Telly

In these pictures I am 3 days post op and still extremely swollen. How I used to look

I had a Tummy Tuck with Lipo on 10/09/06 here in Tijuana with Dr. Romero. What a fantastic surgeon. I will go into depth a bit more once I am off of medication. The doc removed a bit over 4 kilos totaling 9lbs and 3lbs of fat sucked out. 12lbs total. I walk hunched over but I'm doing very well. Will report back with pictures.

Hey Beacheegirl, The doctor's name is Dr. Romero of Tijuana cosmetics estheticos. I paid $3,800 for the total tummy tuck with lipo around the waistline. I stayed in the hospital one night and was discharged to my hotel room. Drains are required for all tummy tucks as we swell greatly due to the surgery, therefore if we didn't have drains, we could develop water pockets inside of us called seroma's *spelling* and can be very painful which will later require draining anyway. Pain level is like a c-section. LB surgery is nothing comparatively. I will be traveling home en la manana and I will upgrade to 1st class due to the seat's in the economy class, they are too condensed. I need space and easy access to the bathroom. I hope I make it home ok.

I am 3 days post op tummy tuck and I am still very swollen. I will take updated pictures in a few weeks. The pinkish panty hose I am wearing is a compression garment. It goes up my back and around my abs. I am required to wear this thing 24hrs a day 7 days a week for 2 months.

I will follow up in a few weeks with pics. I am taking them daily now and will post them all soon.

gonnabethin, you don't have far to go. You are going to lose the weight. Just 10lbs 5 more times and 4lbs and you are at goal. You can do it and you will flaunt it. Hell, why not flaunt it now?

$3,800 for the tummy tuck which included lipo and no extra cost for a belly button, it was included, so was the hospital stay,anesthesia and all prescription drugs, also compression garments. Was worth the money. He's a fantastic surgeon and his staff was unbelieveable. I did my background research on him since May (along with 4 other docs) and he had one of the best reputations and experience with expertise. My whole trip with hotel stay etc. is costing me about 5K. I am staying at a 4 star hotel in Mexico that only costs $66 per night. My roundtrip airfaire for myself, daughter and husband is $999.00 + $450 hotel and food, etc. So roughly 5k-ish give or take.

I had a tummy tuck yesterday here in Tijuana. The surgery went extremely well and I am in recovery. They removed a little over 4kilos of skin about 9lbs and 3lbs of fat sucked out of my waistline. I have a new belly button and a nice tight stitch in my abdomen. I'm very swollen but I have my compression garment on (looks like a body girdle) and compression stockings. I did have my lapband surgery in Monterrey Mexico with Dr. Rumbaut and have follow up care with fills at Fill Centers USA. I did have my TT with Dr. Romero in Tijuana, Mexico and wil schedule follow up with my Family Practice doctor. I don't see anything wrong with having surgery performed abroad as long as you have good follow up care locally. For me, honestly it was both financial and expertise that ultimately helped me make the decision to choose these surgeons to work on me. They are amazing in their fields.

I had a Tummy Tuck with Lipo on 10/09/06 here in Tijuana with Dr. Romero. What a fantastic surgeon. I will go into depth a bit more once I am off of medication. The doc removed a bit over 4 kilos totaling 9lbs and 3lbs of fat sucked out. 12lbs total. I walk hunched over but I'm doing very well. Will report back with pictures.

Hi Cat, it took me about 3 months to get to a 7 mile jog/run. I have lost quite a bit of weight, prior to my tummy tuck (yesterday) I was down to 151lbs. They removed 9lbs of skin on me and 3lbs of fat due to lipo but I am really swollen now. I hope to be at goal in another month or so.

Hahaha, me too Pelo!

I was on this website after seeing a link on a friends page and I uploaded a picture of myself and it did a face recognition, celebrity look alike collage. How cool. Here's the link. Try it out. It's fun. http://www.myheritage.com/

Not true. Some people have diseases that even with proper food choices, portion control and exercise, weight loss just won't happen. I know a few people who this statement pertains to so really... even if we followed all of the bandster rules some of us will still very much need the band.

That is exactly why I keep my kid indoors. He has Mitral Valve Prolapse with a guishing heart murmur that's being monitored. I keep him in dance and the arts. He works out at home with me where I can keep a close eye on him. My treadmill and some free weights. Not the heat kinda sports.

