TamifromAL

I've had my plastic surgery scheduled for a month or so now, with a date of 2/15 for a lower body lift, lap band port replacement to the low profile port, breast lift with replacement of my existing implants, and medial thigh lift. Everything is set and paid for. I have the dogs scheduled to be boarded for a few days, hubby has made arrangements at work to be home, I have a lift chair on order, etc. Weeks ago, when I first set the surgery, I asked about the port, because I knew there would be an additional charge for the port itself. But, I didn't get an answer at that time. So, I sent another letter yesterday asking about the port. Well, lo and behold, I get a phone call from the plastic surgeon's office today to let me know that they cannot get the port. Apparently, Allergan will only sell the port to a bariatric facility. So, I cannot get the port replacement at the same time as the plastic surgery. And my port is *very* obvious, even in clothes. So, the plastic surgeon called me back later this afternoon, and said that another option is to simply move the port to another, less obvious location, and place it under the facia (sp?), so that it's less obvious. He said this would reduce the risk of infection as well, because whoever does a port replacement, bariatric doc or plastic surgeon, you are breaking a sterile barrier, and run a risk of introducing bacteria to the lap band. So, now I'm so confused. My options are: a. Get the port replaced by my bariatric doc. Wait 3-4 weeks, and proceed with plastic surgery as planned. This will cost me about $1900 more than the original planned combined surgery with the plastic surgeon, and will mean another recovery (no exercise!) period, and I'll have to re-adjust all my plans that are already in place. b. Switch to another plastic surgeon, who has privileges at the same hospital as my bariatric doc, so that (hopefully) my bariatric doc can do the port switch during the plastic surgery. Cost will be close to the amount I'd planned with the other surgeon, but I'll still have to rearrange all my existing plans. Also, this doc will not do the medial thigh lift along with the other procedures (I'm not sure that's a bad thing, though). So, still, another surgery. c. Stick with all my existing plans, and just have the port moved, and hope it doesn't look like a small tumor (as it does now). But, there's a little niggly thought at the back of my head that wonders whether he's well experienced with wls patients, if he didn't even know that he wouldn't be able to get a port. If I hadn't asked the question *twice* it might have been two days before surgery before I found out that it couldn't be done. BTW, the bariatric doc says that it's really not a good idea to do the port switch after plastic surgery, because for one thing it will mean a new scar. If I have the port switched before the other surgery, he'll go through the existing port scar, but that scar will move downward with the lower body lift. Any thoughts or advice? (To be honest, it helps me to sort out my own thoughts just writing it down, but I still love to hear what others think!) Tami

Do you attend lap band support group meetings? Can you tell me a little about how they're structured, and what you get out of them? I've attended several local support group meetings, and have not been completely happy with how they are run. Basically, they have a couple of bandster hosts who share their stories and answer questions, and then a presentation by a professional in an affiliate role (like a nutritionist, psychiatrist, fill nurse, etc.) The meetings are also attended by pre-op patients. I get the impression that it's required that they attend a support group meeting. Often, the pre-ops outnumber the post ops, and the meeting is more about answering their concerns and questions than those of the post op folks. Don't get me wrong, I like helping other people, and answering their questions, but the pre-ops *also* have a seminar right before the support group meeting. So, to me, the support group should focus more on the post-op patients' experiences. That would benefit the pre-ops, too, to see the "band in action" by hearing from people who are living with the band. I've been in touch with the bariatric coordinator about my concerns, and she asked me for suggestions to improve the meetings. But, I've never attended any kind of support group meeting before this, and I may be off base in my expectations. I just feel like there should be more interaction between the post ops, and that they should feel that they are making a contribution, and helping each other. Please help me out, if you have any ideas, suggestions, or experiences about support group meetings that I might be able to share with the bariatric coordinator. Thanks a bunch! Tami

I was scheduled for plastic surgery last week, but had to postpone. Now, I'm questioning my decision to have surgery, mainly because I'm worried about gaining weight during recuperation because of inactivity and boredom, and I'm worried about getting off track with exercise, which is a huge priority for me. Can those of you who've gone through this already please share your experiences regarding weight gain (or loss) following plastics? Thanks! The choices I'm listing in the poll are: **I lost weight following plastic surgery. **I temporarily gained weight due to swelling, but lost it within 2-3 months after surgery. **I gained weight after surgery, and I'm still struggling to get it back off, but it was still worth it. **If I had to do it over, I'd skip plastics because of the re-gain. **Other (please explain) Edit to add: forgot to allow for a "have not had plastics" option. Please select "Other", if you'd like to participate in the poll, but have not had plastics. Thanks for your help with this poll! Tami

