Guest guest Posted October 15, 2000 Report Share Posted October 15, 2000 In a message dated 10/15/2000 4:58:38 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Bmatievich@... writes: > My questions to you are: The RNY was 18 mos ago I am not near goal > weight--178 and would like to be at 160 (even through the surgeon projected > 145). Do you think it is too soon for the TT? Or should I wait until > closer > to goal (if that ever happens). I have it planned now for convenience sake. > Also, I live alone and this time I will have no help. I stay in the > hospital > just one night. Will I be all right at home alone? Can I change my own > dressings and drain the drains if that is required? > > I appreciate your insights. Feel free to email me privately. > Barb in Michigan Barb, From a medical stand point the optimum time for a plastic surgery procedure is when your weight has been stable for 6 months or more. This gives your skin time to recover from the huge weight loss. And you can also make sure your nutritional status isn't vulnerable. A plastic surgeon explained to me that the difference in working with skin was like the difference between tissue paper and cardboard. (If a woman has had a baby, he wants them to be at least 6 months past losing their weight post partum.) It isn't about what weight you are stable at, its just the fact you're stable. As well, the cosmetic results are better when the patient gains back about 5 pounds after any procedure. My information is from a good source, as I used to work for a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon as well as asking questions of the plastic surgeon when he comes to our surgeons support group. I haven't had a consultation, because my weight hasn't been stable for 6 months yet. I am still losing sloooooowly . . . this is good and bad too. Since I have lost so slow, my skin has recovered really well. But because of my body type, I have excess weight that has nothing to do with my weight around my abdomen. But with what I know and wanting the best results, I am waiting until my size stabilizes to go pay the surgeon a visit! (I don't use a scale so I am looking at size and skin condition to know I am done.) So after all that, only you and your surgeon really know if you are ready for reconstructive surgery . . . If you are . . . Good luck and best wishes for and uneventful recovery! Vicki in CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 15, 2000 Report Share Posted October 15, 2000 In a message dated 10/15/2000 4:58:38 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Bmatievich@... writes: > My questions to you are: The RNY was 18 mos ago I am not near goal > weight--178 and would like to be at 160 (even through the surgeon projected > 145). Do you think it is too soon for the TT? Or should I wait until > closer > to goal (if that ever happens). I have it planned now for convenience sake. > Also, I live alone and this time I will have no help. I stay in the > hospital > just one night. Will I be all right at home alone? Can I change my own > dressings and drain the drains if that is required? > > I appreciate your insights. Feel free to email me privately. > Barb in Michigan Barb, From a medical stand point the optimum time for a plastic surgery procedure is when your weight has been stable for 6 months or more. This gives your skin time to recover from the huge weight loss. And you can also make sure your nutritional status isn't vulnerable. A plastic surgeon explained to me that the difference in working with skin was like the difference between tissue paper and cardboard. (If a woman has had a baby, he wants them to be at least 6 months past losing their weight post partum.) It isn't about what weight you are stable at, its just the fact you're stable. As well, the cosmetic results are better when the patient gains back about 5 pounds after any procedure. My information is from a good source, as I used to work for a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon as well as asking questions of the plastic surgeon when he comes to our surgeons support group. I haven't had a consultation, because my weight hasn't been stable for 6 months yet. I am still losing sloooooowly . . . this is good and bad too. Since I have lost so slow, my skin has recovered really well. But because of my body type, I have excess weight that has nothing to do with my weight around my abdomen. But with what I know and wanting the best results, I am waiting until my size stabilizes to go pay the surgeon a visit! (I don't use a scale so I am looking at size and skin condition to know I am done.) So after all that, only you and your surgeon really know if you are ready for reconstructive surgery . . . If you are . . . Good luck and best wishes for and uneventful recovery! Vicki in CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 15, 2000 Report Share Posted October 15, 2000 In a message dated 10/15/2000 4:58:38 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Bmatievich@... writes: > My questions to you are: The RNY was 18 mos ago I am not near goal > weight--178 and would like to be at 160 (even through the surgeon projected > 145). Do you think it is too soon for the TT? Or should I