kareyquilts

Diane: One thing you could try is some warm water with lemon juice and a little honey. Drink it as often as you can, along with water with lemon wedges. Lemon is a natural diuretic. I'd still call your doc or your regular doctor and make him aware at least.

Mimin: You are looking fabulous darling! Your belly button looks good, your stomach and rib cage have excellant definition. I am really impressed. Maybe I should come to your part of the country to get my surgery!

Thanks Mimin! I don't blame you for being neurotic! I am too. It's hard to put so much faith into one person. I have a few trust issues and authority figure issues, so it really creates anxiety. At some point, you just have to believe that they'll do a good job. The lapband questions are good. The surgeon I see tomorrow has done a lot of lap band people becuase that is who my lapband doc recommends. I'm wondering about a lower profile port. My port is starting to bug me. I can feel it under my skin. It kind of pokes me. It also has really moved up from where it use to be. Is this a good thing? Did you get a lower profile port? Did you have fluid taken out of the band? Hope you're feeling even better today. Thanks for being so supportive!

Julie: Thanks for the advice. I do think I will set a limit of 8 pounds. I also talked to my exercise buddy about my feelings and she promised to be a support and made a pack to encourage me and up the exercise if I gain any weight back. I guess I just feel vulnerable right now and also, there are a lot of sweets around this time of year. I really do have a sweet tooth, but I'm going to deal with it. Do you think it's too negative to have some pictures of me at my heaviest near the fridge?

Mimin: Thanks for posting this thread. I really mean it! Now, I'll know if I'm not completely happy with the results to talk with the surgeon and that it's a normal part of the process. After going through all that pain, I'm sure you want it to be as perfect as it can be. I'm also sure you don't want to hear "inner thigh" lift at this point. I hope as the swelling goes down that you will be more pleased with your results. Please keep us posted. I'm trying to make up some questions for the plastic surgeon I'm going to see on Thursday. Do you have any suggestions? Julie, do you? I would appreciate it, I haven't done that much research on the LBL. Thanks.

I guess you get to keep the drains in for a while longer? You're arms are looking great. Interested to see how they look when all the swelling goes down. I think you're going to be pleased.

Julie: I'm going to checking out the passing for thin thread, but right as I'm typing this I'm thinking, but am I thin enough to be a part of this thread? Lately, I have little attacks of anxiety that I'll start gaining my weight back. This happens of course after I've eaten something that I shouldn't have or maybe a little too much good food. I'm obsessing more about food in general. Maybe I need another fill because I'm not getting that stuck feeling at all, but I really don't want that feeling. It's unpleasant and irritating. I think I'm just nervous about parading myself in front of 3 different plastic surgeons. I know in my head that I'm just another body that needs fixing, but to me it's very embarrassing. I'm worried that they are going to tell me to lose the last 20 pounds first, and part of me is just fine with that too. So confusing. I guess that the scars of years of being overweight don't go away as quickly as the fat does! Thanks for being such a good sounding board and example. By the way, I have your present from Utah and will try and send it by the end of the week, when I mail off some other packages. Just wanted you to start anticipating it! Have a good day!

Mimin: Glad your pain level is down! That's a great idea to have 2 surgeons to cut the time down. I doubt that I'll have that as an option. I'm going to interview 3 doctors, just picked #3 yesterday. I've heard that the drains are a pain, hope you don't have to keep them in too long. Can you believe how much your life has changed in such a short time? When I think about it, I can't quite grasp it. I'm still not totally comfortable in my own skin yet, an like The Ghost, I worry that it will all go away some how, but I think that getting the LBL definetly makes it a more permanent arrangement! I'm really happy for you and know from other's experiences that you'll be feeling much better soon. I'm so glad that you started this thread because I know that it will help people. For one, it is helping me. I appreciate everyone who has shared the journeys. It's getting closer for me and it really is calming to have others who have gone through it to explain, share and commiserate with. I'll keep you in my prayers!

Diane: Thanks! I needed the reminder to breathe! I am nervous, trying to make a list of questions for the doctor, so I can hide (so to speak) behind my brain. I think I am more nervous about the PS than the band because, it was obvious that I needed the band, the doctor didn't have me stand in front of him naked and examine me, and the outcome from the band was a known. The plastic surgery seems a little, no a lot, unknown, to me, since I can't really visualize what I will look like. I just know that it will be better to be rid of the apron! Well, thanks for answering my questions, I'll let you know what the first guy says and we'll go from there!

Your arms already look smaller. Congratulations. I'm sure you're going to be pleased.

Mimin: No inner thighs touching is a great accomplishment. Sounds like you're doing well. Again, way to go!

