Recent Posts

Gwen M.
on 3/3/18 5:43 am
VSG on 03/13/14
Topic: RE: Plastic Surgery in Cuba - compression garments

For the abdominoplasty and gynecomastia, I'd recommend something like this -- https://www.medicointernational.com/store/product-info.php?s c-150-male-above-the-knee-body-shaper-pid180.html

I used this for the arms, and it seems like it should be fairly unisex -- https://www.medicointernational.com/store/product-info.php?T -1105-Arm-Compression-Sleeves-pid577.html

VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)

Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170

TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)

Gwen M.
on 3/3/18 5:41 am
VSG on 03/13/14
Topic: RE: What did you pay?

Premiums should be paid with pre-tax money, so the only way you can declare them is if they're paid with post-tax money for some reason.

VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)

Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170

TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)

Erin T.
on 3/3/18 5:38 am
VSG on 01/17/17
Topic: RE: What did you pay?

Cool, we hit 10% too so that's all good and given bariatrics and diabetes I'll be adding to the pot I'm sure! Do healthcare premiums count in that?

VSG: 1/17/17

5'7" HW: 283 SW: 229 CW: 135-140 GW: 145

Pre-op: 53 M1: 22 M2: 12 M3: 12 M4: 8 M5: 10 M6: 11 M7: 5 M8: 6 M9-M13: 15-ish

LBL/BL w/ Fat Transfer 1/29/18

Gwen M.
on 3/3/18 5:20 am
VSG on 03/13/14
Topic: RE: What did you pay?

Yup! I think it's 10% now though.

VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)

Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170

TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)

Erin T.
on 3/3/18 4:01 am
VSG on 01/17/17
Topic: 5 weeks post-op LBL/BL

I will be 5 weeks post LBL on Monday. I was supposed to have a 4-week follow up with my surgeon I accepted a job in North Carolina when I was 1-week post op and it's hard to find time after giving notice to drive 8+ hours and be there on a Tuesday/Thursday without taking a full 3 days off. So, I've been communicating any concerns to my surgeon via email and I will see him at 8-weeks on 3/29. It will only be a 4 hour drive since we will have moved by then!

At 3-weeks or so I was told I could move to 2nd stage garments (ie: Spanx) and that at 4-6 weeks I 'didn't need to wear them at all unless I wanted to'. Well, I tried out Spanx for about 2 days and realized my swelling had increased quite a bit, so I have gone back to mostly wearing a surgical garment from waking until bedtime and I'm now sleeping without it. I know a lot of people may do the opposite, but I feel very much like I'm 'falling out' when I don't wear it when I'm being active. I sleep a lot better without the garment.

I haven't taken any Valium since 2/24, so I'm thinking I'm done with that. I figure I may have the need for it occasionally when I add back in working out. I can return to activity at 6 weeks, but my plan is to wait to talk to the doctor before I do more than just walking.

My glue is finally all gone. I got more vigorous with my loofa scrubbing because I was sick of it. I have one drain hole with a scab, one that the scab fell out of and there's a bit of a pit there and I have one open spot due to a 'spit stitch' (a stitch that came through the skin). The opening is about 2mm long and after I pulled the stitch out it dried up nicely. I have a few other stitches sticking out so I'll be interested to see if those cause similar issues. My butt pain seems to have resolved itself some this week too, that or returning to work in the office has made me sit on it for shorter periods of time and I haven't noticed. My tailbone is now very exposed and I have no fat over it so it feels bruised. That may be something I just need to get used to. I'm not sure biking will ever be my thing!

My breasts look fantastic, the scarring is already flesh toned and the vertical part of the 'lollypop' is the only portion I think you'd pick out if you didn't know I had surgery. My LBL scar is redder, but I'm still impressed by how it looks! I have one breast that has a small 'empty' area where it feels concave. I am assuming that might be a section he added fat to that didn't take. I will ask about it at my 8 week visit, but I sort of assume my body will move fat around to fill the void.

As a reference for how my weight changed - I was 130.6lbs the day of surgery and he removed 2.65lbs of tissue. I was 124.4lbs the day after I came home (9 days post op) and since have bounced in the 125-127 range. I actually would like to target being back in the 130-135 range, but I'm sure my body will get there on its own. I had 19% body fat going into surgery and I'll repeat the DEXA scan this summer.

