kareyquilts

Julie: Flipping Fantastic! Thanks for sharing the photos. The girls are looking nice and perky! Hope your feeling good and the pain level is tolerable. Hugs!

Glad you're doing better. So sorry that you had to miss Christmas with the family. I know as a mother how disappointed I would have been. My daughter is missing her first Christmas home to spend with her fiance's family in Alaska. I don't like sharing! Oh well! Sounds like you made the right choice though. Keep taking care of yourself and keep us posted! Merry Christmas!

Miriam: You've been awfully silent. I'm worried about you. I hope you're just busy and not sick. I'm wishing you the best. Hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Say hi to the twins for me! I have to add my thanks for your openess, mentoring, sharing of information and generally being so upbeat! I hope the pain is better tomorrow!

Julie: Thanks for the pix. I can see the port. Very interesting. Was it uncomfortable? You can't see mine sticking out, but I can feel it and sometimes it's uncomfortable if I'm standing for long periods. I can feel it right below the skin and it's a little owie to the touch. The port also seems to have moved up from the original position which was right near my belly button. It's now about 3-4 inches above it. Is that normal or do you think it may have come loose?

Julie: So glad you are doing so well. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. Congratulations! Did you get your package before you left? I sent it to your office.

By the way Chickie your TT looks fabulous!

Thanks for posting pictures. You do have a beautiful smile. I've read the entire thread, but I'm still a little unclear. Are you have a TT or a pannus removal? How did you decide which doc to go with? I finally decided to go ahead with TT and breast lift on March 4th. Going in with DH on January 14th to ask a few more questions and working on the last 20 pounds as well. Does any one out there know about Medifast or liquid diets? Do you think they are a good way to go to get the weight off quickly? Or, maybe not a healthy enough alternative right before major surgery? I would appreciate people's opinions! Good luck LSM!

I suppose the cost of the port is just the beginning, since there would be charges from the surgeon, additional OR time, etc. I've got an appointment with my LB doc to ask questions about the port and my TT. I'l let you know what I find out.

I'm glad you called your sister. If she needs to be mad that's her perogative. It strikes me that she is acting superior to you and that's what really hurts. It's only a few hours and you'll get through whether she is there or not, but it's too bad that she feels the need to interfer in your relationship with your father, especially since she is in a similar boat with your Mom. Good luck!

Your arms look wonderfully slim! When will they shot the after look and produce the TV show?

Tami: You will have to keep us posted on your appointment with PS and the new technique. I had a third appointment yesterday with a PS and found it interesting. They are all a little different, but he did say that he would only do the stomach and breast lift at the same time and that I would have to have the back (belt lipectomy and arms later). He also said that my skin is very stretched on my upper abdomen and that he might consider making an additional incision down the middle to pull the skin tighter. Not sure how many scars I want to live with either. I think I have decided to go with the 2nd guy. Something just clicked and I liked his mannerisms, attitude and pictures the best. I'm going to ask him about my thick upper stomach and tell him what the other doc said. I think I will have the surgery around March 3rd. Meanwhile, I'm going to hit it as hard as I can and try to lose more weight and get in even better shape! I had my first pilates class today and really liked it. It didn't burn a lot of calories (according to my body bugg), but I think it will help my core. I am going to work out 3 days a week with my trainer until my surgery and count every calorie. That being said, I'm going to give myself a little leeway on the calories on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Harlito, you can do it. It's not too late. You have the tools and now the proper fill level and attitude! Nothing tastes as good as being thin and in shape fills. Somehow we need to replace food as a stress reliever. I've found a few things that help when I get the irrestible urge for sweets. Something warm. like a cup of hot tea or no sugar hot chocolate. Sugar-free jello or pudding. One thing that really fills me up, lasts a long time and is good for you is: 1/2 c. cottage cheese, 1/2 c. fiber cereal and a serving of fruit or if you have the munchies, mix it with sugar free pudding. There are also low calories ice cream cones, etc. Non food stress relievers: a warm bath, a nice walk, calling a friend, petting a pet, getting a massage, manicure or facial, etc. September bandsters we can do it! We already have done it. Just a few adjustments and we're back with the program. Right!? Wish you all the best. Mimin: Hope you're feeling better soon. Diane: Thanks for sharing the joke.

