Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

--- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "Jennifer" <jenduffey81@...> wrote:
>
> I was banded May 12th!!! I'm feeling pretty good now. I was glad to eat
something other than clear liquids. I still have some air, but not sure how long
it should take to get rid of it. Anyone that's had the band, how long did you
deal with the air in your stomach? I'm not complaining though, I'm already down
about 10 pounds!!! It's the first time in years I've seen the scale go down that
much.

Congratulations Jennifer--I was banded April 1st, but never had and air
problems.  They say if ya drink to fast that can cause air bubbles.  It is great
to see the scale going down I'm down 22lbs so far slowly but surely.  When do
you get your first fill?  I have not restriction until I had my first fill may
6th.  Still need a little mor though.  I go bact June 23 for that.  Good luck
with your new life and continued WL.

Carolyn James
>

--- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "Patti" <lilrifraf61@...> wrote:
>
> I am a recipient of the lap band a/o 04/15/09, I have what seems to be
tenderness/nerve ending sensational pain, i.e., when my shirt rubs across my
abdomen I feel the pain, will this go away with time? I have not had my first
fill yet, does this procedure hurt, I fear the pain it will cause due to the
nerve pain I am already experiencing ?
>
  Hi Patti, I have not had any pain with my lapband done on 4-1-09.  I had my
first fill on 5-6-01 and had no pain with it. Theyput   a little topical
nummbing stuff and you get to see it all on the scan.  They filled me with 4cc. 
Could  not even find the hole from the needle they filled it with. No bandaid
needed or nothing. Good Luck with you continued new life and you WL.   Carolyn
James

I would think the nerve pain would go away.  The fill will not hurt or cause any
more pain like you are experiencing.  I just had plastic surgery and am
experiencing the nerve pain as well in my arms.  My tummy is still pretty numb. 
The doctor said it would take awhile for everything to get back to normal, but
that is would.

--- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "Patti" <lilrifraf61@...> wrote:
>
> I am a recipient of the lap band a/o 04/15/09, I have what seems to be
tenderness/nerve ending sensational pain, i.e., when my shirt rubs across my
abdomen I feel the pain, will this go away with time? I have not had my first
fill yet, does this procedure hurt, I fear the pain it will cause due to the
nerve pain I am already experiencing ?
>

For peace of mind you should probably call, but this sounds very much like the
pain I was getting from the scar tissue that had developed around my port.  It
did finally go away, but it took a while for it to finally stop and it did
almost bring me to my knees at times.

--- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "Kathy Johnson" <rkjohnson95@...> wrote:
>
> I had my Lap Band surgery on Feb. 23, 09 and today started having significant
pain at my port site. It seems to be associated with using my abdominal muscles,
as during activity. Bending, stooping over, sitting up, laying down etc. It will
ease up when I place my hand over the port and apply pressure. I have been
wearing a large ace wrap this evening to help with support and this decreases
the pain. It is tender to touch. Any ideas. Do I need to call Lou tomorrow and
see if I need to get in to see her or the surgeon? Has anyone else had this
issue?
>

--- BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "Jennifer" <jenduffey81@...> wrote:
>
> I was banded May 12th!!! I'm feeling pretty good now. I was glad to eat
something other than clear liquids. I still have some air, but not sure how long
it should take to get rid of it. Anyone that's had the band, how long did you
deal with the air in your stomach? I'm not complaining though, I'm already down
about 10 pounds!!! It's the first time in years I've seen the scale go down that
much.
>

Hi Jennifer!

I was also banded May 12th. Just wondering if you are still dealing with pain
from the surgery or just the gas? I am having pain and gas still, also I feel
very swollen around my stomach, but no signs of infection so I am not worried
about that. I was hoping to be out doing more by now, but not sure if I am on
pace with recovery or I should be forcing myself out more.

Also, to anyone...is there some restriction caused by the band being there even
though it has not been filled? I feel like there is pressure sitting high under
my breast area..is that normal? I am sticking strong to the prescribed clear and
full liquids, but even they make me burp...hope all is normal...I am more than
ready to feel great!

Thanks,

Joan

Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

It's official! We've launched the new BandedTogether site, so I hope you will
take a few minutes to follow the link there and create a profile for yourself.

