Kittycat

I am not a veteran yet, just 3 1/2 months since my surgery, but I can tell you that there will be 5 incisions, 4 small ones and one larger one on your left side just under your breast that will be approximately 2-3 inches long. They fade very quickly and if you massage them and put on Vit E or Bio Oil, they will fade even more quickly. By the time you are ready to wear that bikini, they'll be a distant memory. You can do this...there will be tough times but you'll get through it and we are here for support. Don't forget that. After surgery when you are on the liquid diet, you will not feel much like eating the first few days, after that it may get more challenging, but creamy soups, puddings and yogurts are very filling and will sustain you. Get lots of rest and drink lots of water, walk as much as you can and keep busy. It's a short 3 weeks, just a blip in your lifespan. Best of Luck and please make sure you let us know how things went!! Safe trip!

Thanks Natalie, you are so sweet...I just love everyone who comes here for support and to give support. We are all friends and support one another through the good times and the tough times. It's what this is all about. I love to give back what I have received in the past few months, pay it forward I guess. I have been successful to-date with my band, as others have and if we can help out in anyway, we're happy to do it!! Good Luck Natalie!!!

My lump doesn't start until after my meal and stays for a good 2-3 hours. My surgeon told me that it's contraction of the esophagus muscle when the pouch is full. I can barely drink water during this period and was wondering if it ever goes away? Or if anyone else gets this after a meal?

Don't worry your bodily functions slow down during surgery and I am sure as doctors they've seen it all, don't worry!! Enjoy this exciting time in your life!!! Best of Luck!!

You look so amazing..wow!! I want those legs!!! You have right attitude, it's not a race, it will happen and your body is just taking a break. Your goal is not so far away and it will happen!!!

From what I understand you are given paper panties at the OCC and would have to wear a pad. No tampons. Good Luck!!!

I still get the darn lump. After I eat the lump develops and it's getting really annoying. Does anyone still get this? What do you do to make it bearable? Thanks!

Hi there, although it is probably nothing to worry about, cyst can generally burst on their own, I would have your doctor check it out. I am not a nurse, but do have ovarian cysts and they can be painful. Let us know how things go if you decide to see your doctor.

Like the other ladies noted, if it's not titanium, it will be surgical steel which will not be detected by metal detectors or corode.

Hi Everyone, 1jmk (Janet) brought an interesting article to my attention last night about metal in the band causing issues with an MRI. I spoke with my clinic today, I do have an Allergan band and it's titanium that connects the band and it will not affect MRI or metal detectors.

Welcome!!! Go under Forum Policies and Technical Section and there is step by step instructions there for you! Have a great day!

I am happy it's working out for you!! Good Luck with your surgery!

Call the doctor, you need to be able to drink and eat. Don't struggle, get a bit unfilled and you will be fine. Good Luck!!

Sandy is probably right, my tummy was yellow for over a month, due to bruising...after a couple months, if it's still there inquire with your surgeon.

I thought the same thing, felt little bumps and lumps and thought it was my port, but my surgeon advised me that the port is sewn very securely to my stomach muscle and will not move. Maybe it's a fat deposit you feel? Which is a good thing, it's breaking up and ready to go!!

We all have had issues with food, that is why we are here. Emotional or Food Addiction is hard to control, because food is everywhere. I have been banded for 3 1/2 months and for the first little while I obsessed about food, because I couldn't have it...now I eat when I'm hungry and have a healthy snack in the evening, instead of junk as before. If you need counselling, get it...it's a good thing. The band will help you control binging, you can't or you'll be sick. But it can't control the type of food you eat for the most part. If you eat burgers and fries, you won't lose weight, but if you follow the plan, protein, veggies, grains and fruit, you will. I have, as many of you have, spent alot of money for this procedure and like many others I am going to take full advantage of being so fortunate to be able to afford this option and to have such wonderful support at home, at work and of course right here every single day. Take full advantage of this forum and our knowledge and support and you too will be successful. Best of Luck!!

Welcome and congrats on your decision. Learn from the "not so pretty stories" and be inspired by the "triumphs" . If you work with the band, you will be successful. Listen to your body and you can avoid the horror stories. Best of luck and if you have any questions or concerns, we're here to help and support you!!

Hi Jessica, either way is fine. My surgeon does not use fluoro unless they can't find the port. I have had two fills, he feels for the port, I lift my head and it pops up a bit with the contraction of my stomach muscles, he put the needle in and extract the existing fill to check that he's in the right spot and to ensure there's no leakage and then puts it back in with the additional fill, presto done! It's easy, it's painless and the cost for you would be cheaper. You decide what you think if best for you!

Hi Everyone, I had the consult with the plastic surgeon today, it went well, really nice guy. He recommended that I come back to see him in March/09 for another assessment, by then he will have a better idea of what needs to be done. I am okay with that, once I've lost 100 lbs, I will go back and hopefully have my tummy tuck by my one year bandiversary! Thanks for all your support!!

Get used to it sweetie...this is your life!!! You are doing amazing, keep up the great work!

Hey babe...1/2 cup of soup at a sitting...but you can eat as many times throughout the day as you need to. You are doing great, don't stress out! When you feel full, stop! Have a great day!!!

Another Canadian!! Welcome...when's your surgery date Jenelle? Best of Luck!! There are quite a few on this forum from Calgary. Take care.

Hi Kim, not quite there yet, but I wanted to say how much I love your new Avatar pic, too cool!!

Do your best not to throw up, always have anti-nausea medication on hand. If you do, have your next fill under fluoro just make sure everythings okay. Don't panic, some of the ladies threw up right after surgery and are fine!