BarbBee

Wow you have been through alot Allie. Sending you comfort and healing thoughts. You have been such a trooper!!!

HI Wannabe, A few things came to mind...for the hospital ..chapstick and throat losenges. At home I found a wedge pillow for bed really helped and I had use of an electric recliner the first week and found it to be wonderful. If you a can rent, or borrow one you may find it a big help. I slept in both the first week as it was hard to get comfy and had to switch a few times each night. The first week was definetly the hardest. I also found a nightie was easiest at first. (I had a lower body lift) I'm sure I will think of a few more things to add. Do you have a set date yet and what are you having done? Take care. Barb

Thanks for the reassurance about the belly button. I saw the nurse today and she took my BB stitches out and said not to worry , once the swelling goes down it should be fine. She said even if I am unhappy with it, it can be fixed under local anesthetic in the office. I had 2 more drains out today so the other 2 will come out Monday. I was really afraid to get 1 of the drains out as everytime I "milked" the tubing into the drain it would burn across my back. It burned a bit on the way out but thank goodness it only takes like 30 seconds!! The other one I did not feel at all. She has you take a big, big breath in and then exhale through your mouth as she takes the drain out. Seemed to work well. I tried over the counter pills last night trying to avoid the super hot sweats I have been getting. Unfortunately it happened again and the nurse says it sounds like hotflashes from menopause!! I am 47 so this could be the start..Yipee!! Not! I will be happy not to have periods anymore but spontaneous combustion does not feel fun! Oh well..this is all a part of life! I am so happy with my life right now. I have had such a good recovery and I am very lucky I have had such an easy time of it so far. I really think all my exercise with boot camp and jogging has helped me to recover so well. Other than going in to see the nurse today (2 hour commute, hubby drove) I have not done much. Washed my hair in the sink and had a sink bath. I can hardly wait to have a shower!!!! Come on Monday!! I have a huge appetite and asked when I can get a fill as my port was restitched down during surgery. I was told to wait another week and let the swelling go down a bit more and let the internal stiches heal well. My surgery weight was 145.5 and the doc removed 7 pounds but my weight is 151! I hope all that is swelling!! I had fill taken out prior to surgery so I could take pills properly and no throwing up. I feel like i have no restriction so will really have to watch my huge appetite over the next week. I had a big plate of whole wheat veggie spaghetti tonight. I really enjoyed it as it has been 2 years since i have eaten any Pasta. I will enjoy the next week somewhat and then get back to business as I would like to get to around 135-140 to reach my goal. Take care everybody. Barb

HI Sue! Didn't realize that was you! I am doing great. I went to see the Dr. Naysmith on Tuesday and had 1 more drain removed. He said there is still too much swelling to take any others out at that time. I see Diane (his nurse) tomorrow and hope the remaining 4 will come out. There is almost no drainage now. One drain right beside my crease of my thigh keeps pinching and it is driving me crazy. I have been fine in the daytime with extra strength Tylenol and Ibuphrophen. I was taking Dilaudud at night so I can sleep with out pain but am having terrible side effects from it. Within an hour of taking it I get so internally hot I feel like I will spontaneously combust!! Then I sweat and can't sleep. I was given Tremacet on Tuesday to try last night and the same thing happened. I am going to try just regular tylenol and Ibuphrophen and take a gravol if I can't sleep. I want off the pain meds anyways as i hate the way I feel when I wake up. Today I felt good and really over did it. Dusted, vacuumed ( yes,.. I know super stupid) and folded laundry. I have all this energy as the shots I had prior to surgery to boost my hemoglobin did an outstanding job. My hemglobin went up 1 point after surgery. My doctor said I made medical history! haha. He also did a new technique while operating and it was so great at limiting blood loss he has now done it on his next LBL patient. I have posted a few pics. One with all the drains and another with the binder off. Once the drains come out I will take some pics of the actual incision. My belly button looks very odd to me but was assured once the swelling goes down and I heal a little more it will end up normal looking. I have to get those stiches out tomorrow too..I hope. Will post again tomorrow after my next appointment. Take care everyone. Barb

You look fantastic! Perfect bod!