The URL is http://www.moreoflife.com/community

From there, you can view our blog or forums, and in the forums you can create a
new account to begin posting in a whole variety of much more organized topic
areas.

Also note that for those of you currently using Weight Loss Surgical Center for
follow-up care, there are community-specific forums so that you can talk about
local resources and topics with others in your geographic area.

Be sure to check out the profiles, too. You can upload an profile photo that
appears with your posts, and you can add a photo gallery to show your before and
after pictures.

I hope you'll find this a much more useable and accessible resource that can
help you out on your weight loss journey.

Wishing you more of life,

Adam

P.S. We will discontinue this yahoo forum some time this summer, so please
create your new profile on the new forum to continue receiving support.

I was banded May 12th!!! I'm feeling pretty good now. I was glad to eat
something other than clear liquids. I still have some air, but not sure how long
it should take to get rid of it. Anyone that's had the band, how long did you
deal with the air in your stomach? I'm not complaining though, I'm already down
about 10 pounds!!! It's the first time in years I've seen the scale go down that
much.

I had my Lap Band surgery on Feb. 23, 09 and today started having significant
pain at my port site. It seems to be associated with using my abdominal muscles,
as during activity. Bending, stooping over, sitting up, laying down etc. It will
ease up when I place my hand over the port and apply pressure. I have been
wearing a large ace wrap this evening to help with support and this decreases
the pain. It is tender to touch. Any ideas. Do I need to call Lou tomorrow and
see if I need to get in to see her or the surgeon? Has anyone else had this
issue?

I am a recipient of the lap band a/o 04/15/09, I have what seems to be
tenderness/nerve ending sensational pain, i.e., when my shirt rubs across my
abdomen I feel the pain, will this go away with time? I have not had my first
fill yet, does this procedure hurt, I fear the pain it will cause due to the
nerve pain I am already experiencing ?

Not a dumb question at all.  Sometimes we get caught up in abbreviations.

A TT is a Tummy Tuck, officially known as an Abdominoplasty.  An incision is
placed from hip bone to hip bone and a hold is cut around the belly button.  The
skin and fat are then separated from the muscle.  The excess skin and fat are
then stretched down paced the incision, a new hole is cut for the belly button,
the excess skin and fat are cut off and sutures are placed at the original
incision line. Most doctors also tighten the abdominal muscles that have been
stretched by the excess weight we have been carrying, this also helps to give an
hour glass shape.  A good surgeon will make sure the scar is covered by a bikini
bottom or underpants.  The way my mom put it, I got rid of the part of my belly
that she used to kiss and tickle when I was a baby.

An Arm Lift is officially known as a Bilateral Brachioplasty.  For this surgery
an incision is placed on the inner part of the arm from the arm pit to above the
elbow.  Once again the extra fat and skin that hang down and are sometimes down
as "bat wings" are removed.  This scar has the potential of being more obvious,
but for me the trade off was worth it because not only did I have bat wings, but
they had major stretch marks on them.  I have had arms like this all of my life
and it was time they were gone.  I was considering this surgery even before I
lost weight.

Let me know if you have any more questions.


--- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "Patti" <lilrifraf61@...> wrote:
>
> What is a "TT" and an "arm lift"?
>

The only dumb question is the one that you did not ask.

Pat

------ Original Message ------
Received: 11:35 AM CDT, 05/06/2009
From: "Patti" <lilrifraf61@...>
To: BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [BandedTogether] Possible dumb question

What is a "TT" and an "arm lift"?

What is a "TT" and an "arm lift"?

Thank you all for your well wishes! I haven't even had the surgery yet, and
everyone has already been a help or inspiration. I can't wait to start my new
life. I have scheduled my surgery for this next Tuesday! I'm hoping for a quick
recovery. Thank you all again. I'm sure I will be on here many more times after
my surgery.


--- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "cjames3259@..." <cjames3259@...> wrote:
>
> --- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "Jennifer" <jenduffey81@> wrote:
> >
> > I got the call today to schedule my pre-op visit!! I'm so exxcited and can't
wait to move forward with this. Thank you all for your help with my couple of
questions. This is by far the best group online!
> >
>
>
>
> Congratulations Jennifer.  Good luck and God Bless on you journey.  Mine Just
began April 1st, 09.  I have not had my 1st fill yet, but am already down 18
lbs.  132 more to go. I get my 1st fill on May 5th.
> Keep in touch and let us know how your doing.  Carolyn
>

I had my first doctor's appointment yesterday and he was very pleased with my
progress and how straight I was able to stand for only being four days out. He
was shocked to find out that I have only taken 5 pain pills since leaving the
hospital on Friday night, and one of them was before the appointment because I
feared the additional pain that would occur during the appointment. If it hadn't
been for going to the doctor today I would not have taken one at all today. His
nurse was suprised that I had color in my face and that I was acting normally,
she said most people are pale and barely functioning on their first follow-up.

He took all of the bandages off and the staples out, cleaned the incisions and
then put tape over them. The pulling of the tape on my skin is seriously the
only thing that hurts, well that and when I run into a wall in the dark as there
are bruises on my arms. The three drains are still in, which really isn't a big
problem. I have to call on Thursday with the amount of drainage and he will
decide if he is going to take them out on Friday or on Monday. I am now wearing
a binder around my stomach, which I will wear for the next 4 to 6 weeks. He also
put compression garments on my arms. I don't have to leave these on if my arms
start swelling to much or if I lose feeling in my hands. He did say I could cut
them a little bit in the armpit if they got to tight - and that was the first
thing I had my mom do when we got home.

It was nice to see that I now have a flat stomach, even though it is still
swollen. My belly button stitches will come out on the next visit. However, I do
think my butt looks even bigger now, although I am telling myself that I am
still swollen and things will change as the swelling goes down. He originally
wanted to do a Lower Body Lift, but I was the one that wanted the Tummy Tuck
only. I hope I don't regret it, but if I do, I can always move in the direction
of a Butt Lift when I do the Inner Thigh Lift. I am not really sure how my inner
thighs look at the moment as that is one of the areas that is swollen from the
TT. He did pull out my before pictures and the change was very noticeable. We
didn't take new pictures as that will come later once the swelling has gone
down.

For anyone in the KC area or anyone willing to travel, I would definitely
recommend Dr. Barnthouse - he is very particular and is the only one that
attends to his patients. I did some other consults in which I saw the nurses and
staff more than I saw the doctor, but not with him, and I spent two hours in
consultations with him before I had even given him a committment verbally or
montarily. I also walked out of his office with cost information as opposed to
having it sent to my later that day by another doctor and one that was supposed
to send it the following day, but never did.

I have typed enough for now as it is time for a glass of milk - I finally found
fat free chocolate.  I will let you know how the next visit goes.

Congratulations on your TT and Arm Lift---Wow what an awesome reward for working so hard to lose your weight.  I pray for a speady recovery for you and Blessed continued sucess on your new life.  Keep us posted.

