Sue Magoo

pickles123: I am sure that I want a new band if mine has to be replaced. I love my band and the new life it has given to me. Having gained 13 pounds since being unfilled makes me sure that I need my "belly cop" back. If this ten days on liquids doesn't take care of my problem then it will just be a question of how can I come up with my portion of the cost (about $2k) as I was unemployed for 9 months and haven't gotten caught up yet. I still love my band - I'm just disappointed it's not cooperating with me lately. Sue

mmmmmm........Cape Codder with lime and a designated driver on the side.

Just a tummy tuck and some lipo on love handles and mons areas. Good luck! Sue

Hi: I hope you call your doctor sooner versus later. I wouldn't wait until the office opens. That's what they have emergency numbers for. Problems with breathing and heart racing is nothing to fool around with! Please let us know how you make out so that we can learn from your experience. Take care. Sue

Hi: You may want to check out www.makemeheal.com. Good luck! Sue

Hi: I would ask your band surgeon if he can recommend a plastic surgeon in your area that is familiar with WLS patients (including bands). You could also check out www.makemeheal.com to see if someone there can recommend a surgeon in your area. Best wishes to you. I love my flat tummy! Sue

Hi: I really think you should go to your doctor and explain what is going on. My surgeon said that after the initial recovery period you should have no pain from your band. If you do you need to get medical help. Please let us know how you make out. By the way, if it is your gallbladder that's a pretty easy surgery. Take care. Sue

They're adorable! Nice you got siblings. My kitty boys (Mac & Cheese) are 9 month old brothers and they've brought alot of love to my home. Enjoy! Sue

Congratulations Lisa! I had my tummy tuck 5/14/09. So glad that I got rid of that hanging pannus. I started taking extra Vitamin c before my tummy tuck because my doc said it would help with healing. I healed very well. Best wishes to you. Sue

Amy: You're the best! I wanted to put a plug in for your blog. Anybody who wants to read a "real" woman's journey through lap band should read Amy's blog. She tells the good, the bad, and the ugly. As well as the great, the fabulous, and the beautiful! I've never met Amy, but through her blog I feel like I've known her for years. Take the time to read it from the beginning. The link is above. Sue

Hi: I think I was standing up straight after about two weeks. I had to wear the compression garment 24/7 for the first 4 to 6 weeks and then switched to a spanx type thing. To be honest, the compression garment was more comfortable than spanx. Best wishes to you. Sue

Hi: Please get a slight unfill and you may want to see a nutritionist too. You can become ill from not getting enough nutrients and Vitamins. They can counsel you on what you should be eating with the right restriction level. I hope you're well on your way to a healthy restriction level soon. Take care. Sue

Hi: Oh, I wish it was true that you could keep losing everywhere else without making your face hollow and gaunt. Not so. I still have alot of excess weight in my legs (tree trunks!), however at my lowest a few people asked me if I'd been ill because my face was so gaunt. Not liking how the wrinkles came once the fat was gone. Oh well. I decided that I didn't want to get down to healthy bmi weight because my face looked like crap as I got lower. Happy about 20 pounds higher than healthy bmi. Remember, my excess weight is mostly in my legs. I keep them covered! Best wishes to you. Sue

Hi: I would think that if you're having those two procedures that he could throw in a neck lift for free. Why don't you ask? Lipo probably wouldn't take care of the issue because you probably have loose, empty skin. Lipo works best removing fat, not removing loose skin. Best wishes to you. Please let us know what your plastic surgeon says about the neck. Take care. Sue

Hi: If your pain is getting worse instead of better you should see your doctor. Please call them again and insist that you see someone. Tell them that you're feeling worse when you should be starting to feel better. Do you have a fever? Are you dehydrated? Tell them if you have a fever or if you are getting dehydrated. Let us know how you're feeling. Take care. Sue

Allie: You've always seemed like a "wonderwoman", because you are one. I'm sure you'll kick butt on those 20 pounds like it's nothing. Glad to have you back, and sorry to hear about all that you've been through. Take care. Sue

Kelly: Their support group is primarily informal. He usually has everyone introduce themselves, then has the nutritionist (or sometimes other invited guest) do their speal, and then the floor is open to questions/concerns/comments. I hope to see you there. Take care. Sue

Hi: I think your band is actually below your left rib, so it is probably normal to feel some pain in that area a few days post op. As always, anytime you are concerned, you should call your doctor's office. Feel better soon! Sue

Hi: I was told nothing more than walking for the first six weeks. I only had swelling at the end of the day, and it only swelled where my binder didn't cover. You may be pushing it too much for someone who just had major surgery. Did you ask your doctor about having so much activity three weeks out from surgery? I suggest that you speak with your doctor about how much activity and see if he/she recommends cutting back to help with the swelling. I hope your swelling goes away soon. Take care. Sue

Hi: I started mourning food when I was post op and it made me feel depressed. When I'm depressed I'm exhausted. Luckily it didn't last too long. Some people react differently to anesthesia. If you're eating enough Protein and calories and taking Vitamins it sounds like you're doing the right things. I agree with Sashay02. I hope you feel better soon. Sue

Hi: A runny nose is one of my full signals. If my nose starts to run while I'm eating I have to stop or else something comes back up. I still love my band! Sue

Hi Lola: I got my tummy tuck partially covered by my medical insurance - blue cross blue shield of new england. The reason for the partial coverage is that they would cover a panniculectomy due to the fact that because of the weight loss I had an apron of loose skin hanging on my lower abdomen that was causing rashes. I had pictures taken of the rashes by my lap band surgeon and also by the plastic surgeon. She submitted it to insurance and I paid for the difference between the tummy tuck and the panniculectomy because I thought I wouldn't be happy with the results from just a panniculectomy. I'm very glad that I did it! BEst wishes to you. Take pictures if you're getting rashes and you may be able to get a panniculectomy which is a big step in the right direction. Good luck! Sue

Luckylimey: I hope you feel better soon and get back to your normal, healthy life. Take care and keep us posted. Sue

Hello: My surgeon has everyone stay over and does a barium swallow the next morning to make sure your band looks good before you head home. I would have had to stay at the hospital even if I was outpatient because anesthesia makes me vomit (no matter what they give me to prevent it). It's certainly alot easier to sleep at home. Discuss it with your surgeon. Maybe he/she is flexible with this. Best wishes to you. I love my band! Sue

Yes, Priscilla. I was sitting on the far end of the room from the door. Welcome and best wishes to you with your upcoming surgery.