Cherishthepast

Hello! I've been offline for awhile and wanted to touch base. Today, I went to a consultation with another Dr., didn't realize it would be such an ordeal to find someone willing to take on a patient that already had a band. I lost faith in my former doc and have have a number issues with my band. I'm scheduled to have it removed August 25, 2017, a little over 8 yrs after having it placed. I've suffered with chronic reflux, heartburn, weight gain (20 lbs) and throat pain for the past 2 years and have finally found someone that will listen. The plan... have the band and scar tissue removed in August, 6 months later go back and have bypass surgery. Yep, I'm scared of the unknown and excited at the same time to be pain free.

Hello! My last few appointments w/my doc have been crazy to say the least, long waits and rushed meetings w/doc. Today, I arrive for a fill ~ my appt was for 7:30a, however, it appears that 10-12 other people had the same appt time and the doc didn't arrive to radiology until 8:30a and started chatting w/a colleague. REALLY!!!! I have a job; I can't sit around for 2-3 hrs waiting for you to get around to me. Unfortunately this isn't the first time this nonsense has happened and yes, I've discussed this w/him and his office staff. I'm starting to feel like the crazy lady... they look at me, make apologies and nothing changes. I'm so DONE!!!! I need your help finding a new doc in my area for maintenance and occasional advice. Any and all assistance is greatly appreciated. I really can't believe that I'm not going to continue this journey with the doc I started out with. I'm so very disappointed. Thanks in advance for your responses.

I appreciate your responses and will check out Washington Hosp Ctr. Thanks!

Hello! Hang in there. Keep a journal of what you're eating ~ you'd be surprised at the cal/carbs you consume unknowingly. Additionally, speak w/your doc and nutritionist. I personally didn't see the true benefits of the band until I reached my sweet spot and that took a number of fills to get there. Often the doc will take a conservative approach and only give you small fills at a time. Remember, this is your body and journey... I had to insist that they give me a larger fill, once this was done I started seeing results. Don't suffer as I know people who get way more fill than they should, you just need to find that happy medium. Wishing you great success.

Good for you. Sounds like you're off to a terrific start. I've had my band since August 2009 and often wonder why I didn't do this sooner. I'll be 52 soon and feel like I'm 29, tons of energy. Pace yourself and don't give your trainer the stink eye when he/she is pushing you. WIshing you much success.

Had my pre-surgery appt today and doc agrees that in addition to the scheduled flank/back lipo I need to address mons area. He's including lipo and lift of the mons area at no additional cost - yippee! I will finally be able to wear fitted dresses and skirts w/o looking as if I'm wearing a jock strap. Not an attractive look on a woman - soon... goodbye Ken Doll look.

Had my procedure yesterday. I'm a little sore ~ back and sides feel like I've spent 24 hours at the gym going nonstop. I actually see great results already, can only imagine how things will look after the swelling goes down. The Ken doll look is a thing of the past, my mons pubis area has been lipo'd and lifted ~ it looks normal down there My back rolls are all gone. Doc actually did a touch up around stomach area, which I wasn't expecting - he's great and such the perfectionist. I'll take pics once I'm brave enough to struggle with this compression garment again. By the way, it's weird that I don't feel any discomfort along the incision of the mons lift. The back and side area are bruised and really tender from the lipo.

Sounds like you're doing ALL the right things. I'd suggest that you increase your calorie intake some as your body will go into starvation mode, as a result, you won't lose any weight. Additionally, I'd strongly suggest that you measure yourself. Often times, you reach a plateau and don't see pounds come off, however, inches are dropping. At one point, I found that I stayed at 170lbs (for over 6 months) and went from a size 12 pant to a size 8 maintaing the same weight. I was losing fat and gaining muscle which I'm told weighs more. Hang in there, sounds like you're definitely on the right track.

