Michee

Congratulations on getting your band. I was banded exactly one year before you. You are in for a very exciting year. This time next year your girls will be toddlers not babies and you will be fitter/healthier/stronger/happier. This is gonna be awesome !

Both Docs I consulted with said if I was within 20-30 pounds of my goal weight I would be pleased with the results. I was hoping to be 5 pounds from goal at the time of surgery, but as you can see I was 9 pounds away. The TT was day surgery, and surprisingly was less painful than getting banded. Probably because there is no gas pain. In terms of price it was kind of in the middle for this area. A friend of mine had a TT that was cheaper, but that Doc uses the hospital and I was adamant that I wanted the surgery in a private clinic. The doc I used offers both clinic or hospital. Wearing this binder for the next 5 weeks is not gonna be fun, however buying myself a pair of size 4 (FOUR) pants this afternoon was FABULOUS fun! Actually the most fun was when I came out of the change room in the crowded store, and the sales clerk says, "oh those look too big, let me get you size 4" You are really gonna want a TT when you get closer to your goal.

I am with you guys on the SF crap. Ever notice that the only people that eat/drink that stuff are FAT? All the skinny peeps I know eat/drink the REAL stuff. They eat it in moderation. Since I want to be skinny NOT fat, I think I shall emulate the skinny folks!

Yep, I am another statistic When I was banded a year ago I was taking metformin for type 2 diabetes and lipitor for cholesterol. Happy to report that I am no longer considered diabetic, and my cholesterol is waaayy down. I have been off all meds since April.

Are they still available? I am interested. Not pre-op, but I am completely unfilled and will be for 6 weeks and unable to exercise due to TT so a few days of liquids may be needed.

Hi Green HIJACKING THREAD Are you gonna make it to the next Toronto luncheon? I'd love to see you! BTW - My mom went through chemo about 26 years ago, when her hair grew back it came in super curly like a fro. It was also thicker than it had ever been. This was only temporary, but I have some cool pics of her in a fro. More good news, she is still in "remission" and she is now 82. Perhaps your "new" hair will give you a new funky look for a while. Wishing you Happiness and Health!

My point is about safety. With all the talk about internet predators, why on earth would people post pics of their kids on a public forum? It's one thing if you want to post your own pic, but I think it's irresponsible to post pics of other unsuspecting individuals on-line, especially youngsters. In other forums I belong to it's customary to "blur" the faces of others that you are pictured with.

Hi DogMom It was a day procedure, in and out same afternoon. Very little pain, less than banding because there is no horrid gas pains. I took the pain meds for three days. My stomach is already a lot flatter (yippeee) but will be even flatter after swelling goes down. I am seeing doc tomorrow, and will see my new button for the first time. My only regret is not getting a breast lift at the same time. I chickened out of getting 2 procedures at once, because of the expense and the perceived pain. You are gonna love the flat stomach look!!

Some of the difference in doctors instructions also has to do with how they placed the band. Some use more stitches than others. There are apparently pros and cons in terms of the number of stitches. I am certain that if you follow the advice of your surgeon or health care practitioner who is familiar with your medical history, you will have the best chance at success with your band. Welcome to BandLand........this is a fantastic journey

Hi KT Sorry you are having so many problems with the band. Hopefully they will get resolved soon. I can't imagine being in discomfort for more than a year. There is lots of support on this forum, I hope it helps you get through this rough time. Are you in the GTA? There are lots of us in this area, and we sometimes get together for "in person" support/lunches.

I went home the same day after banding. I also went home same day after tummy tuck. (that was last week) It is soooo much easier to rest and get comfortable in your own home and your own bed. Also there is more risk of infection and contracting other diseases in a hospital, so the less time spent there, the better. You will be fine, you will LOVE being in your own home when you are feeling uncomfortable and cranky-ish.

I have to believe that some people enjoy a discussion, and want to liven things up by voting for a ridiculous statement that includes the word "dangit". In what trailer park was that word invented?

