TamifromAL

I'm certainly not offended, Nina, as a matter of fact, may I say you have a lovely derriere! I'd like to see a close up of your tattoo, too! If anyone is easily offended, we probably already chased them off with all the talk about hair removal of the nether regions and the effects of weight loss and ps on the male unit! I can't think of anything better to take our minds off of major surgery than talking about our naughty bits, LOL. Tami

Hi Alabama bandsters! I haven't checked this thread in a long time, and just wanted to pop in to say, "Hi!" My name is Tami, and I was banded 9/5/06 by Dr. Miles at St. Vincent's East in Birmingham. I've lost 120 lbs., and down from a size 26W to a 6-8. Life is good! The lap band support group meeting is held the 3rd Saturday of each month, in seminar rooms 1 & 2, on the 2nd floor at St. Vincent's East, 50 Medical Park East Dr., Trussville. The meeting for post-op patients begins at 10am, and the meeting for everyone, pre- and post-op begins at 10:30. I plan to be there, and hope to see some of you there, too! (Hi Season...you look mahvelous!) Tami

Hey, according to Dr. Oz, a guy gains 1" for every 30 lbs. he loses. So, at -159 lbs, Neal's already "up" 5.3 inches! And, yeah, I play with my skin, too. Even better is the view above me in the tanning bed. The one bed I like going into has a mirrored top. When I look up at my nekkid self, it looks like I'm lying in a skin-colored butt puddle! Tami

Meghan, I think I've read the article you're referring to (by a guy who's selling his weight loss/body building system). I do think there's some validity to his message. Unless you do strength training as you lose weight, you *will* lose some of your muscle mass. That's why it gets harder and harder to lose weight as you near goal. I think strength training is *essential* to reaching goal and maintaining lost weight. But, his theory would be more applicable (to the loose skin issue) if we lost weight evenly from the various parts of our bodies. But, we don't. My body from the waist up appears to be someone with an extremely low bodyfat percentage (low teens, max). My upper body is more "cut" than the female trainers at my gym. Unfortunately, my lower body is another story. The muscle is *there*, it just lies under a layer of fat and extra skin. Could I continue to lose weight and get rid of that extra fat on my legs and improve the condition of the skin? Maybe. But, it would be at the expense of my face and breasts, which have already lost too much fat for my liking. Tami

LJM: hope that fill does the trick and helps you get where you want to be before surgery. But, keep in mind that right now it's more important to maintain your muscle mass than it is to lose fat, so keep up the protein! Thanks for the tip on Old Navy. I love drawstring pants anyway, and that sounds like quite a deal. Nina, I plan to get just one extra set of support garments. I sent a letter to my surgeon with a bunch of questions, and one was what type of support garments he recommends, how much they cost through him, and whether I can buy them separately. I have a feeling they are probably much cheaper online. Has anyone checked out eBay? They are so expensive, and frankly, once you're done with them, you're DONE with them, ya know? Also, I gotta mention to you that I've eaten tons and tons of one-pot dishes, chilis, Soups, and it hasn't hindered my weight loss in the least. I keep everything healthy and low-fat. I honestly think if you focus too much on eating plain/dry meat and veggies that it will ultimately sabotage you because of the lack of variety. The best thing *for life* for all of us is to cook and enjoy healthy foods and stay away from restaurants, fast food, and pre-packaged/prepared foods! Here's my list of stuff to have on hand before surgery, compiled partly from the lists that LJM and I posted, and a few extras. Some of the things I already have on hand, but put them on the list to remind myself to have them accessible in my "recovery zone" (bed/recliner): List of important phone numbers, including surgeon's House phone and cell phone Remote control Gopher grabbing tool Books/magazines Medicines in liquid form and liquid measuring cup, including anti-nausea medicine such as Zofran Nutritional supplements including Vitamin C and Arnica Montana (helps w/ bruising/swelling) Stool softener and/or laxative Tylenol, chewable or liquid Timer or alarm for meds, check-off sheet for meds, chart to note drain contents Ice bags, heating pad Recommended wound cleansers, ointments, bandages and scar products Thermometer Extra set of compression garments and Spanx (or Assets from Target--cheaper!) PJs and/or track suits that open down the front Slipper socks and slip on shoes/clogs (I think I'm going to get a pair of those slip-on clog-style athletic shoes.) Tissues Laptop, Nintendo DS, plus cords iPod Wet wipes Head bands/pony tailers/scrunchies/bandannas Plenty of pillows, including a firm one to hold while coughing, and a wedge to elevate upper body in bed Rolled up pillow or blanket for under knees to ease lower back aches Pail or coffee can with lid (take in car for ride home in case of nausea!) Earplugs and eyemask Water, Crystal Light, and Green tea Soups, pudding, yogurt, Jello, fudgesicles, crackers, vanilla wafers, Protein drinks Moisturizer Pen and writing pad Flashlight Small trash can Camera with fresh batteries Hand mirror I wish I had a recliner with an push-button lift system. The one we have takes way too much arm strength to pull out the leg rest, and too much ab lifting to get up from the recline position. It was a struggle getting in and out of it after the lap band surgery, and that's a drop in the bucket compared to this surgery. I'm gonna have to think on the best alternative. I get a full Brazilian every couple of months anyway, so I'll probably get a touch up the week before surgery, unless the doc tells me otherwise (sorry Neal, TMI, I know!) Another note I made to myself is to make sure and take some pain med before getting the drains removed at the post-op appt. (Sorry this is so long, just trying to cover everything in one message!) Tami