Diane: How are you feeling now? How is the swelling? I have my first appointment with a plastic surgeon on Thursday. I get a stomach ache just thinking about it. Just wondering how your recovery is coming and if your glad that you proceeded before you were the weight that you wanted to be. I'm feeling a little nervous becuase I want to weigh 20 pounds less to be at my final goal. My ob doc said last week that I should proceed because she thinks I have at least 15 pounds of loose skin. I just hope that the plastic guy agrees and I'm not embarassed more than I'm already going to be. I know that you have been going down in pant size since your surgery even with the swelling. Right? So, are you glad you went ahead even though you weren't at your goal weight? What is you're energy level like now? Can you tell I'm getting nervous just thinking about this stuff!

Mimin: Oh my gosh! You started your own thread and I missed it until now. I didn't even get to say a prayer for you, but I'll start and send you positive healing energy! They planned on 7 hours?!! It took 4.5 hours. Did you stay overnight? I can't believe you already posted. You are a super star! I have my first consultation for a lower body lift next Thursday and then another one on Dec. 18th. I'm going to do it, so I'll be watching your experience carefully. Afterall, we are September band sisters! I'm so proud of you. I'm scared just thinking about it, but I'm going to do it. Are you wearing the compression garment? How many drains did they put in? Let us know all the gory details. I need the information. How many surgeons did you go to? How did you decide who to use? On a scale of 1-10 what is the pain like, etc. I can't believe you did it. Way to go! Remember, if you decide to do pictures, they don't have to be nude. People can get the idea... Congratulations! Wow!

How very exciting! I'm sending you all the positive energy I can. Wish you the best! Keep us posted.

Mimin: Good for you. I think you should go for it! I don't think you have to post nekked pictures just because everyone will beg! I don't think I will post nekked pictures either. Maybe I'll post a swim suit version, but maybe not. Pretty scary to put yourself out there. That being said, I have sure appreciated the people who have shared. It's given me a lot of hope and determination to go for it myself! I wish you the best. Can't wait to hear how you feel about it all, when your all beautiful! Good luck! Best wishes! God Speed!

Mimin: Well maybe your family will be supportive and helpful now that they know about the surgery. Friday?! Yikes that's soon. Are you going to start a thread or keep it more private? I hope you'll let us in on it and I'll bet you'll be surprised how many bandsters will support you. Can't wait to hear how it all goes. Wish you the very best!!!!

Mimin: Are you still getting plastic surgery? I've wondering. I'm probably getting a lower body lift in March, we will see. We just got back from Puerto Vallarta. Had a great time. My daughter is getting married there in May and we almost got the entire thing planned. Plus had a great vacation. I gained 3 pounds but I'm hoping most of it is water weight! Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I would love to hear how everyone is doing!

Diane: You're looking awesome. I also think your belly button looks great. Thanks for sharing the pictures. Did they tell you how much the skin weighed that they cut off? I can't remember that you shared that bit of info. I hope you called your doctor and that you take take of yourself a little more. Patience and then you can do it all again!

You may be building up some muscle with all the exercise. Don't push too hard, you don't want to ruin your health with so little calories. Also, I was at a lecture yesterday with a guy from Apex (Body Bugg makers) and he said that vitamins are your most important weight loss tool. Why? Because when you restrict your calories you can't get enough nutrition and your body will slow you down in subtle ways if it feels deprived. I know that my doc insisted that we take vitamins. I just mention to gently remind you to do it and to take care of yourself. Can't wait to hear what happens and your experience with the surgery.

Julie: So glad I found your thread. I was waiting to hear something on the old thread. You are doing awesome. I can't believe you want to go through more again in December. I totally understand wanting to be done with it all and just accepting and loving your body in 2008. When will you be home because I haven't forgotten about the gift I want to send you from Utah. I guess the time just slipped away, but I'm ready and willing to sent it as soon as you get home. Thanks so much for sharing your journey. I'm going to make a couple of appointments with plastic surgeons in December or January and begin my own journey. God speed. Let us know how you're doing.

Wishing you the best and hoping that the doctor comes through for you! How's your weight loss now?

Diane: Congratulaitions! Can't wait to see the pics. Sounds like your feeling good. Is work and energy levels going well now? I'm thinking about interviewing some plastic surgeons in December. Just not quite sure about the when yet. Watching you and Julie and trying to learn what I can.

Julie: I'm sure that graduating from law school was a great accomplishment, but I'm sure, from the way you express yourself, that you have always been smart, but not atheletic. Way to go on the race! Wow! Great time! Congratulations on your surgery also. I'm thinking of doing the arm left as well. Does it restrict your movements as much as a TT, what is the aftercare like? Please keep us posted on how you are doing. Best wishes on your recovery.

Congratulations on your marathon time! Wowie! I'm impressed!

Glad your feeling better and that your work is so understanding.