It's not the collapse that defines you...it's how you handle it

Post binge
After writing about my major binge on Thursday, I was astoundingly not hungry on Friday. This surprised me because usually after a binge, I'm hungrier and find it just about impossible to get back on track.

Yesterday I didn't even think about eating until about 3pm. I only ate then because I knew I really shouldn't go all day without eating. I ate lightly and slept well last night. Very unusual.

The urge, the lapse and the collapse

Today's Weight Watcher meeting seemed to be tailor made for me. The topic was how to handle a collapse, and that our secret weapon is POSITIVE SELF TALK. It's all about giving ourselves the freedom to fail. Forgiving ourselves when we do and then moving on.

Our leader, Janis (Federal Way, WA and I love her!) gave an example of how it starts. Let's say you have a bag of Halloween candy bars to hand out to the trick or treaters...

1. You have an urge to eat the candy. What do you do? You can ignore it, or do something else and fight the urge or eat something healthy or you can give into it which leads to...

2. A lapse. A lapse is you have one candy bar. Okay, now that alone isn't so bad. Not perfect, but it's okay. It's just a little lapse.  But what if you eat the entire bag of candy bars, that is...

3. A Collapse. Now you've collapsed. Totally fallen off track. You feel horrible. Guilt. Shame. You hate yourself. You call yourself names. You think you're a bad, bad person. No willpower. Lazy. And if you're me, stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid!  That's always my ultimate insult to myself, that I'm stupid.

Now this is the interesting part. How do you handle that collapse? Does it throw you into a tizzy, a week or a month long binge, or even longer? Or do you just tell yourself, okay, I collapsed. Screwed up. It's okay. I'm a human being capable of making mistakes. Where do you go from here? You get back on track. Immediately. Right now, this very minute.

I feel like this is exactly what I did. I've heard this and read this before. It's not exactly new information, but for some reason it worked this time. I immediately got back on track.

The toilet water trick

This is kind of gross, but I think this could work. Janis said if she's at someones house and they have junk to eat, such as fried chicken or fudge, she considers it the same as drinking toilet water. She said at home she wouldn't drink out of the toilet, why would she eat crap when she's at someones house. You've got to love Janis.

Now for the kind of bad news, the weigh-in

I'm not beating myself up about my weighin today. It's not great, but it could have been a lot worse.

My weight at my last meeting (7 weeks ago):

9/11/10  --  174.8

My weight today:

10/30/10 -- 178.2

Gained: +3.4 (in 7 weeks)

Total Loss since 2/12/2008:

61.0 Pounds

I'm not thrilled about this gain, but I'm also not bitterly disappointed in myself. Considering I haven't been tracking my food, and I tried the Geneen Roth plan of eat what I think my body wants and when I'm hungry, it's sort of a miracle I didn't gain a lot more weight.

I do have a new idea. It's called following the Weight Watcher plan. I've been off of it for so long that it almost feels like something new.

I have exactly 15 weeks until my three-year Weight Watcher anniversary on February 12, 2011. If you had told me three years ago that I still wouldn't be at goal by now, I would have laughed at you. I was so very determined back then. Somehow, I fell off track, lost sight of the prize, and have been playing around for far too long.

There's nothing like a good Weight Watcher meeting to set me on fire again...and I'm on fire!

Breast Implants and Augmentation

From a very early age, women are subjected to ideals regarding the size and shape of their breasts. Modern media – glossy magazines and movies - tell us how big and what shape they should be. Many women consider and eventually have breast implants in order to conform to these opinions but while there are advantages to having this done there are still some concerns and many questions that need answering.

Not all cosmetic surgery is carried out on women who simply want bigger breasts. Many face psychological problems because the size or shape of each breast is different. Breast cancer sufferers consider breast-rebuilding treatment to try and get their lives back on track.

Gone are the days where the only surgical procedure available for women was breast enlargements. There are numerous surgical procedures for various areas of the body although the breasts remain a firm favourite for women. You can now have breast augmentation, breast reconstruction, breast implants, a breast lift and a breast reduction.

