yankeerobin

I had lap-band surgery in October, 2007. It took some time (and lot’s of effort), but I managed to lose 110 lbs. Like many of you, I was thrilled with the weight loss, but, very uncomfortable in my own (sagging) skin. Specifically, my breasts. After losing the weight, my breasts were elongated, droopy and resembled deflated balloons. Very unattractive, to say the least. I’ve always had large breasts, no matter what the scale reflected. I decided to have breast reduction surgery, and started searching for a surgeon. My criteria was quite simple; must be board certified in Plastic Surgery, close to my home, easy to talk to (not all “doctor-ish”), and perhaps most important – results! I found Dr. Kasden in Southlake, Texas. He had a Web site with lots of pictures, and I immediately liked what I saw. I made an appointment, and within 2 weeks was in his office. I instantly liked him. He was very casual, yet professional. Exactly what I was searching for. At this point in time, I had lost about half my weight, still had quite a bit to go. Dr. Kasden was candid, and advised it was not the right time for my surgery. For optimal results, I should be within 10-15 lbs of my “goal”. He explained doing surgery then was not in my best interest. Breast size will change as a direct result of my weight, and doing the surgery while still planning to lose 50 additional pounds was not ideal. Although the news was disappointing, I appreciated his honesty. He then took measurements and we talked for over an hour. I left his office feeling highly motivated to lose the weight and come back as soon as possible! Fast forward 6 months. I did lose the weight, and made another appointment as soon as I hit the 10-15 pound range. Things took off very quickly! Dr. Kasden took measurements again, and my breasts hadn’t changed much at all. It was finally time to get the ball rolling! I met most of the criteria to have insurance cover the costs, and Dr. Kasden did all the rest. Within 8 weeks I was approved, and before I knew it, surgery was scheduled 2 days before Christmas! I met with him several more times prior to surgery. He explained everything in detail, answered my same silly questions over and over. I took my mom with me at one point, and she had the same silly questions. He addressed all our concerns and made me feel very confident and comfortable. The day of surgery is honestly a blur (luckily!). I have an extreme phobia of needles, blood, hospitals…. doctors in general. I was prescribed some valium to take before surgery, which helped ease my fears. Surgery went very well, and I was home that night. There was very little pain during recovery, and I’m a HUGE baby. I had a slight reaction to the antibiotics, and ended up calling Dr. Kasden Christmas night. I imagine my phone call was quite the intrusion, but, he was nothing but courteous and showed much concern. He opened his office the next morning to see me, and was diligent in aiding my recovery. It’s been 6 weeks since surgery, and I’m absolutely thrilled with the results! Although my scars are new and “fresh”, I’m still 100% satisfied with my new perky and proportionate breasts! Dr. Kasden says they’ll only get better from here. It can take up to 6 months for the final result. I was back to work within 2 weeks, and wearing sexy bra’s from Victoria’s Secret within 6 weeks. Unbelievable! For all of you wondering if breast reduction is worthwhile, I can say without any doubt that is most certainly is! I feel petite, and slender, and confident. My clothes look completely different, I walk completely different…it’s amazing! I went from a 38DD to a 34C. They fit my new frame perfectly. I can’t recommend Dr. Kasden enough. If anyone would like more information on Dr. Kasden, or, the surgery itself – please contact me directly. Best of luck to all of you! http://www.southlakeplasticsurgeon.com/

Oh sure, he does it all! Check out the pics on his Web site. His specialty is weight loss surgery patients. He's very familiar with the challenges we face once the weight is gone. He really is excellent. I can't tell you how thrilled I am with my breast! I'm thinking of a tummy tuck as well.... maybe.

Hello all you DFW'ers! I know there's lot's of us out there, and I hope you'll read this thread. I've just started training for the White Rock Lake marathon taking place this December. We've got a little over 6 months to train, and that should be plenty of time (well, I think at least!). I've lost about 50lbs with my band (so far), and to be honest, the first 50 was pretty easy. I didn't exercise much at all, and the weight just sorta "fell off". Well, those days are O-V-E-R! I'm finding exercise is the only way I will get the rest of this weight off (about 40-50 more to go), and what better way to do it than train for a marathon? From what I've read, you will lose 40 lbs just by training alone! SIGN ME UP! Anybody else struggling with the last chunk of weight? Looking for something to motivate you? Let me know - we could help each other out. I'm running with some friends, 4x per week, but, they don't know the 'real' story. They have no idea I've had surgery, and will NEVER know. I'm doing this marathon to lose weight - but, completing 26 miles is a nice little bonus Let me know if anyone is interested. We can help motivate each other, and track our progress. Wish me luck!

