I was encouraged by Kareyquilts to start this thread. I had my LBL on 12/20/07 in Post Falls, Idaho by Dr. Mark Owsley.

One other person in my weekly support group had this same surgery in April this year. I asked her a few questions and of course asked the Surgeon but nothing totally prepares you for this surgery. My Surgeon compared my lapband surgery as a "mosquito bite" and the LBL as a "alligator bite", I told him after the surgery that he should of said "shark bite".

The surgery took about 5 hours. My Surgeon doesn't weigh what he takes off, he says that it's a matter or body sculpting and uses his eyes and hands to get the best results. He did tell me that he took off over a foot on my abdomen and that he was very pleased with the results.

The evening after my surgery it was time for me to get up for the first time. I can tell you it wasn't fun. I almost passed out from the pain and only took 4 steps. It was at this point that I thought to myself "what had I done?" Thankfully the second time I got out of bed was much easier and less painful, I actually made to the room door. Each time it got easier.

The next hurdle to overcome would be peeing after the catheter was removed. No problem with this thank goodness.

I was discharged the next afternoon. A good friend of mine, who is also a Nurse, was staying with me for 4 or 5 days and nights. She was an Angel. Took care of my boys and did everything for me.

Well, this is enough of a post for now, don't want anyone falling asleep from boredom. I don't know if I'm brave enough to post pictures yet, but....

I go back to the Surgeon's on Jan. 2nd to get my 2 drains removed, so I'll have more to post after that visit. Thanks for letting me ramble on.

JulieNYC, the Ghost and enterprise you have been an inspiration to me and I've followed your stories and look forward to hearing from others who are going down the PS Road.

Alynne: I was wondering how you were doing. Are you back to work soon? How uncomfortable are you? Still wearing the compression garments? Can't wait to see the pics, wish I could help you with that.

Alynne: I was wondering how you were doing. Are you back to work soon? How uncomfortable are you? Still wearing the compression garments? Can't wait to see the pics, wish I could help you with that.

Karey-I get to wear the compression garment for minimum of 6 weeks 24/7 then 2 more weeks during the day. I will probably wear them longer to help with the swelling and the scarring. Sorry that u couldn't help me with the pics either. I'm very swollen today as I overdid it. After I went to the docs, I had to do some grocery shopping and I was up too long. I'm supposed to go back to work on the 1st of Feb, but I may take off another week or two if I need to. How r things going with your PS plans? Hope everything is falling into place for u.

You must feel so much better now that you have got those drains out, just make sure that you dont push yourself too much!!

I cant tell you how to attach a picture but I have found a sticky that does! (that is how desperate I am to see the new you!)

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f5/how-attach-picture-post-17595/

Hope it helps.

NIna

Nina,

Thanks for the help, I tried to upload the pics but they failed, so I don't know if it's something with my computer or what?

You must feel so much better now that you have got those drains out, just make sure that you dont push yourself too much!!

I cant tell you how to attach a picture but I have found a sticky that does! (that is how desperate I am to see the new you!)

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f5/how-attach-picture-post-17595/

Hope it helps.

NIna

Nina,

Thanks for the help, I tried to upload the pics but they failed, so I don't know if it's something with my computer or what?

I had a problem and DH had to re-size the pictures for me apparently they were too big. Does that help at all?

The after pics are only 3 weeks out, so I have a lot of swelling and the final results will be much better. Sorry that the pics are so big, hopefully no one gets grossed-out. It may not look like it but I'm into a size 10 jeans even with all the swelling, so hoping for at least an 8 when the swelling goes down.

Alynne: You're looking fantastic! Looks like the incision is healing well. How are you feeling now? Jazzed about the jean size I hope! I guess that swellilng is a real bear! How long do they say the swelling will last? Are you wearing your compression garment etc? What is your favorite thing about this procedure and your least favorite thing?

That is an amazing transformation my dear Anglenurse. WOW!

Your incisions look really good, good for you.

Keep up the healing, don't over do anything. You only get one chance to heal...hugs....

That is an amazing transformation my dear Anglenurse. WOW!

Your incisions look really good, good for you.

Keep up the healing, don't over do anything. You only get one chance to heal...hugs....

Alynne: You're looking fantastic! Looks like the incision is healing well. How are you feeling now? Jazzed about the jean size I hope! I guess that swellilng is a real bear! How long do they say the swelling will last? Are you wearing your compression garment etc? What is your favorite thing about this procedure and your least favorite thing?

Karey-I'm feeling better, thanks! The swelling is a tricky thing, everyone is so different and the doc didn't know when it would be down, but the final results are usually at 6 months to a year. I wear the compression garments 24/7 for 6 weeks then 2 weeks during the day and off at night. I'll probably wear them as long as I can stand them, as it'll help with the swellling as well as the scarring. I think the worse thing has been the swelling and the next was the 2 drains. The best is yet to come with the final results. Keep me posted on your PS journey.

That is an amazing transformation my dear Anglenurse. WOW!

Your incisions look really good, good for you.

Keep up the healing, don't over do anything. You only get one chance to heal...hugs....

Paulax-Thanks! I'm trying to take it easy, but am so bored. Looking forward to going back to work on the 1st, just hope I'm ready then.

Glad your feeling better.

Your scars look like they are healing really well. I bet your excited!

What are the prices if you don't mind me asking?

Oh one more question what is LBL?

Oh one more question what is LBL?

Sunsett-a LBL is a lower body lift, which includes a tummy tuck, removal of the pannus, tightening of the abdominal wall, an outer thigh, mons and buttocks lift. My price was $8,900 cash price but it varies from state to state and doctor to doctor. That was also last years price, went to a consult with a friend last Friday and she's having the LBL with the same surgeon as I and the price has gone up. She was quoted $10,370 and the patient coordinator forgot to add $500 more that she was supposed to, so she was able to save a little. The patient coordinator said the Hospital fees had gone up. Most plastic surgeons give free consults and I'm sure if you know what you want they could quote the prices over the phone. Hope this helps you.