Insane! Suicide runs are killer runs, which require agility, speed and balance. He should have been exempt from this as he had health issues per his school records. How horrible. Exercise, of light intensity should have been given to him instead of the very famous, Marine, Navy, Army, NBA, NFL - "suicide" run.

Eating 4 days post op may be the major reason you aren't losing, however losing weight, as someone previously mentioned, is not the priority soo soon post operatively. According to my physician, your body, stitches to the port and to the band require a good 4 - 6 weeks to properly heal in place, hence the reason why they ask you to wait at minimum 2 weeks to eat solids and up to 6 weeks for the healing purposes. When people are on liquids for 2 - 6 weeks post operatively, they tend to lose lots of weight very fast. Being on liquids immediately post operatively is not for weight loss purposes, but it is to allow the band to heal in place (remember there is a stitch on the band to your stomach/esophagus area). If you eat solids too soon, you could slip the band. Too much weight on the band (as you are swollen) may possibly cause slippage. Therefore again, the liquid phase is not for the sole purpose of losing weight, it's as a precaution. Working out 5x's a week is great, however please ask yourself if you are working out with a heart rate of 65% over your resting heart rate. This means you have to be sweating, flustered, breathing hard and just worn out. If you are doing these things then you are in the fat burning possibly cardio zone and you will lose weight. Keep a food journal. Though you may only think you're taking 1 or 2 bites of something you enjoy snacking on, keeping a journal (in the most honest way possible) will allow you to see, in full print what and how much of what you are eating. You may think, "Hey, i've only snacked a few times today" but if you see it, you've probably snacked 3 times and have had things you shouldn't have, especially now since you're serious about the weight loss. I am not saying you are eating as if you were before the band but if you seriously would like to troubleshoot and find out the reasons why you aren't losing, check out those things I mentioned.

Oh god! LOL. How gross!

7 mile run this morning, last Sunday I biked 42miles

Newsho, thank god I don't smoke. That sounds horrible. Imagine what smoking does, not only to your lungs but also to your skin, tissue, organs. Very scary stuff.

