rosstheboss

Thanks so much for your answer, I have my pre-op Tuesday so a bit nervous. It seems you did great, and that is quite an accomplishment from a 24 to an 8! I am surprised you went from a 14 to an 8 after the surgery this is really great! I have been struggling with getting these last few pounds off, it seems to get the scale to move now I have to eat only Protein and water! I was down a bit more and it seems the only area that got smaller is the part they are going to take off with the surgery, Currently I am around 237, my goal is 225. The surgeon says that their is about 10 lbs of Skin and Fat to be taken off so that should put me just around goal. Would have like to have gotten their before but that's not going to happen and at this point I think I am ready to take the plunge. Would love to hear more about your recovery and your current wt/bmi etc. Take Care ROSS

Hi No your not Rude to ask! The total cost with some chest work is going to be $12,544. This includes the Surgery, Anesthesia and Facility fee for the surgical suite. Surgery is done in his surgical suite which I believe is less than Hospital. I got quotes all different procedures. Abdominoplasty ( Full) $7,703 Body Lift Only $ 11,144 Bod Lift & Chest $ 12,544

Hi loosing slowly really sucks, I seem to do better eating low carbs, I would suggest you meet with your Nutritionist again. For me I have to eat low carbs, high protein, You should keep your carbs under 100, I know you are working out a lot and some would say you need more calories, but if you up them make sure they are with protein. I am 2.5 years out would have liked to have lost more but my weight is now stable. I seem to loose in 10 lb implements and have to get really strict with the carbs to get the scale to move. Good luck and see make an appointment with the nutritionist you meet with before your surgery.

This Really SUCKS! I do have insurance, I am a small business owner and BCBS wanted to increase my rates 40%! We than looked into BCBS Individual coverage, I was turned down! They gave me a list of reasons, mind you that since the Band No High Blood Pressure, Not on any medication weight is almost normal, but the Band was listed as one of the reasons. They can and to reject you for having the Band! It makes no sense as we are so much more healthy and the risk for future problems is small. Options would be to look into a HIGH RISK Group insurance. If you belong to or can join any type of professional association they may have a group plan that you can join once a member. Also I read sometimes if you exclude band related things they will insure you. You could go and just get a plan for your wife and kids which should not be too bad. In my case we were able to increase our total out of pocket max and the rate only increased about 10% which I can live with for now. Also my daughter who is 25 wants to get the band, she is still covered under my plan, but I am concerned about her getting insurance on her own should she not be working. I am sure this will have to change not sure if the Lap-band manufactures are really addressing this or not. Good Luck

Hi, Interesting as I really do notice how other people eat. I would not say I get upset but just amazed by the amount of food people consume. I was out with my daughter and a thin young couple next to us orders these huge meals, I mean HUGE! First of all they were both so thin I did not think their stomachs could even hold this much food but to my surprise the did! It took them some time but they both finished everything, Also It is amazing how quickly people eat. I am now the last to finish my meal if I do finish often take part home. If i give myself time I could eat more but usually don't Take Care ROSS

Hi Anthony! Sure you will do fine and congratulation! Make sure you get today "Chewable GasX" Overall the pain is not bad but I got some strange pain into my shoulders! IT WAS GAS! So make sure to have it next to your bed in addition to the pain meds which will just put you back to sleep. Really only some discomfort for the first few days but really not bad at all. I was glad someone on this site had mentioned the Gas X. Also! Don't try to rush yourself back to real foods. Just do what they tell you, those first few weeks after surgery are key times for weight loss, i was feeling that I would never be able to eat again but truth is you will be eating again! (Real foods heather choices etc. ) So just give it time and work your self back like they tell you too. One great food was Egg Drop Soup! Lots of Protein, So when you get over the clear liquid stage etc. Getting the band was a great decision for me and I only wish I had done it earlier in my lift. Due touch base with me when you get out would love to chat some more. Take Care ROSS THE BOSS Anthony

Your pictures look great but what actually did they do? You are young so did they just do lipo and have you wear that bandage? I am 50 and was told the skin is too loose so would not bounce back if they did lipo. Regards ROSS

Hi, How are you doing, are you glad you had the tummy tuck done. I am scheduled for a body lift Nov 1st and a bit scared about the pain, expense and If I am just being vein . I am down 60 with the band about 100 from my highest weight. About at the point that one would expect too loose with the lapband. Want to try and loose another 10 or 15 before November. What are your thoughts. My surgery will be about 6 hours as they do the front and back etc. would love to hear from you. Take Care ROSS

I have BCBS and I understand they are one of the quickest to approve lap band surgery, it took far longer for the Dr. to get the papers to them than for them to approve was almost immediately done. Hope things go well for you. Take Care ROSSTHEBOSS

Hi, I am scheduled for a Body Lift and also work under the arms to tighten my chest on Nov 1st. Cost $12K Not as bad as I was thinking. I am trying to loose some more weight before the surgery, would like to get to 225 to 230. Dr says their is about 10/lbs of skin and fat that he would remove. Just got back from vacation and that put me up 8lbs so have more to loose but back on track. Take Care Rosstheboss

I like Jillian Michaels whey protein. Add it to cold coffee makes great ice coffee, tastes like cream and add some sugar free syrup. also chocolate. they have it at wallmart.

Hi, Know I am not 20 something but my daughter is considering having the lap ban too. I am 2 years out and 60 lbs lighter. 1- Class Work, You should be fine in a week to get back to class. 2- Gas pains I had. Purchase chew-able gas-ex . Only had gas pain occasional during first day or two 3- Make sure he is not an eating buddy! as this will have to change 4-Your will not want to eat during the first few days, Just do what the dr says! Things inside are swollen so you will not feel like eating that much. Important to get Protein, I ate a lot of Egg Drop Soup few days after surgery. Also their are clear Protein drinks, 5- Yes I would do it again, only wish I would have done it much sooner. Hey all, So most of the 'Post Op' threads are terrifying! Usually the ones that are age specific to the 20's are more optimistic and therefore put me at ease. I know that everyone has different experiences but I have some questions that I need totally honest answers to before I schedule surgery.... - how long until I can go back to class/work? -how severe are gas/heartburn pains -my boyfriend is extremely supportive now, but has anyone experienced that aspect change after surgery -how long does it take to get restriction? - would you make a different decision if you could go back and do it again? Thanks for any ansers/advice!

Would love to hear stories from those who have had complete lower body lift. I am 2 years since getting the band, down 60 wish it was more but my weight is really stable. Work out with trainer 3 times a week and 1 time myself. I have talked to a number of Plastic surgeons, One in particular has done a lot of these procedures and when I later asked by DR. who they would recommend. My meeting with each was good and they all told me that their was not too much fat in the area but a lot of skin and no amount of exercise would help. I know that it is big surgery and a long recovery just want to hear from some of you that have done this and how you feel now. The cost was not as bad as I had thought about $11,000. It was $8000 for a tummy tuck but the dr did not think I would be pleased as my flank area is something that bothers me an would not be addressed with just the tummy tuck. Looking forward to hearing from some of you, especially any guys. Thanks ROSS

Hi sorry to hear of your problem. I am 2 years out and spent the last 6 months being too tight. My Dr. now does fills only under lap band fluoroscopy. So they can see how the band is working etc. Being too tight has caused me some issues with reflux etc. So had to do some additional testing to make sure things are ok. Lap bands are still relatively new and I was told by my Dr that they are learning many new things One thing is risk of cancer by being too tight over time. He said they no longer fill people as tightly as they used to. Anyway with this said my Dr. says only liquids for 2 days than go back to mushier food for a day. This seems like overkill but you are probably swolen. So try liquids for a day and don't hesitate to get some more taken out. because I was too tight I had a complete un-fill about 2 months ago. I was told that I would prob gain 5 lbs or so. During that time my weight did go up and down. when I went back I was the same and since than had just 1 CC put back in. So I still don't have much restriction. but that is ok, I never want to go back to being too tight and PB at least daily. SO take it easy, this is still a slow process. I am told that I am close to their goal but still think I have a lot more to loose. But will deal with that later. Take Care ROSS

How soon after a tummy tuck or body lift can you take a shower, I don't know how long I could go without a shower?

Thanks, I meet with 2 dr and on office staff, The Dr. I decided to go with was one that later my Band Dr. said was the one he would recommend and did a lot of work with Weight Loss People. He also did one of the biggest looser winners. I have another meeting with him and will bring my wife this time to make sure she is on board. I have a date in November which works best for our scheduled in fact on my birthday. Would like to loose another 10 or 15 lbs by than. I am down 60 lbs from my band and about 100 from my highest. He plans to do some lypo also and also reduce the pubic area which has lot of fat. Cost is $11,000 which includes the garments and all follow up etc. Was not as bad as I thought. He gave me prices for tummy tuck also but really did not think I would be happy as one of the areas that bothers me is my flanks which are not really addressed in a tummy tuck. I due question if this is just vanity as I am 50and have been fat most of my life. Glad to hear you are doing welll. And the price in Mexico certainly seems attractive. Please keep me advised of your progress

Try to weight only once a day in the AM. Your weight can change a lot during the day. Keep in mine a Gallon of water weighs 8.9/lbs! so if you are drinking a lot of water plus your food! the scale will change a lot. I use a digital scale don't remember the name was probably $30 or so

EAS is good also Jillian Michaels has one that is at wall-mart. Get yourself a bullet or similar they are great I now make mine with Sugar Free Almond Milk, (Less Carbs than Milk)

Hi just read your post, 50/lbs to loose and you just lost 15 what a great start. I found the band really helped me get started on healthy lifestyle and living. You will still need to work hard to make the band work. Today I work out 3 times a week with a trainer, eat very well and healthy meals and it is still a struggle to get the weight down. I was banded May 1st 2009, Wt 300/lbs. Today I am 238 which is a great! The band alone took off the first 25 but after that I had to work at it. If you think you can continue on the path with out the band than go for it. I would suggest you tell the Dr. that for PERSONAL Family reasons you need to post pone the surgery for a month or two and see if you can keep up the momentum of weight loss. Actually! I was suppose to be banded April 1st but came down with a bronchitics so the Dr. Put of the surgery for a month. This is a big decision and what they say that the Band is a tool is so very true. I recently had some minor issue with my band and found it has been too tight for 6 month, the Dr, took out all the Fluid as their was some inflammation etc, He also put me on a short course of steroids, so at time I was starving, but still working out, I also had to take two trips out of town. All said in the last 6 weeks my weigh went up and down about 8 / lbs but to day at when I returned I was the same as when he took out the fill. He was quite pleased as he warned me not to be surprised if I gained 5/lbs. So hope this does not confuse you, but some wise people have told me that you don't have to do all or nothing, I would just put it off 4 to 6 weeks and see how it goes. I do not regret so far my decision as I do not think I would have gotten into this much heather life style with out it.

Hi would love to have an update on how things went and how you are doing?

Hi Katie: I have been in and than out of OA it is a great program, but as a guy I find it hard to relate to the few other guys. Anyway. I think you should tell her, the band is just another tool as is OA in this life long battle. She has no right to be critical. I agree that it may not be something to shaire at meetings but if asked you may want to shair your expernece. One thing I was told after getting the band is that one should also be involved in some sort of support like WW, OA Etc. Personally I dont just tell everone, if I am talking with some one who is heave and asks about my weight loss I will shair about the band. Congradulations on your weight loss, personally I can get a bit hard on myself and this is alot of work. I am down 60/lbs since getting the band almost 2 years ago. I hope to loose another 10 or so but it has been alot of work, but I am hoping as it has taken so long that hopfully this time it I will be able to keep it off. OA Does teach you alot. Good luck. ross I have been in OA coming up on 2 years in June. I struggled initially with the program and ultimately decided I needed a little more help for my compulsive overeating. I was banded May 2010. I am down down about 50 pounds and have just started with a new OA food sponsor. She seems really cool and open minded but I am nervous about telling her about my band. Not sure if I am afraid of criticism or what. I don't feel a need to share in the meeting but I almost feel like I am lying to her if I don't tell her alone. Any thoughts? Thanks, Katie

thanks for your note but you REALLY REALLY LOOK GREAT! So glad for you and that you got this done while still young. Thanks for your help Ross

Hi Guys and Gals! Well down 60 lbs in 18 Months, started at 300 down to 238. My highest however was 316. Overally I am pleased but with the last 10 lbs I noticed more flab that now hangs over my pants. I work out 3 times a week with a trainer and try for 1 or 2 times more on my own. I am planning to do more upper body but not sure this will help. I am thinking may need tummy tuck etc. and was wondering about other guys who may have had them done and what kind of results you have seen. My waste has gone from a 44 / 46 to about a 38. Chest from 52 to about 48. Thanks Ross The Boss

Hi, know you posted this awhile ago but wanted to comment. I am still about 25/lbs from my goal but have been working out for about 18 months with a trainer etc. Still have issues with the scale and Christmas new years were not good! Lots of mindless eating! Started back on my food plan and had my body % done. Although I gained over the holidays from November untill the other day I gained 9 / lbs of muscle mass. So althought the scale is up about 2/lbs since the last time my fat % were done my fat is 9 lbs less. So yes working out will help. I eat about 1500 calories a day and 150 grams of protien. To do so you have to use protien powder thier is no way I could eat that much and keep my calories within reason. Hope this helps. Ross