Thanks! It feels pretty awesome! I sometimes pull my jeans out of the laundry basket to fold, hold them up, and wonder who left a pair of jeans at our house. It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that they're mine. Tami

LJM, I'm so sorry. I know you're disappointed, but as shown with my experience, sometimes things were just meant to happen. Right now I'm just miserable with a horrid head cold and raging runs. I can't even begin to imagine if I was recovering from major plastic surgery. One thing I want to caution you about, though. I was really motivated with my eating and exercise when I was preparing for plastic surgery. Once that was no longer in the forefront, I started getting sloppy, and I've put on a few pounds because of it. Please don't let this situation de-motivate you. You are doing an awesome job, please stick with it, and know that the difficulty you're going through is just a delay. (Edit: LJM, I posted this earlier, before I read your blog, and didn't know at that time what happened, and I'm embarrassed to compare your situation to mine. I am so sorry for your loss. Hang in there, darlin'.) Hugs, and best wishes, Tami

I'd recommend sticking with the post-op diet required by your doc. They don't want your stomach "churning" with digestion, because the band needs to settle in place to prevent slipping. I know it's hard at this stage, but stick with it! Are you still on Clear liquids? My favorite clear was wonton Soup from a Chinese restaurant. We asked for only the broth, and they gave us two quarts for the price of one. If you're now able to have full liquids, thinned baby foods would probably be fine, but to me they lack flavor. I'd rather take foods designed for adult tastes (like Chunky or creamed soups) and just blend with extra broth, milk, Water, or V-8. I was told that full liquids should be thin enough that it would pass through a straw, but don't use a straw because it can pull in extra air, too. Tami

Just curious...why does Dr. Adams no longer do the surgery? Best wishes for your husband's surgery approval. He's got a huge advantage with you going through this before him, and understanding what it takes to lose the weight! And, by helping him, it will undoubtedly give you the push t get all the way to goal and stay there. Tami

Eugenia, good to hear the brachioplasty went well. Hope you heal quickly! Neal, glad your'e feeling better, too. You guys remember that phrase about things happening for a reason? Well, I woke up this morning, on what would have been my surgery day, with a cold coming on. I'm all stuffy, and have a sore throat. In all probability my surgery would have been postponed anyway. Tami

NEAL!!!!!!!!! Good to hear from you. I'm sorry you had some difficulty, and I seriously hope that cough and congestion pass soon. Let me tell ya, darlin', if you could only feel as good as you look, you'd feel GREAT! (And you soon will!) Tami

Glad to hear Nina's surgery went well, and looking forward to hearing from Neal. Welcome to mommi-hammi, Esmeralda, Kelliebelly, and marypetunia. I'm the non-ps member of the group, since my surgery has been postponed! Esmeralda, just wear something comfortable to the hospital, that fits loosely around the waist. I had planned to wear a sweat suit, with a draw-string waist that could be adjusted. I requested all my prescriptions in liquid form, and *in advance*. My doc was going to mail them to me. I had to stop to get my prescriptions filled after my lap band surgery, and it was a PITA. As far as your fill level, if you've already discussed it with your bariatric surgeon I'd say don't worry about it. As long as you're not too snug now, you'll probably be all right. Personally, I didn't want to give up my fill because I was afraid of gaining due to over-eating from boredom, and lack of activity. Karey & LJM, glad to hear the anxiety level is down. I'm a little blue today, thinking about the fact that my surgery would have been in two days. I put away my arnica, bioflavonols, and bromelaid today. I got a phone call from my original plastic surgeon's office yesterday, telling me that if/when I'm ready to reschedule, that he has made arrangments with another bariatric doc for the two of them to do the surgery in a hospital where they both have privileges so that the bariatric doc can do the port switch. I didn't even ask whether there would be any additional charges, because I'm not sure if I want to involve another bariatric doc. I don't know why that bothers me. I was fine having the plastic surgeon do the switch, but if a bariatric doc is going to be involved, I'd rather it be mine. Plus, when I researched the other bariatric guy, all I kept pulling up was stuff about the gastric bypass, and I wonder how experienced he is with the band. So, for now I'll just wait at least until after the support group meeting this weekend. Hopefully I'll get a little more info from the plastic surgeon who is speaking this month (who I assume is the one affiliated with my bariatric doc). All my best to all of you working out your surgery plans, and those of you waiting patiently to just get to it! Tami

mamadi, I still get hungry, but not as hungry as pre-band. Some docs will tell you to only eat three meals a day. But, I eat 5-6 times a day, small meals or Snacks, and since I eat every 2-3 hours, I certainly don't suffer from too many hunger pangs! Tami