Mimin: I'm sorry you have had a complication. Is it painful, besides being gross? Are you still going back to work next week? Do you think you did anything to cause it or it this just something that can happen? It's lucky you saw what the results will be like when all the swelling goes down. You know you are going to look good when the infection is under control!! I'm glad you went to the doctor. Take care and keep us informed!

Diane: Sounds like you had a bad day! Did you have an unfill for your surgery? I think I remember that you did. Somedays I wish I could get pasta, brocolli and waffes! I have a hard time with those things going down the band. Of course, I can eat snickers and chocolate with the best of them! LOL! I think it's the stress of the season and coming off of a really big deal like you're surgery. Maybe allow yourself one or two small treats everyday until things settle down and just plan it into your calorie intake. Just a suggestion. Okay, Diane and Mimin, I went for another plastic surgery consult and he said a lot different things to me than the first guy! He said that I have lost enough weight, that the only place there is fat on me is on my tummy and he will take it off. He also said that I should absolutely not have lipo on my stomach, because it's dangerous, especially with a band. That the surgeon has to go in there blind, so to speak and why when it can be removed surgically. He also said that the "thickness" above my belly button and up to my rib cage can be handled very well with a TT (like you said Mimin). He also said he would not do the arms along with the TT and breast lift and that I would need another surgery for the back side and arms and if I did lose more weight they could touch up any loose skin at that time. What do you guys think? Of course, I want to believe him because I'm not losing weight very fast anymore. I wouldn't have the surgery until March, so I plan to keep trying to lose weight, but it does take the pressure off to not worry about a certain number. He also said, that he didn't think I had 20 pounds to lose. Such a wierd thing to hear a doctor say! I see another doctor tomorrow. If I get 3 different opinions, I'm not sure what I'll do. Anyway, this has turned into a long post. Sorry about that. Give me your thoughts!

Okay, Maybe the September bandsters need to wait until after Christmas to join the challenge?! Is there anyone out there? Mimin, Diane, maybe we'll have to have our own very "Small" support group! Is everyone doing great and they don't need a little encouragement? Speak!

I hope you got my package! Good luck with your PS!

Thanks for posting the pictures

Tami: You look drop dead gorgeous! Way to go! I've been wondering how you're doing! Way to go! I've been staying the same for the last 2-3 months, but decided to be more careful and I've lost 3 pounds this last week! YEA! I'm trying to get the last 20 off so I can get a tummy tuck or lower body lift. Mimin: I agree with Tami, I'm sure it's water weight. Keep trying to eat healthy foods and drink lots of water. I remember that after your breast augmentation, you also gained weight. You'll be fine, just be careful. I suppose you could also get a fill, but personally, I'd wait until after Christmas and after you've healed a little more! Also, I'm up for the challenge. I need the encouragement and I miss our September bandsters! Count me in!

Diane: The full body suit looks like it would get every area. I wouldn't get the vest unless you'd be saving it for breast reduction surgery. It doesn't look like it would help you in the areas you want support in. If you just want a smooth look than I guess it would help with that.

Thanks for explaining the pain to me. I really appreciate it. It helps to know as much information as possible. Have you asked the doctor if the shooting pain is normal? I'm encouraged that with everything you've experienced you would still do it all over again. I can't wait to see more pictures.

Julie: Your going to be absolutely gorgeous! After meeting all your body goals, what are you going to work on next?

Could you explain more about the pain? I'm thinking about having this surgery, also. Is is painful to move your arms around or painful from swelling or the incision site? Can you hide the compression garment under your clothes? I hope everything gets better soon. Keep us posted about when the show airs. Wish you the best!

Julie: What a good looking woman in that hot dress! I guess the scars on your arms really must not be a bother. You look great!

Julie: Thanks for the input on the scar thing. I think I might proceed with it too. I think it really helps to change up your diet. It makes your body wake up. I think are bodies adjust when we do the same things, even if there good or lo-cal things. I bet you'll make you're goal! Good luck!

Julie: You look fantastic! How do you feel about the scars on your underarms? I'm thinking about getting this procedure also, but I'm not sure if the scars will bug me more than the arms flapping!