Carolyn James
--- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, Ann Pierce <annbpierce@...> wrote:
>
>
> Andrea,
>
>
>
> I am happy to hear that everything went well with the surgery. Tightening up those stomach muscles will make you want to walk bent over, too.
>
>
>
> I am sure you will be thrilled with the results!
>
>
>
> Best of luck to you for a quick recovery.
>
>
>
> Ann P
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > To: BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com
> > From: aberg1991@...
> > Date: Sat, 2 May 2009 11:43:53 +0000
> > Subject: [BandedTogether] TT and Arm Lift are done.
> >
> > I had my TT and Arm Lift at Menorah Medical Center on Thursday, April 30th. They took my back to the operating room about 7:45 a.m. and the doctor came out and talked to my parents about 3 p.m. They said it would be a six to eight hour surgery and it was.
> >
> > I spent the night in the hospital and finally got to eat solid foods yesterday. Prior to having to get out of bed and sit in a chair, the worst part of the process was having an extremely dry mouth. Once I got to eat that subsided a little bit, as long as I wasn't sleeping with my mouth hanging open, which according to my dad I was because he took a picture. My doctor wanted me to stay in the hospital until late afternoon or early evening. I think it was somewhere around 6:30 or 7 when I left. I have made a couple of trips upstairs to the bathroom and fixed some breakfast a few minutes ago because I was starving, but other than that I have been in my recliner resting and sleeping.
> >
> > I have not been able to see the incisions yet as they are covered by bandages, but I expect to able to see them on Monday afternoon when I go back to the doctor. I have been and still am very impressed with Dr. Barnthouse, and so where my parents. According to the nurse he called about 11:15 on Thursday night to see how I was, which she said was very normal for him to do. He then checked in with me about 7:10 Friday morning.
> >
> > I really am not in any pain unless I try to stand up or change positions in my chair. Just sitting still and I am basically pain free. I have 3 drains that I have to keep an eye on. I am thinking at least one of them will come out on Monday, but I bet the other two will be in there for a few more days. I do have to walk hunched over, but that is due to the way they taped the dressings on. I figure that by taping them that way if prevents attempting to stand up straight and put undue pressure on the TT scar. My arms do not really hurt, but I can tell when the bandage rubs across the incision in the armpit. He said that wrapping the arms is a very difficult process and they getting the incision in the armpit covered can't be done and still allow me to move my arms.
> >
> > Even though I am swollen and have thick bandages on me, I can already tell that I am missing my fat rolls. He told my parents that he took off about 8 lbs. of skin and fat. I was hoping for more like 10, but oh well. Dr. Barnthouse also told me that he tightened my stomach muscles everywhere except around the port so at to allow better access to the port withouth having to go thru muscle.
> >
> > Time to do my breathing treatment, but I will keep you updated as I go along.
> >
> > Andrea
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>

Last week I got a preview of the new Banded Together community, which will be hosted on our website at www.moreoflife.com, and I'm pretty excited for the changes that are coming in the next couple weeks.

The new online community and support group will feature:

• New personal profiles to tell your story and post a few pictures of your progress
• Separate topics and threads so you can more easily find information and respond to or ask questions at every step of your band journey
• Location-based topics and threads to help support Weight Loss Surgical Center's local support groups.
• Our new Weight Loss Blog with news, information, tips and opinions from staff at Weight Loss Surgical Center.

We're offering a sneak peek to some patients this week, and I'd like to offer a sneak peek to any current Banded Together members next week. If you're interested in see what it's all about and starting up some early conversation before we open it up on our site, please email me at ayarbrough@..., and I'll send you an invitation early next week.

Thanks,
Adam

--- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "cjames3259@..." <cjames3259@...> wrote:
>
> --- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "butterfliekissestoyou"
<butterfliekissestoyou@> wrote:
> >
> > Hello group! I just did the online seminar for lapband tonight. I am
> > 4"11  weighing about 209 which is far over what they want for someone
> > of my height , I think they want me around 135 which I was in
> > highschool , aww where did those days go? Anyway , I lost 40 lbs on
> > weightwatchers only to gain it back when I wasnt eating perfect any
> > longer, I am desperate to do something that works and live my life
> > again , what does everyone think , is it really safe??????
> >
> Hello, I am Lorelei, I was banded March3,2009 and I have lost 31 pounds now, I
haven't had my band filled yet, I go May 6th for that, I have been feeling so
wonderful, already like a new person, my aches and pains are gradually going
away! I haven't had any problems, not hungry much, my clothes are starting to
get baggy! I was very desperate,too, and I knew if I didn't do something I was
only going to get worse,so I did the seminar on Oct.15,2008, and my insurance
paid for my surgery! You have to have your mind set and ready for this because
once you have the lapband done, you have to follow the rules, eating right is
number one, no problems if you follow through,
> and I haven't regreted it at all,you have to have support from family and
friends, that helps alot too, so I am saying, if you have thought about it then
you should do what your body is telling you to do!You only have one body, you
have to take care of it, so I say, GO FOR IT, I am glad I did! As for it being
safe, yes, I think it is as safe as someone with a heart pacemaker! Good Luck to
you on your journey to your new life! Loreleipooh
> Hi My name is Carolyn and I got my band April 1st, 09.  It was done out
patient, I spent the night in a motel close to the surgery center, and as I had
No Complications I headed home which was a three hour trip the next day.  I have
150lbs to loose and have already lost 18lbs, and have not even had my first fill
yet.  I have my first fill May 5th.  On our way home from the surery, my sister
and I even stopped to go shopping for about an hour and other than being a
little tired I did fine.  I took 5 days off work, as a medical coding biller,
mostly because my desk rubbed on my band site incision.  I have 8 kids, my
youngest being 5 and 7, and due to Drs. advice that you not lift more than
25lbs, the only thing I have not done yet is pick them up.  I plan on doing that
May 1st.  Good luck on your search for a new beginning.
>

