certifiedcoder

I had an incident where they thought my band slipped. I also was told that if this was the case they would have to reoperate and replace it. I didt care , if thats what it took I would do it in a second. Thankfully by deflating me for 2 weeks evrything went right back into place. It is weird how people think after you go for a while on the band/....lose the weight that you are "fixed" They have no concept and if that were true we wouldnt need the band in the first place. I have lost 100's of lbs over the years but always gain it back. You should not ever feel alone , we are or were in your boat and you can guarentee that the members who make up this group HAVE walked a day in your shoes. Chin up.you can do it! I just had my tummy tuck on the 9th and man I will tell you I feel so blessed. My insurance approved the procedure and I cannot believe how happy I am with the results. I could just bawl, this is a dream come true for me.You can reach your goals , you can have your dreams come true. Keep focused on what you want and make it a priority for yourself, no one else but yourself! good luck to you

Well I had my tummy tuck on 9/5 and I am freakin loving it. Yes it is a little swollen...not too terrible but OMG it does not even look like it is part of me. It is flat, small and very tight. I have a beautiful new belly button which has a diamond shape or an upside down drop. It is 100 times better then I ever expected it to be.I have little pain and I am taking medication just to keep on top of it. I too was worried about the pain, etc... Im fine. I still have 2 drains in and when the fluid slows down they will come out, The doc said it will swell more once the drains come out and then disapate. I am amazed at how good it looks. I actually look little. WOW!!! I am tring to figure out how to post my pictures.

I love that too. I still go for the XL, when in fact the M is what I need! After reading all the posts yesterday about catching a glimps of yourselves in the store window, I had a chuckle last night. I was at the gym doing upper body work and hit the mirror just right that I could see my self from behind...looking forward. I was like omg...... that is what other people see when they look at me.. Not too shabby I must say, of course without the magnifying glass I always examine myself with. LOL. Those squats are paying off! Thanks so much for all the words of support.

funny you should ask!!! I even told my doc that , I have transfered my addiction to exercise and he said hey there are worse things I could do. I did love it before but it certinly was much more difficult for me to stay motivated long term, never reaching my weight loss goals. And then always regaining my weight. Now on the other hand I have made exercise my second job. I would never not show up for my job and I never not show up for my work out. I make sure I have a plan because trying to get fit with out a olan is like building a house with out a blue print. I have done a lot of research, hired a personal trainer to get me started and I am able to keep focused because I am not just doing it blindly. The best part is that it is working, I feel wonderful, I walk different, and dress different, and I am different.I can see definition in my arms and legs and it keeps me going.

I must have posted late on a comment. OH well. Good luck to you. I hope to be in your shoes soon.

Why would they make you go through anesthesia twice??? I would make sure one anesthesia- one day - do it all at the same session or I might consider finding someone who would. They can then charge you seperate for 2 sessions. That is silly to put you through that. I have seen many patients who have had both procedures done at the same time. Of course by picture only, doing research for my own PS. Good luck

I am currently waiting for authorization myself but I think the key areas that should be included are: 1. The rash, and hygene issues. Any other issues, back pain, im balance etc.... 2. weight loss amount. ( I hear they look for 100 + lb) 3. how long ago the surgery was and how long you have been maintaining the current weight loss. I hope this help, heck I hope it helps me too! I am desperate to get rid of this ugly fat & skin that feels it has a permanent place - on my lap-everytime I sit down!

I was banded 9/05 and went from my highest weight of 288 to 170 currently. I exercise and lift weights 6 days a week and have gained significant muscle while reducing my body fat% to within the normal range. The band is the best thing I have ever done for my self and for my family. I did not realize however that I was going to go through an identity change! Not that it is a BAD thing but it has been scarey and wonderful for me at the same time. I have experienced feelings, emotional and physical that I havent in years. I even started seeing a councelor to help me sort through a few things.- Its funny that a lot of people experience the same sort of changes. Everyone is like enough already, you dont need to lose anymore weight and I just cannot comprehend that that can be possible. I am waiting for my authorization for a tummy tuck and I really feel like if that comes through for me I may actually feel finished/complete. I hope so, really it is the extra skin and fat on my abdomen that keeps me pushing to keep losing when in fact having the skin removed I think will take care of that feeling.

OMG I need some help from you, if you wouldnt mind. I have GHI HMO and have lost 100+ lbs and I am consulting with Dr Winski about a TT this week. I didnt see your pics but I am so curious to know 1. how you got the insurance to approve it, and 2. your experience with Dr winski. Did he do a fantastic job? Are you happy with the results? Can you share your experience with me? Thanks so much you can email me at certifiedcoder621@gmail.com if you wouldnt mind, I will keep searching the site and see if I can view your pics.

Hi everyone, I am new to your forum. I had my lap band 9/22/05 and have lost 100+. The band was the very best decision of my life. I recommend it to everyone. I have taken up weight training and exercise 6 days a week. I am however unable to get the excess skin on my stomach to budge. I am contemplating a tummy tuck. That is actually how I found the forum, searching TT's lol. I would appreciate any pics you have. I am consulting with Dr Winski next Friday and I am thrilled about it. I would love to see some of his work and hear about any experiences with him. I am hopeful that I can get my insurance to cover the procedure. What has everyone else done? I saw a few posts like " now you know how to get yourself a yeast infection" what is that about? I may need it! Thanks for any help or suggestions.