Hi everyone! I am close to 70 lbs lost and VERY happy! I recently had to get a complete unfill (about 6 weeks ago). My band was too tight which caused a pouch dialation, and I was PB'ing everything. I had my band unfilled for 4 very long weeks, and have had 2 small fills since. I am now at 4.8 in a 10cc band. I think 5cc's is actually my 'sweet spot', but, I don't want to risk a slip. I'll keep it right here for a little while :w00t: I wanted to lose 100 lbs total, and will keep plugging along till I get there. I have gained a few back since the unfill, but, will work to get them off again. I do run quite a bit, and I think the exercise helps ALOT! Congrats to all of us - wow, this year flew by!

I'm right there with you! I'm just over 11 months out and have lost 65 lbs. It's less than some, but, I'm thrilled with the results (so far). I had to get completely unfilled about a week ago (slight stretching of my pouch). They'll slowly fill me up again in about 3 weeks - till then I'm on my own. It's tough, but, not as bad as I thought. I love my band and NEVER want to be without it :girl_hug: Congrats to us slow losers - we'll get there eventually!!!! Keep up the great work!

Hi everyone! I'm glad I found this thread again - I'm in Keller and would love some local support as well. Just a quick update on myself - I was banded about a year ago (Oct 07) - I have lost 65 lbs in the past 11 months. I had to be completely unfilled this past Friday due to my pouch stretching a bit. I hope to be refilled in 1 month. I hope everything is ok with my band because I really do love it. My band has helped me lose those 65 lbs, but we're not through yet! Do ya'll ever meet for coffee, or anything like that? It would be fun to meet everyone in person

I'm pretty bummed, but, optomistic that I will NOT gain a pound during my "unfill" time. I was doing fine for months, then suddenly it became difficult to keep anything down. I definitely PB'd more than I should have, and that was probably the first sign that I was too tight. I only had 5.4cc's in a 10cc band - much less than most of you on here. I've been banded nearly a year, and was pretty comfortable with 5.4. I really don't know what changed, but, it got harder and harder to eat "real food". Fearing the worst, I put off visiting the doctor for a week, or so - then finally went in today. As I suspected, my pouch had stretched a bit, so they did a complete unfill. I go back in 1 month for a re-check, and hopefully refill. Just bummed .. because I truly love my band. It's so frustrating at times, but, it has helped me lose 65 lbs in 11 months. I can't wait to get filled again - but, probably a little less this time around. ***sigh*** Just wanted to vent a little bit.

Hi Ladies, I hate to admit, but, I'm glad that I'm not the only one. I also kept blaming myself - thinking I should've gone to see the doctor alot sooner. Maybe if I had a slight unfill when the trouble started, I wouldn't have to get a complete unfill now. **sigh** live and learn, I guess. My doctor gave me an information sheet describing the unfill process. Let me share it with you girls - maybe you'll find something in here interesting, or useful: "Your pouch has increases in size possibly for several reasons. You may have vomitied, eaten before laying down, eaten portion sizes too large, or asked for a fill inappropriately when you were eating too many carbs that cuased you to get hungry frequently. Often, but not always, patients are aware their pouch has stretched as they are experiencing heartburn or tolerating large portions. Our intent for unfilling your band is to reduce the size of your pouch. It is important that you limit your portions sizes to 1/2 cup to allow your pouch to shrink down to size. Do not lie down after eating, as this prevents the food from passing out of the pouch. Since your band site was manipulated today, for several days you may experience swelling that reduces the size of your passageway. You may choose a liquid or soft diet to get you thorough this period. Return to the clinic in 1 month, or as directed. We will recheck the size of your pouch at that itme. If it has reduced down to size, we will return some of the Fluid back to your band. It will ususally take more than one fill to return all the fluid back to your band. It is important to recognize that one your pouch stretches, like a balloon, it can re-stretch again, so we have to be cautious in re-fillings so that your enlarged pouch doesn't reoccur. You must manage your portion sizes, stay on a high Protein diet, and minimize vomiting for life. If the pouch had not reduced in size, we will give it another month before considering refilling. Fifty percent (50%) reduce on their own; the other half may require surgery. After 2 months, if the pouch hasn't diminished in size, we will refer you back to your physician to discuss options. You may choose to undergo surgery again." I hope and pray my pouch will shrink back down on its own. I defiinitely don't want sugery again. Good luck to both of you - I hope we'll all be just fine when it's all over!

sorry to hear that girl. I know it's painful - thank God I'm always filled under fluro. I have such a fear of needles, I don't think I could've have survived the 20 minutes you had to endure today. I wish I could be more helpful - I dont know how much fills are. I am self pay and I'm "under warranty" for the first year. I'll have to start paying myself in about 2 months. YIKES!! Best of luck - I hope your next fill is much better!

