TamifromAL

Wow, some of you seem a bit judgemental. I had plastic surgery 12 years ago: Breast lift/augmentation plus a bi-lateral thigh/buttock lift and mini-tummy tuck (cut all the way around, but only a bit of extra skin removed below the belly button), and quite a bit of lipo. I was in great shape before surgery, and pretty much back to normal within a month. Unfortunately, I regained the weight, plus more, but with the help of my band, I'm at goal once again, and have been maintaining for several months now. I'm scheduled 2/15 for all of the above, plus more. I'm getting a lower body lift, breast lift with implant replacement, laser lipo, port replacement, and a medial thigh lift (if surgery doesn't run too long). My surgeon is confident in his approach, and is well-respected in the surgical community. He is a pioneer of endoscopic (minimally invasive) plastic surgery, and teaches other doctors how to do it. He also does the newer laser lipo, which is much less traumatic on the body. So, yes, there *are* doctors who take a more comprehensive approach, and it doesn't mean they are irresponsible! Tami

I'll add a great big "ditto" to that. LJM, you have impressed the h*ll out of me over the past year. You've really worked your band, exercised like a demon, and are also a very kind, supportive person to others here. I'm excited for you! Tami

No tattoos, yet, but I will get one sometime in the next year. I promised myself one after reaching goal weight, but now I want to wait until after the ps. Maybe I'll get one for my 49th bday in October. Tami

I'm certainly not offended, Nina, as a matter of fact, may I say you have a lovely derriere! I'd like to see a close up of your tattoo, too! If anyone is easily offended, we probably already chased them off with all the talk about hair removal of the nether regions and the effects of weight loss and ps on the male unit! I can't think of anything better to take our minds off of major surgery than talking about our naughty bits, LOL. Tami

Hi Alabama bandsters! I haven't checked this thread in a long time, and just wanted to pop in to say, "Hi!" My name is Tami, and I was banded 9/5/06 by Dr. Miles at St. Vincent's East in Birmingham. I've lost 120 lbs., and down from a size 26W to a 6-8. Life is good! The lap band support group meeting is held the 3rd Saturday of each month, in seminar rooms 1 & 2, on the 2nd floor at St. Vincent's East, 50 Medical Park East Dr., Trussville. The meeting for post-op patients begins at 10am, and the meeting for everyone, pre- and post-op begins at 10:30. I plan to be there, and hope to see some of you there, too! (Hi Season...you look mahvelous!) Tami

Hey, according to Dr. Oz, a guy gains 1" for every 30 lbs. he loses. So, at -159 lbs, Neal's already "up" 5.3 inches! And, yeah, I play with my skin, too. Even better is the view above me in the tanning bed. The one bed I like going into has a mirrored top. When I look up at my nekkid self, it looks like I'm lying in a skin-colored butt puddle! Tami

Mim, I hope that fill does it for you. Be gentle with yourself. Recovery takes time (remind me of that in 8 weeks or so, when I'm chomping at the bit!) Isn't it funny how we get more picky as we get smaller? I guess when you "let yourself go", you just don't "see" yourself, and now that we're thinner, we don't just slide by the mirror with blinders on! I'm no machine, just consistent. I have a quote on my OH profile from Aristotle, which says, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit." That helps me keep in mind that it's not about being "good" all the time (just most of the time). And, we're *all* going to go through periods of challenge, whether recovery from surgery or injury, or other life changes/struggles. We have to recognize that those things are a *temporary* detour, and try to stay focused on positive life-long habits! Thanks for mentioning that about the incision. I was wondering why it might have separated. When I had my first ps, the surgeon left me with a scar in the lower back that's a bit too high. It shows if my top pulls up, so I usually either tuck in my top, or wear something long enough to cover it. My new plastic surgeon noted the height, and said he might be able to pull it down just an inch or so, and then said, "But, I can understand why the other surgeon made the higher incision...there are some good reasons for putting it there." So, now I don't feel so bad about my visible lower back scar. Maybe I'll get it tatooed in a year or so, LOL! Tami

