randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
ok, here's the deal. i am 5 feet weigh about 195 and am a 44DDD....huge...
my breasts are so large they press up on my neck at night and cut off my air. i often wake up gasping for air so then i have to use several pillows to prop me up so they don't press on my neck.
i am now sleeping in a bra so basically i wear one 24 hours a day now.
i always have neck and pain between my shoulder blades.
the fat under my arms sticks out of my bras.
plus the psychological damage that hurtful comments and all have done. i hate being out in public and going places.
no minimizer bra has reduced them enough for me.
i am seriously considering a reduction. both my sisters had this done and they were smaller than i am.
even when i loose weight, i don't loose it in my breasts.
what do you think? how would lyme effect the surgery? recovery?
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
| IP: Logged |
AuntyLynn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35938
posted
I think if you lost about 60 pounds you would lose some of the fat that mostly comprises the breasts.
I also think that any surgery poses risks, and that having a Lyme infection would only further complicate/increase those risks.
If you have tried and failed to take off weight, and are determined to address the issue with surgery ... Why not consider lap band surgery instead?
Then, when your weight drops you have reduced a number of risks, for heart disease and stroke, diabetes, joint pain, etc? I have a few friends who have had this surgery and are very happy that they did.
IMHO weight loss is your best bet, and if you haven't tried the Paleo diet, or some other high protein/low glycemic protocol, you may be very surprised to have remarkably quick, and encouraging, success.
I wouldn't go to a plastic surgeon, I would seek the advice of a specialist who treats weight issues. And I wish you only the best!
Posts: 1432 | From New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2012
| IP: Logged |
randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
i have tried nutrisystem (egads, i was so sick, stomach pain, etc), jenny (too expensive), beach diet, atkins (got sick of that), blood type, diabetes, you name it.
i even asked my doctor about the new diet pill approved by fda. his response "keep your mouth shut and you'll loose"...
my sister lost lots of weight. only problem, her breasts then sagged to her waist and were droopy and floppy. looked terrible...so she had it done.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
Sending you a PM
Posts: 131 | From Nebraska | Registered: Apr 2011
| IP: Logged |
AuntyLynn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35938
posted
Randi -
I don't like nutrisystem or Jenny. The Paleo diet is sort of a revised Atkins, with more veg. For folks who have overdone the carbs, it serves to jolt your insulin resistance.
I'm surprised you haven't tried Weight Watchers! A good all-around balanced diet that allows for occasional "treats" on their new points system. (Hey we're only human.) Weight Watchers resulted in my first success at weight loss as a teen... and it worked for my Mom too.
Folks who get the lap band or similar surgery often have "skin removal" surgery afterwards, and I understand there's a charitable organization that pays for it.
It seems apparent that you have tried diligently to modify your weight, but you just haven't yet found the method that works well for you!
Posts: 1432 | From New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2012
| IP: Logged |
randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
i did weight watchers also. i only lost about 1/2 pound per week and i got sooo discouraged.
i went to meetings and these women were "oh i lost 3-4 pounds this week" and they're like a size 0-2...i was the biggest in the room.
my psyche can't take that. plus we travel so much and when i asked about not making the meetings, they said "you come or you pay either way. if you don't come, you still pay". well we're gone an awful lot and i couldn't see paying for meetings and all when i wasn't there.
plus they wnated my credit card number to keep on file. ain't doing that...
they just weren't friendly and all. maybe it was that group but wasn't very welcoming.
and i've heard complaints about the online doing charges against your card and all, so i can't do that.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
| IP: Logged |
tickled1
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14257
posted
My sister is a triathlete and despite being in phenomenal shape her breasts did not reduce in size so she had a breast reduction. She is happy she did.
I think that maybe for you having a breast reduction would give you enough of a psychological lift and self esteem boost to then pursue other weight loss strategies.
As far as recommending stomach surgery over breast reduction that doesn't sound like a good idea to me but that's only my opinion.
Have you consulted your doctor about the surgery and the risks given your health conditions? If he clears you and you think this would improve your quality of life I say go for it! I suspect it would be a huge weight lifted in more ways than one. Best wishes to you Randi.
Posts: 2541 | From Northeast | Registered: Jan 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I think you can do Weight Watchers online???
One thing to consider is that with any surgery they will give you antibiotics and steroids.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
steroids??? uh didn't know that...
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
| IP: Logged |
tickled1
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14257
posted
Another thing, happiness is key for immune health. So is sufficient sleep.
I didn't know they gave steroids for ALL surgeries. Really?
Posts: 2541 | From Northeast | Registered: Jan 2008
| IP: Logged |
Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
I didn't either. I've had 5 surgeries!
