29Feb - losingjusme's plastics day

[losingjusme 12]

now you arent supposed to look on the bright side of things ... :wink:

but, i know my step-mom ... she isnt the bright side type of person ... but let's just pretend she is... i called her yesterday as i was cleaning out my closet and offered my clothes to her sisters (one is just about my pre-op size of 6XL+ maybe...) she hesitated ... kinda like my sisters arent as big as you were ... but agreed ...

[TracyinKS 7]

Way to take the high road!!!! :wink:

[kareyquilts 1]

LJM: I had a lymphatic massage today and asked about the left side swelling, she said that the lymphatic drainage on the left side is much larger than the right side and that many people have more swelling on the left side of their body. I guess I will stop worrying so much and worry about something more important like- world peace or something! LOL! Sucks your new clothes wouldn't fit. I guess I won't get rid of anything just yet!

[oneflew 0]

LJM, just wanted to chime in that your effort and results have been awesome! Makes me keep the faith that I could have the PS done. Keep your chin up, especially around mean people. I have found that mean people usually find ways to be mean whether we're doing well or not. Great work!

Sam

[losingjusme 12]

LJM: I had a lymphatic massage today and asked about the left side swelling, she said that the lymphatic drainage on the left side is much larger than the right side and that many people have more swelling on the left side of their body. I guess I will stop worrying so much and worry about something more important like- world peace or something! LOL! Sucks your new clothes wouldn't fit. I guess I won't get rid of anything just yet!

Karey,

good to know, thanks! the clothes just wouldnt fit last night, but i hadnt been wearing my garment all day.

LJM, just wanted to chime in that your effort and results have been awesome! Makes me keep the faith that I could have the PS done. Keep your chin up, especially around mean people. I have found that mean people usually find ways to be mean whether we're doing well or not. Great work!

Sam

thanks!

well i walked .68 miles in 30 mins today. tired and starving when i finished. going to be an early night for me!

[TexasBecky 1]

LJM, did Dr. P do anything about your port yet? I need a low profile and he told me it would be better if I got my band doc to change it out before my PS. Saw the band doc yesterday and he said it has to be done in the OR so it should be done at the same time as PS. What's your experience been?

[kareyquilts 1]

TexasBecky: I'm not LJM, but I had a low profile port put in at the same time as my Tummy Tuck. It took some coordination between the docs, but it worked out better for me. If you have it done at the same time, you don't need another incision, you don't have to have your belly filled with air (for the endoscope), you don't need another time to go under anesthia and it only takes the band doc about 15 minutes because you're already opened up. There are obstacles: the surgery site must be band approved by the makers of the band, both surgeons must have surgery privileges at the surgery site and then they have to coordinate their schedules. It's well worth figuring it out. I love my new lower profile port. Nothing is sticking out of my tummy and I can't feel it like I could the original port. My old port was always sore and tender from exercise, especially when I did pilates or weight lifting. I hope this helps you. Good luck!

[StephC 0]

I questioned my band dr about the low profile port and he didnt' seem to think I need it. He said normally it protudes more on men then women bc men have more internal fat and women have external fat. Meaning - our port is on the muscle which is covered in fat, a mans port is also on his muscle but his fat is behind the muscle. Which all makes total sense to me. He said he can have a women with a big belly and have a heck of a time finding her port, getting thro all the fat, and a man with the same girth comes in an the port is right there.

Not fair - never has been and never will be.

[TexasBecky 1]

Thanks Karey & Steph. Yes, I definately need a low profile. Mine sticks out big time now. Karey, the coordination is an issue. One of the docs I'm considering (LJM's doc) doesn't operate at the same hospital as my band doc (who doesn't have privileges at the PS's hospital). I think that may be why the PS suggested getting the port done first. You've confirmed what I was thinking - that it makes alot more sense to do it at the same time. I'd hate for that to eliminate LJM's "no drain" doc because I really liked him alot, but it might be a deal breaker. LJM, I'd still like to hear what you know about it.

[losingjusme 12]

really swamped at work today ... so f'ing pissed ... grrrr..

ok ... short reply, no.

dr p would not replace it and my doc didnt have priv. at TIS, so i didnt get it.

personally, i wouldnt have that be a complete deal breaker thought, but thats just my opinion....

[kareyquilts 1]

TexasBecky: Have a different band doctor that has privileges where the PS operates. It's really not a big deal, only takes the band doc about 15 minutes. If you want the no drain PS, I'd find another band doc to make the switch.

[losingjusme 12]

me too, becky.

i wasnt that committed to having the LP port, so i didnt pursue it.

i know Dr P wont touch your band...

[TexasBecky 1]

That sounds like a reasonable plan. I think picking the right PS is more important than who swaps out my port. I definately do not want two separate procedures at two different places. LJM, do you know of anybody who does lapbands at Presby?

I still have another PS consult coming up but I'm pretty sure this one operates at Presby too so it could be the same port deal with him.

[losingjusme 12]

no clue... maybe call inamed or look on their website?

if you dont mind me asking, who's the other consult with?

[TexasBecky 1]

LJM, the next consult is with Steven Wright. Do you know anything about him?