I've been working on my lists of things "to do" and "to buy" before surgery, and found a great list here: Preparing For Your Surgery | Yes They're Fake! Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Network Anyone have anything to add to that list? Tami

My surgery is scheduled for 2/15. I'm getting a lower body lift, the lipo on the saddlebags, port replacement, medial thigh lift and breast lift/augmentation. I had a thigh/buttock lift in '95, along with traditional lipo on my thighs. I told him that I was concerned about having the medial thigh lift along with the other surgery, because following my previous surgery, I had a lot of swelling. Since I was wearing a compression garmet for the lower body that had a pubic opening, that area really swelled out, and was very uncomfortable. He told me that this time I won't have nearly the amount of swelling because of the difference in the type of lipo being done. Tami

I know I need tops that open down the front so I don't have to pull anything over my head following BL/BA, and I want clothes that are cozy enough to lounge or even sleep in, but nice enough for guests (who better stay away for the first week!) So, I'm thinking of picking up a couple of inexpensive track suits and/or PJs. My question is what size? Do I get the size I wear now, or go up a size to allow for swelling and the compression garmets (also getting lower body lift)? Any other suggestions for clothes for the post-surgical healing period? Tami

Karey, good to "see" you. I guess we'll be ps sisters as well as lap band sisters! I'm scheduled on 2-15 for lower body lift, laser lipo on the outer thighs, medial thigh lift, port replacement, and breast lift/augmentation (but he'll postpone the thigh lift if surgery runs too long). That's a lot, I know. I hope I don't talk myself out of it before then! Tami

I'm getting laser lipo on my outer thighs, is this the same as Smart Lipo? The surgeon said that it's a tiny canula, that's inserted very gently though the tissues, and a laser "melts" the fat, which is then gently vacuumed out. He said that it's much less traumatic to the body, with less swelling and bruising than traditional liposuction. Tami

Julie, I'm sorry to hear about the seromas, and hope they are getting better. I have a couple of questions about the port replacement. Did they have to unfill the band to replace the port? If so, did they add some saline back to it then, or did you have to remain unfilled for a period? Like yours, my port is very visible through clothes. If you had it to do over, would you go ahead and get the port below the muscle? I'd hate to go through all this surgery to still have a bulging port (although to have it less visible through clothes would still be worth it). Tami

Yeah, "I'm not as think as you stoned I am." All I can say is morphine is a wonderful thing. After my first round of plastics in '95, I called everyone I knew to tell them how marvelous I felt after surgery. dum de dum dum....then the meds wore off. T