You should always consider every view and get the full facts before you consider any surgery, least of all cosmetic surgery.

For most forms of breast implants a small incision of approximately 1.5 inches is made in the fold under the breast, around the areola or in the underarm. For saline implants, a pocket is then created and the implant inserted. Once inserted the implant is then inflated with the saline solution.

More information about the surgery.
The procedure itself usually takes between an hour and two hours and dressing and bandaging is worn for the proceeding 24 to 48 hours. After this a support bra is worn for around 3 weeks although patients can normally be up and moving within 24 hours of the operation. It is advised that strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for about a month after surgery.

You will suffer bruising and swelling around the breasts that should disappear with time, and also a firmness in the breasts that will disappear with time. You will more than likely feel a little discomfort for several days following the procedure; if this discomfort continues you should consult the clinic where you underwent the operation.

What are the possible side effects of breast implant surgery? Current research shows no heightened risk of systemic disease or breast cancer in patients, however, as with all surgery there are risks attached. Unfavourable scarring may occur leaving nasty marks around the incision area or around the implant. Infection may occur as with any surgery. Bleeding, excessive firmness, rippling, deflation, asymmetry and a change in nipple sensation may also be encountered but breast augmentation has the highest satisfaction rate of any cosmetic surgery.


What implants are used?
Currently, in the United States, saline implants are used for breast augmentation; these are a silicone rubber shell filled with saline (salt water) during surgery. They are available in a wide choice of shapes and sizes. If a patient has significant problems and saline implants would not be the best solution then gel implants may also be used. The advantage of saline implants that if you are one of the unlucky 1% of people who’s implants deflate, the body absorbs the salt-water solution and the implant deflates at a rate that means the body can cope with the amount of salt water being absorbed.


How much will breast augmentation cost?
Obviously this will differ dependant on exactly what procedure you want, the incision type your require and where you have the procedure done. It is obviously not advised to plump for the cheapest option as this may lead to using an inefficient surgeon and complications with the procedure. As a very rough guide you can expect to pay between $4000 and $10000 for breast augmentation. There are probably cheaper and more expensive options available, but I wouldn’t advise either. The price you pay also takes into account the availability of plastic surgeons in that area and the qualifications and expertise of the potential surgeon. If you are certain you want breast implants but feel that the price is a little too high for your budget, you will be pleased to hear that many surgeons will offer credit agreements to spread the cost over time. You should always be very careful when picking a clinic or surgeon. Make sure they are professionally certified and be aware that this is a prime example of you get what you pay for; the price you pay is usually indicative of the qualifications, experience and expertise of your surgeon. Do not be afraid to ask your surgeon for testimonials from satisfied clients; any professional worth his salt will be able to supply them and will be only to pleased to do so. At the end of the day, you must have confidence in your surgeon. And the only way to achieve that, is to do your research.
©2005 Jenna Keys About The Author: Jenna Keys

See before after pictures of Breast Implant and Augmentation and several cases with pictures

Wanna know Risks on Breast Augmentation? See this post on Breast Implants/Reduction Gone Wrong

Other Related Posts :

Breast Lift or Mastopexy

Breast Reduction

Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty Pictures

Wanna know more on this?
Go to Tummy Tuck aka Abdominoplasty. There are plenty of risks involved in a Tummy Tuck surgery, (read this post on Tummy Tuck Gone wrong).
More on before after pictures of tummy tuck

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Gone Wrong

Despite its immense popularity, there are many cases where tummy tuck has gone wrong. Here are some cases that I've found on the internet.

