marypetunia

Hi MaryAnn, I sent you a personal email on June 7 with my phone number...Please feel free to call me anytime! I'm planning to be at the June meeting at Umass as well. Hope you are doing better. amm and kathrynrose, how is everything going for you? Mary

Yes, next month it is! There were only two of us lapbanders there...

Just a note, there is a meeting at UMass tonight, May 22...for some reason I kept thinking it was on the 29th....is anyone else going? I'll be there...would love to say hello to you if we can connect! Mary

Dear Friends, I am 3 1/2 months post op , my weight loss is great, :clap2: but I'm beginning to notice a definite thinning trend in my hair line! AAAGGHHH! I'm really careful about eating adequate protien each day, take a Vitamin B supplement, and a multi vitamin every day... I realize drastic weight loss can cause some hair loss, (I had some hair loss after my last weight loss adventure ten years ago, the hair never came back, although all the weight did:faint: ) but is there any way to keep from losing more???:grouphug: I've read posts suggesting Nioxin, so I've ordered the shampoo and conditioner. BUT I'M CONFUSED... there are a lot of hair treatments out there to pick from! Some contain Minoxidil, which claims to actually grow hair.. others don't, like Nioxin. SO... I'd like to hear from anyone who has ACTUALLY USED any of these treatements... and what results have you noticed? Would you reccommend one over another? HELP! I don't want to end up like one of these "hair challenged" smiley faces....BALD!:help:

KathrynRose, CONGRATULATIONS on your banding!!! The port area is the most sensitive because it's been attached to the muscle. But it will get better. SO glad to hear you're doing well. How are you doing following the liquid phase so far? Are you doing Protein shakes and/or Instant Breakfast? I had found a Protein Drink online that was more like a Kool-aid which helped give more variety than the milk based ones. How is your hunger level? Following the eating plan in the beginning will give you a great start. COngrats!!! AMM, Isn't it wonderful to be on the "losing" side of things? You're doing great! I haven't had long waits over my two years at UMass, hopefully it was a fluke and you won't have to wait on your next one. I'd love to meet up with you and the others at the May meeting. Maybe we could arrange to get there 15 minutes early or something?? ANyone interested? Lucy/MAG, Your date will soon be here! YAY! I guess we won't see you at the meeting since that's your surgery date! Is Dr. C doing your surgery? MICH, DOn't get discouraged, I couldn't lose an ounce, I actually gained the first 8 months in the program. I was VERY frustrated. No matter how hard I tried to diet, the scale would't budge. It had been a stressful year. I finally joined Curves and managed to finally move down the scale 3 pounds one month. I'm very grateful that Dr. C had a compassionate heart and even though I didn't lose a huge amount of weight, chose to file my paperwork for insurance for me which came through right away. ThAT was a turning point for me and my surgery date was finally set. It took me a year from the first meeting to my surgery, but it was all worth it!!! I was actually ready to give up when it all turned around. How far are you in the process? Don't let that negative comment get to you. Hang in there, it will be worth it in the end...you are doing something GOOD for yourself!!

Yes, Mag, stick with the positive! I couldn't wait to get to surgery after the months of waiting and going through the program. I was SO ready to get to the other side of the journey! I was told numerous times that the band was not the best choice for me and I should have a bypass...so I had to keep positive by coming to this site and reading all the great reports of others who were my size being successful with the band...... it really kept me going many times, so I am grateful for the sharing. Who is doing your surgery? Dr. C is my band doc and he is wonderful! Will you be at the end of the month meeting at UMass? Kathryn Rose...Is tomorrow still your big day????????????? Tell Dr. C that Mary Ballotte is cheering you on!!!!! :sad:

Der Mich and Lucy and Kathryn, CONGRATULATIONS on your upcoming banding!!! You are going to love it and you will do really well because you're taking the time NOW to prepare!! It helped me alot to be in touch with others before I was banded. It took alot of the questions and "scariness" away when I knew what to expect. It also got me over lots of "humps" when I realized they were a normal part of learning new behaviors with the band. YAYY!!!!

Hi Sue, Yes, BCBS paid for the panni removal only, I paid a bit extra for the muscle tightening because that is considered cosmetic. I had to get a "letter of medical necessity" from my primary care doctor, which basically stated that I had consistent rashes and back pain from the weight. My PS took pictures, which to be honest, I think REALLY told the story since my panni was VERY large. My PS actually removed almost 14 pounds of excess which was quite a bit. SHe did an "anchor" cut so she was able to get alot of the excess upper abdominal skin as well. It has healed up beautiflly and I feel so FREE with it gone! I never thought I'd get to that part of the journey, so I am thrilled. If you have other questions, feel free! this site has been a big reason I've been successful, I have gleaned lots of good tips and information from those who have used the band to their best advantage! It's a GREAT tool when used right!! You're doing great too!!!

I have BCBS Ma and they pay everythinge regarding the band surgery except my co pays for office visits. They pay all the fills as well and paid for my panniculectomy too!

Dear amm, CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss!! Great beginning!! We will have to make a point to look for each other at the next meeting, it's always good to meet other bandsters.

Hello all! I just happened to drop by and found your thread, SO happy to find you! I am over 2 years out from my banding and just had an abdominoplasty...I go to the Thurs night meetings, maybe we can hook up sometime? You will LOVE the band, you just have to work with it. It was a great choice for me, although everyone at UMass suggested bypass and didn't think the band would work for me. Dr. C is absolutely wonderful (I believe I am the biggest person he's banded) and he now agrees that it was a good choice for me. I experienced the same kind of odds in the classes and still at the meetings...feeling a bit like the "odd man out". Last night it was stated that the stats are 300 bandings at Umass compared to 1500 bypasses...5 to 1- that's why we feel like the minority! LOL! Don't let it get to you, the band DOES work!! I'm living proof! Blessings, Mary:thumbup:

Hi Paula, LOL! Glad you like the term,I didn't know how else to describe it! LOL! As to the procedure, yes, I do believe that's just what she did...pulled up the mons area and cut off the excess as she removed the rest of the panni above. My incision is very low, right across the pubic line and 3/4 around to my back. The mons area is also where she positioned the drains and because I had an anchor incision, I have a vertical incision that starts at my breast bone and joins right at that spot as well...I'll tell you, the kitty was "me-OW!-ing"for a couple weeks! LOL! But it will all be worth it! :Dancing_wub: meOW!

My Plastic surgeon did a lift of that area when she did the tummy tuck...thank goodness, it really needed it! The area is still somewhat puffy and swollen, but from what I've read it will get better with time...I told my friends I had a tummy tuck and a"kitty lift"! LOL! :regular_smile:

Hi Karey, Yes, I'm having a hard time geting back into the walking as well. The hip nerve pain sounds awful, my pain is mostly in the lower abs and some in the hips...thought everything was going to fall out of me that night and I'd only walked about 1 mile as well! I wondered if it was because I'd switched compression garments at the same time, I have since gone back to the heavy duty one for a few days and actually feel better but I haven't gotten out to walk again because of the weather here. She told me it would take some time and to go slow...looks like we have no choice in that one. I too was an avid walker/jogger. I definitely know the jogging has to wait...ooohh..just the thought of jogging right now makes me cringe. But....someday! Good to hear you are doing well otherwise. Mary:thumbup:

Hello Salsa, I had a partial unfill before surgery on March 7 and was SO glad I did! I was very swollen, still am pretty much...and having a tight band before the surgery I KNOW it would have been horrendous afterwards....and would NOT have been a good time to get "stuck" for an unfill! (Cuz you're belly is swollen and bending backward would not have been easy)Definitely get a slight unfill (my band doc removed .4 cc two days before) if you have a tight band now. Dear Losingjusme and Karey! SO GOOD to see you doing so well! I am so glad for you! YAY! I'm right there with ya, healing well and so thrilled to be on this side of it all! What a difference! I dropped two pants sizes already and the 14 pounds she removed is staying gone, YAY! The first thing I said in post op as my friend lifted the covers a bit was, "I can see my legs!" LOL! Life is good and I'm so grateful! Blessings to all, Mary

Hi Guys, Had my tummy done last Friday and am just geting to the computer finally! My surgery took 7 1/2 hours and my awesome PS removed 14 pounds in the process! She was able to tighten all my ab muscles (pulled together 2 inches of upper abs and 3 inches in lower abs) but had to work around lots of issued involving previous umbilical hernia surgeries and even gave me back a new belly button which she really thought she wouldn't be able to do! YAY! She is an amazing surgeon, and I'm grateful for all her hard work. I went home the next day, and each day is better. The pain pump I went home with fell apart basically, leaked, and the tubes fell out, so I don't know if it helped a whole lot other than the first two days. I've been taking pain meds regularly but todayI'm trying to space them out a little further so my internal stuff will get "moving" again which is an issue right now. Two drains came out on Monday and I hope the last one will come out tomorrow. I am sore, but amazed at how well I'm geting around already! My weight dropped dramatically from 197 before srugery to 183! (And is holding! YAY!) Iam thrilled to see my legs for the first time in many many years! :rolleyes2:Thank yo to everyone for all your support!! Blessings, Mary

HI Karey, I'm just getting back online after my tummy tuck last week and wanted to see how YOU were doing...so sorry to hear about the issues with the nausea, er visit, etc. Glad to hear you are doing better, it definitely sounded scary and as I was reading Iwas hoping you'd go tot he docotor right away. I'm SO glad I had a bit of an unfill just before surgery as well, I think I would have been in trouble if I hadn't. I'm still babying myself eating very light and lots of mushies and soups, etc. I'm not that hungry anyways so I figure it will help if I'm swollen to stay on the light side. My issue is with the ost-surgery constipation...still working to resolve that issue! Good to hear from you, I am going to post on the March plastics with an update too. God blessyou today!! Mary

HEY KAREY!! Wow, so good to hear from you already!! YAY!! Not looking forward to the aftermath of pain either! I can't believe one more day and it will be my turn! I've ben following everyone's experiences and so appreciate everyone sharing! It's been a crazy two weeks, I had to get a CTscan after preop xrays showing a nodule and discovered I had a lung infection (no symptoms though) so I will finish up antibiotics Thursday..just in time! I've had some reflux since my last fill, so had a slight unfill yesterday just in case it's way too tight after surgery. My PS has agreed to do the muscle tightening IF my faschia is in good condition and it won't disturb my previous hernia repair...I'm hoping she will be able to do that for me. I'll have an anchor cut and she expects to take off 8-12 pounds and the procedure should be about 4-5 hours. My insurance company covered a hospital bed and it arrived today, I think it will be more comfortable than my old recliner! It just seems so surreal that I am actually entering into this phase of my journey! My thanks to everyone on this board who has shared, it has helped me tremendously!! God Bless You! Mary:biggrin:

Dear Jusme So very sorry to read about your loss, "roller coaster" is certainly a good description of where your emotions and thoughts have been lately. My prayers for healing in body, mind, and spirit are sent along to you. Glad to hear of the upcoming surgery back on. Karey...Getting closer! How did your pre-op go? Neil....WOW! What a difference 10 days made!! Blessings to you all, Mary

So glad you're home Neal. Thanks for sharing your pic. Every day should get better. May God bless you with quick healing!

Hi Karey, Yes, most of the professionals I had to meet with tried to steer me toward the bypass, insisting that I wouldn't do well with the band. My doc was great, once he knew I wasn't changing my mind, (I was stubborn about my personal choice of a lapband) he gave me the benefit of the doubt and did the band for me. Now he admits the band was a really good choice for me and is very happy with the results. I sent a few friends to the general meetings and they all came out saying that the band was discouraged. They said if they didn't know ME they would have been totally discouraged about getting the band. That's why this board was so helpful to me, I got to read about real people who started at my weight and higher and were VERY successful!! That gave ME the encouragement I needed to make it work for me. I'm very grateful for that. I'm sorry to hear you've had to self pay along the way...that has to be hard. I've been VERY fortunate to have my insurance cover everything along the way. And YES, you WILL have a wonderful reminder soon! LOL! HOW WONDERFUL! I just can't get over how good it feels to even be talking about this! It just seems like a dream that was too far away to even consider! I'm so happy for you too!!! Counting down! Hi jusme, Good luck on your pre op tomorrw, bring your list and don't leave until you've gotten EVERY answer you need! I wa semabarrassed to ask some questions but was glad I did! LOL! You GO GIRL! Blessings, mary

Hi Karey, Thanks for the encouragement, yes, it will be nice to have someone to chat with afterwards...or share a little "whine"if necessary! I just can't believe it's going to happen! Yikes! Seemed like I just got banded! Congrats to you too!!:thumbup: Hi Jusme, How did your pre-op go? No, I didn't get liquid meds, she is sending me home with a pain pump and gave me a RX for percocet. I took them with no problem after my hernia surgery a year ago. How are your sleeping arrangements for after surgery? I had such trouble with abdominal pain after the band and hernia surgeries that I slept in my recliner for over a month both times. My insurance co will pay for a hosp bed, so I'm going to ask my pcp to write a prescription for me....I know I'm going to want to be comfortable and I don't think my old recliner is going to cut it this time. :smile: COngrats on your great weight loss, you've worked hard and it's paying off! Are you associated with a weight center? The med staff at mine keep calling me "the exception"... I keep telling them that there are many others out there doing well with the band. It's nice to see so many on this board who are successful, it's been my inspiration. Looking forward to following your surgery as well. Blessings, Mary:biggrin2:

Hi All, Neal and Nina, looking forward to hearing from you soon and that all is well! Thinking of you! I had my pre-op testing and consult with PS yesterday. My panniculectomy is March 7. My insurance is paying for the panni but won't pay for muscle tightening. That part is questionable because I have prior hernia repairs that might be compromised, so IF she can, she will do that for me and I will pay extra, but she won't know until day of surgery. She is anticipating about 4 hrs for panni removal and expects to take 8-12 lbs of excess off my tummy. She will do an anchor cut and the mons lift is included. She gave me all my post op directions, appointments, and prescriptions. OK...I guess most of my questions are answered and I need to just wait patiently! Thanks to all who are sharing here, it's good to hear from others.:smile: Mary

Dear Ous and Nina, THANK YOU so much for your encouragement! CONGRATS to you as well for your upcoming PS adventure! It just seems so unreal to me, that it will really happen! I don't know how brave I am about putting pics up yet, maybe with clothes on to start! LOL! I have benefitted alot from the pics people have shared on the PS thread in Obesityhelp.com. I'm going to check out the website you mentioned NIna. Thanks!! Mary