BigPaul always makes me feel really good about myself. He's funny and silly but really smart right when you need him to be. DeLarla TellyMelly keeps me motivated on days I think I want to slack and theres always a smile on my face when I'm talking to her, she just keeps me laughing. She brightens my day! Cutiern reminds me of my daughter. I love how she is young, independent, and willing to make financial sacrifices to change her life. Dawg is a great husband. Selfless and supportive. He lives a banded lifestyle, without the band, so that he may succeed along side his wife. Pennie always seems so level-headed and diplomatic. I really admire that. Jack cracks me up with the use of his warped sense of humour in the manner in which he offers practical advice. Humour and practicalilty...great match and I always appreciate his input. (I also like his avatar!!) The best me (Kathy) has one of the most loving and tender hearts I've ever seen. She is always caring and giving to others even when she's needing support for herself. Her love of God and her desire to be a better servant shows in every post. Paula is my sweet Band-daughter and I'm so proud of how genuinely sweet she is and how her caring heart and love of God shows by her actions towards all others Iluvharleys has a good heart and is always so thoughtful, kind and caring always thinking of others in their time of need. NJChick (Eileen) Cracks me up!!!! She brings a smile to my face no matter what the topic. Bandland would be a boring place without her : - ) VinesQueen reminds me never to give up no matter how bad things seem at the time and encourages me that I should dance my heart out no matter whos watching~and I wish she would hurry up and get back on LBT!!! Michelle, without a doubt the most inspirational person to me. Even while having her own family problems, she finds time to come here and offer her help. She's a great person! Susan (PhotoNut) is one of the most supportive and knowledgeable people I've ever known. EmileeKaye is the sweetest, most genuinely nice and wholehearted bandster and online personality I have ever met.. and I have met quite a few. The sun shines on her goodness and it feels really nice to surround myself with people like this. K@t has been my friend and support since the moment I joined this group. She listens and gives without asking in return and makes me feel anything is possible. DeLarla is my vision of independence, strength, wisdom and trust and has always been a person that speaks her mind and has gained a tremendous amount of respect from me as an intelligent and witty person. StrawartS is smart and funny, and she has the strong personality I admire, yet she's kind. Plus, her screen name is a Palindrome. It's spelled the same backward and forward. Very Cool. Kathy (best me) Jenna (princess n thep) is always honest and straight foward. And she is a great booty dancer. Kathy was kind and gentle with me when I was cursing over my first PB. I was shocked by her generous spirit at first, but now I see that that's how she treats everyone. And her baby is pretty cute. And I don't even like babies. The NJ Board: I can't chose just one person because so many have come to my rescue. They give their heart and soul and they do it with compasion and love. *Cheers NJ Board, I Love You ALL* Since I have known Mychevygirl (DeAnn), she has shown incredible inner strength, focus and determination in the midst of extremely trying times. She has kept a positive, happy attitude in spite of the stresses she has endured, and she has a smile that shines through her words because it comes from her heart. FunnyDuddies is a beautiful, intelligent, loving woman who's quick witt and sense of humor is a blessing to those around her. She makes me smile, and I feel so bless to call her my sis. She has also earned my respect and admiration for showing a deep inner strength during times of adversity. MoOrless is another one of my personal inspirers. She has lost weight all on her own. Reading her posts have been a great eye opener, showing me that weight loss is nothing more than willpower and self-control, which she displays very well. She cheers me on as I do my wild goose chases with myself and she keeps me motivated, letting me know daily that every goal I set for myself, no matter how outlandish it may seem, is very possible and attainable. I thank her for believing in me, (a complete stranger). Alex is the best thing ever...he has given us this board as a place to learn, laugh, commiserate, cry,...pretty much whatever we are in need of!! And...he just keeps making it better!!! Thanks, Alex!!!!!!! I have to have a second go at this! MoOrless keeps me going in ways I never thought I'd need. She is working and trying so hard to lose the weight on her own as well as coping with health problems. She finds positive ways around her setbacks that put me to shame and motivate me all at the same time. Kind words and thoughts for