NewSho

I guess this intrigued me enough to join in. Why do Bandsters stick this in? I've done hundreds of posts on forums across the 'Net but I rarely thought it was important enough to include my banding date. I'm coming up on five years but (*shrug*) I didn't realize seniority was so important in qualifying what one says. Now I know, I'll make sure and preface any noteworthy posts with this information.... I disagree on this point. SOME people are banded who may have been better candidates for other surgeries, and its always unfortunate when the right choice isn't made initially - but I wouldn't say all of the people that I know (I might well have a larger circle of Banded and unBanded associates as a pool to work with) are unsuccessful for any one particular reason. Unlike the one particular "gal" you mentioned, those aren't my reasons for not being "successful" - I'm stuck at 30 BMI - so that means I'm not doing my part? No you didn't say it, I'm just illustrating what your post implies or what one can infer. I don't consider myself to be someone who jumps in without doing research and considering my options. I think most people who commit the time, money, and effort to be banded do so with the hope of being successful - and when they aren't always successful it's interesting to me that we banded folks tend to point more fingers than patients who have other surgeries who watch their fellow patients underdo complications or struggle to succeed. Oh and by the way, most people I know - overweight or not, "like to eat" much like your friend. I find many obese people like myself (by BMI terms) like to eat also. No one mentioned this as a disqualification for the LapBand so I think it's maybe not the deal-breaker you imply it is. That's great for you, but I actually did get the band to lose weight - not just keep it off, but as a tool to assist me with losing it. I've got much less to go than you do, and congrats for your success - but if the band has only gotten me this far, then I don't think I failed with the band - after my time, effort and dedication - then the band may well have failed me. I think that there might be others in that fabled 25% who are also in the same boat, so let us not be so quick to judge lack of success on its face. Just something to consider. As always, Happy Band Journeys to all.

Honey, you're sicker than I was when I was in a hospital ICU ward. Please don't do this to yourself - I've had Major League overfilling, but what you're experiencing is devastating to read about - much less to go through. I'm not a trooper so I couldn't go through this type of thing willingly. This isn't what being banded is about nor is it how the band can help you. RUN don't walk - your surgeon would probably not be pleased to find out you've been doing this. And at work? This could be damaging you - physically, emotionally, or professionally. Get checked out now. Good Luck.

:clap2: Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner. Very perceptive, Anne, I think you might be right. (You too, Alexandra.) My five year FDA trial anniversary is coming up within a few weeks. And yes, most clinical trials want the patients followed for at least 5 years afterwards. I've never said it, but I swear I've thought the same thing. The timing makes we wonder - He's got recent test results so he can turn in my 5 year results and have me 'hit the bricks'. It is cynical but the timing is too close for comfort. Maybe I have outlived my 'clinical' usefulness? Hey, if he doesn't want me as a patient anymore then I don't want him keeping me around as a long term science project, either. When I got pre-approved for RnY by myself, several bariatric doctors vied to be my surgeon before I picked that one. I read their surgical comments about me in my medical file that I got. Many of them mention that I was "smart, pleasant, educated and well-informed as a patient and that I seemed to have great potential for success." But somehow I'm gone from that, to being a medical fiasco? I doubt it. I've got lots of potential. Maybe someone out there will take me on now. One mistake I made before is that although I did the trial, even though my doctor asked me to - I always refused to speak up at seminars or anything, because I knew I was not as successful as I needed to be. I thought it was hypocritical to stand there with a 30 BMI trying to tell people how I did. But that was before, this was now. Anyone who wants me to speak up, whatever they want - I'm out of the Band Closet! Or maybe I can be someone else's science project - I'm a fascinating medical conundrum so that might appeal to someone who likes Fixer Uppers And although I appreciate the suggestion, I'm really concerned about having a surgeon that's far away. I've had enough trouble with this one who is down the block.

