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Hey, all. I am making myself record the good, the bad, and the ugly. I believe this would be the latter, and I want to make a record of it. I believe I am soon to get a visit from "Aunt Flo from Redlands", and yesterday I was seized with the urge to eat sweets. I was at a meeting, seated right next to the lounge where there were every manner of bready sweet things. I had had a protein drink, but I was hungry. Or at least I told myself I was. So, I had 2 pieces of the only protein source there - string cheese (full fat). The person next to me was eating pan dulce (sweet bread), which is something I love. So, I went into the lounge and took a piece and sliced off a small corner and put it back. I knew that even though it was a small portion, I was entering into dangerous territory letting myself have it. I later went back for another small piece. For lunch I went with a friend to Subway and had a under 6 fat gram sandwich. I ate the protein first, then had some of the bread. Then I had about 2/3 of the macadamia white chip cookie that I ordered with the combo. Sugar bug again. When I returned to the office a few hours later, I was struck by a strong craving for sugar and specifically chocolate. Several of my coworkers routinely add chocolate treats to their desk dishes, so I didn't have to go far. There were very few at the office because they stayed at the meeting. So, in essence it was just me, the chocolate, and my craving. I did not make good choices. Okay, the ugly. I probably consumed the equivalent of two candy bars, perhaps even three. I actually wanted to kick myself while I was doing it. Afterwards, I felt so disappointed, like I'd fallen off the wagon, which I had. My body didn't feel good, either. I felt bloated and yucky and mad at myself. When I came home, I ate the other 1/2 of the fitness meal I brought home from a restaurant the previous evening. I was saited. Then I saw the garlic cheese pretzels and thought, "oooo. I want something salty." I ate them. There was probably about 1/4 - 1/2 cup left. (I want to record the amounts so I can figure out the damage I've done.) I went to sleep feeling absolutely defeated. I've been doing very well on the diet up until now, but I see that I must prepare. Food wise, in terms of meals, I did fine. But I failed the craving test. This morning I feel very bloated and am going to make myself get on the elliptical to get in exercise. Curiously, yesterday morning I felt great about my exercise because I worked up a sweat and stayed on 30 mins. I feel somewhat like I sabatoged that progress. :frown: I want somehow to keep sugar cravings at bay, even when Aunt Flo is on her way. I've heard that cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar, so I may try that. I'm determined to make today a postive day.

In two weeks, you can adjust to a fill and decide if you need another one. Since it's only your second fill, I'd book another one so you can build up to some restirction. I'm in the same situation...I had a complete unfill and have had two fills...the last one a week ago...and I'm going to schedule this week to get my third fill next week because I don't have much restriction at 2.3 ccs. You know by the amount you can eat and how much restriction you feel if you need one. Rose

This is my first entry. I was banded on August 10, 2011. Prior to surgery I weighted 250 pounds. Day of surgery I weighted 245. I weighted myself today and I am 235. Right now, my goal is just to get to the weight I was before I gained it all which is 200 pounds. Luckily, I am one of those people who are blessed with those body where when they are 200 pounds they look like they are 180. Once I get to 200- just to see IF I can even get there,my next goal will be 180 pounds. I had my first break down today. I get stressed VERY EASILY. My dad yelled at me, called me stupid and old habits die hard. So, I stress ate.... well, as much as the lap-band would let me. I had 3 spoonfuls of broth,some pudding, and.... something I shouldn't have had; half a wonton. I chewed it up until it was liquified, but I still feel bad about it. I could have screwed up my stitches. I shouldn't let my dad get to me. Until next week, Sandra

Merry Christmas to me. I've scheduled the lipo for my flanks and back (1 day shy of 2 yr anniversary of TT wMR), this WILL be my last cosmetic procedure as I plan to leave the girls alone - don't have it in me for breast lift and augmentation. Knowing what has bothered me most since my TT w/MR has been my flanks and back as this area seems disproportionate to my flat front I know that this will be the final step to my journey. As I write this I'm wondering if indeed this will be IT in regards to cosmetic procedures. I know for a fact that I'll never do anything cosmetic above my shoulders and I won't get my arms done - I say this because I scar so badly that it wouldn't be worth the risk. I will take a few before/after pics (6-8 weeks after the lipo), which I'll post to give a frame of reference to anyone considering this procedure. I'll keep you guys updated on how the healing process is going once complete. Wishing you all continued lapband success.

Well i was a little tight before i had surgery, so band doc suggested 1mls unfill b4 surgery which worked perfectly. was able to eat almost anything which i thoroughly enjoyed, after so much surgery i felt i needed to treat myself .. the compression garments i have are supplied by the hospital but are US made from a company called Marena - they make the best compression garments but they can be expensive .. the website seems to be down at the moment for me in the UK but u might have more luck in the US http://marenagroup.com/ - 60k - Cached i have the long sleeved compression garment for my arms and the long legged version with high waist for my 360 degrees abdominoplasty and my body lift .. my legs are swollen as hell due to the disruption to the lymphatic system but this is normal i am told, i am also wearing compression stockings to help this and to help avoid DVT. To be honest i had more trouble recovering from a caesarian lol I have made sure i take my multivitamins, drink orange juice and eat fish and chicken to help with the healing, my PS is very keen on natural type help and really pushes the healthy food to help healing. I have a lot of healing to do and am 2 weeks post op, the scars seem to be healing well, PS is very pleased with the progress and given i am nearly 58 yrs old i could have had a lot more complications than i have so far ... Food is a comfort so try to eat healthy but eat well, and make sure u take your pain meds if u need them. I havent had a lot of pain, it was more soreness and being uncomfortable ... and be prepared to rest a lot, u need to rest to heal so dont rush things at home and take your time to heal properly. feet up when u can and just pamper yourself : good luck and I wish you a speedy recovery ...

Hello. Anxiety is normal. If its unbearable, talk to your primary doctor. Mine gave me Lexapro and it helped amazingly! I am 3 weeks post op now. I just want to tell you that if you trust your decision, trust your doctor, and are confident in the hospital you chose, then you can relax. They are professionals and have performed hundreds, if not thousands, of these surgeries, no doubt. I can also tell you that your experience is going to be uniquely yours. ( Read that last sentence again.....) Please, please, please do not read these threads about complications and assume that you are going to go thru the same issues. I can tell you that odds are in your favor. Complications are a very, very, very, low percentage. Keep in mind that people are reaching out for answers sometimes and those types of worries can dominate a lot of these threads. Look for positive threads...read some of the post op threads. The energy you are using on all this worry and anxiety is not necessary. Have faith, trust, believe and you will be just fine.

Hello JWRN; I have not had my PS as of yet, like you I am searching for that perfect Doc. In my search I have found a Doc in Nashville, I am impressed with his staff and I havent even been to see him yet. He is associated with Vanderbilt. I sent him an email with questions about his experience with weightloss patients and he responded personally very quickly. I am going to him for a estimate in the next few weeks. Here is his response from my email: Laura, Thanks for writing. I do have experience with weight loss patients and would be happy to see you at any time. My consultations are free and it wouldn't hurt to see you early. This would give you an understanding of what to expect and get an appreciation for the timing of procedures. Please feel free to contact any one of my nurses (Sally, Nan, Sandra) at your earliest convenience. Our office phone number is 165-327-7407. I hope this was helpful. We are looking forward to seeing you in the office soon. Sincerely Stephen Davis, MD I don't know if this helps...... good luck.......If you find some other great doc in Nashville, I would love to know. Laura

I have 2 weeks left at home and I'm about drained of watching youtube vids on WLS journies/recipes. I know there are a few books out there about WLS and I miss my old days of spending hours in Barnes and Nobles so I was wondering if there are folks who could recommend some decent books to purchase so I can spend some free time reading Regular readings or recipe books are both ok. Thanks in Advace

Hi Kat, Wanted to know how your plastic surgery stuff is coming along? I met the best plastic surgeon last week. I am so glad that I got a second opinion. I go in on 4/21 for my TT and thigh lift. He doesn't have to make an incision down my entire thigh but rather just at the top. That is what sold me on him. How is your insurance approval coming along? Julie

Hi: Light walking right away. No lifting, pushing, pulling, etc. No driving for I believe 3 - 4 weeks. You'll find that if you keep your activity down your swelling will stay down too. Best wishes to you. Sue

Went to my primary care doc to get treatments for these rashes (which they NEVER worked). My PCM sent in a request for authorization to VISIT with the plastic surgeon. That was approved within a week. Made the appt with the PS....he took photos, asked questions, told them what they were gonna do. Be sure and tell PS about how uncomfortable the rash is. Mine was even painful! PS faxed over report and request for approval to TRICARE. Tricare NEEDS to have records of prior treatments, so have your PCM fax that over with the req for the PS visit. I had an approval within a week of when Tricare had all the paperwork. My surgery is scheduled for the 26th of this month. Good luck.:thumbup:

I'm returning to work tomorrow (just half days til next week) after my panni & abdominoplasty. I'm so not ready for this, but I guess I have to eventually. I can't say there's still pain per se......maybe a little incision pain on my hips, but a tightness & soreness in my muscles that were repaired that is hardest. I just remember how drained I was at the end of the day when I went back after the sleeve. I only took 2 weeks then and probably could have used 3. For this I took 3 weeks and could have used 4. lol. Anyway. Me=Super Nervous. Any tips for returning to work after this for those who had it done? I'm open to any and all advice!!

before and after pics @@MeAndTinyTina i had breast cancer 15 years ago, chemo - no radiation all is good with me when surgeons were about to start my "tram flap procedure" (reconstuction) they realized my veins were too small (doc said he never experienced that prob) no reconstruction was started til after sleeve DIEP flap?? sounds like the free tram flap similar i was supposed to have don't remember how long reconstruction took after surgery maybe a couple of months later??? at his office doc put in expanders to "stretch" my breasts area then i went to his office later a few times 5 or 6?? he filled the breasts with saline at a very slow rate each time didn't want big breasts they were always too big and i hated that i wanted them reconstructed much smaller than before congrats on loosing 111 lbs your breasts since you lost weight your breasts deflated my breasts area? had too little veins to proceed similar resulting in our different but "similar" problems never thought of taking before and after pictures not a bad idea thought had the word Survivor written in small italic letters above my right ankle @proudgrammy again is proud!! did tattoo after GOAL (never had tattoos befor) now i have 3!! picture of a small butterfly above survivor on hand the first three letters of my grand-kids M organ A ndrew E than - small red heart under each letter wishing you well through this process good luck kathy

Hi - has anyone had this? I need to have a mastectomy (probably double - waiting for second opinion) and for immediate reconstruction they are offering my this plastic surgery treatment. They reconstruct the breast from excess abdominal fat and tissue. I'm guessing that WLS people on this forum might have also had this done, even without cancer, as an alternative to implants. The cancer surgeon examined me last week and said because my breasts got so "deflated" after my weight loss, there isn't really enough to do a lumpectomy that wouldn't be very disfiguring. I meet with a plastic surgeon on Monday that specializes in cancer. I've tried to find before and after photos of DIEP flap patients who had WLS, but couldn't find any. Anyone here go through this? Ellen

I've had two plastic surgery procedures, one was covered by insurance and one wasn't. I still filed for FMLA for a personal medical procedure for each and was approved. I used my short term disability benefits for my first procedure (you can access it after being out 2 weeks) and used it with supplementation of my sick time so I got 100% of my pay for the 6 weeks I was out. My second procedure I was only out 2 weeks so I didn't file for STD and just used my sick time.

I have been going back and forth about WLS for 5 years and I finally decided to go ahead with everything. I have had all tests and medical appointments and my information was submitted on February 8th, well fast forward two weeks and I still have no answer. I called the insurance company on Monday to discover they had no record of receiving the information, so I got in contact with my coordinator and information was finally received on the 18th so now I start to wait again. I feel drained, its sucking all the life out of me waiting for an answer. I want to get prepared for WLS but I can't get excited until I hear that I am APPROVED. I'm praying that everything goes smoothly from here on out. I have a surgery date and I 'm ready to tell them when I'll be taking off work. Come one Highmark BCBS!!! Okay DONE VENTING...

You're in Twoterville! Congrats!!! I pulled muscles in my abdomen a week or two ago, so I know how painful that can be. I didn't even think of it when you posted about the pain earlier. Are you already doing ab work or did you pull it from the strain of getting up without using your tummy muscles? Great post-op visit and I'm glad he moved you up to stage 4. Is that soft foods for you?

