kareyquilts

TexasBecky: Have a different band doctor that has privileges where the PS operates. It's really not a big deal, only takes the band doc about 15 minutes. If you want the no drain PS, I'd find another band doc to make the switch.

Neal: I think you should get a refund from the anestheologist. I don't have any stitches on the outside. Only glue. I like that because I think there will be one less thing to make a scar out of.

Julie: So good to hear from you! Yes, the pain is worth it, especially since I'm not experiencing too much anymore! LOL! Hope you're doing well!

TexasBecky: I'm not LJM, but I had a low profile port put in at the same time as my tummy tuck. It took some coordination between the docs, but it worked out better for me. If you have it done at the same time, you don't need another incision, you don't have to have your belly filled with air (for the endoscope), you don't need another time to go under anesthia and it only takes the band doc about 15 minutes because you're already opened up. There are obstacles: the surgery site must be band approved by the makers of the band, both surgeons must have surgery privileges at the surgery site and then they have to coordinate their schedules. It's well worth figuring it out. I love my new lower profile port. Nothing is sticking out of my tummy and I can't feel it like I could the original port. My old port was always sore and tender from exercise, especially when I did pilates or weight lifting. I hope this helps you. Good luck!

Neal: Good to hear from you. I'm going for a fill on Friday myself. Back to reality! The swelling is the pits isn't!?

TexasT: Are you on mushies yet? How's it going? I talked to the nurse yesterday and she said that the left usually gets more swollen because the lymphatic system is larger on that side of the body and has more to drain. Glad I asked because it was reassuring.

LJM: I had a lymphatic massage today and asked about the left side swelling, she said that the lymphatic drainage on the left side is much larger than the right side and that many people have more swelling on the left side of their body. I guess I will stop worrying so much and worry about something more important like- world peace or something! LOL! Sucks your new clothes wouldn't fit. I guess I won't get rid of anything just yet!

BJean: A whole year!!!? I'll try and be patient. At least you give me a marker by which to guide it all by, especially when Ghost is still struggling. I keep thinking I better get back in the gym. I've gained 4 pounds and I'm worried that it's just the beginning. I'm going to have to be extra diligent about only putting healthy food into my mouth (especially after Easter) and get my body bugg back on!

Nina: Are you out there? I was wondering how your return to weight lifting and exercising was going? I want to get back to it, but I'm worried that I could do myself harm. How is the swelling going for you? How are you doing in general? I hope you've been busy for the holidays and haven't just given up on us!

LJM: Did your doc say that lopsided swelling is normal? My left breast is a lot more swollen than the right one. Makes me worried that I'm going to be lopsided. The swelling is the pits. Do you think that exercise makes it worse? I want to at least start walking again, but I don't want to swell up. I guess you just have to go for it?

Thanks everyone! Lynn: Let me know how you like the silicone sheets. I'm wondering if anyone out there has experienced this: My left breast is swollen a lot more than the right. Is this normal? I'm getting worried that I might be lopsided!

Amy, you truly look wonderful! Back looks great too! My back is very swollen. I swears it looks fatter than it did before surgery! Very discouraging, but I guess it will get better!

BooBooKitty & Eugenia: Thanks! Can't wait to hear all about your plastics journey. It truly is a miracle that we can regain or discover for the first time, our healthy, bodies. It's very freeing. You're going to love the flatlands!

Eugenia: So glad to hear that you're happier with your arms. I am thrilled with my TT. You can see pictures on my thread: Kareyquilts,TT,BL,BA andLipo (or something like that) on the plastics section. Good luck with everything. Look forward to updates!

StephC: Are you asking about the tape around my breasts? My doctor said that it would help prevent the skin from wrinkeling on the upper portion of the breast after a lift. He wants me to keep it on for 3-4 weeks. It's beginning to itch, I guess from the glue, so it's not going to stay on much longer. Plus, I getting tired on not getting a peak at the final product! I think a few more showers and it's coming off! MyKidsDad: Thanks! Are you thinking of plastics for yourself?