Two questions that I'm toying with right now, and would love other's input on: To unfill or not? I haven't had a fill since May, and consider it to be a fairly moderate fill level (1.75cc in 4cc band). I never PB, never have acid reflux, but still occasionally get a little stuck. To be honest, I don't want an unfill, and don't even want to ask my bariatric doc, because I'm afraid he'll say to unfill! Oh, but then again, I'm getting a port replacement. Do they unfill for a port replacment? Seems like they actually might have to. And regarding the port replacement, should I see about getting the low-profile port under the muscle (JulieNYC mentioned that possibility)? My port is very visible through clothes. I try not to hate it. I try to think of it as a very special memento from my war with obesity, and even rub it for good luck when faced with food temptations. But, alas, I hate it. I feel like an alien implanted a larvae in my abdomen, and Junior is just trying to poke out to say, "Hi, Ma!" Are you guys going to consult with your bariatric doc before surgery? Tami

Great idea, LJM! I'm just not good enough about consistently posting to handle a thread on my own, but really appreciate a place to touch base with others going through the same thing. I am officially booked for 2/15. I'm getting a lower body lift, port replacement (to low-profile port), breast lift/augmentation, a little lipo on my thighs, and a medial thigh lift (groin incision). If the surgery runs too long (I think he said over 5 hours), then he'll have to postpone the thigh lift. Tami

Mim! How's my old Sept. band bud? I hope you're feeling better, and that the swelling is going down. I'm looking at some plastics, now, too, possibly in February. Keep your fingers crossed for me! Tami

LJM, congrats on your upcoming surgery. I'm hoping to book mine in February as well. This will be my *second* round of plastics. I lost 90 lbs. about 14 years ago, and 12 years ago I had a thigh/buttock lift and breast lift/augmentation. Of course, I then proceeded to gain all that weight back plus much more and basically threw all that money & pain out the window! But, I can tell you from that experience, that going back to work after a week will be pushing it. At a week out, I was happy to be back to doing basic, everyday stuff, like putting in a load of laundry, or fixing dinner, but I don't think I could have put in a full day at work. Can you go in for a couple of hours for a few days? Tami

Congrats on your upcoming surgery, Neal! Count me in on the February plastics train. I'm not scheduled yet, but just waiting on a call back from the doc's office and plan to schedule for 2/15, if that date is still available. Tami

Julie, your surgery results are amazing! I'm in Alabama, and contemplating plastic surgery in the next few months. I'd love to know who your dad is, and maybe get a consult. Tami

Apple...get yourself a sexy nightie. The right wrapping makes the present even more special! Tami

Do you drink to the point of throwing up? If so, then you seriously need to consider giving it up. You don't want to throw up and dislodge the band. Regardless of whether or not you give up drinking long-term, you'll need to give it up for a period after banding, during the healing phase. Your doc will give you some guidelines on length of time to abstain, but I'd say at least a couple of months. Keep in mind that alcohol is empty calories, and can stall weight loss. But, it's also a diruetic. So, you need to drink lots of Water if you drink alcohol. And, if you are fortunate to lose a lot of weight with the band, you will have to re-learn your tolerance levels. Like you, I had incredible tolerance for alcohol pre-band. But, I really have to be careful now. I get intoxicated much, much more easily at -121 lbs! Tami

I started exercising when I was 4 months out, and about 60 lbs. down. I had severe plantar fasciitis before surgery, and by that point I was seeing some improvement. I started slowly, with 20" on the elliptical 3 days a week, plus two days of moderate strength training on the Cybex equipment at the gym. My goal was simply to progress. So, every couple of weeks, I'd add a little more time or intensity to the cardio, add a few more reps or weight to the strength, or add another day of exercise to my schedule. By the time that I reached goal, five months later (-108), I was working out 6-7 hours a week. I stayed within my "goal range" (160-165 lbs.) for several months, and recently decided to ramp up the exercise, and eat "clean" (mostly lean Protein, veggies, and some whole grains). I've lost 10 lbs. since Thanksgiving, which just amazes me at this point. I'm now 152 lbs., and a very fit, muscular size 8. I could not have done it if I hadn't *trained* my body to be able to exercise at the level that I do now. So start slowly, and progress steadily. I truly, truly believe that exercise (including strength training!) is the key to not only losing *all* the extra weight, but to keep it off long-term. Good luck! Tami