wait until > closer > to goal (if that ever happens). I have it planned now for convenience sake. > Also, I live alone and this time I will have no help. I stay in the > hospital > just one night. Will I be all right at home alone? Can I change my own > dressings and drain the drains if that is required? > > I appreciate your insights. Feel free to email me privately. > Barb in Michigan Barb, From a medical stand point the optimum time for a plastic surgery procedure is when your weight has been stable for 6 months or more. This gives your skin time to recover from the huge weight loss. And you can also make sure your nutritional status isn't vulnerable. A plastic surgeon explained to me that the difference in working with skin was like the difference between tissue paper and cardboard. (If a woman has had a baby, he wants them to be at least 6 months past losing their weight post partum.) It isn't about what weight you are stable at, its just the fact you're stable. As well, the cosmetic results are better when the patient gains back about 5 pounds after any procedure. My information is from a good source, as I used to work for a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon as well as asking questions of the plastic surgeon when he comes to our surgeons support group. I haven't had a consultation, because my weight hasn't been stable for 6 months yet. I am still losing sloooooowly . . . this is good and bad too. Since I have lost so slow, my skin has recovered really well. But because of my body type, I have excess weight that has nothing to do with my weight around my abdomen. But with what I know and wanting the best results, I am waiting until my size stabilizes to go pay the surgeon a visit! (I don't use a scale so I am looking at size and skin condition to know I am done.) So after all that, only you and your surgeon really know if you are ready for reconstructive surgery . . . If you are . . . Good luck and best wishes for and uneventful recovery! Vicki in CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 15, 2000 Report Share Posted October 15, 2000 Dear Barb: If it feels too fast, then maybe you should slow down. I did not have any of the complications that some others have had with their abdominoplasties. I had no wound opening, and no infection. It can go very smoothly. I do feel that it is a mistake for you to go it alone right after the surgery. I spent one night in the facility and then had a nurse for all of the next day at home and half the next. I also had friends stay over at night to help with food, water, etc. Maintaining the drains is easy, although the first time or so made my a little queasy. I sure wish you'd try to arrange for some help. I couldn't imagine being alone at first, although I'm sure it's been done. You sound close enough to goal (?) to me. Bandas Austin, TX RNY 4-28-98, Dr. Selinkoff, San , TX Then: 305 Now: 195 110 pounds gone! It's my turn I am > feeling very overwhelmed--moreso than by the thought of the RNY Having just looked at several of the groups post-op > pictures I am not sure I want to go through this again. > > My questions to you are: The RNY was 18 mos ago I am not near goal > weight--178 and would like to be at 160 (even through the surgeon projected > 145). Do you think it is too soon for the TT? Or should I wait until closer > to goal (if that ever happens> Also, I live alone and this time I will have no help. I stay in the hospital > just one night. Will I be all right at home alone? Can I change my own > dressings and drain the drains if that is required? > > I appreciate your insights. Feel free to email me privately. > Barb in Michigan > RNY 4/14/99--loss of 105 pounds > BTC > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 15, 2000 Report Share Posted October 15, 2000 Dear Barb: If it feels too fast, then maybe you should slow down. I did not have any of the complications that some others have had with their abdominoplasties. I had no wound opening, and no infection. It can go very smoothly. I do feel that it is a mistake for you to go it alone right after the surgery. I spent one night in the facility and then had a nurse for all of the next day at home and half the next. I also had friends stay over at night to help with food, water, etc. Maintaining the drains is easy, although the first time or so made my a little queasy. I sure wish you'd try to arrange for some help. I couldn't imagine being alone at first, although I'm sure it's been done. You sound close enough to goal (?) to me. Bandas Austin, TX RNY 4-28-98, Dr. Selinkoff, San , TX Then: 305 Now: 195 110 pounds gone! It's my turn I am > feeling very overwhelmed--moreso than by the thought of the RNY Having just looked at several of the groups post-op > pictures I am not sure I want to go through this again. > > My questions to you are: The RNY was 18 mos ago I am not near goal > weight--178 and would like to be at 160 (even through the surgeon projected > 145). Do you think it is too soon for the TT? Or should I wait until closer > to goal (if that ever happens> Also, I live alone and this time I will have no help. I stay in the hospital > just one night. Will I be all right at home alone? Can I change my own > dressings and drain the drains if that is required? > > I appreciate your insights. Feel free to email me privately. > Barb in Michigan > RNY 4/14/99--loss of 105 pounds > BTC > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2000 Report Share Posted October 16, 2000 Barb ~ Congrats on your insurance approval <she says with a very green, envious body!!!