Cherishthepast

Just found out that insurance will pay for either Panni or TT - no brainer, I'm going for the TT. However, the PS says that I'd get better results with some Lipo; he also said that more time in the gym will provide the same results. Please let me know if you had Lipo w/ your TT? Either way, were you happy with the results? Thanks!

You didn't mention what you're eating. If you were filled yesterday, I'd suggest you stick with liquids for the first 24 hours (this is what I've been told and have done); then after 24 hours add mushies and not introduce solids until the 3rd or 4th day especially after such a significant fill. Hang in there. As long as you can get liquids down you should be fine. Remember there's some swelling after fills and you need to give it time to heal. I hope this helps.

Thanks for your response. Please keep me posted. I'll make certain to look on your blog. Wishing great success and speedy recovery:smile2:

Thanks!!! I'm going to see another PS Tuesday to see what she says about realistic outcome wTT only, then go from there. By the way, I have a desk job and pretty much sit on my butt all day researching. The PS says that it won't be as bad as the hysterectomy I had, which really did me in - absolutely no energy even after 8-weeks home. The plan is to spend more time in the gym for the next 2 months or so, get more weight off (perhaps meet my goal) focus on strenghening my core. I'm currently at the gym 4-5 days a week (swimming 2-3 days and circuit training the other days) Ladies, you've given me LOTS to think about. I appreciate your sharing and will let you know what the next PS says. Wishing you continued success. Cherish

Thanks so much for your responses. SueMagoo - I'm also thinking perhaps a little lipo, I'll see if the budget will stretch enough to cover the cost. Mimilou - The PS told me that I wouldn't have any definition without lipo, no waist... however, he told me that spending lots of time in the gym will remedy this. I'm into instant gratification and really want to see a little definition. If the budget doesn't permit, and I find myself not getting the desired results at the gym, I'll go back for the lipo. SueHam - you look great! Perhaps there's hope. Did you have some definition before you had your TT? I wonder if the verticle incision aided in defining your waist? Also wondering if the little definition I have will translate after the TT? My goal is to get this done during Christmas break and am doing my best to shed another 10-15 pounds before then. Seems the harder I exercise the less weight I loose. Quick question ladies... I'm taking off work for 2-weeks and was wondering is this enough time to recoperate? The PS says that 2-weeks is enough. However, you'd know best since you've been there already. Again, thanks!!!

Hi Win, I have LOTS of questions; pretty much the same questions as Maggiesmom. I may also ask a few others once you've answered the initial questions posted. Thanks for sharing.:rolleyes2:

I've seen 2 surgeons, just left the office of the second and was very disappointed in the office staff and wasn't pleased with what the surgeon considers a panniculectomy. Unlike the first surgeon (referred by LAP-BAND® doc), who would remove ALL the excess flab and pull the pubic area up when closing the incision; the surgeon I saw today would only take a VERY conservative approach and remove only about 2 inches of skin - why bother? Sorry, I'm venting... I see the 3rd person next week and will then make my decision. Please post when you have your date. Again, thanks!

Thanks so very much for your responses. Congratulations Mimi, I only hope to have a saggy tummy. I'm going for consult #2 tomorrow. My insurance will pay for the panniculectomy but not a tummy tuck, which I'm not sure is what I'd want and really don't have the cash to spare and don't want to finance at this point. I have my third and final consult next week w/another surgeon and hope to make a decision w/plans to have this done right after the holidays. The insurance rep suggested I have it done before the new year to eliminate the cost of the deductible - it's food for thought... I won't mind my tummy being lose as long as I get rid of this mound of flesh dangling - weight loss coupled with carry to 8+ pound babies as done the stomach in. Btrieger, please let me know how it goes. If you don't mind, how many consults did you have? Maggiesmom, I'm in the same boat and totally understand how you feel as I've searched hi and lo for information. Wishing us all continued success in both the LB journey and this second phase.

PLATEAU!!!! This isn't the first time I've hit this wall, it doesn't get any easier to know that at some point this will pass. This time I'm a little more frustrated than usual and could scream. I've done everything I can think of to get past this and nothing is working. :blushing: I've increased my excercise :couch2: I've fluctuated my calorie intake (w/o cheating) :smile2: I've tried not to be a scale whore - hardest thing to do :cursing: I've increased my Protein Yes, I've discussed with my Dr and he says I'm fine - muscle weighs more than fat - blah, blah, blah... Any suggestions? I'd greatly appreciate your assistance.

Thanks! I'm on my way to a PS consult, hoping that doesn't add to the stress...

Thanks! I'll increase my Water (minus the crystal light) and add some extra calories. I guess I'm frustrated as I'm doing everything by the book and I'm so close to reaching my personal goal (the dr has other ideas) that I could scream. I've seen your pics and have read a few of your posts in the past; you've done a great job and you are an inspiration. Again, thanks for your response - I will follow your words of advice.

I plan to give it a try. I'd rather look silly than experience the pain associated with being stuck. Thanks for sharing.

Congratulations and Happy Banniversary to everyone. I'm down 65 pounds and recently hit the plateau from hell. I've gone from size 18/20 pants to a size 12 petite (in jeans no less). I'm still about 20-30 pounds from goal weight. My surgeon agrees that it's time for me to consult with a Plastic Surgeon - Yippee! I'm meeting with one next week and have an appt with another at the end of next month. I hope to reach my goal in the next 3-4 months and have PS after the holidays - around Feb/Mar 2011. This has been the toughest thing I've ever done and I'm so very happy that I took the plunge and got the band. This summer I actually swam in my own pool for the first time. I took swimming classes in November (never swam a day in my life) and now I'm in the adult 3 course learning to dive and breast stroke. I have a new lease on life thanks to the band and support I've received. My energy level and confidence is off the charts these days. Wishing everyone success and continue determination.

Hello, My surgeon informed me that I can now consider having some work done. I'm looking to have a mini tummy tuck and breast augmentation (the girls look like tube socks w/ golf balls in them) - not a pretty sight. Anyway, I'm looking for recommendations from people that have had their surgeries done. I have appts w/ 2 surgeons in September; however, I'd really feel more comfortable going to someone that folks on the forum have good things to say about. Bad experiences are welcomed too as I'll know to stay away. Thanks in advance.

Approximately 10-weeks. My first appt w/ surgeon was 6/2/09. Received insurance approval on 7/16/09 (after completing appts w/nutritionist, psych, and sleep study) - basically could have scheduled surgery the following week. I waited and had surgery on 8/10/09 to give myself a chance to try different Protein sources and prepare myself. By the way, I have BCBSMA, they didn't require anything of me - no 3-6 month diet... I only had to pay the copay which was $250.

Congratulations!!!

Yesterday, August 10th marked my 1 year anniversary. In celabration, I took off work and treated myself to a day of shopping. Also topping it off with a Ladies Only splash party this weekend with the ladies from my swim classes - sounds like it may end up being a slumber party as many of the ladies have placed their bids for guest rooms. This will be the first time I've cheated. Yes, I plan to have margaritas (not calorie friendly). I believe I deserve this splurge since I've followed dr's orders to the letter with a great deal of frustration along the way. Enduring bandster HELL in the early stages to the plateaus along the way - yes, frustration has set in time and time again. Frustration became more of an issues as I found myself comparing my weight loss or lack of with others; it took me a while to resolve this with myself and be proud of my own accomplishment(s). Gee, I remember my first goal was to be able to wear those cool low rise jeans (as a teen we called them hip huggers), anyway, yes I have a pair and will soon be placing them in the pile of clothes that are now too big for me. I'm now approx 23 pounds from MY goal - 145. It's weird, the varying ideal weights I've received - 3 doctors and 3 different opinions. Surgeon - 125-130 Internist - 130-140 Orthopedic - 140-145 At this point I'm not going to stress myself out - I'm down 62 pounds with lots of energy and a completely different view on life. I'm no longer an observer, I'm a participant. Yes, the girls sag... yes, my tummy sags... more importantly, I'm off ALL meds and look pretty good in my clothes now. Nothing worth having is ever easy, I"ll continue to hang in there until I reach my goal.

When I made the same complaint to my dr, he suggested over the counter b12 tablets - They helped.

What was the date of your surgery? August 10, 2009 How healthy did you/do you eat? Very healthy - low carbs, high Protein How much do you exercise? Since June 2010, 7 days a week. I swim daily for 40-60 minutes. Prior to June I was in the Gym 4 days a week. How much have you lost? ounces away from 60 pounds Are you happy with your results? Very!!! I reached one of my goals and that was to be able to wear low rider jeans w/o the mushroom effect. I'm in a size 12 for the first time in 18 years.