I'm going to try and upload a censored picture of my front view, so if you're friends with me you should be able to see it.

VSG: 1/17/17

5'7" HW: 283 SW: 229 CW: 135-140 GW: 145

Pre-op: 53 M1: 22 M2: 12 M3: 12 M4: 8 M5: 10 M6: 11 M7: 5 M8: 6 M9-M13: 15-ish

LBL/BL w/ Fat Transfer 1/29/18

Erin T.
on 3/3/18 3:12 am
VSG on 01/17/17
Topic: RE: What did you pay?

So, did you claim every medical expense given you had more than 7% of your income (I'm assuming because that's the rule right?). Since I got my 7% in January should I be saving every medical after that to claim?

VSG: 1/17/17

5'7" HW: 283 SW: 229 CW: 135-140 GW: 145

Pre-op: 53 M1: 22 M2: 12 M3: 12 M4: 8 M5: 10 M6: 11 M7: 5 M8: 6 M9-M13: 15-ish

LBL/BL w/ Fat Transfer 1/29/18

Sweetdew1959
on 3/3/18 12:08 am
Topic: Would like names and numbers of good plastic surgeons in the Los Angeles and surrounding areas

I live in the San Fernando Valley I have lost over 120 lbs and now looking to get a lower body lift and other desired procedures.

Can anyone share with me doctors info on whom are really good with all of the post weight loss procedures needed.

Thank you,

Sweetdew1959

joanne0658
on 3/2/18 9:42 pm
Topic: RE: sooooooooooooo excited . . . .

Feeling great and can't wait to see the results..... two days and i can see. Luv my doc! Did way too much and can't fall asleep.... dang pain meds wake me up. My mom and hubby are driving me bonkers. Me thinks they need to be medicated?....Hard replying from my mobile.....Thanks all for well wishes and thoughts.

Hey, anyone in need of an extra mom or hubby? (Giggle)......Thank heavens for my sweet dogs .... as they keep me at peace.

Age: 60 | Height: 5'3.5 | Surgery Date: 07/24/15 | Starting Weight: 292 | Surgery Weight: 267 | Goal Weight:150 | Current Weight: 149 | WL so far: 143 lbs

TDotDana
on 3/2/18 9:05 pm - Toronto, Canada
RNY on 01/23/17
Topic: RE: Plastic Surgery in Cuba - compression garments

Abdominoplasty, Arm Lift and possible Gynecomastia - I am trying to get them to do all 3 at once.

HW - 283lbs (1991)** LW - 206lbs (2014)**CW 265lbs **Slimband - March 8, 2013 ** 275lbs @ Preop Diet**  261lbs on surgery day**Referral TWH - Feb'16**Orientation TWH - May 11/16**Psychologist TWH (Dr Wnuk) - June 24/16 ** Social Work (Anna Wallwork) - July 20/16 **Nurse (Wei Wang) - July 25/16 ** Nutrition Class (Lorraine Gougeon) - Aug 15/16    Endoscopy TWH - Aug 18/16  Dietician (Laura Scott) - Sept 15/16 Surgeon Dr Okrainek Nov 18/16 ** PreOP @ TWN Jan 9/17 *** RNY & Lap Band Removal Surgery @ TWH Jan 23/17 w/ Dr Urbach

Leslie W.
on 3/2/18 7:24 pm - Cobourg, Canada
Topic: RE: LBL in 2 weeks with Dr. Nandagopal - what to expect??

You will be in great hands. Just be easy on yourself. It will hurt but should be under control. I was amazed at how many abdominal muscles I needed to just pee. A higher toilet seat was a god send. Their 24 hr care is wonderful.Don't hesitate to call if you are having issues.

    
Referral: August 2010 Orientation TWH: May 25, 2011  NP: June 8/11, f/u sleep clinic June 7, abd u/s June 14, SW: June 28/11  Nutrition Class: July 5/11, Dietician Aug 09, Psychologist Aug 25 Surgeon Sept 16th Surgery Date: Oct 11/11 HW:287, Opti wt: 260 SW: 242
My Angel is Sheri TK   
Most Active
×