Fordgal88

I woke up with mine on. My doctor really gave me no instructions about it, but luckily I have worked with surgeons for many years and knew what it was and what it was for.

It takes a while for your head to catch up with your body. Just ease into it. I still find myself looking in the larger sizes on occassion and then I realize that none of those clothes fit me anymore....LOL. You will get the hang of it. =)

I was banded in 2008. My weight on the day of surgery was 274.1 lbs. I never thought I would weigh that much! It was a slow start. After a few fills, I finally got the hang of it and started a relationship with my band. I say that because, I new I could not soley depend on the band to do all the work for me. Afterall I was the one responsible for getting myself to the point of needing the band in the first place. I quickly learned the "no-no" foods and stayed away from those. The other hard part was my family. They are (even now) the types that have a get together and the most important part is the food. The first question around any kind of party or event is, what will we eat. I remember my first party after the band and my mom did a huge sandwich tray. I was so upset because I couldn't eat. I literally went in the bathroom and cried. But slowly the weight started coming off and I was getting used to the changes. In the first year I was down about 70lbs. In that year I also had built up some confidence that I had been lacking and even got a new job. The second year - things slowed down considerably. I was down to about 195. I had to have my gall bladder removed and I was struggling. I went for several fills, only to turn around and be unfilled. I was noticing that my PMS was getting worse. I was suffering from an incurable hunger as a result of my PMS. It was terrible. I would say 3 out of 4 weeks a month I was miserable. The only relief I received was the week my cycle began. I discussed this with my band dr. and he just blew me off. ( I work with Dr.'s and I understand that if it is not in their field, they usually don't get it). So I kept suffering and when I say suffering I mean it. It was mentally excrutiating. I decided on my third year with the band, I would focus on getting my excess skin removed (abdominoplasty). I had that in July 2011. It was another boost to my self esteem. I was finally wearing clothes that fit. I felt years younger. BUT I was still suffering from the issues because of my PMS. My internest put me on Zoloft. I took that for over a year with no ease of my symptoms. She sent me to see a psychiatrist (I was feeling really crazy at this point). They diagnosed me with Adult ADD and they helped me get off of the zoloft (which was HELL). In January 2012 I saw a new gyn. I explained that I really felt frustrated because of the problems I was having with the PMS. She said that she understood and placed me on birth control pills explaining that the hormones were probably out of whack and this is usually a last resort treatment because of my age (38 at the time). I took the birth control pills everyday and after about 2 months I noticed that I wasn't digging through the refridgerator at night or eating until I was sick. Then I looked at the scale and the pounds were reflecting this. I lost 40 lbs in a year! Without really trying. I just wanted to shared this because I know that I thought I was crazy! Sometimes our hunger can be a symptom of something bigger (thyroid, hormones, etc). So if you know you are doing everything you can and still not getting the results you need, there might be a problem physically that is prohibiting you from your success. =) Happy Holidays!

Took four years! I am there!!

I would write a letter to the CEO of the hospital and copy the Dr., and the hospital's Risk Management Department. Print out a copy of this page and let them know that you are letting people know about your experience. I would demand that they write off any copayments that you might have had. I work in Risk Management at a very large hospital and I can promise you administration does want to know about these things. I don't care what anyone might say, they do really look at these occurrances. Patient satisfaction is very important to the hospital and in some places, their bonuses and raises depends on good satisfaction scores. When Risk Management gets your letter, they will look and see if this was below the standard of care, and from what you wrote, it was. If you can remember any staff names, that will help also. Hope this helps and I hope your wife is doing better!! Shawna

Hi everyone! I hope everyone is well! I am doing great! Actually almost 10lbs below my target! That was a surprise. I struggled there for a while. I was having terrible eating spells, because of PMS. Luckily I found a doctor that took me seriously and placed me on birth control pills (I had been fixed since 2001 - LOL). I have been on them for about 10 months and have lost about 20 lbs! I had my tummy tuck in July 2011. It took about 8 months for the swelling to go down. Now I am right where I want to be. It is so nice to have my life back! So nice to look forward to getting out and being around people. I am not hiding anymore!! I Hope everyone else is doing well!! Much love to all! Shawna

a friend of mine had the fleur dis lis tummy tuck. She looks great. She was swollen for a while. Her scarring is not that bad. She is african american and prone to keloids (sp?), but really had no issues with them whatsoever.

These are pictures from the night before my surgery 7/13/2011 and tonight 8/10/2011 (4 weeks) I put the links in case the pictures dont work. Before Front Before Side After Front After Side "> "> "> ">

It sure is! I think that is my favorit part!!!!

My next door neighbor is 65 and had hers covered by medicare. I think she paid $400 out of pocket. She said that the doctor didn't expect them to cover it, but it did.

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. I just saw this... The guidelines were I had to be stable at my weight for 1 year (it had been 2). I also had to show history of rashes and had to have skin that hung over my pubic area. Now the rash thing is tricky. Luckily I work at the hospital and a block away from the PS, when I got a really bad rash, I called them and ran over and let them get a picture of it. The medically necessary part is really only helpful when it comes to asking for time off from your job. It can still be considered elective and insurance will pay for it. I did not have a pain pump and was actually going to be sent home same day, but I have a hard time coming out of anesthesia and decided to stay overnight, it is really considered bedded outpatient or 23 hour observation. I just went home with a prescription for some liquid loratab and that was it. But as I have stated earlier the incision never really hurt it was the coughing. He did tighten muscles and some liposuction and gave me a belly button. That was more of a comp for me since I work here and I threatened to get a big tattoo on my stomach if he didn't! I don't think insurance will cover the relocation of your bellybutton, but a lot of dr.'s will throw it in, because they like to admire their work...LOL.

I have had several surgeries, including a rib resection.... They were all a breeze compared to the TT. I have a pretty high tolerence for pain, but I have never had a surgery that actually put me out of commission. I really was totally dependent on others for the first few days. I chose to stay with my grandmother the first few days after surgery, so that my husband would not have to worry about me while he was at work. I suggest to have someone that can assist you for at least 72 hours after you come home. The worst part was coughing. I would start and couldn't stop. It was rough. But the good thing is after the 3rd day the pain starts to decrease by half every day. By week 2, I was pretty much back to normal (with limitations). After that my core would be tired (like I had a really hard ab workout). The drain was more of an annoyance than anything. It was inserted in the back side of my incision and I was always catching it on something. So I guess to sum everything up - it is kinda like having a baby - you are so happy with the results - that the pain is easy to overlook. =)

I am sure it was a lot of fat too, but I was completely relaxed when I took this picture so I could really see the difference. You don't realize how much we hold our guts in. Most people didn't realize that I had so much hanging "flesh". I kept it hidden with long shirts and lose clothes. The good thing about being a band patient is we are a lot "healthier" and do not have all of the absorbtion issues that some of the other bariatric surgery patients have. So the surgeons have a lot more to work with because our skin is healthy. =)

Hey Everyone. I had my Panni on July 14 and everything went well. It was more painful than anything I had ever experienced, but luckily it would get more tolerable with each day. I am still a little swollen, but my tummy is flat and I am having so much fun wearing clothes. How are you Kanina? I had my 20th reunion on 8/13 and it was sooo nice to hear people say "You have not changed at all!!" I missed my 10th because I was so embarrassed by what I had done to myself! I am glad you had a great time at yours! I am already looking forward to the next one!

Yes I am very happy with the results and they keep getting better and better as the swelling goes down!! I would love to get my arms done, but right now there is no way I can afford it. I had my surgery done via University of Alabama Birmingham. My surgeon was Jorge De la torre. He was great. Insurance paid for mine so I am only responsible for the co-pay which is $75 (I get a discount because I work for UAB). I am loving wearing all the popular styles now and not worrying about hiding all that skin. Which I must have done a good job with because everyone was surprised when I had the surgery. Good luck! Be prepared! It is a rough first few days, but it does get better and is soooo worth it!!!! =) Shawna

Insurance did pay for the procedure. I know that there was fat, but it didn't seem to be an issue with any of the surgeons I consulted. They removed 7lbs of tissue plus they did lipo too. I had my post-op appt today and he said I should flatten out some more and I go back in 4 months.

My panni is tomorrow! I am so excited and nervous! I will post pics as soon as I can!!

Well almost 4 weeks out and recovering nicely. Still swollen, but not as bad as I had planned. I still get worn out easily and I havent taken pain medicine (including tylenol) in over a week. scar is healing nicely and luckily I had no stitches to contend with. I would say that in the beginning after the first 3 days the pain starts decreasing by half everyday. Worst part is coughing and sneezing (luckily I was two weeks out the first time I sneezed post op). I go to the Dr. Friday and then should be back at work on Monday. It has been great going shopping and not looking for shirts that are long enough to cover my belly. I treated myself to buckle a few weeks ago and it was sooo much fun trying on clothes I never thought I would be able to wear. My 20 year reunion is this weekend and I cannot wait!!! Hope everyone is well! Gonna get my hubby to take after picks tonight. =) Shawna

Hi everyone! I made it through and have been recovering at my grandmothers house. I am still really sore, but with each day it gets more tolerable. Luckily I have several friends who have been through it and it helps when I have questions. The worst thing is coughing, OMG! It hurts sooo bad, but I remind myself that it's worth it! I used Dr. De la torre at UAB. I work there and had heard nothing but good things about him. My experience was very good there. So I do recommend him. He is also the chief of plastics for the university also. I took a shower yesterday (well I sat in a shower chair and let my hubby wash my hair). I really didnt look at the incision, but hubby said I was really bruised (lipo) and swollen. But I am amazed that I can sit up all day with no pain. It only hurts when I walk. Thanks for all the messages!

My insurance (BCBS of Alabama) is covering it (minus my $250 deductable). We applied in March and was denied, we appealed in May and they requested more information (they wanted pictures of my rash) and something from my Doctor saying that I was having issues due to the hanging skin. I was approved the first of this month. If you are leaning toward insurance, then start going to your dr. now and complaing of rashes. Just so it can be documented. Then seek out a plastic surgeon that specializes in body contouring after major weightloss. They usually know exactly what to do. But the biggest key is getting your doctor to document it on your chart more than one time. HTH

Finally got word that my panniculectomy will be on July 11th. I am thrilled!! It was originally scheduled for August 18th. But there were going to be issues with my department because someone is retiring at the end of August. Well, luckily I work for the hospital and my bosses pulled some strings and got it moved up so I could return to work before she retires!!! I am sooo excited and nervous at the same time!!!! It's like the final step of this long process!!!! Yay!!! Shawna

My insurance (BCBS of Alabama) is covering it (minus my $250 deductable). We applied in March and was denied, we appealed in May and they requested more information (they wanted pictures of my rash) and something from my Doctor saying that I was having issues due to the hanging skin. I was approved the first of this month. If you are leaning toward insurance, then start going to your dr. now and complaing of rashes. Just so it can be documented. Then seek out a plastic surgeon that specializes in body contouring after major weightloss. They usually know exactly what to do. But the biggest key is getting your doctor to document it on your chart more than one time. HTH