Nana, no wonder, you look mahvelous! Personally, I think the results from a tummy tuck or breast work seem to produce the greatest patient satisfaction. Unfortunately, the lower body lift and the medial thigh lift have limitations for what they can do for the legs. The improvements are more significant in the areas closest to the incision line. If someone (like me) has loose skin further down the legs, you either accept limited results or go with the lateral thigh lift, which comes with significant scarring and an extremely painful and difficult recovery. Tami

Don't know, Karey. I've just put things on hold for right now. We have a plastic surgeon who will be speaking at our lap band support group meeting this Saturday, and I'm going to ask him about the possibility of doing a port replacement during plastic surgery. I'm glad you were able to work that out for your surgery. I post over at Obesity Help, too, and really got slammed because of my port bump. There was a group of people who had the Duodenal Switch surgery who were claiming that lap banders don't get to goal. So, I switched my avatar to my "torso" pic in the pink bathing suit so I could kinda shove it in their faces that, yes, lapbanders can and *do* get to goal weight. One of the DS guys said my pic makes him want to vomit because of the port! As a matter of fact, he said it several times. I got overwhelming support from others on the boards and dozens of PMs. It was all kinda funny, and an awesome opportunity to spread word of the band, and the potential for success without modifying the stomach and intestines, or the life-long potential for nutritional deficiencies that can come from other types of wls. I also got an email from OH asking if I'd be interested in being featured in their magazine. I don't know how that will pan out, but it was an honor to be approached. Looking forward to hearing from Nina and Neal! Tami

Hi everybody! I haven't been in touch, because I'm totally jealous of all of you who are still scheduled for surgery! :thumbup: Just kidding. I've actually kinda come to peace with it. I've just decided to worry about it another day! Just wanted to pop in to say Best Wishes to Nina and Neal. Heal quick! Tami

What people consider to be a "good" level of restriction varies. *For me* the level of restriction that you describe would be too much already, and I would definitely not be considering another fill. I got slightly overfilled on my second fill (1.5cc in a 4cc band). I couldn't eat Breakfast, I got a lump in my throat frequently when eating, and I started eating soft foods (usually higher in calories) because I felt deprived and wanted to eat something that I didn't have to struggle with. I really was not enjoying eating at all! So, I went back and got a .25cc unfill. That took me to a level of restriction that was comfortable for me. I prefer a fill level that makes me slow down my eating pace (or I get stuck), and that means I eat less. But, I still *can* eat more, if I push it. It's been tough to learn the difference between eating to satiety rather than eating to "full". By keeping a fairly moderate fill level, I'm able to eat lots of healthy, whole foods which keep me full much longer than soft foods. And that, to me, is a huge factor in success with the band. Tami

I posted about my port delimma over at Obesity Help's plastic surgery forum, and one of the responses (from "luckyme") was very encouraging: "I frantically tried to get my port changed with my TT. I even got my PS to agree to change it. My band surgeon tried to get a new port for me but Allergan will only sell them to the site that does band surgery (hospital or surgery center). I even talked to the rep from Allergan (Don Mills) and he agreed that it made sense to make them available to PS, but that it would require a "policy change". My band surgeon was going to squeeze me in to replace the port with a low profile port the week before my TT, but my PS said "NO - it would affect the blood supply". He said he'd try to move it during surgery. He decided not to move it because it was "well encapsulated" and he felt that would keep it stable. So I still have my original big port in it's original location and it is completely invisible. How? My PS said he "recessed" it into the muscle. Basically, he sewed it in a little deeper. I was worried that it would pull out or be painful. I do lot's of crunches and no problem at all. In fact my port used to catch on my waistband prior to the PS. Now I can't even tell it's there. It's just above and the the left of my BB. It is closer to midline due the the muscle tightening. Hopefully your PS will be able to hide yours also. I'm so glad I didn't spend the extra money for the new port and replacement as this one works just fine (I've had fills) and doesn't show at all. Good luck with your surgery. Hopefully your PS will come up with a solution that works well for you." Just thought I'd share that info over here! Tami

Nina, have a great trip! We'll miss you! Best of luck with the surgery and for a quick recovery. Keep that morphine a drippin'! Thanks, ya'll, for your supportive messages and suggestions about my surgery. It means a lot to me to have people to share all this with who understand it. Nina & Karey, you both make some excellent points to consider, and in a way you're making this decision much harder for me, :eek: I almost decided to give up getting *any* surgery, because until reading your messages, I was feeling like everyone I know was against me getting surgery! My husband tries to be supportive, but keeps reminding me to be realistic, at least about the lower body lift, and he's right. I know that even if I get the lower body lift and medial thigh lift, I'm still not going to be happy with my legs (happier, yes). I keep trying to weigh the all the risks and expense against the outcome that I can reasonably expect. My best friend was downright ugly about it yesterday. I *briefly* told her about canceling my surgery, and that I was re-considering all my options. She said "no one else wants me to get the surgery", that it's all "about me", that I'm "skinnier than everyone" now, and don't need surgery, that I should accept my flaws and get on with life, yadda yadda yadda. I know there's some jealousy there, but still... And, the simple fact is that the reason I got the lap band is because I wanted to be healthy and physically fit, especially with menopause and middle age looming. I honestly didn't think that my appearance was a huge factor, until the weight started coming off and I started looking better! So, here I am now, considering *major* plastic surgery, which is all about looks, and the process of getting the surgery will potentially impact my original goals (health/fitness), at least temporarily. Earlier today, I finally decided to just go ahead and have the bariatric doc replace the port, figuring that at least that would be done, and if I decided to go forward with the lower body lift, that I'd be set to go. Then, I read a message on another plastic surgery forum from a lap bander who simply had her original port recessed into the muscle, and she said her port is completely invisible, and that it is not affected by exercise (one of my concerns). Ahhhhhhh! I've "made my decision" about how I'm gonna proceed about a dozen times so far. My husband keeps saying, "OK, so that's your decision of the hour. I'll ask you again the next time I call." It doesn't help that I'm a Libra...sign of the scales...I have to keep weighing my options over and over. I went through all this for *months*, and once I had the surgery booked, I let it all go, because the decision was made. Aren't ya'll glad you're booked, and ready to go?? Tami

Mim, glad to hear you're past the worst of it, and getting on with exercise & life. I am having a really tough time right now making decisions about plastic surgery. My surgery was derailed because the surgeon couldn't get the port from Allergan (they only sell them to bariatric facilities). Do you have the low profile port? If not, did the plastic surgeon adjust the port during surgery? And, although I know you're still in the healing phase, and still have some swelling which will undoubtedly improve over time, I gotta ask...do you have any regrets about doing the lower body lift, considering the complications you've experienced? My husband is trying to talk me out of the lower body lift, because he says the amount of improvement which I can reasonably expect just isn't worth the risk, pain, expense, and recovery time. I wish you the very best with your continued recovery, and that you're soon in skinnier jeans! Tami

Harley, thanks for sharing the pics. You have wonderful contouring, and an adorable belly button! Gotta say I love the black lacy panties & bra, too! I got back from my trip to Iowa yesterday. We had a snowy weekend. Can I just say I *don't* like the snow? Well, it's pretty when it's coming down, and right after it snows and everything looks so pristine. But the next day, everything looks grey and dingy, you can't keep a car clean, and the dam* stuff ruins every pair of shoes:cursing: I was glad to get back to Birmingham, where it was 73 degrees and sunny! I have a ton of phone calls to make today to decide what I'm going to do. Even after thinking about it, writing lists and lists of pros and cons, and talking excessively about it with my hubby and daughter, I *still* don't know what I want to do. Hopefully some of the answers I hope to get from my phone calls will make it easier for me to decide how to proceed. It's weird, though. I was all set to get all this surgery done, with no hesitation in my mind whatsoever, and now I'm questioning everything! Is the surgeon I selected the right one? Do I really want to get this much surgery, especially at age 48? Should I simply accept the fact that I'm healthy & physically fit, but need to embrace my flaws and learn to live with my "obesity scars" (which includes the port bulge)? And the biggie, "Will I *really* keep the weight off this time?" My hubby is encouraging me to get the port and boobs done and skip the lower body lift and thighs. But, I'm afraid that improving the upper body without doing anything to the lower body would just make me unhappier with the lower body. I just don't know! Tami

I would love to learn more about this! I just had to postpone plastic surgery, because of a port issue. My port really sticks out, and bothers me more than my loose skin! My plastic surgeon had planned to switch my port to the low-profile port during my lower body lift, but we ran into a problem because he couldn't get the port from Allergan. Apparently they only sell the port to bariatric facilities. If anyone has had a port replacement done by a plastic surgeon, please let me know. I'd like to find out as much about this as possible, and plan to email Allergan tomorrow. My plastic surgeon did suggest an alternative, which was to move the port to a less obvious location (he didn't say *where*, though), and to put it under the fascia. I need to call my bariatric doc tomorrow to find out if that's a viable alternative. I know it might be more difficult to do fills, but I haven't had a fill since May, and honestly don't feel that port accessibility is my main issue at this point. I've never heard of putting a port under the breast, but that's an interesting alternative, since there's plenty of fatty tissue to cover the port (probably not an option for me, unfortunately, due to implants). Tami

LJM, I bought new undergarments yesterday, too, but I got MEN'S knit boxers. I just thought they'd be more cozy after surgery, LOL... but certainly NOT something hubby would enjoy. Tami

The bariatric doc says that if the port isn't replaced during the other surgery, that the port replacement really should be done before the rest of the ps. His nurse suggested that I find a doc with privileges at the same hospital. I wouldn't mind switching, but the plastic surgeon who is closely associated with my bariatric doc does his surgery in his clinic, just outside of the hospital, and I figure he's going to have the same issues getting the port as the other plastic surgeon, unless we switch the surgery to the hospital, which I'm sure will mean more $$. But, I'm gonna at least ask. And, yes, my port is *very* visible. I'd have to say that of all the procedures I have planned, that's probably my biggest priority. Because I *can* have decent looking boobies with the right bra and top, and I *can* have a decent looking bum/thighs with the right support garment/pants, but there's just no way to hide that alien-looking bulge if I wear any kind of snug fitting, tucked in top (which, by the way, otherwise look DAM* good on me!) The reason I chose the other doc is because of word-of-mouth recommendations, and the fact that the first surgeon I chose does his surgery in the hospital rather than in a clinic setting. For that much surgery, I'd really feel better with all the amenities of a full hospital. But, if I switch surgeons, I'm sure it will mean switching all the plans, because I couldn't even get in to talk to surgeon #2 until next Friday. I doubt he would then schedule surgery for a week later. That's great, Neal! I'm glad things are moving along for you! You know, Neal, that's what's been running through my mind all afternoon. I have a deep down belief in things happening for a reason. I'm just trying to figure out what that "reason" is! I posted a separate thread on the cosmetic surgery board about this, just because I hope for advice from a wider pool of people than just our tidy little bunch. It's all just so confusing to me right now. I was so comfortable with the plans that were in place, and now I'm questioning every little thing! Tami

Still working on it, Nina, but I have so much to do this afternoon to go out of town tomorrow first thing, that I just don't have time to sit on the phone to get this all straightened out. So, I have officially cancelled my ps. :biggrin: I just wanted more time to figure this all out. But, it looks like I either have the port replacement, wait the 3-4 weeks (for the incision to heal, before the ps tugs that skin down for the lower body lift), and then have the plastic surgery as planned. OR, I may actually consider switching plastic surgeons to the doc who is affiliated with my bariatric doc, *IF* they can coordinate the port replacement with the ps. That's still up in the air, though, because that plastic surgeon (my second choice, and actually more experienced with WLS patients) does his surgery in his own clinic, and I'm likely to run into the same problem getting the port, even if my bariatric doc is willing to go to his clinic (right outside the hospital) to do the surgery. I might be able to get this plastic surgeon to do the surgery at the hospital (where both have privileges), but I just know that's going to cost more. So, anyway, I have a lot of thinking and a lot of phone calls to make before I get this figured out. Tami

Sounds like I'm going to have to postpone plastic surgery. :smile: Can't just clamp off the tube due to risk of infection. And, the bariatric doc says the port really needs to be replaced first, before plastic surgery. They could schedule me in next week, but I have to figure out all those details like how I'm going to get to and from the hospital, and my hubby is out of town next week, naturally. Then, I'll have to wait 3-4 weeks after the port replacement before proceeding with the plastics. And, it's gonna cost me another $1250 for the facility fee and anesthesia. The bariatric doc isn't charging me for his time, which is great, but it's still costing me more. I'm so bummed you guys. I'm actually in tears, even though LJM's message reminds me that there are certainly worse things in this world than a little surgery delay. Tami

LJM, thank God it's not cancer, but I can understand your concern about the silicone. Best to get it taken care of as soon as you can, even if that means going ahead and doing your full breast work a little earlier than you planned. At least you'll have some insurance help with the cost. Good you found all this out now, and have the possibility of combining the surgery with the tummy tuck. Let us know what the PS says! Tami