The hardest thing about the TT recovery is "trying not to do too much". I feel great, but the clinic told me that my body needs energy to heal, and that if I use up that energy doing other things, my full recovery will take longer. Also. I am going to have to learn what clothing styles look good with a flat stomach LOL -- I can't believe it. I had my TT less than a week ago, but I already love it. Start saving Cindy, you are gonna want to buy yourself one of these flat stomachs!!

oh my god 6 weeks! Poor Flowerpurr !

Hi Babs It was a day procedure, I got to the docs at 1:00, they started "cutting" at 1:45 and I was home by 6:00pm. They told me 2-3 weeks off work, because I can't lift or stretch. I am also on some painkillers (percocet) which can make you drowsy. There are also a few follow-up appts in the beginning. I have been doing a little work from home (I have a desk job). But since I am using my vacation time, I am trying to forget about work and enjoy what is left of the summer. Good luck with insurance, I am envious. I was self pay for the band and the TT.

This is a cool thread. I am constantly waffling on whether or not I want a tattoo. I am very committment phobic. I have decided on a piercing instead, so I can change it, or remove it and let it close up. I really admire you guys for having the conviction to make a decision. I love reading all about the designs you have/want. Perhaps I too will be inspired.

Sidewalks are for walking It really bugs me when I am walking my dog, and a cyclist comes up from behind, and rings a little bell expecting ME to get off the sidewalk so they can ride by. WTF !! If you are too old for training wheels, you are too old to be riding on the sidewalk. If you want to go bike riding with your friends and family, please use the road. If you do not feel confident riding in traffic, pick some streets with a bike lane. If you are too nervous to ride in the bike lane, then get a stationary bike and stay home.

I had a tummy tuck last week in Oakville with Dr Brown. Cost was $6750.00 Feel free to PM me.

I am actually shocked that people post pics of their kids and grandkids without blurring the faces. After all this is a public forum, anyone can be on here lurking about.

Nana Renan Holy Moly ------you look 15 years younger. Perhaps you'll have to drop the Nana part!

Thanks everyone for the well wishes....... I am the healthiest I have been in years (perhaps forever). So far the TT recovery has been easier than lapband at this point in time. No horrid gas pains. Now my biggest problem is gonna be: "what clothing styles look best when you have a flat stomach? " LOL!! Year one was awesome.......in year 2 my (our) challenge is going to be "how to live as a healthy, fit, thin woman" I am counting on the Crazy Ates to be my experience strength and hope for this new chapter.

I was there a couple of months ago. I had booked my PS, and was 25 pounds from goal. The surgeon told me that I could get a TT at that weight and get good results. I really wanted to be closer to goal at the time of PS. I told everyone that I know that I needed an "ass kicking". I got heart rate monitor, and wore it during cardio. I made sure that I was working out hard at about 85% of capacity. I also started running. I lost 16 pounds in 3 months. The heart rate monitor really makes a difference. I realized that I didnt have to work out any more, I just needed to work out a LOT harder. I am 9 pounds away from goal right now. I just had a TT so I cannot exercise for a few more weeks, and I am unfilled for 6 weeks. When I am recovered from surgery, I will need a very good "ass kicking" also. Good Luck.

I paid 16k Canadian (Ontario) The price is inclusive of fills/defills/aftercare

You are right about the compression garment, it actually feels good on. The doc wants it on for 6 weeks. One was included with my surgery, and a friend who has a TT last year gave me hers. It is great to have 2 so I can wear one and wash one. I recommend having 2 available if possible for your TT.

Thanks for your support! Doc said 2-3 weeks before returning to work. I have the vacation time available so I am gonna take 3 weeks. The hardest part is gonna be not "overdoing it". I feel great, but I know that rest will help the healing. Congrats to both of you on getting your band. You are in for a wonderful journey. I am grateful for the band every single day.