Hi girl, Sorry to hear that! Why did you have to get an 'unfill'? Was it due to vomiting, or just not able to eat? I will try very hard to be "good as gold" the next month - but I can already hear the sushi rolls calling me! haha! Thats the one food I have not been able to eat AT ALL, so, of course I've been craving it for almost a year now. Maybe I'll allow myself a little indulgence next week sometime. Best of luck to you! You are doing so great!!!

My doctor said 3 small meals a day, no Snacks. I dont know about you guys, but that would NEVER cut it for me! My "meals" are usually 4-5 bites. A fly couldn't live off that I try to have 6 small meals throughout the day. Granted, sometimes a meal will consist of an Oreo and a few Doritos, but, I'm trying. I think it's all about the calories - try to stay around 800-1000 per day and you'll be fine!

I think alot of what you can and can't eat is relative to how MUCH you'd like to eat. For instance, I can eat just 2 or 3 bites of rice, then I'm done eating - TOTALLY DONE! I can eat several bites of mashed potatos, or, even several bites of a cheese enchilada. chicken or Steak - maybe 4 bites. Broiled Fish - 7 or 8 bites. So, I guess I'm saying you can probably eat just about anything - it just depends how much you'd like to eat at that particular meal. Once you over-do it - you'll know it!! Good luck!

Small world, I'm in the Dallas area too (Keller). I went through Lap Band solutions as well and had my surgery in Hurst. It's been about 9 months since surgery and I've lost about 55 lbs. A bit slower than some, but, I'm happy so far. I've recently kicked up the exercising ALOT, and that helps more than I imagined. I hate doing it, but, feel so good when it's over Good luck to you!

Wow! I can't believe it's been almost 9 months! Incredible! I'm down just over 50 lbs. I'm pretty happy with that. I have a semi-loose fill (about 5.4 cc's in a 10cc band). Im not overly aggressive with the fills because I'm afraid of slippage, and losing the band. From what i've read and seen - in the long run, it's best to go slow and not have a crazy-tight band. We still run the risk of slippage, but, it's not quite as severe if we were super tight. So, with that being said - I've lost 50 lbs since October. I still have 40-50 to go. I've recently started training for a marathon with some friends, and that has helped tremendously!! I was definitely riding the easy train for the first 40 lbs, then it slowed down big time! I think the next 50 lbs will be lost through blood, sweat, blisters and tears! haha! I resisted as long as I could - but, exercise is definitely key for me. The first 40 lbs just rolled off, no effort on my part. Granted, it was slow, but, easy. The running has kicked it up again, and I feel so much better. Running is definitely H-A-R-D, but, each day I get better and stronger. Hopefully the next 40-50 lbs will come off a bit faster now :biggrin: Good luck to everyone else - we're getting there!!!!

I tried a Lean Cuisine pizza last night - that was a BIG NO GO!! It was way to much bread and after 3 bites I was in agony. I can eat ground beef much easier than chicken right now (breaks my heart, I like chicken so much better). Steak is ok too - very small bites.

Hi again!! I apprecaite your input - I'll have to check into that Marathoning for Mortals. I like the name Last week was my first week of training, and I was able to get 7 miles logged (it was a short week for me, Tue-Sat). Sunday was the start of my new week, and my goal this week is to get 8 miles (run 2 miles, 4x this week). I'm taking it slowly, but, I'm dedicated. I just hope the momentum stays intact!! I've started a new blog - I find it helps keep me accountable if I know family/friends are reading it.. haha! Check it out if you get a chance! Thanks girls! I think I can...

Hi Losing.. Congrats on your 15K! Looks like you did GREAT time! Have you done a marathon before? The most I've ever run is a 5k (about 34 minutes) - that was when I was pretty fit and thin. I'm really struggling right now, but, I've only been training about a week, or so. A friend of mine bought a "how to run a marathon" book. We're following that pretty religiously. We run 3 miles one day, then, 4 miles, then back to 3, so on and so on. Eventually we make it up to 18 miles - then we run the marathon. We've got 6 months to get to that point. I'm still struggling in the 2 mile zone. How long did it take you to get confident enough to run a 15k? Im running with about 45 extra pounds, so, I'm finding it a bit harder than I thought!