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
| IP: Logged |
randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
I'll have to Ask my sisters cause neither one mentioned any drugs at all
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Other than the steroids, (which your LLMD would have to be very much involved then, regarding which antibiotics, etc.) . . .
a major consideration with any surgery is the potential damage to the liver (and maybe kidneys) from the anesthesia(s) used.
An excellent ND (naturopathic doctor) who has experience with liver & kidney support prior to and after surgery (for a year, at least) is best to have on your team.
Sadly, this is not standard care. It should be. Still, you can likely find a good ND, even a LL ND to help guide you if you pursue this.
There may be a way this can work but, IMO, you'd have to get connected with an absolutely excellent ND first. I would never consider any surgery without that. Ever.
Best if they are also an acupuncturist so that pain meds can be minimal afterward (if they risk the liver as many do, but a good ND can tell you more). If they have clearance to do acupuncture in the hospital, even better.
Also finding a good LMT (massage therapist) would be essential for preparation, during the hospital experience and for months following.
Myofascial massage is important to help reduce scaring, under the skin and that helps healing and circulation.
I know that surgery is not ideal but the daily situation is not either.
I also know that weight reduction does not solve this for some women. A specialist might be able to determine if you are in that category or not, though.
You might at least start finding the professionals who can best guide you regarding safety and then make your decision after you gather more details. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
They usually give steroids to reduce inflammation. You can ask them not to.. .. but.... sometimes they will have to use them.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Since you will have an IV in anyway, after surgery, if you have a ND on your team (even if privately, on your own but working in conjunction with your MDs)
IV magnesium can be given. That can help lower inflammation and reduce pain. There would be other things the ND could consider and discuss with the medical team as well. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I had six surgeries last year and not once was I given steriods.
Posts: 131 | From Nebraska | Registered: Apr 2011
| IP: Logged |
AuntyLynn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35938
posted
quote:Originally posted by randibear: i did weight watchers also. i only lost about 1/2 pound per week and i got sooo discouraged.
Unfortunately, the lack of quick results with any diet is what gets people discouraged.
That's why the Atkins diet had so many fans. When your body is used to running on "quick carbs" and you make it shift to the slow digestion of proteins, it goes to the easiest source for energy ... which is your stored fat. Therefore you get quicker results.
Now I am just remembering ... I had INCREDIBLY FAST weight loss with the PRITIKIN diet! (It was almost scary!) You're supposed to do it for 28 days, but I lost so much weight so fast, that I stopped at 21 days.
This diet goes exactly the OPPOSITE direction of the Atkins ... with tons of whole grains and brown rice and NO Fat or Dairy, and minimal meat or fish - like 3 oz daily. I mean, you're not even allowed to eat regular bread because it might have a tablespoon of veg oil in the dough! Whole Wheat PITA only!
Dr. Pritikin had heart disease, and he designed this diet to take stress off his circulatory system. He eventually founded the Pritikin Centers for recovering heart attack patients, whose coronary infarctions were mostly caused from atherosclerosis. (Fatty plaque build up in the arteries.)
The diet was proven to "rob your body" of fat so efficiently, that it actually cleaned out the fatty plaques from the arteries! This diet was all the rage in the late 70s and early 80s, and I saw lots of folks transform their bodies with it in very short order.
I remember I kept dreaming about cheese - as I am a big fan of dairy. But in 21 days I lost weight that took over five years or more, to even begin to creep back at all.
What impressed me the most was that shortly after I stopped this 21 day diet, I had an annual exam. When the doc saw my cholesterol numbers, he was really impressed ... asked me what I ate, and how often I exercised.
It's tough to stick to a diet when you don't see much in the way of results right away. But when you think about it, we didn't gain all that weight in 2 or 3 weeks, so how can we expect it to come off more quickly than it came on?
I'd just be so reticent to add the stress of surgery to the stress of Lyme an cos. It seems sort of like "asking for" complications. But that's just me.
Posts: 1432 | From New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2012
| IP: Logged |
GiGi
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 259
Green Coffee Bean capsules - 800mg twice daily. I bought it through Amazon and it seems to work. You will also drop some toxins which normally are stored in fat. It works via the fatty liver. Notice one of the sites recommend taking a binder (chitosan) with it; I take Diatomaceous Earth which works beautifully binding the toxins.
The videos explain all quite well.
Take care.
Posts: 9834 | From Washington State | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Have you treated parasites or babesia? I heard that helps lose weight. Weight watchers is also good.
Posts: 697 | From CA | Registered: Dec 2011
| IP: Logged |
nonna05
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33557
posted
bear:
I know this is serious.....but....I have biggies like you and the first thing I thought of is ::::
News flash woman strangled by boobs while asleep:::::
Second ; Not to wear regular bra...try to get those one piece "sports" bra with some extra room in it..
I used to do this a lot..called them my sleeping bra's.