Merry Christmas to me. I've scheduled the lipo for my flanks and back (1 day shy of 2 yr anniversary of TT wMR), this WILL be my last cosmetic procedure as I plan to leave the girls alone - don't have it in me for breast lift and augmentation. Knowing what has bothered me most since my TT w/MR has been my flanks and back as this area seems disproportionate to my flat front I know that this will be the final step to my journey. As I write this I'm wondering if indeed this will be IT in regards to cosmetic procedures. I know for a fact that I'll never do anything cosmetic above my shoulders and I won't get my arms done - I say this because I scar so badly that it wouldn't be worth the risk. I will take a few before/after pics (6-8 weeks after the lipo), which I'll post to give a frame of reference to anyone considering this procedure. I'll keep you guys updated on how the healing process is going once complete. Wishing you all continued lapband success.

In a few weeks it will be 2 years since TT w/muscle repair - I LOVE THE RESULTS. However, I went to see my PS last week to discuss flanks and upper back - seems no matter how much I workout I can't get rid of the fat along my flanks and upper back. He agreed that this would be tough to remedy with excercise (especially at my age - a young 51) and suggested lipo and removing the loose skin. Not sure that I'm up for stitches again and am thinking of taking a more conservative approach with lipo only. He has agreed to significantly reduce the cost of his fee - I Love this man. Now, I find myself rethinking this and wondering if I should get both lipo and the loose skin removed? He showed me that basically my TT scar (which is half covered with a lovely floral tattoo) would continue along my back and ultimately give me a butt lift in the process. What should a girl do? I'm off work from 12/21-1/4, which would be the perfect time to have this done and not burn leave in the process. Has anyone gone back after a TT to have the flanks or back addressed?

Decision made, I've opted for lipo only. I know exactly what you mean by the muffin top, I can't wear jeans or more importantly bathing suits w/o the back/flank fat oozing. I trust my PS, as he did a wonderful job with my tummy tuck and muscle repair, I'm certain I won't be let down with lipo only. Who knows perhaps any fat gained from this point forward will go to my flat behind, that wouldn't be a bad thing. I plan to post some before and after pics before the lipo, which I've scheduled for Dec. 21 - a gift to myself. I've often thought of getting the girls done, however, hubby doesn't complain (not that he ever does) and I see no reason to address this as VS seems to do a great job making the girls appear perfect - I call it my VS optical illusion...

Hello Ladies! Freespirit63 - No, I haven't made the decision yet. I've given myself until the end of the day to commit one way or another. I appreciate your response and also think that I'd love the results if I follow through. Was the recovery easier than w/the TT? I'll post later once the decision is final. Floridays - Good for you. Take the plunge, it feels so good to have the skin removed and actually see what the real you looks like after so much hard work. Congratulations!!! Also, keep us posted.

Ladies, I can't begin to express the relief I felt. JOY!!!! that this nightmare has come to an end. I finally, called my PS after over a year (as I felt shamed...) to have him take a look at his work, it looks GREAT, however, I still have a dog ear that he was working on that hasn't gone away. Yes, I'm sure the insurance was waiting for me to give up or have the 2 yr mark hit and tell me it's too late. Now, I can focus on losing these last blasted 10lbs.

After close to 23 months, payment is being made for my tummy tuck. Insurance gave pre-approval for abdominoplasty and panniculectomy in December 2010. After the procedure and hospital and surgeon submitted claims, the insurance denied them after giving pre-approval - CRAZY!. I have been battling this for over a year and finally today I received a letter from the insurance (case specialist) that they are making it a priority to have this resolved and payment sent out immediately. I'm relieved to say the least, as I don't have over $12,000 lying around that I could pay for this myself and can't afford to take a hit re: credit w/having them submit this to some debt collector. I am so very happy that stayed in constant contact with the hosptial finance representative (who kept this from going into collections) and the fact that I didn't give in and crawl in a hole re: insurance. My last letter with all supporting documents was to the Department of Insurance, their office contacted me w/n days to inform me that they received my letter and had started the investigation. Mind you, I had written letters to the insurance repeatedly (all went unanswered) until my last letter (directed to the dept of insurance and cc'd to BCBS, BBB and the finance office of the hospital that the surgery took place) I previously received no replies. Finally, I can place this madness behind me. I felt like I was between a rock and a hard place, as I was unable to get fill under flora (sp?) because of this lingering balance with the hospital. I'm so very excited. If anyone has had this experience, don't cave... reach out to officials who monitor these businesses. I'm finally, on the road to enjoying the new me.

YES! I would do it again. I'm so very happy with the results. Yes, I have a scar, however, I've started the process of covering it with a beautiful vine/floral tattoo. As the previous poster said, this was the second best thing I've done for myself. Second to having the band surgery. At now 51, I have the body of a fit 30 yr old - nothing to complain about.

Yes, this is difinately a sign that you've reached your fill. Eat slowly and take small bites, my food is usually cold by the time I'm done - yes, I have at times had to reheat my plate.

My 3 yr anniversary is next month. Still loving my band. Yes, take it easy as your body needs time to heal and adjust. The only thing I did prior to my first fill was walk around my yard. The doc told me NOT to excercise and I didn't. However, he did encourage me to walk as that helped to relieve the terrible gas pains. My best advice... follow the docs orders to the letter.

Thanks to everyone. Allison, my plastic surgeon is Dr. Robert Dennis (DC). Chrissy, I've never had any issues with my band. Early on I would feel some port discomfort, however, that I chalked up to muscle pain in this area due to working out coupled with the tummy tuck healing. I've not felt any discomfort or had any issues that required me to have revisions to the band.

It has been forever since I last logged into this site. Life has been crazy and hasn't allowed me the time to touch base with you guys. All is well, I've been maintaining the same weight w/n 3-4 pounds for the past year. Initially it drove me crazy that I couldn't get rid of the last 10 pounds, I won't lie, there are times that it still bothers me but I just make myself remember to be thankful for how far I've come. I've scheduled an appt with my lapband doc for the 28th, perhaps it's time for a slight fill as it's been about 8 months since I've been to his office. Thankfully, I've not gained any weight but I am able to eat more than I'd like. Cold Kosher pickles are now my new thing ~ 20 calories and I'm full, I resort to pickles when I get the munchies... The tummy tuck is great!!! I had the right side of my scar tattooed (sp?) a few months ago and plan to have the left side done this fall as I don't want anything to interfere with swimming this summer. Crossing my fingers that things will turn around financially for many reasons including (but least important) getting my saggy breast done. I plan to start a fund for the girls and once I'm 3/4 the way funded schedule my appt. Yes, I'm going with the same doc who did my tummy tuck - I love him, he's attentive, very easy going and a genius at his craft. I will touch base more often and lean on you guys for support when band life gets a bit bumpy... Wishing you all continued success.

Hello! It's been months since I last checked in, still in a size 6 jean and weight hasn't changed in over 8 months. Perhaps this is the weight and size I'm meant to be. I've come a long way, at the start of my journey I weighed 233 and wore a size 18/20. I still exercise (average 2-3 days a week for approx a hour), I eat small meals (thanks to my band). I'd love to lose an additional 10 pounds and have in the past increased exercise, changed eating to reduce calories and when that didn't work, I tried shaking it up with increasing calories. I'm done fixating on the scale (the illusive 10 pounds loss) and will go with the flow as it appears my body is in maintaining my current size and weight. To Celebrate my new content attitude, I've made an appointment to have cherry blossom branches tattooed on my hip - yes, this 50 year old taking the leap to have additional tatts done. I have a funny... I work as a manager of a public charter school (career change after losing my job last year), at any rate, I had a very sexy grandpa (all the staff refers to him as sexy grandpa) pull me aside and say that he had a thing for me. Well, I'm happily married and would NEVER delve into that but found it very flattering that sexy grandpa found this grandma attractive. Once my new tatts are done, I plan to post pics of the new me. Wishing you all contiued success.

Well, it's been 2 years since getting the band. I've gone from a size 20 to my current loose size 6. It has not been an easy road; however, my only complication was maintaining patience through the journey. Would I do this again? HELL YES!!!! I'm healthier, happier, and at 50 - I flaunt my stuff I have the body and stamina of a 25 year old and am loving every moment. Do I have advise for others - those that are getting frustrated, losing patience, hitting the dreaded plateau? I've been there and have definitely done that. Remember, the band is a tool. We really have to work to get the weight off. Find something that you enjoy doing and go for it. I found my niche in swimming and boxing. I didn't know how to swim pre-band and decided to take lessons so that I could exercise without harming my joints. The initial results, I lost 20 pounds and learned how to swim in a matter of 6 weeks. I still take swimming lessons as I want to learn all there is re: strokes and at some point I think I will join an adult swim team. When I reached one of many plateaus from hell, I decided I needed to shake it up a bit; I signed up for boxing - no, not kick boxing. I've been doing this for over a year now and LOVE IT!!!! The bottom line, find something that makes you happy and keep moving - walk, bike, garden, run, clean your house - Just keep yourself moving.... Last year (June 2010), I was frustrated as hell. I weighed 172 and was wearing 12-14 jeans and couldn't lose a pound. Well, June 2011 I weighed in at 160 (12 pounds lost over a year); however, I was wearing a size 6-8 - CRAZY!!!! With this said, STOP watching the scale; yes, easier said than done. With exercise, I was losing fat but gaining lots and lots of muscle. As a result, my body was changing but the scale appeared to stand still. I'm currently in a size 6 jean, some size 4 depending on the brand and weigh in at 154. I've modified my goal several times over these past 2-years. I made my initial goal of 155. Am I happy? YES Do I plan to adjust the goal again? YES I'm currently shooting for 140 - we'll see how that goes. I no longer take meds; no more HBP or cholesterol meds for me - I actually stopped both 2 months after band surgery. Plastic Surgery: Yes, I took the plunge and had a tummy tuck (Dec. 2010), which did lots for my self esteem. I've been debating on whether to get the girls done; however, they are constantly changing. They aren't as droopy as the were 6 months ago and it's probably best to wait another 6 months before taking the plunge as I may not need a lift after all. The initial consult was in August 2010, at which time I didn't need a lift. During a follow up visit for the TT (approx 6 months later), I asked the doc what he thought and he said I'd need a lift. Now, they look much perkier and a lift may not be in my future - perhaps small implants. I've rambled enough, but wanted to share how things have gone for me. I wish you all much success on your journey.

Hello! Congratulations on your success with both ridding yourself of meds and the weight you've lost. I was lucky, my insurance at the time (BCBS MA) paid for everything. I had a tummy tuck, muscle repair and some lipo without paying a dime. I documented rashes with both the lapband doc and pcp; additionally, I had them prescribe ointments/salves... the insurance stated that they would pay for abdominoplasty or panniculectomy - of course I choose the abdominoplasty. I had the surgery performed just before Christmas and was in the hospital overnight. I stayed home from work for 3 weeks, probably could have returned after 2 wks. The first week is awful. The drains, incision, and the damn compression garment were a nightmare. I was lucky to have the drains removed at my first post op visit - I can't begin to stress the importance of following the doc's orders. I rested and didn't do anything strenuous until he gave the green light. In addition, I up'd my Protein intake 2 months before to help promote healing. Sad to say, the hardest part was giving up the security of the compression garment. I didn't stop wearing it for months after the doc said I could let it go. It felt better having it on than off as you tend to not want to stand straight w/o it. i gradually weaned myself once the season's changed and the heat aided me in letting it go. Oh, the swelling is another issue. Some days you swell to the point that you look like you haven't had a TT that subsides a couple months or so after you ditch the compression garment. There are some before/after TT pics in my gallery, this will give you an idea of how much of a change a TT makes. The after pic doesn't do me any justice now as my shape has continued to change - I actually have a waist now with curves... Contact your insurance and start shopping around for a surgeon. I will tell you that many plastic surgeons don't want to take insurance, don't let them frustrate you. My surgeon told me that I was the first patient he had ever had to get insurance to pay in full. Wishing you lots of luck.