Steph: I'm sorry to hear about your diabetes! I was borderline for a while (after the band) and the doc put me on Metformin anyway. I found that it controlled my sweet tooth. I guess because it regulates your insulin. Anyway, maybe the meds will help your weight loss and then you can go off them? That's what happened to me. Just trying to look for the silver lining... I wish you the best.

IceCream: I was wondering how you were doing! Sounds like your doing well. Isn't it wonderful to have a flat stomach?! I think that swelling is the bain of plastic surgery and we all have to be very patient! That part sucks, huh!? I'm still feeling very tired myself. I guess enjoy the excuse to take it easy! My hips are very sore, but not bruised. My PS had me wear this foam stuff under my compression garment for the first week and it really helped the bruising. Luckily, bruising does go away. I bet your hips will look great when its all said and done!

TexasT: Welcome to bandland! It will get better. The port site will feel better in a week or so. Lots of adjustments to make. Before you know it, you'll be back on real food (only a lot less of it)! I really found Lap Band Talk to be a lifesaver when I was first banded also. I didn't know anyone who had a lapband and it was nice to get on here and learn and find out that all the things I was experiencing were normal. I wish you the best, your in for a wonderful transformation. Congratulations on your new lapband!

Eugenia: Could your arms still be swollen from the surgery? Do you think the way they look now is the final result? I'm trying to decide if I will get my arms done. How painful was the recovery? Did you wear compression garments on your arms? Do you have any pictures? I just had a tummy tuck, BL, BA and lipo and I couldn't be happier with the results. I think that plastics could get addicting, because the possibilities to resculpt the body are incredible. Anyway, good luck finding a surgeon you feel comfortable with!

Lynn: Ask your doctor for a copy of your before pictures and then just doctor them up so you feel comfortable with them. Yup, my doc said to use vaseline. He said that a lot of people find vitamin E irritating to their skin. Said its not that important what you put on the scar, the massage in the direction of the scar is the most important thing. Said to massage it a minimum of twice a day. Kind of a pain when you have to get the tortue/garment on and off to do it. Huh?!

Nana: You are so funny, saying that my top looks like the pic you sent me! When I get all untaped and get a good view of the girls, maybe I'll PM you a picture. Not 100% sure what they really look like, but I do like the size! I might have to have additional work on the upper tummy too. I'm going to ask the PS about it on next appointment. Lynn: I'm glad you told me to wait on the silicone sheets until the glue and stitches have dissolved. I'd be a nice mess! LOL! I don't know if the compression garment helps the swelling or not. I think it does where it covers, but causes the swelling to be worse above and below the garment. That's why I think I'm so swollen on the upper part of my tummy and right below my breasts. The garment doesn't go up quite far enough. Oh well! Well, today seems like a good energy day, so I better get busy and do what I need to for Easter tomorrow. Having a big family dinner at my house. Everyone is helping, but still have lots to do! Happy Easter everyone!

Thanks for the words of support! I very much appreciate it! I'm doing a lot better. The swelling is the pits. I posted some "after" pictures on my thread in the plastics section. I swear I looked better immediately after surgery than I do now. It's just the swelling and BJean you're right, I am wondering if it's going to get better. But, honestly, it's so much better than before surgery, so I guess I should just chill! Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Easter! MimIn: How's the exercise going? There's a nice exercise thread called "March Exercise" (in April it will change to April exercise). They're pretty enthusiatic on that thread!

Lynn: I did get the silcone sheets but haven't started using them. My doctor said to wait until after 3 weeks and then to use vaseline twice a day. He said to wait on the silicone to see what the scar is doing. They are expensive so I guess I'll wait for a while. Every doc is different. Did yours tell you to use the silicone or did you just purchase them on MMH? Okay, I posted my first "after" shots on my thread. Pretty scary to put yourself out there like that! I'm beginning to appreciate everyone elses courage for doing it!

Julie: That is so exciting! Keep in touch and let me know how everything is going!

Well, I think I should have taken the picture right after my surgery (except I had the drains), because I am pretty swollen now, especially in the upper part of my stomach and around my belly button. As you can see, my breasts are still taped. Well this is embarassing, but here goes: Before: