I wasn't nervous about lapband surgery, but this time I'm sweating it out a little. That was elective but this is ELECTIVE! My husband told me to walk away from the light and I told him he's not allowed to get married again. We're both joking, but it is quite major surgery. Four hours, I think. If anyone has any recovery tips I'd love to hear them! I have young kids and have to fake it through daily life. As with the band, I plan on being pretty private about this. Any and all advice would be much appreciated, and I'll be happy to answer any questions as I go. Here goes nothin'!

I wasn't nervous about lapband surgery, but this time I'm sweating it out a little. That was elective but this is ELECTIVE! My husband told me to walk away from the light and I told him he's not allowed to get married again. We're both joking, but it is quite major surgery. Four hours, I think. If anyone has any recovery tips I'd love to hear them! I have young kids and have to fake it through daily life. As with the band, I plan on being pretty private about this. Any and all advice would be much appreciated, and I'll be happy to answer any questions as I go. Here goes nothin'!

Best of luck to you! Congrats on all your success! I think it would be a hard surgery to decide to have for many reasons, but once you've decided...it will be great! I think the surgery itself is always scary, but I'm sure you are in good hands. For myself, I wonder about the scarring you are left with. I guess I feel like I won't be showing my belly to anyone but my hubs at this point, and would a flatter stomach with the scar be any better thank what I have now? I think if I were inclined to wear a two piece it would be a no brainer. At my age - it's just not that important to me I'm all for it though if people want it. You have undergone a huge change and if you want it to be the BEST it can be..than you are doing what you have to do...I think you are brave and are going after what you want. Post back and let us know how everything is going.

Good luck and congrats!

Yes, I've had one. I wont' lie, it is a brutal brutal surgery. I had no complications, but recovery is still tough. It will be difficult to move around, roll over, etc. and you can expect it to be worse than the lapband. I don't regret it--I'd do it again in a heartbeat, but wow, it really is major. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions along the way

To answer the question about the scar--the incision is lower so any normal swimsuit/bikini should still hide it.

Best of luck to you! Congrats on all your success! I think it would be a hard surgery to decide to have for many reasons, but once you've decided...it will be great! I think the surgery itself is always scary, but I'm sure you are in good hands. For myself, I wonder about the scarring you are left with. I guess I feel like I won't be showing my belly to anyone but my hubs at this point, and would a flatter stomach with the scar be any better thank what I have now? I think if I were inclined to wear a two piece it would be a no brainer. At my age - it's just not that important to me I'm all for it though if people want it. You have undergone a huge change and if you want it to be the BEST it can be..than you are doing what you have to do...I think you are brave and are going after what you want. Post back and let us know how everything is going.

Congrats and good luck with everything!!

Good luck and let us know how you do. I am so going to get this skin removed. Be brave and I will keep you in my prayers.

GOod luck. I go for a consultation on Thursday. I am so ready to have the excess skin on my tummy removed!

Congratulations! I can't wait to be in your shoes - pain or no pain! Just to have lost so much weight is an accomplishment. You'll look awesome

Good luck! The TT is the one that scares me the most, but I know I'm going to need one too!

Good Luck and Congrats on the loss! I plan on having this done also.

Good luck and way to go with the weight loss. You've made a big decision and I wish you the best of luck! Keep us posted!

2beskinny - I actually don't plan on wearing a bikini and I'm 43 years old, so I'm not really trying to impress anybody. I also didn't have any fat left on my stomach. The skin was so bad and wrinkly though that someone would be horrified if they saw it. I work out a ton and I'm pretty toned, but my stomach was a disaster. My boobs aren't great either anymore but i can live with them. The stomach was bothering me every day. I'd go to the gym, lift up my arms to do something and pray that no one saw my stomach. All that said, the surgery was pretty rough and I think I have a pretty good pain tolerance! It hurts to laugh, breathe and sneeze and I'll have these annoying drains sticking out of my abdomen for another week. My kids are wondering what's wrong with me and my poor husband is my manservant. Still, I think it will prove to have been a good decision. Some things you can live with and some you can't. Thanks for all the well wishes! I'm hoping that once this eight week recovery is over I can get back into great shape and then move onto a chapter in my life that doesn't revolve around my body and food!

I got banded in Feb 2007 and a tummytuck and breast reduction/lift in Sept 2008. By far the worst pain I've ever put myself through, including two c-sections.. but totally worth it. I was in pain for a week.. uncomfortable for another two weeks.. and been so glad I did it every day since.. and it's been 2 1/2 years! Just wait.. before you know it.. the pain and the drains will be a distant memory and you'll be thrilled with the results!!

Dear LapNYC...congrats! You did it and the worst is behind you now :-) you are a real iinspiration! All that weightloss and now a new tummy! Im sure you will be ready to get back to working out. I know exercise is a routine part of your life now with all your success. Just curious.

.now that u r at maintenance, did u get any fill removed? Hope you continue to progress well with your recovery!

Yea you did it sorry for the pain. You are a true inspiration Lapnyc. I sooooo can not wait to be were you are in your journey.

3/11/10