Had a good day today. Only used the extra strength Tylenol and Ibuphrophen a few times today. Will use 1 dilaudid and 1 gravol at bedtime though because it is hard to find a comfy position to settle in to fall off to sleep. My drains are barely putting out any flluid so I really hope to get the 5 remaining ones out when I see the surgeon on Tuesday. Swelling is alot less today too. I am dying to have a nice hot shower and we are told not to until the drains come out. I am still wearing the compression stockings. They make your legs really hot sometimes and I would love to take them off but the nurse wants me to wait at least another week. Tomorrow will be 1 week since surgery. I can hardly wait to go shopping for cute undies!!! On Tuesday I will post the pictures of all the drains etc. I tried today to take a pic of the stiches but need to find a way to do that and still have some privacy. As all the drains come out of my pubic area it is hard to cover it and take a picture. As soon as I can I will post some pics of the stiches. My belly button looks very weird to me and I have a red blotch and blister line coming from it. Will phone the nurse tomorrow and ask if I need to come in early. It is not oozing or anything just red. My port was also stitched back down as it had lifted and I could tilt it on it's side. I am not quite sure where it is as everything feels very weird when you touch it. Some areas are completerly numb and it all feels sort of hard from swelling. I have to keep reminding myself that healing is a process that will take several months. I need to be more patient. I feel frustrated by the lack of energy too and have to keep giving myself reality checks. So far things have gone really well...actually better than they expected as far as hemoglobin and blood loss went. I am grateful for the wonderful care I have had from eveyone. Take care and chat with you again soon. Barb

HI All, I went to the surgery clinic yesterday and had 1 of the drains taken out. I was really nervous about it and afraid it would be super painful. The nurse had me take a big breath and then blow out as she took it out. Didn't feel anything !!...but was quite surprised how long the drain part is. It is very narrow with lots of little holes in it. It's weird when you touch the drain tube in the front and can feel it around your back. Keep thinking I will feel so much more comfortable once the drain tubes are out. They are all filling a lot less now already. My band is tighter due to all the internal swelling and extra stress. I did not have very much in my band prior to surgery and I am really glad as I never would have been able to get the pills down that I need to take. The morning before surgery they gave me a handlful of pills and I could only take them with a tiny bit of Water. That was a challenge but managed to get through it. I am getting more mobile and can bend a little better each day. Back to see the surgeon on Tuesday and then head home. Looking forward to seeing my hubby, pets and sleep in my own bed. My mom has been great and I don't know how I would have done these first few days with out her help. At home there are lots of stairs and I know it will be hard not to do everything that you normally like to do. Chat with you again soon Barb

Hi All, Tried to sleep in bed last night with some wedge pillows. It was painful getting into the right position but once I did and let my muscles relax it was quite comfy. I am taking the dilaudid every 4 hours and Ibuprophen for swelling in between. I was taking Tylenol too but found I didn't need it. My night time pills are taken with gravol as it helps me sleep. Yesterday I did to much up and down stuff and was really swollen at the end of the day. SOOOO tight...feels like someone has you stuffed into a sausage casing. Under the category of too much info...but interesting to know....because the binder holds you tight to help reduce swelling, the swelling goes to other points in the body . My woo who bits looked like I was a cross between woman and man. I was worried it would stay that way and the nurse told me to put an ice pack on it to help reduce the swelling and it helped alot fairly quickly. I slept alot this morning and Mom and I walked 1 block ...very slowly...to the corner store. I can't get over how tired you get doing nothing!!! I did an 8 K last week and now can barely walk 2 blocks! Now I know why the doctors suggest so much time off work. I think the fatigue will be the biggest challenge. The drains are starting to turn to more of a straw color ...which is good. I see the nurse tomorrow at the Clinic and hope to get a drain out. I'm kind of scared too as all the drains come out of my pubic area and it is super tender. Can imagine pulling the actual full drain out!! Yikes! Less swelling today. I will post pics as soonas I get home next week. I still havent really seen what I fully look like yet as the only time the binder is off is when they are treating my belly button or drains and that is in a flexed lying down position. I like the profile of my small bum though. For those awaiting the surgery I would definetly recommend an electric recliner. If you can borrow or rent one it will make a whole world of difference for you as far as comfort goes. Also really try and take your meds on a set schedule...it really does help. Why be in pain if you don't have to. Will post again tomorrow after my appointment at the clinic. Take care . Barb

Hi Everyone! Thank you so much for all the kind thoughts and prayers! I am now at my Mom's place and the surgery went great. I had 7 pounds of skin and fat removed. It is kind of hard to tell what it will look like in the end because I am so swollen. It's so funny when I look at my side profile my bum is so much higher. It used to droop down into my legs. Now it is just a small bum!! I still can't believe it had finally happened. The care I received at the clinic has been top notch and my Mom (retired nurse) is spoiling me rotten. I spent Monday evening and most of yesterday sleeping. My hubby picked me up at 2 yesterday and took me to my Mom's place. Diane the nurse came to see me last night and again today. She taught me how to give myself the blood thinner injections..I do that for 14 days. I have a binder and compression stockings and will wear the stockings for at least 2 weeks and the binder for quite awhile. The pain has been very manageable as long as I stick to the schedule. I take Dilaudid every 4 -6 hours and tylenol and ibuprophen in between. They checked my hemoglobin yesterday morning and it was 122!! They were all very excited about that considering all the problems I have had. They will check it again in a few days. I go to the clinic on Friday and back to the surgeons on Tuesday. Diane figures 1 of the 6 drains will come out on Friday. I am just so happy to be at this place in my life!!! I will post again tomorrow and thanks again for all the well wishes!