> You are most definitely gonna have to have some help, MHO, with dressing changes. Emptying drains I found to be nauseating and hubby had to do it for me. I am NOT good with gross stuff. Now I know you know what happened to me so am not gonna go into all that to answer your questions. But suffice it to say that you need to be sure you keep UP your nutrition. IF you have LOTS of resting time, you will be able to at least hop (or roll LOL) out of bed to fix something and have the strength to eat/drink it IF you head right back to BED. Do NOT overdo just cuz you think you feel stronger. DO 'pretend' you are IN the hospital and rest, rest, rest and keep UP your nutrition/hydration. dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2000 Report Share Posted October 16, 2000 Barb ~ Congrats on your insurance approval <she says with a very green, envious body!!!> You are most definitely gonna have to have some help, MHO, with dressing changes. Emptying drains I found to be nauseating and hubby had to do it for me. I am NOT good with gross stuff. Now I know you know what happened to me so am not gonna go into all that to answer your questions. But suffice it to say that you need to be sure you keep UP your nutrition. IF you have LOTS of resting time, you will be able to at least hop (or roll LOL) out of bed to fix something and have the strength to eat/drink it IF you head right back to BED. Do NOT overdo just cuz you think you feel stronger. DO 'pretend' you are IN the hospital and rest, rest, rest and keep UP your nutrition/hydration. dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2000 Report Share Posted October 16, 2000 < You sound close enough to goal (?) to me. >> My PS told me that the tt would be fine with a 10 lb. variance either way...up or down. When I hit that 8-10 lb mark down, I had draping skin again. dawn PS You really should try to get someone to pop in and fix your meals/protein supps for FOUR days following your discharge....really should. You will probably be OK alone, but at least have someone willing to pop in and check on you and know that if you need someone, you have someone to call. Wish you could recup here, Barb......I am good at caretaking!!!! Luv ya!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2000 Report Share Posted October 16, 2000 Thanks Dawn. I just ran into a snag. Got a letter from the hospital asking for payment up front. I called and they said since they never got insurance confirmation through my surgeon they need payment--then I remember the gal at the surgeon's office saying it takes BC/BS at least 6 weeks for approval (where did I hear this before?) I think they jumped the gun when they scheduled the surgery. The other snag is that the hospital gal says most BC/BS plans ALSO require that the loss be maintained for 3 years prior to a TT. So maybe all my excitement and anxiety have been for naught. Needless to say, I am trying to contact the surgeon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2000 Report Share Posted October 16, 2000 Thanks Dawn. I just ran into a snag. Got a letter from the hospital asking for payment up front. I called and they said since they never got insurance confirmation through my surgeon they need payment--then I remember the gal at the surgeon's office saying it takes BC/BS at least 6 weeks for approval (where did I hear this before?) I think they jumped the gun when they scheduled the surgery. The other snag is that the hospital gal says most BC/BS plans ALSO require that the loss be maintained for 3 years prior to a TT. So maybe all my excitement and anxiety have been for naught. Needless to say, I am trying to contact the surgeon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2000 Report Share Posted October 16, 2000 I live alone too and will have very, very little help. My PS will write a prescription for me to have a nurse and a home health worker. The nurse for the obvious and the worker to change sheets, small duties etc. I had both for my RNY and it was a godsend. Hope this helps. N Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2000 Report Share Posted October 16, 2000 I live alone too and will have very, very little help. My PS will write a prescription for me to have a nurse and a home health worker. The nurse for the obvious and the worker to change sheets, small duties etc. I had both for my RNY and it was a godsend. Hope this helps. N Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2000 Report Share Posted October 16, 2000 I live alone too and will have very, very little help. My PS will write a prescription for me to have a nurse and a home health worker. The nurse for the obvious and the worker to change sheets, small duties etc. I had both for my RNY and it was a godsend. Hope this helps. N Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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