Yeah, I did have major insurance issues before, but I'm nothing if not resilient. Ipreferred being self-employed (or self-unemployed as I call it ) but individual policies were costing me from $500 - $750 a month (single - no kids or spouse) so that was prohibitively expensive. I went back to a regular job (though not as the same high pay!). And yes, I'm well insured now though it costs me a bundle to maintain my insurance while I'm self-employed. Even with my insurance getting further coverage for WLS will be a challenge but I'm trying to keep my options open and my fingers crossed. You know, I'm justifiably angry at being tossed out - but I don't think he's a bad doctor. He is just looking at ratios and figures, rather than considering me as a patient - I didn't go through this to still be 'obese'. I had to accept much slower loss but no more further loss is a bitter pill to swallow. What I liked about him was his conservative approach but it's important that I find out if other surgeons share his opinion that this is all I can do. If there is more to do, somehow I'll do it.

Well, dear - that's 5 years worth of story - there's not much more to tell. I went in for a fill under flouro and came out with no fill, and no surgeon. I am going to put up a LapBand blog that details it but my post is pretty darn long! :phanvan I don't think it's giving up after 5 years - I think my surgeon either gave up on me or the Band or both - but I'm more determined so I will hopefully find another surgeon. Now if I find no one else thinks I'm a viable candidate to continue working with the Band, or if my new surgeon agrees that I'll never lose any more weight with the band, then after 5 years I will consider my next surgical option. I've invested thousands upon thousands of dollars and five years of my life - I didn't do it to end up still "obese" and looking it. Much like the old British pop song "Tub-Thumping": "I get knocked down... but I get up again, Nothing's ever gonna keep me down.":music: Thanks for the good wishes.

Good Luck, Mandy. Let us know it goes for you, OK?