Case 1.
It's almost three weeks since I have my tummy tuck and liposuction along with a breast augmentation the recovery for the bust augmentation It was okay, but, the recovery for the tummy tuck it was a different story, the first two weeks it was so painful, that my husband had to take care of me the whole first week day and night, "thanks god" that he is retired from his job, other way he can be kind of sleepy on his job. the second week I have to managed to take care of myself, because he was tired of me, ringing the bell every time I have to go to the bathroom and not to be able to move my body... you see every single movement It was a pain even do I was taking the medications. to me It was something that has to be done, with my body, and for almost two years I was saving money for the tummy tuck operation. I was so disgusted every time I see myself in the mirror with the tummy. that I decided to go ahead with the surgery and I think the it was worthy all the pain, and money I spend. I did that, after finding the right pl, with his credentials, because after all is your life and health you putting in risk, after several consultations with some others doctors finally I found my Dr. thank-you Dr.Efrain Gonzalez for been so patient with me "you are the best surgeon".

Case 2.
I paid for a tummy tuck and it went terribly wrong.I was left with a 6 by 7 and a half inch hole in my stonache.The doctor that preformed the surgery then passed me off to another doctor without explanation.This has been going on for over 4 months and i'm still not closed up yet.I'd like to sue or at least get my money back.

Case 3.
I had a tummy tuck close to seven months ago. As soon as I had the surgery it did not result in what the doctor had said it should be. He has caused my stomach to look abnormal and disfigured. I have keloid scars and the incision is very high. I know that this forum is for people who have been injured through negligence by their physicians, and I have not been injured, but I have been disfigured. I have consulted with other physicians who said I need to have a new tummy tuck surgery. This is so unfair, I spent thousands of dollars on this, went down for recovery time which was extremely painful, and now I need to pay more money to get this fixed. I do not trust the physician who by the way is a board certified plastic surgeon, to do a revision on me since he keeps on contradicting himself whenever I ask him about this problem he caused. He will not compensate me for my loss, and wants to perform the surgery again, but I refused.Do I have a legal case? I live in Illinois, but had the surgery done in Munster, Indiana because it costs less. Does anyone out there know if I am able to receive compensation for this major problem I'm going through?I have asked three law firms so far, and noone will take on this type of case since I am not injured. Please give me some advice if you know of any.

One of the Certified Surgeons explains the risks of having a Tummy Tuck like this :

All surgery has some potential risks, including the risks of bleeding, reaction to the anesthetic, and infection. Scars are to be expected, but they will become lighter and flatter with time. Smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing. This could result in larger scars, and a second surgery. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how to resume physical activity.

So, folks do a research about it or you may want to consult with your doctor before you do the abdominoplasty. (PS : any comments on this post will be highly appreciated)

Related Posts :
Tummy Tuck aka Abdominoplasty
More Images: Tummy Tuck Pictures
Tummy Tuck Pictures II

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Pictures - Before and After

Tummy Tucks and Liposuction

You want to banish those love handles, or eliminate stretch marks, remove the fats on the neck. Liposuction will do it, you think. Before you add liposuction cost to that annual gym membership and killer bathing suit, tack on a tummy tuck. Liposuction can't tighten loose love handles or post-pregnancy stretch marks or loose skin due to rapid weight loss, for example also post-pregnancy or pre-high school reunion.

Many plastic surgeons recommend getting a tummy tuck rather than (neck) liposuction body sculpting, since liposuction reduces abdominal fat and not the inner girdle that expands with pregnancy. However, opinion is divided: Some surgeons do a mini tummy tuck and tumescent liposuction, while others favor liposuction over surgical abdominoplasty to restore youthful appearance. Often, tummy tucks are done to tighten lax skin after liposuction. Frequently, surgeons combine the two with liposuction abdominoplasty or a mini tummy tuck on the lower abs that involves liposuction to remove excess fat. Ask your plastic surgeon for her recommendations. Remember that liposuction makes you feel as though you've hit the gym two times over. If you have separate procedures, schedule some recovery time in-between the liposuction and tummy tuck. However you think you look, your physical health is more important than getting rid of love handles and stretch marks.
Related Posts :

Tummy Tuck aka Abdominoplasty
Risks of Tummy Tuck
For more pictures: Go to Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Pictures

Tummy Tuck aka Abdominoplasty | Stomach Lift

Are sit-ups just not giving you the taut tummy you desire? If you've got a little too much flab or excess skin in your abdomen that won't diminish with diet or exercise, you may want to consider an abdominoplasty, popularly referred to as a "tummy tuck".

