Mimilou2004

Put that man to work massaging those perky girls, LOL. Thanks for the update!!! Mimi

Wow, you have had a rough time...in my opinion the surgeon should have sucked up the cost of port change since it happened right away!!!! Good luck on your journey. Mimi

Ann, I have had two plastic surgery appts to discuss this and it costs the moon...one quote was $7000 and the second one was $8500. Both PS stressed how much it was going to hurt and that I would be off work for 6 weeks and scars up my groin and down to the knees!!!! The 2nd PS was going to add in a Mons lift (which I need very much) for $1900 so that estimate was over $10,000. I hate my thighs badly enough to periodically consider having it done!!! Best wishes, Mimi

I, too, love pickles....any and every kind and shape. Some days I can eat them and some days I can't. Chew, chew, chew!!!! Mimi

Many nice posts...I had my psych practitioner do my psych letter, too. After all, who know us best? Good luck, Mimi

Gosh, did they miss your access port completely? That is so strange, like the saline was injected into your belly and not the band!!! I would call them and voice your concerns. Good luck!! Mimi

Orobably just a little overfilled....sometimes even .5 or less out will fix everything. Stay on liquids and mushies for the weekend to let your stomach swelling to settle down. Good luck, Mimi

I am 2 years out and struggling through maintenance, trying to keep my wt balanced within 3 pounds.....hard work. I have been having more unfills than fills, because of extreme reflux. I have restriction most of the time. I had a low profile port installed a week ago and the leftover fluid went from the now smaller port up to the band and caused a small overfill. Hopefully I am on the mend and won't have reflux/vomiting tonight. Mimi

OH, NO, don't do it.....mine ended up like tube socks, too and I had no volume after losing that 80 plus pounds. I waited til I was at my goal before doing it and can't imgine doing it before the journey began!!! Best wishes, Mimi

With every band adjustment I found that I had to relearn my limits and would have trouble til then. Of course there were times I also needed a litttle unfill. Best wishes, Mimi

Absolutely wonderful!!!! You are a great success story for anyone who is afraid to have this surgery done!!! Mimi

Ann, I am so happy for your surgical outcome....it looks to be a very good job. I had mine done in January and am having a series of laser treatments to fine tune the scars. I think within another year my scars will be minimally noticable but I am most happy my batwings are gone. Mimi

Tracy, you are a hoot!!! I am happy all is where it should be. I am having a scope Monday and will be interested to see if all is well after months of being too tight with reflux and barfing. Mimi

I don't know statistics but if your way works for you, I think you are doing well. I am one of those that can't find her sweet spot and is always worrying about slipping and erosion etc, so I can empathize with your fears and concerns. I can't imagine life without my band....I would be 250 pounds again. I am not one who thinks the band is for re-educating the eating habits...mine is for appetite control primarily and I make apologies to no one. Best wishes, Mimi

You seem to be doing very well, I say go with the flow!!! I think you are smart to delay your first fill til after TG to avoid problems even though many ppl have no restriction til after their 2nd or 3rd fill. Depends on how your doc does his...aggressively or conservatively. Congratulations and welcome to band land!!! Mimi

I had minor surgery last week to change over to the low profile port....I wish that I had it from the beginning but my doc wouldn't do it. Mimi

I used Mederma exactly as suggested faithfully for 4 months and feel like I wasted my money. Now I am using a face sunscreen with Retinol on my body scars and see a difference...plus my skin is very soft!!!! Time is your biggest factor, I think. I just got rid of my original port scar and had a port revision last week...as soon as my incision is healed I am going to start the cream with Retinol. Mimi

Search using Inamed Vanguard spelling. There are several posts here about that style. Mimi

Thank you for your thought provoking, soul baring post. Slider food is also my down fall and you are right on the money about having to work hard. I am glad you have been able to get the regained wt off. Best wishes, Mimi

You are doing so well, Julie!! Congratulations on that AND running the 5K!!! Mimi

Your picture from Oct 08 was pretty and your May 2010 was beautiful.....you must be mind blowing by now!!!! Congratulations on all your hard work!!!! Mimi

There are plenty of Practices out there with NO program fees. That is pure profit for the doctor and is highway robbery!!!! Mimi

LOL, porn star boobs!!!! I am glad you picked a normal size since you will have them MANY years, hehehehehe. Mimi

I am glad you laid out your thoughts feelings and story like you did. You are such an inspiration!!!! Mimi

Why don't you go into Maintenance Mode for a few weeks but keep your exercise cranked up. That will help you mentally avoid the "P" word and will give you a break. Maintenance is hard work but after a few weeks you will get re-energized to attack those lat 20. Best wishes, Mimi