Helped keep thing's kinda in shape, if you know what I mean..
THEN,I get it that bra's etc can kinda make lymph glands maybe not circulate as well.
In some cases,if bra is tight, not at all in that area.
Well that's just not good for us....
I do use mine once in a while, notice the difference in gravity.
In general we should be getting those glands moving and cleaning..
I have a very hard time with THAT,,,been told to get small tramp/jumping bounder in room to get things moving..in glands.
Can you imagine the support I'd need..???
Plus not having energy , being dizzy etc..
I do feel that if I had started it before I got so sick It would have helped and still could...
I'm just doing good to get up and down now...
I don't remember how sick you are right now ,,But how could your immune and energy do well healing from a surgery???
I had a lump taken out of my right one 2 plus years ago.
It took a while to get// gain back what I had,,at that point, even though still undiagnosed LD at the time.
It really kicked me.
. That was before the steroid shots that totally messed me up.
Just be careful,,,,,,I could use 50lbs off also.. right now it's fighting bug time Posts: 2563 | From Denver,CO | Registered: Aug 2011
| IP: Logged |
nonna05
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33557
posted
GiG what about the caffene in the beans,, Is it safe for LD? Adrenal? Babs?
Posts: 2563 | From Denver,CO | Registered: Aug 2011
| IP: Logged |
randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
I called my sister today and asked about treatment. She was Given No abx nor steroids. She should know. Shes a radiologist and my other sister is a city planning engineer. Neither one had them. However both were told to loose over 40 pounds and she told me not To consider it until I loose at least 60 or more. Too great a risk of complications
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
i have the same problem....it runs in my family. I also considered surgery but I have bad anxiety so I dont think i could handle surgery. I do go down to a large D or smaller DD when i lose weight....but like you im having a huge problem losing wt right now.
I just ordered the green coffee beans and also the raspberry ketones. supposed to help with wt loss.
-------------------- Psalm 119:50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. Posts: 292 | From Heaven | Registered: Jan 2011
| IP: Logged |
posted
Caffiene isnt a issue with the beans, and raspberry keytones is supposed to be safe too..there's some youtube's on it from dr oz show and alot of literature on the net about both. im praying it works for me.
-------------------- Psalm 119:50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. Posts: 292 | From Heaven | Registered: Jan 2011
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by NEMOM: I had six surgeries last year and not once was I given steriods.
did you ask about it?
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- TuTu asks (I think) because they often don't tell you. They just do it - often in with the IV mix or a shot before the patient wakes up.
Even later, if by pill, Rx names are not always so clear.
Even if we request no steroids in advance, they HAVE to have that as an option if the trauma of surgery requires it.
Well, I think there could be other options but, clearly, they have to be able to aggressively try to prevent the swelling that can pose severe and even life-threatening health risks immediately after surgery.
It's just that Rx in the steroid family have a standing invitation at the table.
Still, with guidance from your LLMD, the use of steroids could work. It would just require specific steps.
Same thing with antibiotics or any other drug during or after surgery - the surgeons need to have their options open depending upon the needs of each patient.
As with most surgeries, when necessary and if at all possible, it is advised to achieve some degree of weight loss.
But, lyme can CAUSE weight gain and you may find it best to be further along with lyme in the rear view mirror before proceeded.
Still, if you could investigate whether by genetic code or other advanced diagnostics, if this is a problem that may not be solved by weight loss, they you have that key detail.
Still, even if this might not be solved by weight loss, any excess body weight that can be safely lost prior to surgery is good.
The time it takes to study this, prepare, etc. can be many months or a year.
I'm usually never for surgery unless absolutely required.
However, a college friend of mine suffered with this problem for so many years. I saw the dramatic difference this made for her. She had tried all other ways and nothing else worked.
She was better able to move afterward and her health was greatly supported by that.
Of course, she did not have chronic lyme or the adrenal, liver & nerve involvement that goes with that. But I hear you when you say typical weight loss seems not to affect this problem (for the most part) in your case.
It would just be nice to have some sort of testing to be able to pin point that.
You may also find they could do a less invasive procedure, perhaps?
Might there even be a new non-surgical approach?
Your LLMD should be along with you for this journey, of course, and he or she may have suggestions.
It can't hurt to start the research, consider options while you seek out a food plan that might finally be what works for your whole body.
You may find that - surprise - a certain food group may be either foe or friend.
You may find that hormone support is either friend or foe.
You might enjoy the MEDITERRANEAN diet (minus the wheat and the wine). -
[ 08-26-2012, 06:06 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
- by Connie Strasheim - Townsend Letter - July, 2010
be sure to scroll down past a section of ads that looks like the end of the article. This is a four-page article. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
![[shake]](graemlins/shake.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic