kareyquilts

Wow! You're looking good! If the results are only going to get better, you've got it made in the shade! Congratulations!

Congratulations on your lipo! Did the doc tell you how many pounds of fat he removed? I would really follow his instructions carefully and wear that compression garment as directed. It will make a huge difference!

Susan: Of course it's a serious step to have surgery, but it is extremely rare that some one dies in surgery. I think it's terrible for some one to tell you a true, but none-the-less horror story. I'm about to have another round of plastics myself and I had a friend ask me if I thought I would "make it" this time around! If you've handled anesthesia well before you will probably do well again. I think that some things might be considered an act of God and hopefully our time isn't up! Really if people died often in surgery, it just wouldn't be good for business now would it? Do what you think is right and don't let anyone scare you!

Here is a good site for things to have before a TT: Items To Have Available For After Your TT Surgery

Just keep taking it, Miralax will work. It just takes awhile for for bowels to come a live again.

Lori: I guess you are going the day before me. Dr. Saltz's office called and changed my date to the 15th. I haven't shopped around but I really like Makemeheal. I would get arnica, crackers and lo-cal puddings and some ice packs. Makemeheal has some nice ones that are made for the procedures you are having, but any ice packs will be helpful. I'd also stock up on some movies you've been wanting to watch. I'll post more when I think of it.

Dr. Schulman: Once again, thank you. I appreciate your candor. I will probably go ahead with it. What is the pain like for this procedure? Will I not notice it that much with everything else that is going on? A friend was telling me about a procedure called a "corset stitch?" Is this done often with a fleur-di-lis incision? My ps never mentioned it so I'm confident that I'm not having that done, but I would still get the smaller waistline?

Dr. Schulman: Once again I come to the answer man with a question. In less than a month I am having lipo of my inner and outer thighs and knees, outer thigh lift, butt lift, arms and possible anchor revision of my tummy tuck. I have a lot of significant people in my life telling me that I don't need the anchor revision. I don't like the little roll of skin on my upper abs when I sit down, but for some reason, I'm a little nervous about that particular scar. I don't know why since I am going to have so many scars! Would you please look at the attached pictures and give me your professional opinion on whether you think I could benefit from the anchor revision (sorry to put you on the spot!). I would really appreciate it! Thanks!

Susan: Congratulations! As it closers, I'll be glad to give you pointers. It's a big decision and I don't think you'll ever regret it! YEAH!

Glad your feeling better. Our bodies are amazing. They want to heal and if we cooperate it only gets better and better. I hope you are taking some kind of laxative with your perocet. You'll be glad you did!

How is everyone doing? BJean, I hope you are alright, you've been awfully quite! Well, I have been working really hard and I have 4 pounds from my goal! This is going to be my last week to diet and then I need to maintain my weight and build up for my upcoming plastics. I got a fill under floru a while ago and my band looks good and my fill seems alright. I don't really notice my band unless I eat something fibrous like broccoli. Would love to hear from everyone!

Patarice, Reaching for the Stars and Carollee: This thread is for bandsters that were banded in 2006. It's not a very active thread anymore. When we were all new bandsters there was lots of chatter. I would go to the 2008 section and if no one has started a September 2008 thread than you should start one. It's really helpful to have other people that are going through the same thing as you. You're going to love your lap bands. I wish you the best. If I can answer any questions for you, let me know!

Congratulations! Glad it's over with and you are complication free! Hope the rest of your recovery is smooth. Rest up!

Wow! Your enthusiasm has me all enthusiastic too. Way to go! Congratulations! You kicked butt! It's only going to get better. I'm very happy for you. Life can have some grand moments. Enjoy!

Yes, it can be painful to sleep on your side for a while, but you will be able to again before you know it! Good luck!

Memommie: I'm not Dr. Schulman, but I can tell you that I was sore for a few weeks. The port area can be very tender. The port itself is fairly large and your body needs to adjust to it and it will be fairly painless after awhile. I wouldn't worry about how other peple heal, everyone is different. At this point, I think your reaction is within the realm of normal. Take it easy and let your discomfort be your guide. If you not feeling better in another week, then I would talk with your band doc. Good luck and welcome to band land!

I think it would be worth traveling into Manhattan and using Dr. Matthew Schulman. Check out his work on his website or look at his thread. If I was within hours that's where I would go!

I'm not sure how to answer your questions, because I had a girdle like device and though it was tight (very tight), I actually felt better with it on than without it. All the stuff I have read says that you should wear the compression garment for at least 2 months to get the best results. Is you doc going to put you in a compression garment when the drains come out or will you just wear a binder? I guess, I think it should be as tight as you can stand it, but not so that it is making you raw or cutting into you anywhere. I hope that helps. By the way, congratulations on joing the flatlands!

Before I weight lift, I have a half serving of protien. When I am finished weight lifting is when I have a carb, like a half a banana, an apple or half a really good energy bar. If I really done in by the exercise, I might add another protien. Sounds like you're really doing well. I weighed 165 when I had my tummy tuck. Sometimes your body has a set point and it takes a lot to get over that point. You will lose more weight after your TT. I'd just try and whatever you can get off will be gravy, because you're going to love your new body!

I agree with Frangi about mixing up your exercise routine, maybe even your diet (you could go low carb for awhile). I found weight training to help me the most, though at first you might not find that you lose too much weight because you will be building muscle, but you will get smaller. Good luck, trying to lose weight is the pits!

Sending positive vibes and prayers your way! Welcome to the Flatlands!

Will be thinking of you tomorrow!

Frangi: Thanks for sharing the pix. You look fabtabulous! I can tell you that even at 6 months I am noticing improvements in my tummy and I have gone down 1 size more. You're going to be getting better and better. Your poor DH isn't going to know what to do with such a smoking hot babe!

RenewedHope: YEAH! You're going to join the flatlands. Sounds like a lot of surgery all at once, but it will be worth it! I'm getting my arms, thighs, butt and TT revision all done on the 16th of October, so we can commiserate together! A TT will really improve the quality of your life and help you see how well you really have done on losing all that weight. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you. Let the countdown begin!

Karen: Wishing you the best. I know the anxiety is a killer, believe you're going to feel much better in one regard, when you wake up, because you won't have to worry about it anymore! It will be there and you'll cope just fine! Thinking of you and wishing you the best! My prayers will be with you on on the 18th!