Meghan, I think I've read the article you're referring to (by a guy who's selling his weight loss/body building system). I do think there's some validity to his message. Unless you do strength training as you lose weight, you *will* lose some of your muscle mass. That's why it gets harder and harder to lose weight as you near goal. I think strength training is *essential* to reaching goal and maintaining lost weight. But, his theory would be more applicable (to the loose skin issue) if we lost weight evenly from the various parts of our bodies. But, we don't. My body from the waist up appears to be someone with an extremely low bodyfat percentage (low teens, max). My upper body is more "cut" than the female trainers at my gym. Unfortunately, my lower body is another story. The muscle is *there*, it just lies under a layer of fat and extra skin. Could I continue to lose weight and get rid of that extra fat on my legs and improve the condition of the skin? Maybe. But, it would be at the expense of my face and breasts, which have already lost too much fat for my liking. Tami

LJM: hope that fill does the trick and helps you get where you want to be before surgery. But, keep in mind that right now it's more important to maintain your muscle mass than it is to lose fat, so keep up the protein! Thanks for the tip on Old Navy. I love drawstring pants anyway, and that sounds like quite a deal. Nina, I plan to get just one extra set of support garments. I sent a letter to my surgeon with a bunch of questions, and one was what type of support garments he recommends, how much they cost through him, and whether I can buy them separately. I have a feeling they are probably much cheaper online. Has anyone checked out eBay? They are so expensive, and frankly, once you're done with them, you're DONE with them, ya know? Also, I gotta mention to you that I've eaten tons and tons of one-pot dishes, chilis, Soups, and it hasn't hindered my weight loss in the least. I keep everything healthy and low-fat. I honestly think if you focus too much on eating plain/dry meat and veggies that it will ultimately sabotage you because of the lack of variety. The best thing *for life* for all of us is to cook and enjoy healthy foods and stay away from restaurants, fast food, and pre-packaged/prepared foods! Here's my list of stuff to have on hand before surgery, compiled partly from the lists that LJM and I posted, and a few extras. Some of the things I already have on hand, but put them on the list to remind myself to have them accessible in my "recovery zone" (bed/recliner): List of important phone numbers, including surgeon's House phone and cell phone Remote control Gopher grabbing tool Books/magazines Medicines in liquid form and liquid measuring cup, including anti-nausea medicine such as Zofran Nutritional supplements including Vitamin C and Arnica Montana (helps w/ bruising/swelling) Stool softener and/or laxative Tylenol, chewable or liquid Timer or alarm for meds, check-off sheet for meds, chart to note drain contents Ice bags, heating pad Recommended wound cleansers, ointments, bandages and scar products Thermometer Extra set of compression garments and Spanx (or Assets from Target--cheaper!) PJs and/or track suits that open down the front Slipper socks and slip on shoes/clogs (I think I'm going to get a pair of those slip-on clog-style athletic shoes.) Tissues Laptop, Nintendo DS, plus cords iPod Wet wipes Head bands/pony tailers/scrunchies/bandannas Plenty of pillows, including a firm one to hold while coughing, and a wedge to elevate upper body in bed Rolled up pillow or blanket for under knees to ease lower back aches Pail or coffee can with lid (take in car for ride home in case of nausea!) Earplugs and eyemask Water, Crystal Light, and Green tea Soups, pudding, yogurt, Jello, fudgesicles, crackers, vanilla wafers, Protein drinks Moisturizer Pen and writing pad Flashlight Small trash can Camera with fresh batteries Hand mirror I wish I had a recliner with an push-button lift system. The one we have takes way too much arm strength to pull out the leg rest, and too much ab lifting to get up from the recline position. It was a struggle getting in and out of it after the lap band surgery, and that's a drop in the bucket compared to this surgery. I'm gonna have to think on the best alternative. I get a full Brazilian every couple of months anyway, so I'll probably get a touch up the week before surgery, unless the doc tells me otherwise (sorry Neal, TMI, I know!) Another note I made to myself is to make sure and take some pain med before getting the drains removed at the post-op appt. (Sorry this is so long, just trying to cover everything in one message!) Tami