I had my TT and Arm Lift at Menorah Medical Center on Thursday, April 30th. 
They took my back to the operating room about 7:45 a.m. and the doctor came out
and talked to my parents about 3 p.m.  They said it would be a six to eight hour
surgery and it was.

I spent the night in the hospital and finally got to eat solid foods yesterday. 
Prior to having to get out of bed and sit in a chair, the worst part of the
process was having an extremely dry mouth.  Once I got to eat that subsided a
little bit, as long as I wasn't sleeping with my mouth hanging open, which
according to my dad I was because he took a picture.  My doctor wanted me to
stay in the hospital until late afternoon or early evening.  I think it was
somewhere around 6:30 or 7 when I left.  I have made a couple of trips upstairs
to the bathroom and fixed some breakfast a few minutes ago because I was
starving, but other than that I have been in my recliner resting and sleeping.

I have not been able to see the incisions yet as they are covered by bandages,
but I expect to able to see them on Monday afternoon when I go back to the
doctor.  I have been and still am very impressed with Dr. Barnthouse, and so
where my parents.  According to the nurse he called about 11:15 on Thursday
night to see how I was, which she said was very normal for him to do.  He then
checked in with me about 7:10 Friday morning.

I really am not in any pain unless I try to stand up or change positions in my
chair.  Just sitting still and I am basically pain free.  I have 3 drains that I
have to keep an eye on.  I am thinking at least one of them will come out on
Monday, but I bet the other two will be in there for a few more days.  I do have
to walk hunched over, but that is due to the way they taped the dressings on.  I
figure that by taping them that way if prevents attempting to stand up straight
and put undue pressure on the TT scar.  My arms do not really hurt, but I can
tell when the bandage rubs across the incision in the armpit.  He said that
wrapping the arms is a very difficult process and they getting the incision in
the armpit covered can't be done and still allow me to move my arms.

Even though I am swollen and have thick bandages on me, I can already tell that
I am missing my fat rolls.  He told my parents that he took off about 8 lbs. of
skin and fat.  I was hoping for more like 10, but oh well.  Dr. Barnthouse also
told me that he tightened my stomach muscles everywhere except around the port
so at to allow better access to the port withouth having to go thru muscle.

Time to do my breathing treatment, but I will keep you updated as I go along.

Andrea

I agree, I have had the same problem, I have not lost as much as I had hoped
but a lot of it is my own bad choices of food and I live with a lot of
stress. So, bottom line is don't give up and take very small bites and
listen to what your PA tells you. Linda
----- Original Message -----
From: "sherlock180" <randysilvey@...>
To: <BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 7:16 PM
Subject: [BandedTogether] Re: fail lap band


>I have been watching all of your posts for the past several months and this
>is the first time that I have felt that I have something to offer to the
>group.
>
> I had my surgery almost 2 years ago.  I lost 40lbs. in the first 4
> months...then Thanksgiving 2007 happened.  I had already learned to eat
> things that went down easy and that drinking with my meals kept me from
> missing out on dishes that I loved.  By January 2008 I wasn't feeling full
> any quicker than I had felt prior to the surgery.  I went back into the
> Dr. office and leaned that my Esophagus had stretched and was holding food
> above my pouch.  They drained me completely.  Over the next several months
> I went back in for gradual fills.  Today I am at over 7 cc.  I am right
> back to where I was on Thanksgiving 2007.  I have lost a total of 40 lbs.
> and am sure that I have stretched my Esophagus again.  They warned me that
> I would have to be extra careful, that once the Esophagus stretches it is
> prone to do it again.
>
> Bottom line...Check to see if your Esophagus is stretched and the surgery
> is NOT a fix all.  Will Power is still your best weapon.
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


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