It's finally happened. I went in today for a much-needed Fill under flouro and had 2 huge disappointments. Today was a great day. I am scheduled to go a birthday celebration later (so in case I was too late to come back home and change) so I was dressed up, fluffed up and was given compliments all day. Disappointment #1 At this office, after you check in, you're given your patient chart to carry into the examination room once it's your turn. So of course I spent my wait time, reading my chart information. (Do you blame me? Besides it's my information, LOL.) Well, turns out that I miscalculated my start weight from my LapBand surgery, in fact I thought I'd lost more weight than I have from that point. Not including the weight I lost previously, that means I only lost 32# in the 10 1/2 months since my 2005 surgery. And granted, I'm packing some recent post-op swelling & Fluid retention weight since my recent December Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty but this was a crushing blow. :cry OMG, I knew I was a slow loser but come on.... that's ridiculous! Disappointment #2 Once I was called in the exam area, the nurse located my port, stuck the mini needle in and I proceeded to the X-Ray/Flouroscopy area. There my surgeon and the radiologist watched carefully as I drank the barium swallow. Well, I drank and we all watched the screen. As the fluid progressed my surgeon began shaking his head. He asked me if I felt any restriction. I told him yes, but it was no where near the level of restriction I had a few months ago. He shook his head again and told me that I was as full as he wanted my band to be full. I must've looked at him blankly because he reiterated that he was not going to fill my band. He explained that I was at 2.7- nearly 2.8 and he thought that any more than that could possibly be dangerous. Then I finally realized what he was saying and I was asking "but what am I supposed to do?" He said it probably all up to me now because he didn't think the band should be filled any more. Gee, and everyone's always telling me that I am one of his all-time favourite patients but apparently not - because he thinks I'm at the end of the road. I was in total shock. He asked how much weight I'd lost so far (it's been a long Weight Loss road but trust me I'll spare everyone the dreary details of my journey) and I was so rattled I told him the wrong weight. So it seemed like I'd lost more than I actually had (by then, he'd already handed the chart back so he didn't have it in his hand) to which he responded that I'd lost what is projected with the band, half of my excess weight. (Actually I haven't lost as much as I need to, but I set VERY realistic goals based on his original clear, honest projections of what the band could do and not do.) He kept telling me that I looked good and that I've come a long way with the band. It was so bad, I think he actually uttered the phrase "We're through. We're done here." So I'm trying to keep my head and see the humour in this but the ugly reality remains: My surgeon thinks I'm at the "End of my Band Road." Not only am I nowhere near my goal, but I still can't even get my BMI under 30. I think as of today, my BMI is like 30.1 or 30.2 and I hardly call that the end of the road. So with less restriction than I've had and with fighting the urge to eat more, I'm stuck. Before leaving, I even asked him outright that if I get the cash money or financing to pay outright - if he'd consider revising me to a Gastric Bypass. (It was always my understanding from him that if the Band didn't work out that we could always consider the RnY if things just didn't work out.) He actually said no, and that he thinks I look great. Um, yeah thanks but HEY.... I'm still a work in progress - I am absolutely convinced that I can do better. But I need the help of the band for restriction. I'm no sloth but I realise that I have a weight problem and to work on it I need the help of my tool. I just don't know what to do... right now I'm still in shock but I think my surgeon just told me he doesn't want to be my surgeon anymore even if I get the $22K cash (which I don't have, mind you) to pay for a bypass. So, I'm in a pickle. I really do like my surgeon (I thought he liked me too but I'll find out if I've been 'dumped' as a patient or if he just doesn't think I need a fill. I assume it's the latter, but a girl can't be too sure of anything these days.) I don't have as much restriction as I should and I'm actually pretty band-compliant. No I don't want to be PB-ing or Vomiting with every meal but I do need a bit more restriction to allow me to keep my calories restricted enough to lose the extra weight I need. I don't know... I didn't think I was just a fiasco as a patient. I do refer to myself as a Remedial Bandster due to my slow loss but I guess I didn't realize that he has no faith that I have any potential as a patient. Here's the irony, when I was in the waiting room, the other patients also told me how good I looked. Later, one of them said "Oh my god, you look great. I can't even believe you're not at goal. I bet the doctor is going to ask you to be in his brochure or whatever. You're like an advertisement." (In reality, I don't think I'm an ad for anything. With that 30 BMI even when he's asked if I will speak I won't even speak up when I attend my doc's seminars with my friends - I just think that would be ridiculous at my weight. Standing up at a seminar? Like I think I'm successful or something? Not even close. ) No, apparently not. Not even close to being in his brochure - I'm not sure if he wants to see me again. I don't know what my next step is... and I appreciate you guys listening to me. This journey is going to be even harder than I thought - and that's saying something! Any good wishes, expressions of sympathy or kind thoughts are appreciated. Happy band journeys to all, "New" (and apparently not going to get to be Brand New) Sho

