Hello all, I am 18 months postop GRDS and have lost 120 pounds. Everything is hanging now. I need a tummy tuck, breast lift and repair of a giant abdominal hernia. Would appreciate any feedback on a really great plastic surgeon who understands and has experience with WLS patients, preferably in Salt Lake City as this is the nearest big city to me at 160 miles. I wish all of you the best of health. Thanks in advance.

Hi Kathryn I am from Lexington too. My prayers are with you. Keep us posted on your progress.

I am having surgery August 31st. For those of you who don't know , I had gastric bypass surgery last May (5/4/04) due to health problems and have lost 140 pounds to date ( EXACTLY 1/2 of what I weighed ) ... I feel great and almost all of my health problems have virtually disappeared !(THANK GOD !!!) Due the massive weight loss I have loads of loose skin that can not be toned up with exercise and I have been getting skin fold infections so I am having a medically necessary tummy tuck done on AUGUST 31st. Now normally, it wouldn't be THAT big of a deal but I am on Coumadin daily due to the fact that I have a lupus anticoagulant factor in my bloodstream ( making me more apt to clot) and I am considered high risk for any type of surgery but especially THIS type of surgery when there is usually a large amount of trauma done to the skin and surrounding organs. I had a clot in 2001 and really do not want to have to go through that again.When I had my bypass last year , they did put a Greenfeld filter in which catches the larger clots from travelling to my lungs should I get any but still there is a chance I could get the smaller ones AND there is a chance that due to me taking Coumadin (even though I am stopping it a week ahead) that I will bleed too much.. All this to say... I could NOT have gotten through my last surgery without tons of prayers going up for me and I would GREATLY appreciate it if you could say a BIG prayer for me to help me get through the surgery safely....Tell anyone you want to ! I had friends last surgery who put me on prayer lists at church and I am such a FIRM believer in the power of prayer that I KNOW I came through that surgery but for the grace of God and the skill of my surgeon. Thanks for listening to my saga and if you want to email me for any reason ..my email addy is [email protected].. My questions are for those who have had this done or anyone who might know.. Where would be a good place to buy a nice CHEAP (read economical) support garment or binder for after the surgery ? The ones I have seen online are upwards of $90.00 ! Is there anyplace to buy used ones ? I am not picky ! LOL Also..any hints of things you WISH you had done prior to surgery to prepare or things you found usefull during the recoup period and how long before you could drive ? Thanks !!! XOXOXOXOXOOXOX Kathy

I am falling into a bad habit of snacking during the evening!!! Can anyone give me some tips on how to handle these cravings? I know I'm not hungry........ Help!! Teri 265/155/140

You look beautiful! Thanks for being so honest and open. Keep doing what you know is good for you. Take care, Melissa