat suit so they learn what it's like to have to endure what overweight and obese people live with daily. Sad but true. Happy Band And Life Journeys To All...

Bless your heart, Audrey - When my mother passed, it was the most profound event of my life. Since her death, I've fought my weight constantly since then. I wish I would have had a tool like the Lap-Band then so I wouldn't have been so quick to use food as a tool for coping with pain. So it's inspirational to see you continue your incredible weight loss, rather than gain like I ultimately did. Your journey isn't an easy one, but I'm sure you'll succeed. Continued good luck - and you have my total sympathy for your deep loss.