WOOO Hoo!! So excited! Bag is packed. House is clean. Work is organized (as best as possible) I am ready!! I have been thinking about this since last April when I had my first consult. It's almost here!!! Surgery tomorrow at 8 AM. I have attached some before pics taken in September. I have lost about 10 pounds since then but the excess looks the same. I can't believe it's almost here after all the problems with my hemoglobin it's finally going to happen!! I will post as soon as I can. Thanks for all the kind thoughts! Chat with you soon Barb

It's going ahead!!!!!!!!!!!! I had my final iron infusion and Eprex shot today. They took my hemoglobin while i had my iron infusion done and had the results and hour and a half later. The anesthetist called and everything looks good. My hemoglobin is 121 and the Eprex shots will stimulate my red blood cells over the next 6 weeks to kick up production. I am so excited and relieved!! I go in for surgery at 7:15, surgery start is 8 AM. It is suppose to take 5 hours. I will spend the night and they send you home around 2 in the afternoon. I will be staying at my Mom's for the first 5 days as she is close to all my doctors and the nurse comes to see you every evening for the first 3 nights. (My home is an hour away) After that i will go home and my sweet hubby will take care of me. I will try and post from Mom's computer as soon as I can. Hopefully by Wednesday. I will bring my camera and get some photo's too but won't be able to load them till I get home. So, So happy and ready for this!!! Time to say farewell to the 302 pound body of skin and fit into the 147 pound body I have now. I would like to get down to 130 -135 but am not in a big rush right now will just focus on recovery. Will post again Sunday. Take care everyone and thanks for the kind thoughts. Barb

HI Doug, Way to go on the weight loss! Great job! I too have lost alot of weight and struggled with this question. For most people I tell them that I have changed my whole lifestyle....eat small amounts of healthy food, and exercise. I figure I am not lying because that is exactly what I did. On the other hand I do tell some people about the band surgery because I also want to educate people about weight issues, and the band. Lots of folks have heard stories about people who had weight loss surgery and there is lots of misinformation out there. A few people seem to downplay the weight losss once they find out I had WL surgery...like it is a magic bullet that instantly makes it easy to lose lots of weight. I worked my buns off to lose the weight and am very proud of all that I have accomplished in the last 2 years...those people annoy me. Most folks are incredibly supportive and those that aren't may have issues of their own. Do what feels best to you Doug and again congratulations on all your hard work!!! Barb

Thanks Mimi and Sue. I am so excited...I really feel like it will be ok this time...mostly because I need to be positive and if I get cancelled again I think I will be very depressed. I have thought about this for months and months. As the doc said 110 or better and I was 112 at my last test I think I will be ok. My stupid period came last week and ended today..... it probably dropped the level a bit but i have 5 days, 3 IV infusions, and 2 more EPO shots before my next blood test. I rented 2 wedge cushions and a raised toilet seat yesterday from a local medical supply company. It was very reasonable $15 for all three for up to 3 months. I have bought all my supplies... prescription filled, hydrogen peroxide for cleaning belly button, polysporin, stool softners, surgical scrub soap etc. My doc supplies the binder. I will do major house clean next weekend. Getting things organized at work to be off for a month. Today I am doing an 8 k. I haven't done much since Christmas so I am sure i will be a hurting unit but need to get moving again. Next week will be busy with work, hospital IV trips (an hour commute to get there) and a couple of boot camp sessions. I am so excited! I hope next week goes fast! Thanks again for the positive thoughts. I really appreciate it!! I will keep you posted. Barb

Hi All, I have friend temporarily living in Edmonton while she goes to school. She is looking for a fill doctor and support group. She had her surgery in Mexico. Any one have any info on this? Thanks, Barb

Wow! sounds like you are doing just great! Thanks so much for posting. I can feel your excitment! It must be so amazing discovering your little body! I have surgery planned for January and can hardly wait to say goodbye to all my flappin' bits! Take good care. Barb