others come easily to her and she makes me smile. Alexandra seems to always be there when a thread gets hairy. She has the ability to listen with an open mind and heart, to sympathize and give a reality check in just a few short lines. I have noticed that she remains detached, but flexible. Harleynana (Pat) is one of the smartest, kindest people I have ever met. She talks like a sweet southern belle, but she's also a tough cookie who is generous and supportive without fail. And to all the NJ Chat gals who welcomed me into their midst even though I live in Michigan - your support and friendship has meant the world to me. I love this board. It makes me laugh. It makes me think. It makes me mad. It inspires me. It give me good ideas. It gives me advice. Most of all, it makes me feel I am not alone in this struggle, that I am part of a community with one goal... to reclaim our health and our lives... to live better, and be better. We may not always see eye to eye, but we are all better for knowing each other. mini_me is in my book! Nana~ (aka "plunderbunny") inspires me with her carefree attitude. Because of her, I wore my Pirate gear when we went to see the new Pirates movie. Your style and panache inspire me to be me. (Vinesqueen) Vinesqueen is an absolute treasure. She has the most amazing ability to be enviably strong yet human, in the face of outstanding challenges. She always takes time to remind that's it's health first, and that our health supercedes everything, including our weight. Plus her journal really rocks. She's a jewel! There's a lot of people on here that have inspired me and some of them have already been mentioned so I think I would pick JMO and KMO, they have both been very inspiring to me along with everyone else. These 2 rock. oooh i always read post by jack and wheetin they always have so much helpful info!!! La Madam always encourages me through her strength of will and personality. I have never for a moment doubted that she will be able to maintain even if she is "flying solo." There are people who claim to be straight talkers, and then there is the real deal, La Madam aka Michelle (Vinesqueen) Kabeerah has always impressed me with her quiet strength. She has gone against the prevailing customs of her culture in getting the Band. She’s been an amazing resource for the women in her country, translating information. (Vinesqueen New Sho whether she knows it or not has been an inspiration to me. She always posts informative well written posts and isnt afraid to say what she thinks. I admire her "online" personality. A1ikou has been the best listener and help to me even when times have been really hard she doesn't try to push me or shove any tough love on me because she know's it won't work...plus..shes in Greece...how cool is that??? All the above mentioned people have been a great inspiration and helpful in times of need...this was a nice thread to read. :clap2: Bettina~I have seen her on the boards before but I just actually "met" her today and we both have something in common~a great sex life! LOL! And we are both witchy women! I have respect for everyone on this forum and have enjoyed talking to everyone and going on this journey with them. And I can't forget to mention~Heathergurl! Fellow Texan...she always makes me laugh and is as sweet as she can be! (Kathy473) Tricia has been a great friend these past few months. Not only does she listen to me when I need to vent, she is also there for me during my triumphs, cheerleading me the entire way. She's honest and very blount about things and I admire that greatly. Most of all, she's real. That girl is my heart! MoOrLess has been a wise..yet objective voice that consistently whispers into my ear when I fall clear from the path. She smacks me when I'm being ridiculously hard on myself and she makes me see just how "Not so serious" things really are. She takes away my anxiety. She should be a therapist. She's a great friend. Ali1kou - I rarely find qualities of a lady from the 1950's. The kind of woman that is really all about class and femininity, beauty and taking care of her husband. A friendly, yet debonaire kinda lass, courteous and sophisticated charm. Ali, I think you are all of these things. I invision you with Christina Aguilleras 50's hair and gorgeous outfits because I feel that you are from that era. I love your personality and your style.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=4642&page=23 Page number 23, post 340. That person had all 3 done at the same time. I remembered him b/c of the surgeries, however whomever moderator it was, went through this entire thread about a month or so ago and deleted all comments that did not have pictures and that particular post he stated that he had all 3 surgeries and was questioned about it. His name is YannisD something... Hope this helps. *Edited* Here's a "Greetings from Greece" by the bandster http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=18237

BigPaul always makes me feel really good about myself. He's funny and silly but really smart right when you need him to be. DeLarla TellyMelly keeps me motivated on days I think I want to slack and theres always a smile on my face when I'm talking to her, she just keeps me laughing. She brightens my day! Cutiern reminds me of my daughter. I love how she is young, independent, and willing to make financial sacrifices to change her life. Dawg is a great husband. Selfless and supportive. He lives a banded lifestyle, without the band, so that he may succeed along side his wife. Pennie always seems so level-headed and diplomatic. I really admire that. Jack cracks me up with the use of his warped sense of humour in the manner in which he offers practical advice. Humour and practicalilty...great match and I always appreciate his input. (I also like his avatar!!) The best me (Kathy) has one of the most loving and tender hearts I've ever seen. She is always caring and giving to others even when she's needing support for herself. Her love of God and her desire to be a better servant shows in every post. Paula is my sweet Band-daughter and I'm so proud of how genuinely sweet she is and how her caring heart and love of God shows by her actions towards all others Iluvharleys has a good heart and is always so thoughtful, kind and caring always thinking of others in their time of need. NJChick (Eileen) Cracks me up!!!! She brings a smile to my face no matter what the topic. Bandland would be a boring place without her : - ) VinesQueen reminds me never to give up no matter how bad things seem at the time and encourages me that I should dance my heart out no matter whos watching~and I wish she would hurry up and get back on LBT!!! Michelle, without a doubt the most inspirational person to me. Even while having her own family problems, she finds time to come here and offer her help. She's a great person! Susan (PhotoNut) is one of the most supportive and knowledgeable people I've ever known. EmileeKaye is the sweetest, most genuinely nice and wholehearted bandster and online personality I have ever met.. and I have met quite a few. The sun shines on her goodness and it feels really nice to surround myself with people like this. K@t has been my friend and support since the moment I joined this group. She listens and gives without asking in return and makes me feel anything is possible. DeLarla is my vision of independence, strength, wisdom and trust and has always been a person that speaks her mind and has gained a tremendous amount of respect from me as an intelligent and witty person. StrawartS is smart and funny, and she has the strong personality I admire, yet she's kind. Plus, her screen name is a Palindrome. It's spelled the same backward and forward. Very Cool. Kathy (best me) Jenna (princess n thep) is always honest and straight foward. And she is a great booty dancer. Kathy was kind and gentle with me when I was cursing over my first PB. I was shocked by her generous spirit at first, but now I see that that's how she treats everyone. And her baby is pretty cute. And I don't even like babies. The NJ Board: I can't chose just one person because so many have come to my rescue. They give their heart and soul and they do it with compasion and love. *Cheers NJ Board, I Love You ALL* Since I have known Mychevygirl (DeAnn), she has shown incredible inner strength, focus and determination in the midst of extremely trying times. She has kept a positive, happy attitude in spite of the stresses she has endured, and she has a smile that shines through her words because it comes from her heart. FunnyDuddies is a beautiful, intelligent, loving woman who's quick witt and sense of humor is a blessing to those around her. She makes me smile, and I feel so bless to call her my sis. She has also earned my respect and admiration for showing a deep inner strength during times of adversity. MoOrless is another one of my personal inspirers. She has lost weight all on her own. Reading her posts have been a great eye opener, showing me that weight loss is nothing more than willpower and self-control, which she displays very well. She cheers me on as I do my wild goose chases with myself and she keeps me motivated, letting me know daily that every goal I set for myself, no matter how outlandish it may seem, is very possible and attainable. I thank her for believing in me, (a complete stranger). Alex is the best thing ever...he has given us this board as a place to learn, laugh, commiserate, cry,...pretty much whatever we are in need of!! And...he just keeps making it better!!! Thanks, Alex!!!!!!! I have to have a second go at this! MoOrless keeps me going in ways I never thought I'd need. She is working and trying so hard to lose the weight on her own as well as coping with health problems. She finds positive ways around her setbacks that put me to shame and motivate me all at the same time. Kind words and thoughts for others come easily to her and she makes me smile. Alexandra seems to always be there when a thread gets hairy. She has the ability to listen with an open mind and heart, to sympathize and give a reality check in just a few short lines. I have noticed that she remains detached, but flexible. Harleynana (Pat) is one of the smartest, kindest people I have ever met. She talks like a sweet southern belle, but she's also a tough cookie who is generous and supportive without fail. And to all the NJ Chat gals who welcomed me into their midst even though I live in Michigan - your support and friendship has meant the world to me. I love this board. It makes me laugh. It makes me think. It makes me mad. It inspires me. It give me good ideas. It gives me advice. Most of all, it makes me feel I am not alone in this struggle, that I am part of a community with one goal... to reclaim our health and our lives... to live better, and be better. We may not always see eye to eye, but we are all better for knowing each other. mini_me is in my book! Nana~ (aka "plunderbunny") inspires me with her carefree attitude. Because of her, I wore my Pirate gear when we went to see the new Pirates movie. Your style and panache inspire me to be me. (Vinesqueen) Vinesqueen is an absolute treasure. She has the most amazing ability to be enviably strong yet human, in the face of outstanding challenges. She always takes time to remind that's it's health first, and that our health supercedes everything, including our weight. Plus her journal really rocks. She's a jewel! There's a lot of people on here that have inspired me and some of them have already been mentioned so I think I would pick JMO and KMO, they have both been very inspiring to me along with everyone else. These 2 rock. oooh i always read post by jack and wheetin they always have so much helpful info!!! La Madam always encourages me through her strength of will and personality. I have never for a moment doubted that she will be able to maintain even if she is "flying solo." There are people who claim to be straight talkers, and then there is the real deal, La Madam aka Michelle (Vinesqueen) Kabeerah has always impressed me with her quiet strength. She has gone against the prevailing customs of her culture in getting the Band. She’s been an amazing resource for the women in her country, translating information. (Vinesqueen New Sho whether she knows it or not has been an inspiration to me. She always posts informative well written posts and isnt afraid to say what she thinks. I admire her "online" personality. A1ikou has been the best listener and help to me even when times have been really hard she doesn't try to push me or shove any tough love on me because she know's it won't work...plus..shes in Greece...how cool is that??? All the above mentioned people have been a great inspiration and helpful in times of need...this was a nice thread to read. :clap2: Bettina~I have seen her on the boards before but I just actually "met" her today and we both have something in common~a great sex life! LOL! And we are both witchy women! I have respect for everyone on this forum and have enjoyed talking to everyone and going on this journey with them. And I can't forget to mention~Heathergurl! Fellow Texan...she always makes me laugh and is as sweet as she can be! (Kathy473) Tricia has been a great friend these past few months. Not only does she listen to me when I need to vent, she is also there for me during my triumphs, cheerleading me the entire way. She's honest and very blount about things and I admire that greatly. Most of all, she's real. That girl is my heart! MoOrLess has been a wise..yet objective voice that consistently whispers into my ear when I fall clear from the path. She smacks me when I'm being ridiculously hard on myself and she makes me see just how "Not so serious" things really are. She takes away my anxiety. She should be a therapist. She's a great friend.

It was in the Before's and Afters. A male from Greece had it done. He had a lapband for restriction, bypass for his sweet tooth and tummy tuck for his overly large apron. All at the same time and he looks awesome!