This procedure flattens your abdomen by removing extra fat and skin, and tightening muscles in your abdominal wall.

But be cautioned: This is a major surgery, so if you're considering it, take the time to educate yourself, thoroughly analyze your own situation and do not rush to make the final decision.

A tummy tuck should be the last resort for people who have exhausted all other measures, and the procedure should not be used as an alternative to weight loss.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is suitable for both men and women who are in good general health overall.
It should not be confused with a liposuction (the cosmetic surgery used to remove fat deposits), although your surgeon may elect to perform liposuction as part of a tummy tuck.

Women who have muscles and skin stretched by multiple pregnancies may find the procedure useful to tighten those muscles and reduce that skin. A tummy tuck is also an alternative for men or women who were obese at one point in their lives and still have excessive fat deposits or loose skin in the abdominal area (see more on Body contouring after major weight loss).

Who Should Not Consider a Tummy Tuck?

If you're a woman who is still planning to have children, then you may want to postpone a tummy tuck until you're through bearing children. Here's why: During surgery, your vertical muscles are tightened. Future pregnancies can separate these muscles.

Are you still planning to lose a lot of weight? Then you do not want to consider a tummy tuck.
It's important to note that a tummy tuck can cause prominent, permanent scarring. If this is something you don't want, you may want to reconsider. Your doctor will discuss all these options with you when you go for the consultation.

How a Tummy Tuck is Done ?

Depending on your desired results, this surgery can take anywhere from one to five hours. The complexity of your particular situation also will determine whether you have it completed as an in-patient or outpatient procedure.

You will receive general anesthesia, which will put you to sleep during the operation. It's important to have someone with you who can drive you home. If you live alone, you also will need someone to stay with you at least the first night after the surgery.

There are two options for a tummy tuck. You and your surgeon will discuss your desired results, and he or she will determine the appropriate procedure during your consultation.

I. Complete abdominoplasty
Your abdomen will be cut from hipbone to hipbone in this procedure, the option for those patients who require the most correction. The incision will be made low, at about the same level as your pubic hair.

Your surgeon will then manipulate and contour the skin, tissue and muscle as needed. Your belly button will have a new opening if you undergo this procedure, because it's necessary to free your navel from surrounding tissue. Drainage tubes may be placed under your skin and these will be removed in a few days as your surgeon sees fit.

II. Partial or mini abdominoplasty
Mini-abdominoplasties are often performed on patients whose fat deposits are located below the navel and require shorter incisions.

During this procedure, your belly button most likely will not be moved. Your skin will be separated between the line of incision and your belly button. This type of surgery may also be performed with an endoscope (small camera on the end of a tube). The procedure may only take up to two hours, again, depending on your own personal situation and the complexity of your needs.

How to Prepare For Tummy Tuck Surgery?

If you smoke, you will have to stop for a certain period as determined by your doctor. It is not enough to just cut down on smoking. You must stop completely for at least two weeks prior to surgery and for two weeks after. Smoking can increase the risk of complications and delay healing.

Make sure you eat well-balanced, complete meals and do not try to diet excessively before the surgery. Proper nutrition plays a key role in healing properly.

If you take certain medications, your surgeon may instruct you to stop taking these for a certain period before and after the surgery. Your surgeon will determine this as part of your pre-operative consultation.

Before undergoing the surgery, you'll need to get your home ready for your post-operative care. Your home recovery area should include:

Plenty of ice packs
Supply of loose, comfortable clothing that can be taken on and off very easily
Petroleum jelly for incision sites
Telephone within reaching distance
Hand-held shower head and bathroom chair

You know yourself best, so make sure you set up the safest, most comfortable recovery area before you undergo the surgery to meet your personal needs.

What Are the Complications and Side Effects of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

As expected, you will have pain and swelling in the days following surgery. Your doctor can prescribe a painkiller if needed and will instruct you on how to best handle the pain. Soreness may last for several weeks or months.