Well I got my results back. I have been on palafer liquid suspension iron 1 teaspoon 3 x a day (equal to 300 mg iron per teaspoon) and my hemoglobin has only come up 1 point. It is 114 up from 113 and normal is 120-150. They could possibly give me a date Nov. 9th but that pushes my recovery time into the busiest time of the year for me. I am involved in a lot of Christmas volunteer activities (as well as work) and the timing is just not great for me. (That's even if my iron comes up enough) so I have decided to put it all over till January. My new date is January 18th. I feel really disappointed but relieved in a way. That takes the pressure off. I saw my family doctor yesterday and she thinks it was a really wise decision. I go for some lab tests to rule out any occult blood (fun stuff...poop on a stick!) :thumbup: Just to make sure I am not bleeding slowly inside somewhere. She says iron deficient anemia does happen to women my age (almost 47, pre-menopause) when your periods are heavier. Also because of my weight loss I don't eat much red meat at all. I am now eating alot more iron rich food...and lots of prunes too! well that gives me 3 months on iron and she is going to book an IV iron infusion for me. She says the infusion is 200 mgs of iron that goes directly into your system. All of it is absorbed. Even when you take large doses of iron by mouth not alot of it is absorbed so this will really help boost my numbers. I feel really great now and participate in fairly intense boot camp twice a week. I can't imagine how much energy I will have once my hemoglobin is in the high numbers! Thanks everyone for the support and I will post again in January when I know for sure that this is going to happen. You ladies are the greatest! Barb:smile2:

Hi All, I am scheduled for a lower body lift Sept. 21st. I am so excited and starting to get a little nervous. So many others have been so gracious in sharing their stories and experience so I thought I would try and and add what I can from my journey. I have had my pre-op appointment Aug. 25th and go to see my family Doctor on the 8th to review all my blood tests. Other than that I have lots to do at work, organizing things so I can take 4 weeks off. I have bought all the after care items and filled my "happy drug" prescription from my PS surgeon. Now it's just the wait. I keep dreaming about it. I will keep you all posted if folks are interested. Barb

All the best Sadie! Pease keep us posted. Sending you lots of positive thoughts for a great recovery. Barb :thumbup:

Hi Mini, I went for my 2 week blood tests today. I should know by Wednesday or Thursday if Oct 28th will be my surgery day. If my iron is still really low they may consider an iron infusion (IV) but it has it's own risks and my family doctor may not go for it. She may just want me to continue on with the iron. Anyways...I'm going to think positive! How are you doing and feeling? How is the healing coming along? Thanks for checking in' Hugs Barb

Hi Mini, Just looked at your pics. YOU look fantabulous girl!!!! You seem to be healing well and the bruising has gone down alot.You are doing awesome! How are you finding your energy level at this point? Are you still pacing yourself as far as rest? Thanks so much for sharing your pictures! Barb

Mini it sounds like you are doing awesome! Can hardly wait to see your new pics. You must feel like a new woman with out the drains! Did your doctor let you shower when you had drains? My paperwork that the nurse gave me said absolutely no showers till all the drains are out. I think I will go bonkers as I don't function till I have had a shower each day. Sponge baths just aren't the same. Are you napping each day? How is your energy? You have such a great attitiude about it all... I am sure that makes a tremendous difference in recovery! Barb

WoW! Thanks so much Mini, Mimi, and Fightergirl for the prayers and support. It means alot! Day 2 on the liguid iron and so far so good. I'm keeping evertyhing crossed! and hope Oct 28th will be my day.

I saw my family doctor yesterday as well as my band doctor. I am now on Palafer liquid Iron 3x a day. That boosts me from 33 mg of iron to 300 mg a day. I go for blood tests in 2 weeks to see where I am at. If my levels are good My PS office have an opening October 28th. That gives me 5 weeks to up my levels. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. So far I have had 2 doses of the iron today and my stomach seems to tolerate it. Hi Mimi, Thank you for your suggestion. I do take Vitamin C with my iron and so far have been able to take it on an empty stomach (best way for it to be absorbed). Lets hope this works! Hi Beastbron, The surgery is very expensive. It is not covered here (Canada) by medical in any way. The total for surgeon, private clinic, overnight stay, assistant and anesthestic is $15,000.00. :blushing: It includes binder, blood thinner injections (after surg) and all follow up appointments.

HI Mini, So sorry to hear you have had a rough day. I hope you feel more like yourself soon. Thank you for sharing the good and tough stuff about surgery. I think what you are going through is completely normal and an important part of the whole process. I too, don't see myself as I am, now that I am smaller. I have always been very big and it is new territory to be in as a "normal" weight. I can only imagine how alien it feels to see your new body but not feel yourself touching it. It is a whole brand new you on the outside. Such a trasformation! I'm sending gentle hugs to you and wishing you comfort. Thanks for sharing so honestly about how this has been for you. It will help me and many others prepare when it our time. Your day 6 pics are amazing! Barb

Hi Potatie, So excited for you! Thanks for sharing your PS journey with us! Absolutely amazing job on the weightloss! Looking forward to reading all your posts. Barb