Surgery is at 5:30 am tomorrow. I hanging in there. It almost got put off a week, (seems the financing company didn't mail the check to the doc in time).. Thankfully I was able to get things worked out. I've been on Clear liquids today, needless to say I'm hungery. I have a few last minute questions. 1. I have a few laporoscopies before is the pain similar? or different. This is a higher up incision, so I'm thinking it isn't as bad. 2. Do any of you manage to take a "premarin" pill with the band. I have estrogen Patches I can use for the first few weeks, but I really don't like them as I react bad to adhesives. I keep looking a the pill, thinking it isn't too big. I hope I'm not forgetting anything. I'm jonesing for some food right now. Rebecca

Karen: I had my arms and breast lifted. My arms were lifted about 10 weeks ago. I love the breasts and am very happy with them. The scars don't bother me at all. My arms are a little different story. On my right arm the scar healed nicely and will lighten and look fine. The other arm has a very raised scar. I don't like the scar and feel a little self-concious about it. I do like the size of my arms now and they actually look small in clothes. I'm going to try and post some pictures this week end and I'll send you a link. I think I would do it all over, but not sure.

Karen G.: I just had my arms done 6 weeks ago and I am happy so far. Even now there is still a good bit of swelling, but the skin is not hanging the way with was. I had over 2lbs of skin removed just from my arms alone. The scar is obvious, but it will lighten with time and the trade off of being able to where the correct size top is definitely worth it. I would have to be a size bigger just because my arms would fit. It may be a while yet before I fill comfortable wearing a tank top, but all in good time.

just the stress from surgery and anesthesia can throw your whole system off. I'd give it a few more weeks before panicking! :thumbup:

I had a tummy tuck 5 months ago and had my band completely de-filled at the request of my PS. She had done surgery on bandsters before and she had 3 main concerns for a de-fill... 1~ The possibility of nausea following surgery. 2~ The need to take numerous pills post-op. I was on pain meds and a full week of antibiotics after my TT. I was tight enough pre-op that I had problems swollowing pills...I'm not sure I could have taken my meds without issues if I hadn't had a de-fill. 3~ There is certainly a chance that you will lose some weight after surgery but my PS also feels that we need to eat very healthfully after surgery so that we heal properly and quickly. Lots of fruits and veggies as well as good solid protein for a few weeks post-op is ideal for optimal healing. You should certainly talk to both your band Dr as well as your chosen plastic surgeon to see how they feel about all of these issues. I would much rather be de-filled before and have no issues than be vomiting or getting stuck after my tummy tuck...that would ~NOT~ have been very pleasant.

Well, after waiting about about a week and a half since my insurance documentation was submitted, I found out today that I'm approved for VSG surgery. I am sooo excited I could turn cartwheels! :001_tt2: I kind of knew I had everything in place to be approved, but it wasn't real until the nurse coordinator called me today to give me the news. NOW IT'S REAL!!! I've been grinning at myself in the mirror and doing the happy touchdown dance every time I went to the restroom at work today. I hope nobody heard me in there laughing with myself. :thumbup1: I talked to my surgeon's office a couple of days ago about pre-op testing. Since my paperwork looked good for insurance, I was able to get the info I needed to schedule the various tests. I have pulmonary testing scheduled for June 1st. Then on June 9th, I am scheduled for cardiac and an upper GI. I'm so glad I don't have to have the GI test where they put you to sleep. I would have done it if they had told me to, but happy to not do it. AND, my surgery is scheduled for June 22nd! Yeah!!!:001_tt2: I'm still a little scared and nervous about the surgery itself. But I know I would not be nearly as prepared as I am if it wasn't for the people on VST. I keep reminding myself to expect the unexpected in terms of post op stuff, but at least I have a general idea of what to look out for. I was worried that I would drive myself crazy over the next month waiting for my surgery date, but I've had a few things come up that will keep me busy right up until the surgery so that's a good thing. Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences here. I expect to be able to do the same after surgery and hope that my experiences are helpful to someone too.

Dear Michelle, Welcome to 2011! You are a wonderful person, inside and out. No one needs to tell you that , because you already know it, inside. Now, you need to put on your happy confident smile, and embrace what the next 12 months has to bring. You are already off to a great start. Down 25 lbs from your highest of 252. Your feet no longer swell, your joints arent hurting near as bad, and your moods are way better. Now....my assignment for you for the nest week is to : 1) Get all your protien in... you have been slacking. 2) Take the girls out everyday and walk, walk, walk 3) Drink more water.....can't pick on DH if you are dehydrated and lack energy LOL On a more serious note, I love ya! Love, Michelle

If you don't get an answer here, try joining the Yahoo Group for Kaiser Nor Cal Bariatric and ask there: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients/ I don't have an answer for you. I went through Kaiser Fremont two years ago. After I got to surgery goal weight (loss of 10%), it took 6 weeks till surgery date. Lynda