It seems we're all playing "follow the leader" with our journey. We were all excited with anticipation, then somewhat disappointed roughly 1 month out... and here we are over 3 months later. Just wondering how everyone else is doing? How many fills? How much have you lost? How many cc's in your band? Are you happy, or still in the "Bandster Hell" phase? Personally, I'm finally liking the band. I was NOT a big fan at first (felt as though it wasn't working at all!). After 3 fills (5.5 CC's in a AP Small band), I finally feel content. I'm slowly losing, and I'm confident I'll pick up the pace after my next fill (2 weeks). It was long and agonizing waiting for restriction - but, I can honestly say the "sweet spot" is within view. I hope you're all starting to make nice with your bands too! :smile:

Dr. Marsden did my surgery in Oct 07. I liked him alot - no complaints. He's a "no frills" kinda guy - you're in and out with not alot of fuss. His staff is excellent and all the folks at the Hurst location are GREAT! Best of luck!

Hi everyone, I was banded 10/19, so, I'm fast approaching my 7 months! I can't believe it either - time sure does fly! I went for a tiny unfill a few weeks ago, and what a difference that made. I have learned that it just doesn't make sense to live with a band thats too tight. It was very painful (although the immediate gratification was GREAT!). In the long run, I'm much happier now that I can eat a bit more and more important - keep it all down! I now have 5.4cc's in a 10cc band, and feel GREAT! I'm down between 45-48 lbs (depending on the day) - and look forward to the next 40. I really do like the band, it makes portion control almost automatic. No guess work at all

Can you believe it? We're well into our 5th month, approaching 6! I can hardly believe it myself! How's everyone doing? I'm down between 40-43 (depends on the day, and my scale!) I'm a bit slower than some, but, so far I'm happy with my progress. I've hit a few plateau's (including right now), but I don't worry to much - I know it'll pick up again. Exercise could be better, but, I'm working on it. How's everyone else?

I've been extremely private about my surgery. I've only told a few distant friends (meaning, they're far away from my every day friends, and won't blab), and, of course my family. Anyway, my very close friend (best girl friend) now thinks I'm bulimic. UGH! We went on a short trip together last week, and I had to excuse myself EVERYTIME we ate. Sometimes it was jsut to get up and walk, others it was a quick trip to the ladies room. Regardless, she thinks I'm bulimic now (literally). I guess I need to come clean to her, she'll be watching me like a hawk now. She did comment on my weight loss - which made me feel GREAT, but, now her comment is tarnished by the bulimia thing. UUGGHHH!!

Looks like we're all doing soooo good! I really do like the band. It has taken me a long-long time to deal with still "wanting" the food, but not being able to eat it. That's the hard part. For example, I was at an Italian restaurant yesterday - my friend had a GIGANTIC cheese calzone, and didn't eat the crust (my favorite part!). I was already filled to capacity with a few bites of spaghetti, and knew the crust would push me over the edge. I wanted it so bad, and literally had to turn my head to not look at it. That's the hard part. Oh well - I didn't end up in agony, so, it was a good thing! The best way to describe the band (for me, at least) - FORCED WILLPOWER! haha

I'm so sorry for your loss. I think you're very brave to take on the challenges of weight loss and grieving at the same time. Perhaps the weight loss challenge will help focus your attention to exercise and trying to eat healthy, and maybe distract you a bit from your horrible loss. I have a feeling depression is certainly playing a role in your lack of appetite. I'm just so sorry for you. Take care of yourself.

Great thread! I have 5.7cc's in a 10cc band. I'm EXTREMELY tight. I find it difficult to eat almost anything before 4pm. Protein shakes and broth are about all I can handle. Night time is also a challenge - I might need a slight unfill. Here are my big NO-NO's (no matter what time of day it is!) 1. rice (seems to just expand in my pouch) 2. chicken (all types!) 3. steak (all types!) 4. doughy bread My staples: 1. Protein Shakes 2. cottage cheese 3. ground turkey 4. fat free frozen yogurt (at least 1 per day!) 5. Peanut Butter Like I said, I probably need an unfill. It's so hard to find that "sweet spot". I miss real food, but, like the results of restriction. I'm very curious to see what everyone else says!