Mimilou2004

Because Lello's are so beautiful I got one done at age sixty then got many done in a large abdominal mural hip to hip to cover the tummy tuck scars. I think they are beautiful....thank you Lello!

I am not quite as negative about them as I was a long time ago when I posted. Are you already banded?

I am proud of you, you r amazing, for many reasons. Keep up the journey and best wishes. Mimi

Never heard of it but it sounds interesting....thanks for posting about it, I am going to check it out! Mimi

I would appreciate anyone posting who has knowledge of Tricare paying for the Sleeve after the band needed to be removed. Thank You, Mimi

WC, I so get it....I was considering a thigh lift for my old lady thighs but the expense and disability recovery time was too much. Over Christmas I gained 20 pounds and my thighs plumped up like yours and I was happy with that part. I did update my ticker with my real wt like you and can now down grade it but the old lady thighs are back....I chose as you do...health over worrying.!!! Best wishes, Mimi

I agree with everything Elcee said plus from personal experience it could be a seroma which is the leakage of "serum" the liquid part of the blood from the muscle because it is mad about the stitches or staples.....as long as it doesn't get worse, the warm packs should make it feel better and it will absorb. Please let us know what the doctor says. Mimi

It sounds to me like a trip to your surgeon would be wise....it sounds like you may need an endoscopy to check for slippage and hiatal hernia. Good luck. Mimi

I am glad the 1cc defill made you comfortable....next time you think you need a fill ask for 1/2 cc at a time. Best wishes, Mimi

I went throught the same thing and ended up with an unfill because I wouldn't stick to liquids for he week it usually takes for swelling to subside....54Shirley is right on target when she says you are going to end up in the ER with a complete unfill or worse yet a slip if you don't blow off your relatives' reaction. Best wishes, and keep posting. By the way, I have gained 20 pounds in 3 weeks!!! Unfills are no fun, and being too tight is no good, either. Mimi

Based on personal experience I suggest you ask for 1 or the other...a barium swallow/upper GI xray or an endoscopy. It is possible you have an intermittent stomach trapping in a haital hernia. Good luck. Mimi

Great thread!!! Mimi

First of all, get off the pity pot!!!! You have done VERY well and you need to believe in that and yourself. You are going through a phase and because you want to be a success, you will be. I have been banded >3 years and have had various phases and bumps in the road, too. I had to get a significant unfill 2 wks ago and have regained 12 pounds....but you know what? I own it...I did it and am now ready to get back on the band way of living and get these Holiday pounds banished. You didn't say how much you want to lose or what your goal is, but that is not the end....rather that is the beginning of another phase...maintenance. So perk up, grab some sunshine, get a band adjustment, crank up the exercise, and happy new year!!! Oh, yes, and keep posting your journey. Mimi Mimi

I am thrilled for you...maximize your potential and never look back! Mimi

Please listen to most of these posters....you have rec'd the gift of experienced banders giving you the best possible advice. I think you need to post more about your feelings leading to this desire to unfill and maybe we can help you through that, too. Good luck, Mimi

Please let us know how you are doing and how much they took out... Mimi

It can be done with twilight sleep and local anesthesia. That is where they give you wonderful IV drugs while they are numbing you up but if they talk to you you can still answer. It will be sore ish because of having to cut the skin again and restitch the port back onto the muscle and the muscle will be mad. There is no reason for them to enter your abdomen or inflate it with gas. Best wishes, Mimi

Seems like fresh cooked meat works better with the band than refrigerated leftovers do. I thing the fibers stiffen during the intervening time. Don't blame yourself, just be extra careful with left over meat. Hang in there. Mimi

Your story is inspirational...congratulations!!!!! Mimi

Not from Elgin, but welcome. Mimi

No, nothing magic....I don't think you are rec'g the aftercare you are due...something is not right and you deserve btter. Can you switch to another doc?

I do wish you luck a plenty, but also the support of fellow banders. I am in a similar position and am struggling to control the "off the wagon" syndrome!! My saving grace is that I have a wonderful personal trainer who is supporting me for the journey...pushing me gently but firmly to keep exercising and quit fighting myself....that this blip will pass then we will do what we excel at which is losing....it is maintanance that is hard. Please keep posting and crank up the walking and positive self talk. Mimi

New Me start your own thread...this is Aria3's thread. Mimi

I had to wait 5-6 weeks and haven't stopped since....especially crunches. Mimi

I hope Sue Hamm comes on and posts, she had it done (UK) and is very happy. I was very close to having it done but at 60, decided the $9000 was too much to take from savings. The recovery time is weeks and the scars go along the groin and down to the knee and sometimes the scars sag down. I agree from what I have read that it is better to do it in 2 steps if you actually need lipo because they fill the tissue with saline and lidocaine and won't be able to judge your true contours after that. Best wishes and keep posting. Mimi PS Congrats on your brachio, I am happy with mine, also!!