I just got back from a cruise last week. I have very moderate restriction, and really didn't have any problems with eating. I still didn't eat bread, which is one thing I still avoid. I've never had a problem with motion sickness, and didn't have a problem on the cruise. I did catch a nasty cold, though, which is hanging on forever. Make sure you are very careful about using the anti-septic gels (provided on the ship), and wash your hands frequently. Also, take some anti-nausea pills, just in case. We didn't have a problem with the Norwalk virus on our ship, but I know that it continues to be a problem on cruises, and you sure don't want to be throwing up. My biggest concern was simply gaining weight on an eat-a-thon cruise. But, I gained only one pound, which dropped off the next day back, and two more the next day, so I actually had a net loss of two pounds two days after getting back. That really topped off a great vacation! (Oh, and an absolutely gorgeous YOUNG man hit on me!) Tami

These are a few of my favorite (weight loss) things: 1. My iPod Shuffle. I love, love, love to listen to music that makes me want to move my body. I actually make excuses to go to the gym just so I can put my headphones on and get lost in the music while I'm on the elliptical. 2. My Polar heart rate monitor. It's a basic unit, but it's really all I need to keep my heart rate in the training zone. I don't like to exercise without it. 3. My Spinning shoes. Spinning is my favorite exercise, and somehow just putting them on says "Athlete" to me. 4. Kashi Go Lean Crunch Cereal. I have it every single day for Breakfast, and absolutely crave it. 9g Protein, 8g Fiber per 1 c. serving for 190 delicious calories. 5. Breakstones 2% large curd cottage cheese. That's my favorite post-workout snack. It's creamy and delicious, and packs in 11g protein in 90 calories. 6. Edamame. I love the frozen pods (which remind me of one of our southern staples, boiled peanuts), and the wasabe-flavored freeze dried ones. 7. My local lap band support group. We have an awesome bariatric coordinator, who does a wonderful job to get us inspired and motivated. Tami

Quote: Originally Posted by Jachut Great advice. I get a lot of male attention now that I never used to. Often DH is right there watching it, he thinks its hilarious. But I dont view it as a lost opportunity at all. I've got no real desire for anyone else but DH but its nice to think about. My hubby definitely gets off on it. He'll actually point out guys checking me out. I think it's an ego boost for him. I know I'm very fortunate that he takes it well. And, so far, this new "energy" is being channelled in the right direction. (We had an awesome weekend!) I don't *really* want anyone else. But it's a real ego boost to me, too, and I sometimes worry that at some point I might be tempted. I wish I could play the game of "attraction" without the consequences! Tami

I hadn't, but appreciate the link. I sure can't find any fault with his 7 habits. That's pretty much what I've done since being banded (except perhaps a bit less fat), and it's worked for me! "1. Eat every 2-3 hours, no matter what. You should eat between 5-8 meals per day. 2. Eat complete (containing all the essential amino acids), lean Protein with each meal. 3. Eat fruits and/or vegetables with each food meal. 4. Ensure that your carbohydrate intake comes from fruits and vegetables. Exception: workout and post-workout drinks and meals. 5. Ensure that 25-35% of your energy intake comes from fat, with your fat intake split equally between saturates (e.g. animal fat), monounsaturates (e.g., olive oil), and polyunsaturates (e.g. flax oil, salmon oil). 6. Drink only non-calorie containing beverages, the best choices being Water and green tea. 7. Eat mostly whole foods (except workout and post-workout drinks). So what about calories, or macronutrient ratios, or any number of other things that I’ve covered in other articles? The short answer is that if you aren’t already practicing the above-mentioned habits, and by practicing them I mean putting them to use over 90% of the time (i.e., no more than 4 meals out of an average 42 meals per week violate any of those rules), everything else is pretty pointless."