XP: Five Week Update!

Dee, your PS (and weight loss) results are amazing! And I agree with that stranger, you look much younger than 46. Congrats! Also, Snoopy in a chef's jacket sounds adorable.

If I may pick your brain, does the upper body lift always mean a scar that goes around your back? Or does it sometimes mean the scar that goes down your armpit?

I am pretty sure it goes around the upper back - near the bra line.  I wonder how that works if you wear a tight bra.  I know the incision line can be so sensitive for so long.  I'll be seeing Dr S in Vegas this June, so I'll get all the 411 at that time.  Are you going to be able to make it to Vegas in June?

Oh I forgot about Vegas! I'll have to look into that and see if I can make it.

I do think Dr S is fairly conservative with his Tummy work.  It's something we have discussed a time or two on the Dr S forum.  I think because most of his patients come from the US, he doesn't want them to have complications caused by the skin being pulled too tight.  This is just our guess.  I did have a revision because I lost another 100lbs.  I had my initial TT done to assist with my chronic back pain from my panni.  He and I discussed that I was not done losing weight and we were both in agreement that I would be revised later.

I've been to Dr S twice, had three surgeries and will be returning two more times.  Next time, I'm going for my breasts/arm revision (due to more weight loss) and upper body lift, along with my second stage of thigh work.

I do not think you could go wrong with Dr S.  He is extremely caring.  His staff is wonderful and his RN who comes daily to the hotel is priceless.  Those who have been fortunate enough to have him as our ps cannot say enough good about him.  I found him because I knew one of his former patients and I will be forever grateful to her.  I do feel Dr S is a great gift to all of us who have experienced his skill and kindness.

I guess I've never paid attention to your stats before. Is that correct info...You lost over 300 pounds with a lap band???? You still have a band? If so, that's one of the most amazing weight-loss stories I've ever read about. You look so great in your picture, that I NEVER would have guessed you had lost even 100 pounds. I can't even imagine a 300 pound loss, so I'm going to assume that's a mistake until you say otherwise.

Lynn

Lynn,
Nope, not mistake,  I was a big girl when I got my band,  I almost weighed 500lbs.  Probably would be dead by now if I hadn't gotten the LapBand.
I have had the band almost 4 years!  I've not had one issue!  Not one unfill, not one problem.  I've had very few fills - just enough to give me a little restriction.  I love my LapBand.  I was cash pay because my insurance said I weighed too much and was too much of a food addict to lose weight with the Band.  I paid $9950 for my Band and it has never failed me!
Best money, I ever spent!

dee~

Wow, Dee, what an inspiring story! I can't even lose weight with two bypass surgeries, and you've lost all that with the band. It seems like the band was just becoming mainstream when I had my surgery in 2000. I've known a lot of people that have gotten banded over the years, but every single one that I personally know have had to revise to RNY for various reasons. 

Did your surgical team try to talk you into a RNY before you got banded? 

How wonderful that you've had such success, but I know that YOU are the reason for the majority of your success. 

What is your plan if you ever have to revise? I would think maybe a sleeve? I'm really impressed with how many people are doing so well with sleeves these days. 

Anway, I'm really impress with your story. You've got a whole new life now, and that's a blessing, for sure!

My surgeon only did LapBands.  But my Ob/Gyn (the one I had back then) and my insurance tried to talk me into getting the RNY.  I had a friend who died from the RNY and several others who had large regains, so I wouldn't have agreed.  If I ever have to revise, I'd go with the Sleeve.  They do sleeves now at the hospital I used to work at and they have had good success! 

thanks for the compliments!  My new life in no way resembles my old life!

 Lynn, doc does the body and face 3-4 days apart to give us time to start healing.  I'm so glad I didn't have to go back a second time.  One recovery made me really happy.

That's great that he offers that option for people who have to take off from jobs and get surgery. It's so hard to plan time off for surgery, and being away and well cared for while you are there is a huge bonus, too.