You may also experience numbness, bruising and overall tiredness for that same time period.
As with any surgery, there are risks. Remember, this surgery affects a very crucial part of your body. Though they're rare, complications can include infection, bleeding under the skin flap or blood clots. You may carry an increased risk of complications if you have poor circulation, diabetes or heart, lung or liver disease.

You may experience insufficient healing, which can cause more significant scarring or loss of skin. If you do heal poorly, you may require a second surgery.

As we mentioned before, the scars from a tummy tuck are fairly prominent and though they may fade slightly, they will never completely disappear. Your surgeon may recommend certain creams or ointments to use after you've completely healed to help with the scars.

Taking Care of Yourself After Surgery
Whether you're having a partial or complete tummy tuck, your incision site will be stitched and bandaged. It's very important that you follow all your surgeon's instructions on how to care for the bandage in the days following surgery. The bandage used will be a firm, elastic band that promotes proper healing. Your surgeon will also instruct you on how to best position yourself while sitting or lying down to help ease pain.

If you are an exceptionally physically active person, beware: You will have to severely limit strenuous exercise for at least six weeks. Your doctor will advise you on this as you go through the process. You may need to take up to one month off of work after the surgery to ensure proper recovery. Again, your doctor will help you determine this based on your personal situation.
Return to Living
Generally, most people love the new look after they've undergone this procedure. However, you may not feel like your normal self for months after the surgery. You've gone through a tremendous amount to make this happen, both emotionally and physically, and it's very important that you follow proper diet and exercise to maintain your new look.

Does Insurance Cover a Tummy Tuck?

Be warned: Insurance carriers generally do not cover elective, cosmetic surgery. But, your carrier may cover a certain percentage if you have a hernia that will be corrected through the procedure, or your anterior muscles are abnormally spread.

It's extremely important that you begin communicating with your insurance company early on, and that you discuss your insurance concerns with your surgeon. In most cases, your surgeon will write a letter to your insurance carrier, making the case for medical necessity, if it applies to you.

It's also very important to realize that insurance may only cover certain portions of the surgery, so make sure you get details. With any cosmetic surgery, this may affect future insurance coverage for you and your premiums may increase.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic, Department of Plastic Surgery.

See related before after images on Tummy Tuck Photos and Abdominoplasty Before and After. See this post on Tummy Tuck Gone Wrong

Utah Vacation - Spending Time with Family & Friends - Meeting my Favorite Author

Hello! Remember me? Yeah, I haven't been here for awhile. But I have a super good excuse, I've been on vacation!  My family and I just returned home from our week stay in Utah visiting family and a dear friend in Las Vegas.  My husband and I agree, this was probably one of the most fun vacations we have ever taken.

We stayed a week with family in Springville, Utah.  The kids played and caught up, as did the adults.  We also were able to watch the season change before our very eyes.  We left California after a day where the AC was needed, and we arrived in Utah on a typical autumn evening.  By mid-week, it was snowing throughout the Salt Lake Valley.

It was such an exciting week for me that I found myself without an appetite.  Yes, you heard correctly, WITHOUT an appetite.  I know, usually while on vacation, it's so easy to gorge on good food.  We had good food, I just didn't feeling like eating it.  I even had some dark chocolate stashed away, just in case.  I had one piece the day I bought it and I didn't touch it the remainder of the trip. I know, I am shocked too.

The only thing I can think of is that I was truly in a relaxed mode. When I am relaxed, food takes on a whole new meaning for me and I have better control over it, actually, it would seem, that I have complete control over it.  When I am stressed, tired and can't think straight, it's easy to snack and gorge and loose all control.  It felt great being in control this week and I feel a new resolve to get into a better routine to keep it permanent.

An exciting event that happened while in Utah was an opportunity to catch up with our favorite author, Kaleb Nation, at his book signing.  You have seen me talk about his books before.  (If not, scroll down)  Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse was published last year.  This year, Bran Hambric: The Specter Key, was released.  He's as sweet in person as he is online.  It was truly a pleasure to meet him.  We wish him the very best.

Kaleb and me.