And what a puzzle it is. It's so overwhelming that I'm still trying to put it all together in a way that makes sense to me, much less to my peers who I'm asking for opinions! First of all, BMI is a ratio. Had I achieved the rather unambitious goal weight set for me (variously 18#-20# from my current weight) then I wouldn't have been obese anymore by BMI standards. That part is simple. {As for the Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty -To those who have not have yet had cosmetic surgery: I did have an Abdominoplasty. This surgery is very different from weight loss surgery or lipo. The traditional abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure - it does do not ultimately affect your scale weight either way. In fact after a Tummy Tuck, there is often an initial weight gain, due to Fluid retention and swelling. (I already factored that in with my latest weight issues.) I was told I was close enough to goal to be within range to have a this done and I knew with some effort, I could have it covered at 100%. So I was happy to seize that opportunity for a much needed procedure. I sought 4 different plastic surgery consultations and my WLS surgeon's advice before I had it and it was definitely the right move. But never ever think a Tummy Tuck makes will mean significant weight loss. It's a wonderfully complex procedure but it changes how your body contours, but although it might change your posture or even how your clothes fit, it may not change your weight. If you see Fatty meat on a butchers scale (ewwww ), you may see that the marbled fat doesn't weigh as much as the meat's muscle and bone, and Abdominoplasty surgery primarily removes skin and it's associated flab and repairs muscles if needed. Just an FYI! :straight } I'm trying to clarify all the parts of the story because it seems a bit disjointed with the way I outlined it. Chalk that up to emotion. But I have to wait until my medical records are in my possession to put ALL the missing pieces together. There is much more to this for me to work through and the more information I have, the clearer I will be on what's really going on here. So as I really do appreciate everyone's comments, I will take some of this very much appreciated and very much solicited advice under counsel. I posted here first because I needed to hear what other Bandster patients thought about how I should proceed next. I've been very grateful especially to those who contacted me privately and attempted to help me work through it. Yes, I had a very visceral, heartfelt emotional response to the letter (which just seeing a certified letter, much less one from a surgeon, nearly scared me silly :cry ) and I think my post reflected that. I was upset (still am) overwrought (no longer that) and shocked. Now I'm justifiably upset but I am trying to look at my options. So, for now, I should remove my post before I make a bad situation even worse. It's bad now, so I should try to have enough presence of mind to not inflame things further or seem unclear, especially when I lack all the true details here. I am crafting a measured written response to the office, but of course I have accepted his decision. I do accept that this is as much as I could have done (to whoever said that, I do realize they have no idea what I've gone through - hopefully I can expand on that later also) so such hold on to your hats. Once I get my medical records released I think I'll have a very relevant and thought provoking story to tell my Banded (and de-Banded) Bandster peers. No one likes to admit they made a mistake. I am no different. I fully believed the Band could take me to an acceptable level of weight loss. Maybe it still can but it's a bit discouraging to hear your medical professional say you've come to the end of your road. (Again, those were his words.) If he thinks I should be satisfied to have come from where I was to where I am now, then he really didn't ever clearly hear my goals, aims, and wishes. And if it sounds like belly-aching to say I did NOT undertake the time, money, effort and blood, sweat, and tears just to end up still obese - then a belly-acher I am. My goal was to get to a healthy, and satisfactory weight. This isn't it. Again as I promised, I will first attempt to get the records released, get them analyzed by another professional and then know how to proceed next. Then hopefully I'll be in a position to put ALL the pieces together and then more clearly outline the details on why my journey with this surgeon, is being cut short. No matter what my (former) surgeon thinks, I am not definitely through trying to succeed at this. Again thanks.

Um, I think I that's an error of calculation on your part. No problem, I was no Math major myself! I wish I was only 55 lbs overweight. Then that would certainly have made this a different story. We all have our set points of what pushes us to seek such a major surgery. For me, mine was BMI 40 or morbid obesity. For some it takes more weight to push them, for some people it takes being less overweight than I was. As I dieted and yo-yo'ed back up between 38 and 39 BMI, I realised I was in need of more serious help to fight being obese for life. I put together a clear diet/weight history, started intense weight loss surgery research and got myself approved for RnY. (That was the more expensive procedure so I figured for most flexibility, I had better get the insurance to approve the more costly one and then I could later change it to the slightly less expensive procedure. I was right.) So I although I was on paper, approved for the RnY bypass - the RnY was a worst case scenario. I actually wanted the LapBand, precisely because I didn't have (sounds funny to say it since I didn't achieve it) "that" much to lose and I thought it was a tool that would best for me and my lifestyle. To you, it might seem easy for someone else to say they couldn't imagine wanting a LapBand to lose XXXX amount of weight, but if it were just so easy, none of us would have been here, no matter how much or how little we hope to lose. So to you it may seem like nothing but to me it was weight I struggled with my entire adult life. That warranted me seeking weight loss surgery and not wanting to further postpone the difficult process might have chosen me to seek it earlier than some. Different strokes, eh? Had I initially had the RnY, I was told I would have probably lost about 90-110 lbs (more than I thought was necessary for my comfort level, but I'd have just been 'normal', whatever that is.) Then, my doctor estimated that with my high level of compliance (and trust me I was VERY compliant and dedicated, especially since in the back of my mind, Band-bashers often point to the fact Bandsters lose far far less than RnY due to what they mistake for an ability to be non-compliant. I think any WLS can be beaten with non compliance, but although I know malabsorption can make a difference for success, I thought I could succeed without it) that I would lose 2/3 of that or approximately 66 - 70# lbs. That's why my goal was set to for me to lose 68# in by surgeon's terms, right in the midst of that range. I think that's more than reasonable amount to avoid a permanent malabsorption. Yes with the RnY I would have lost more, but I preferred the LapBand, and therefore I accepted this as a fair range of restriction-only surgical weight loss. So my current loss is about 48-51# (depending on which doctor's file I consult) and puts me right at BMI 30+. That makes me (and my BMI) to be considered obese. I wanted a tool that would assist me in the fight against obesity, not just help me be somewhat less obese. That's the truth. After all I've done, and after doing my level best, being at BMI 30 now is a bit of a letdown for me. Even getting to a BMI considered just "overweight" (rather than "obese")would have been a better than nothing, but of course was aiming to be at something a bit lighter than that. It seemed that a BMI of 27 or 28 was doable so that was the goal set. And finally, if I expressed "panic" it was not because of my weight (which is a big disappointment, true enough) but because I actually thought my surgeon and I were on the same page about my goals and my chance of achieving them. I know now we differ, but I still have to work on making this happen so it's overwhelming (and last night, obviously seemed panic-inducing) to have "change horses midstream" and find another surgeon. Thanks!

Penni, I can not put into words how much my heart aches for you and DeLarla. For you two and the other struggling Bandsters and DeBanded Bandsters (because no matter the status of your band, you're Bandsters for life) you have been confronted with issues and responsibilities that no patient deserves. I go out of my way to move forward and not move backward in my life but it ain't always easy. Complication sucks and the attitude of some of the people here who are basically saying "suck it up" just devastated me. I only hope and pray they never walk a mile in the shoes of someone who has been let down or worse, injured by their band journey. But I hope that we can find some sense of brotherhood and sisterhood with Penni and the others who had fought the Band fight? Does the current status of the Band (whether it's currently implanted, currently removed, currently about to be revised or currently sitting still in a box in a hospital warehouse) make a difference on how we receive each others' comments? All those who sit smugly saying "oh if this happens, I'll do this" are just speculating on how they HOPE they will react. The reality may be and probably would be different. Like any technology or procedure, the LapBand will continue to improve as will the techniques used with the LapBand. But realize that those who come along later critising those who are struggling will hopefully be spared an unfortunate lesson in karma. A bit of tolerance and understanding goes a long way. Hopefully all of us will realize we may have more in common with our DeBanded Bandsters than some think. As is said, "There by the grace of God, go I." Happy Band Journeys and DeBanded Bandster Journeys to all, New Sho

Not soon enough... I'm a nocturnal (night) person so I'm still hungry late at night and I have to be really careful and stay busy and far away from the kitchen!

Excellent point, Margo. Well said. :clap2: I've often thought the most pressing aspect of the Mexico banding is the inability to get insurance companies here to do actually cover this much needed surgery for their members. To me a secondary aspect is the rising cost of health care (even at cash pay prices) here in this country. Of my friends who went to Mexico, all of them did so after being denied by their insurance companies. And all of them have said they would have preferred to have the surgery closer to home, had it been more affordable. One pal said even though she had to pay cash, she wish she could have had her surgery locally or even just closer like her mother did - but the USA cash prices were just unaffordable. I've watched the cash prices of Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) and particularly LapBanding come down in the last few years. As more doctors are trained and as the techniques get more refined perhaps the prices will continue to decrease some (without sacrificing quality, and yes I hope that's possible) and make it more affordable even for those who pay cash. Both of those issues show serious failings in our health care system's approach to WLS, in my opinion. It's treated like some elective or experimental extra, when for many of us it's the only real option for permanent weight control. This is something we HAVE to address here.

OMG, how primitive: "mattressy things?" "Puppie pads that they use to house-train doggies?" "Thick pads just stuck between legs like when you have a baby?" Ick. Cross "have a baby" off the things I want to do before I die list. Oh, scratch that - it was NEVER on there. (*shudder*) I'm way too squeamish,:target: plus my weight problem lets me know pregnancy would NEVER be for me. Anyway, whatever point on the cycle notwithstanding, I've always asked for (and received) the aforementioned disposable mesh panties for my surgeries. They won't win any fashion prizes and Victoria Secret won't be putting on the front of their catalogue anytime soon, but they do the job! By the way, the reason that you're not allowed to wear your own undies usually in surgery (although if you do, they'll remove them pre-op and them replace them as/before you awake) is not because of the hilarity of watching us ladies struggle for dignity - but it's because of the elastic on most underwear. Elastics can be problematic in Operating Rooms. Some elastic can contain metallic elements which can sometimes spark and affect surgical monitoring equipment. That's why the all-mesh disposable undies are OK - they contain no elastic or Spandex-like fabric. Just an FYI.

Yes, the VG (Vanguard) band is a 10cc band. It's gaining in popularity but a lot of surgeons only recommend them for patients with larger frames, larger BMI, or 'thicker' anatomies. I asked about them as soon as they came out (gee, I hate to miss a band trend) but I didn't qualify based on my size or BMI, from all I inquired with. But it's great to have another option and anything that can increase the overall success of finding the right LapBand for each patient, is good. Happy Band Journeys to all, New Sho

well, thanks for sharing. We all use it (or we should)... :-)

:target: Which is precisely why I was afraid of having my Band unfilled when I had PS (tummy tuck). My friends who unfilled all had to struggle a bit to get back to their original level of restriction. I am so underfilled now that I was afraid to risk it. My PS moves a lot of bands, and felt confident he could do it without I'm glad you're getting back on track Babs - sounds like things are going great for you and you've done so well. The full TT is a wonderful thing, but whew! I really felt that... but anyway your loss and your success is an inspiration so it's great that you're getting some recognition. Let us know when the Daily News article comes out.

Well, I've seen it all. In all my years researching, studying, observing and working in this industry I thought I had seen or heard everything. This man is kidding, right? I mean, he is verifiably a doctor (University of Cincinnati Medical School, 1977) but he obviously skipped that vital class in COMPASSION. The utter complete lack of either sympathy or empathy for a patient who enters ANY weight loss journey with good faith, then ends up with a defective or removed band is mind-boggling. Unfortunately he is in network at the insurance company where I used to work. Fortunately because I didn't know him or his work personally, I never referred a bariatric patient to him myself, although I saw many go through him. I'm sure Dr Pleatman is an excellent surgeon, but as a person this post would suggest he has a lot to learn about humanity. I'm really disgusted and disappointed.

Count me in. I can eat a bit in the mornings but if I just drink enough to stay hydrated then I'm fine if I don't eat at all. Afternoons are when I start getting a bit hungry and by late night, I could eat a horse.:target: (Luckily I'm not carnivorous!) By night fall, I have to be soooo careful not to overeat but at night it's when the damage could be done. Add to it that I'm a nocturnal sort, so I hit my stride much later than other folks and stay up later, tooo. My restriction isn't where it should be (not by my choice) and I notice this is more of a problem when I don't have adequate restriction. It's been this way in any periods where I'm not well- filled; since I've been banded, I think.

Oh, I'm there, too. And we can never have too many friends, right? My page is at this link Add me as a friend with this link:

Good for you. I'd love to get to 2.9 or 3.0 but my doctor is 'holding me back' (my phrase, not his) at 2.7-2.8 in my 4cc band. I think I'm one of those who will always need a big more restriction than normal. My body is just goofy about fill level. I had pretty darn good restriction at 2.5 -2.7 but after I somehow and miraculously actually lost some more weight, I now feel less restriction than I did a few months back. I haven't had a fill since before the summer so maybe I can get "Dr. No" to say yes eventually! :clap2: Congrats on hitting what seems like your Sweet Spot! Happy Band Journeys to all!

I'm am VERY sympathetic to your situation, and I hope you are able to successfully complete your LapBand journey. The price you're quoting seems high but it is not much more than the average LapBand costs here in the States. For cheaper LapBanding many US citizens have to go to Mexico due to the costs. And I agree that the NHS is just beginning to tackle the overwhelming problem of obesity but believe me that obesity is far more rampant here in the 'States and affects our children at an alarming rate - that obesity rate is higher for the U.S. than it is in any other so-called advanced country. And finally, as someone who has lived in both the U.K. and the U.S. - trust me when I say mediocre National Health Service beats having NO national health options anyday. We here in the 'States do a crap job of covering our citizens and job-based health insurance is not the long term solution. I wish you luck and let us know how your banding progresses. New Sho

Oh yeah, walk a mile in my stilettos, LOL. If one more person tells me "but you don't have that much more weight to lose" I will consider decking them. It's still too much weight when you're the one trying to lose it. At the rate I'm losing at - it will probably take me at least 12-18 months to lose this next weight and that's just my surgeon's goal for me, not my "Want to look DANG good" goal... It's not that I think it's never going to come off but losing (at my current rate of weight loss) 12# a year is simply inhumane. Since I've realized that my body is Fat-Preserving Machine, I am starting to examine what other options there are for people like me who aren't getting it done, much less getting it done in a reasonable amount of time. Extreme measures might be next. (*sigh*)

Surgery is a well-known interrupter of the cycle. Whether it's the shock to the system or what - cycles changes, periods come early, come late and sometimes skip. Now as for not having a period since June - that sounds like a serious hormonal imbalance or possible long term disturbance in the cycle. A significant drop in caloric intake that spikes a long term disappearance of the cycle (like marathoners or Olympic athletes sometime have) is definitely something to be concerned about. I'd consult a nutritionist also. Good Luck and Happy Band Journeys, New Sho

No I don't. That's incredible. I'd question the ability of any surgeon who would refuse a TT on a LapBand patient. It's one thing for a surgeon to say they haven't worked on a Bandster, but another to say they REFUSE to work on one. I consulted with 4 plastic surgeons and none of them didn't want to do a LapBand patient. All of them wanted to handle the surgery and 2 of them said they'd call/consult my LapBand surgeon for information and advice. Now the first 3 all readily admitted that they hadn't done a LapBand patient with the newer Low Profile Band yet, and I appreciated their honesty. In any case the fourth one was the charm (fingers crossed), because I think I'm really starting to see some progress as the Fluid & swelling does down. The only strange thing is (as I mentioned above ) that my old LapBand port-area scar is not where the port is. So I have a very short little scar (which is now over my new belly button) that my WLS surgeon used to find/access my port. But now, since the Tummy Tuck, the port is now far to the right of the scar - they can't use the 'mini-scar' as a landmark anymore. But that's OK! Also as for costs - after your 2 C-Sections you might want to consider whether your health insurance might cover all or part of the cost of your abdominoplasty. I got the insurance company to cover mine at 100% although they didn't want to. I've discussed getting insurance coverage for TT here before, and there is a page about it on my blog (see below). Happy Band Journeys & here's wishing for Terrific Tucks for all, New Sho

Oh man, this was something we discussed a few days ago. Here are some things I'm starting to notice: -First, more strangers talk to me. I've always been outgoing, but now I notice more strangers INITIATE conversation with me before I speak to them. -Men (of all ages) speak to me a lot more, open more doors, help me with packages, etc. -People tell me "You're pretty" instead of "You have such a pretty face..." (which we all know is followed by a silent or not-so-silent "but..." ) -Women watch me more closely now, especially if their husbands / boyfriends or male friends initiate even an innocent conversation with me about the weather, how long a line is, directions, etc :rolleyes -Sales clerks jump to help me even when I'm just browsing and strangers ask me my advice on how clothes/shoes look while they're shopping in stores. ... I could go on - but I guess this sounds familiar to most of us. It's not lke I felt invisible before but there is a definite difference now. It's not like I'm made a dramatic change like losing 160lbs or anything but I've lost enough to look within "normal" range or where maybe people don't notice my weight first. Or so my weight-obsessed mind thinks:nervous Happy Band Journeys to All, New Sho