First Plastic Surgery Procedure Completed - LBL

Nov 06, 2017

I had my first plastic surgery procedure on October 26, 2017; a lower body lift. I was very nervous about pain control afterwards, however, that was not an issue for me.  I ended up staying two nights instead of one due to uncontrolled nausea, vomiting, and orthostatic hypotension with dizziness and presyncopal episodes (almost passing out). I had minimal bleeding during the 5 hour procedure and my drains only needed to be emptied once every 24 hours dut to small amount of bleeding. The surgery was not that bad, and I would do it over again. I went home on Tylenol #3 for pain and phenergan for nausea. That worked just fine. 

I had a follow up appointment 5 days after surgery and all 4 drains stayed in just to be on the safe side. I go back today and they should be removed today. I am able to walk just fine and I don't feel tired during the day. I am dreading the feeling of the drains coming out and hoping they do not hurt too bad since they have been in quite a while.

 

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9 year update

Oct 04, 2017

My surgery was August 2009 and I have kept the weight off. I waited a long time but have a consult with a plastic surgeon on Monday for a lower body lift and breast lift with augmentation. I had an EGD done last week and everything is fine. I had 3ccs removed. The lab band was the best thing I could have ever done.

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4 year update

Aug 16, 2012

My surgery was August 19, 2008.  Today, August 16, 2012, I now weigh 152 lbs.  I have kept off a total of 123 lbs.  I feel great.  This was the best thing I could have done!
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February 25, 2010

Feb 24, 2010

Well, I went to my surgeons office on Monday because I had gained weight.  I gained 10 lbs since 10/08/10.  I am so upset.  I am up a pant size.  I feel like a failure.  He have me another fill, but I don't know how much.  It seems to have helped a little bit.  I just hate being on a low carb diet because it causes constipation issues with me.  I was hospitalized in October because of problems with my bowels.  Also, I am not working from home any longer.  I work downtown now and that has caused many issues for me with my eating pattern and exercising. 
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July 11, 2009 - On a losing streak

Today's weight:  176.4.   I am almost down 100lbs.  I can't believe it.  I'm still enjoying the restriction of my 2nd fill.  I went almost a year with one fill only.  Anyway, it has helped a lot. All week people were asking me if I had lost more weight, so I couldn't wait to weigh in this morning at Weight Watchers.  I really do love my band.

I saw a lot of drama on the board yesterday.  There were several people who had a lap band, but later had a revision.  I understand that every procedure doesn't work for every person.  What I don't understand, is when a person who is having or has had problems with the band says that there are so many people with complications from the band, and it doesn't really work, and people shouldn't chance failure of WLS by going with the band.  I think that is bull.  There are more successful people than unsuccessful people with every type of surgery.  Sure, things do go wrong.  Sometimes the failure is due to the surgeon and follow up care provider, and sometimes (like it or not) it is the pt's fault (are a combination of these).  I think that there is a small group that it has nothing to do with any of the previously mentioned, but I don't think that is the norm.

Research what you think will best fit you and go for it.  Know the ins and outs, the ups and downs, and the challenges you will be faced with in the beginning, and long term.  Good Luck to you and what you decide.  If you have to have a revision, then you have to have one.  Just do it and move on.
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July 1, 2009 - Second Fill

I went to see my surgeon today.  I haven't been to his office since February.  I got my second fill.  He said he put in 0.4cc's.  When he aspirated he only drew back about 5.8cc's.  I'm a little confused about that.  There should have been 6 prior to the additional 0.4. 

I just learned today that I will be getting an EGD next month.  No one has ever mentioned that to me before.  Apparently, it is done at the one year mark.  I use to work in Endo, and really am not looking forward to it.  Oh well, better safe than sorry. 

I had gotten down to 178, but gained 6 lbs in two days!  How does that happen?!

I wonder if I will notice any difference with such a small amount of fill.  I guess I'm about to find out.
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June 20, 2009 - Eating Clean

Today's wt:  182.6

I lost 3.2 lb this week.  That brings my grand total weight loss to 92.4 lbs in less than a year.  Not too shabby.  Last Saturday I decided to eat clean as much as possible while the kids are away for the summer.  It paid off.  I hope it goes as well for me next week on the scales.  I know that is probably unrealistic to think I will lose over 3 lbs again, but I am going to try. 

It is difficult getting use to all three kids being gone.  I feel pretty lonely, but I'm sure I'll adjust.   At least I have been able to focus on my weight loss 100%. 

My girlfriends from high school are having a get together July 17 in Austin.  Last year I would not have even considered going, but this year, I just might do it.  I still have weight to lose, but I would not feel as self conscious. 

I need to add new photos, but I think I will wait until I reach my 100 lb mile stone.  I wonder how long that will take.

I went to the farmer's market today and bought organic lamb, farm fresh eggs, peaches and tomatoes.  They had chefs there from around the community giving out samples.  I was content to just take a small bite of about 3 different dishes.  Didn't feel deprived at all.  That is something I couldn't have done last year.  I would have bought food there, or stopped and ate something on the way home.  The kids and I really don't eat out much anymore.  That has been the biggest change for me.  The kids use to ask "where's for dinner?" since we mostly stopped and picked up our meals en route.  It is more expensive eating healthier.  I can't wait until June 26.  A movie called Food, Inc will open in San Antonio in select theaters.  It addresses how a family on a budget can stop and eat off the value menu much cheaper than it is to buy fresh produce and lean meats at the grocery store.  Boy can I relate to that.  It doesn't seem fair.

I think I will have the eggs and tomato with some polenta and salsa for lunch. 
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May 19, 2008 - Jogging

I started jogging last week and can go for 20min without stopping.  This is huge for me.  I never did this in my youth.  I am so excited.  I am jogging 3 times a week.  I still get my 10,000 steps in each day and hike 3 days a week.  I am so pleased with my results so far. 

I had a man hit on me in Starbucks yesterday.  I didn't  know how to respond. 
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April 12, 2009 - Happy Easter!

Today's wt:  188.4.

Another milestone:  I am overweight!

I went back to low carb diet last Monday, and it has really paid off.  Now, I just need to get back to a regular exercise routine.  It is funny how fast you can get off track when "life" gets in the way. 

I am really happy about my weight loss.  What bothers me the most right now is that my legs would not look that bad at this size, but due to the amount of excess skin, they look horrible.  My thighs are just globs.  When I am sitting, or if I raise them in the air, they look fine.  But when I stand up, look out.  They would make you sick to look at them.  I am really nervous about wearing a swimsuit this year, but for different reasons than in the past. 

I really want to make 100 lbs lost by my bandiversary date in August.  I started out at 275.  Regardless, 86 lbs lost in 8 months ain't bad.  I see some that are losing faster than me, and those that lose slower.  I am happy with my results thus far.

Gotta love the band!
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March 7, 2009

Today's wt:  195.  I still have days where I overeat.  I have my good days and bad days.  Yesterday and today fall into the bad days category.  I find myself ignoring my band.  WTH?  I continue to walk/hike regularly.  I think that is what is helping me to keep losing. 

I bought 2 dresses today.  I have not been able to wear a dress since I was pregnant with my daughter, and that was more like a tent.  It was 10 years before that.  I felt really good today. 

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About Me
San Antonio, TX
Location
30.1
BMI
Surgery
08/19/2008
Surgery Date
May 08, 2005
Member Since

Before & After
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Before
260lbs
Afterish
160lbs

Friends 69

Latest Blog 69

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