SVM10

How much time did you all take off work to recover? Im trying to reschedule my procedure.

Are any March 2010 bandsters still around? I dont get on much but would love to catch up.

I had a TT last summer (June 2011), it went well and I plan to have brachioplasty when things in my life settle down and I have the time off work to recover. The credit card is ready. I hope to get my thighs done after that. I'm trying to do one a year (or 1.5 yr) if possible. Its a very hard decision.

PatchIP, I want to hear it all and consider it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Making an informed decision is high on my list of priorities. I've had a TT so I'm no stranger to pain, but I know this is very different. Thank you your input.

Thanks, I will look into the Chase card, but if I didn't get it, I will be using Care Credit. I don't have an issue with that. My parents aren't paying for any surgery. They loaned me funds for lawyer for divorce. I will have paid them back in full in two more months. Therefore, by December, it will be a non-issue. Thanks for suggestion about the card.

Well LBT friends, Today (my birthday), I went for what was to be my final consult before surgery on July 2. I was informed that I had to have the stitches removed at the 2 week mark and I couldn't do that because I start my new job on that exact date. Therefore, I canceled and hope to reschedule in December. I have to call back in October and try to secure a date. I was told it fills really fast, so wish me luck.

Awesome, congrats!

Thank you all so much for the honest and thought provoking input. I'm taking it all into consideration. I couldn't do this alone.

Betheboo, I'm so glad you are better. Please continue to keep us posted and post pics when you feel comfortable. I'm still scheduled for July 2 for now. Final decision on June 21 at last consult.

I had a TT last June and I didn't get an unfill and had no problems at all. My PS never discussed it. I'm scheduled for a brachioplasty on July 2, still praying about it as I will have exactly 2 weeks to recover.

NWgirl, thanks. Let me clarify, we can't afford our current home independently. I have already been approved for a home loan pending the sell of our current home. I was in my own home when we got married. We lived there briefly and sold it to buy a home together. I am taking on an additional summer job and getting a new job (promotion) in July (more money). Financially, I would be using care credit and paying monthly payments for surgery. The sell of our house (with a reasonable offer) would provide a down payment for my next house. However, having that money as a back up plan would be good. I can save some of the summer job money for that even with the surgery. Thanks, I need all the input I can get.

Thank you so much. My mom always asks me, "have you prayed about it?" my response is always yes, but I don't think she believes it because she doesn't like it. I'm glad to hear someone else say that Christ is one of the most important aspects of their lives and decision making. Something usually happens to open the door for me to do this financially and I feel privileged and blessed for the opportunity. I wanted Lapband for years and couldn't afford it. God has just really been moving things in my life and making things possible. I'm truly blessed despite my other issues.

Hey waitingpatiently, No, I plan to make 4 monthly payments and they would be paid in full. I'm actually giving the first payment tomorrow, so 3 more after this. I would actually have made 2 of the 4 prior to surgery. I can pay for my surgery over 2 or 3 years on my care credit card. I am starting a new job in July making more money as well. Im certain I can do both. I just know my mom especially will have a lot to say about me having the surgery in the midst of my personal issues and prior to paying ALL the money back.

Lapband friends, I am so torn right now. I have scheduled brachioplasty for July 2. I have care credit to pay for it. However, my house is up for sale and my divorce is pending the sell of our house. We both live in the house as neither of us can afford it alone. My parents gave me money for a divorce lawyer that I will pay over the next 4 months. I work a full time job and two part-time jobs. Fortunately, when I have wanted to have surgery, I have been able to secure a third part time job to help fund it via adjunct instructor. My parents do not like surgery unless it's life saving. I had a TT last summer and stayed ith them the first week, they were great. Owing my parents money is going to make their disapproval even worse this time. Being employed in education, summers are the best time for recovery, as I have at least 2-3 weeks consecutively off. My plan has been TT last summer, brachioplasty this summer and thigh lift next summer. Please honestly tell me if you think I should cancel this summer or follow through while paying my parents back?

Beth, it looks painful. I'm so sorry, I hope it heals soon.

Thanks for sharing, I hope everything goes well for you at the dr. on Monday.

I didn't know about Vitamin c for healing, another tip for my notebook.

Thank you so much, I'm making my list and will start buying my supplies closer to time. I have read a lot about drinking pineapple juice for the bruising too.

Okay ladies, I have my date for brachioplasty set for July 2. I will have exactly 2 weeks to recover and start at a new job. It is a desk job. I am really nervous especially because I'm traveling about 4 hours to do it, staying at a hotel that night, then being driven about 1.5-2 hrs to stay with a relative for a week so I can go to my follow up before then traveling 6 hrs. home. Please give me any advice that may help me. Thanks in advance.

MS Girl who did your brachioplasty?

Thanks for that information, that's more time and money than I want to spend for more pain and possibly little results. A flesh colored tattoo may be the way I go. I'm going to think about it more, but with more information.

Thank you so much. If I do it, I will be doing it out of town because it is much cheaper. I would be staying with my bachelor brother and my teenage daughter would be assisting me. These are great suggestions. I hope to stay with my brother for a week or so post op before traveling 6 hrs home.

I wore a compression garment for several months and just this month, stop wearing Spanx everyday because it is so hot here. I tried mederma, Vitamin e oil, bleaching cream,Vaseline with aloe daily, etc.

Thanks please give me any tips or information you can think of. You can message me if you prefer.

Those of you that have had a TT, what have you done about the scar? Mine is 11 mon. Old and very dark and raised. Has anyone done any laser treatment, creams,etc. that worked? Im also considering a flesh colored tattoo. Please let me know what has or hasn't worked for you. Thanks!