I've been working on my lists of things "to do" and "to buy" before surgery, and found a great list here: Preparing For Your Surgery | Yes They're Fake! Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Network Anyone have anything to add to that list? Tami

My surgery is scheduled for 2/15. I'm getting a lower body lift, the lipo on the saddlebags, port replacement, medial thigh lift and breast lift/augmentation. I had a thigh/buttock lift in '95, along with traditional lipo on my thighs. I told him that I was concerned about having the medial thigh lift along with the other surgery, because following my previous surgery, I had a lot of swelling. Since I was wearing a compression garmet for the lower body that had a pubic opening, that area really swelled out, and was very uncomfortable. He told me that this time I won't have nearly the amount of swelling because of the difference in the type of lipo being done. Tami

Oh, you guys are scaring me with the talk about ps throwing you back into old habits. I'm not all that scared about the surgery itself, but I'm scared to death of losing my momentum with exercise. But, realistically, it takes time to heal and you just have to ease back into it gently. Mim...that's exactly why I want to get it all done at once. One surgery = one recovery period, and less chance of deciding to just skip whatever hasn't been done. Plus, I figure that I won't even know which body part hurts since I'll be in agony all over! Oh joy. Ghost, glad to hear you're ready to get back in gear. And, I agree 100%: "It is great to know that I'm moving forward from a 92 pounds down 17 pounds up position rather than 92 down and 109+ pounds up." That was *always* my pattern in the past. This is the first time in my life that I've maintained for this long! Tami

Karey, good to "see" you. I guess we'll be ps sisters as well as lap band sisters! I'm scheduled on 2-15 for lower body lift, laser lipo on the outer thighs, medial thigh lift, port replacement, and breast lift/augmentation (but he'll postpone the thigh lift if surgery runs too long). That's a lot, I know. I hope I don't talk myself out of it before then! Tami

I'm getting laser lipo on my outer thighs, is this the same as Smart Lipo? The surgeon said that it's a tiny canula, that's inserted very gently though the tissues, and a laser "melts" the fat, which is then gently vacuumed out. He said that it's much less traumatic to the body, with less swelling and bruising than traditional liposuction. Tami

Julie, I'm sorry to hear about the seromas, and hope they are getting better. I have a couple of questions about the port replacement. Did they have to unfill the band to replace the port? If so, did they add some saline back to it then, or did you have to remain unfilled for a period? Like yours, my port is very visible through clothes. If you had it to do over, would you go ahead and get the port below the muscle? I'd hate to go through all this surgery to still have a bulging port (although to have it less visible through clothes would still be worth it). Tami

Yeah, "I'm not as think as you stoned I am." All I can say is morphine is a wonderful thing. After my first round of plastics in '95, I called everyone I knew to tell them how marvelous I felt after surgery. dum de dum dum....then the meds wore off. T

Two questions that I'm toying with right now, and would love other's input on: To unfill or not? I haven't had a fill since May, and consider it to be a fairly moderate fill level (1.75cc in 4cc band). I never PB, never have acid reflux, but still occasionally get a little stuck. To be honest, I don't want an unfill, and don't even want to ask my bariatric doc, because I'm afraid he'll say to unfill! Oh, but then again, I'm getting a port replacement. Do they unfill for a port replacment? Seems like they actually might have to. And regarding the port replacement, should I see about getting the low-profile port under the muscle (JulieNYC mentioned that possibility)? My port is very visible through clothes. I try not to hate it. I try to think of it as a very special memento from my war with obesity, and even rub it for good luck when faced with food temptations. But, alas, I hate it. I feel like an alien implanted a larvae in my abdomen, and Junior is just trying to poke out to say, "Hi, Ma!" Are you guys going to consult with your bariatric doc before surgery? Tami

Great idea, LJM! I'm just not good enough about consistently posting to handle a thread on my own, but really appreciate a place to touch base with others going through the same thing. I am officially booked for 2/15. I'm getting a lower body lift, port replacement (to low-profile port), breast lift/augmentation, a little lipo on my thighs, and a medial thigh lift (groin incision). If the surgery runs too long (I think he said over 5 hours), then he'll have to postpone the thigh lift. Tami

Hi September bandsters! I don't check in here at LBT very often, but it's always good to see my old band buds when I do. I'm looking into plastics, so I've mainly been over at the plastics forum, reading and reading! I saw several of you over there...Ghost, Karey, Mim...and thought I'd check in here, too. I'm planning on pretty extensive surgery, a lower body lift, breast lift/augmentation, port replacement, a little lipo on the saddlebags, and medial thigh lift, all at once. :eek: I'm waiting on a call back from the scheduling person right now, but hope to schedule the surgery for 2/15. I know that's a lot of work in one surgery, but my surgeon seems to think that I'm in such good physical condition that I should be fine with all that at once. But, if the surgery runs too long (over 5 hours), then he'll postpone the thigh lift. I've been doing really well with the weight loss and exercise over the past several weeks. I've been working out for about 2 hours six days a week since Thanksgiving. I lost about ten pounds (some of which was a gain from Sept-Oct), and have been at about 152 for 2-3 weeks now, but lost a size in jeans during that time. My favorite jeans are Lucky, size 28/6, which I can barely believe. I don't wear a 6 in everything yet, but dang, I like saying I can wear a 6! Hope everyone is doing well. I'll try to do better about keeping in touch while we all go through our transformations! Tami

Mim! How's my old Sept. band bud? I hope you're feeling better, and that the swelling is going down. I'm looking at some plastics, now, too, possibly in February. Keep your fingers crossed for me! Tami

LJM, congrats on your upcoming surgery. I'm hoping to book mine in February as well. This will be my *second* round of plastics. I lost 90 lbs. about 14 years ago, and 12 years ago I had a thigh/buttock lift and breast lift/augmentation. Of course, I then proceeded to gain all that weight back plus much more and basically threw all that money & pain out the window! But, I can tell you from that experience, that going back to work after a week will be pushing it. At a week out, I was happy to be back to doing basic, everyday stuff, like putting in a load of laundry, or fixing dinner, but I don't think I could have put in a full day at work. Can you go in for a couple of hours for a few days? Tami

Congrats on your upcoming surgery, Neal! Count me in on the February plastics train. I'm not scheduled yet, but just waiting on a call back from the doc's office and plan to schedule for 2/15, if that date is still available. Tami

Julie, your surgery results are amazing! I'm in Alabama, and contemplating plastic surgery in the next few months. I'd love to know who your dad is, and maybe get a consult. Tami

Mim, yes, a belt lipectomy is just another term for lower body lift. I was cut all the way around my hips, but he just removed a little pooch at the belly, without tightening the abdominal muscles or moving the belly button. And I gotta admit that I was a little disappointed, too, regarding the thighs. Even after the surgery, I had a little bit of saddlebags, and cellulite and jiggle. Of course, I didn't keep the weight off long enough to see if there would be improvement over the long-term. We moved to a new house, and the stress sent me to gain mode. I stayed within 30-40 lbs. of my lowest point for a couple of years, and then ballooned way up again, ultimately being about 40 lbs. heavier than my previous heaviest weight. I went for 3 ps consultations last summer, but put it off, partly because of fear that once again I would go through ps just to regain the weight. But, after maintaining my weight with really very little diet effort (but a lot of exercise), I feel pretty confident that it's going to stay off this time. I'm going the week after Christmas for one more consultation, with a surgeon who specializes in "endoscopic" or minimally-invasive ps. He apparently trains other surgeons in the techniques. I'll be curious to see if he sees any hope for my legs/thighs. I'm definitely getting another breast lift and implants replaced, because I'm due for replacing the implants anyway. But, I sure would like a little better balance between the upper and lower body. I'm definitely not comfortable in a bathing suit right now. Do you guys ever watch "Nip Tuck"? I envision dropping my robe in front of the surgeon while crooning, "Make me beautiful...." (The theme song!) Karey, you're lookin' marvelous from what I can see in that little ol' pic! Keep up the good work! And Mim, lock that scale away (along with the chocolate), and give yourself a break from it while you heal! Tami

Apple...get yourself a sexy nightie. The right wrapping makes the present even more special! Tami