Sunshine22

To answer your question @@spiritedcowgirl63, my insurance did cover the panniculectomy portion of my surgery. I extended it to the abdominoplasty with fleur de lis and paid the difference. I had lots of documentation from my family doctor and my dermatologist regarding rashes and infections, over the counter treatments, etc...all submitted and approved for coverage. I chose to have the additional surgery done to repair the abdominal muscles and to remove the excess skin on the upper abdomen. But that was my choice. I could have had everything paid in full if I had just had the panniculectomy for skin removal only. The brachioplasty was not covered by insurance. My advise is have your medical team document, document, document! Good luck

Yes, @@sarsar this is such an emotional journey. I feel like you were in my head regarding hesitancy to even post this. Because I am so grateful for this opportunity! Oh my gosh, we can all relate to the psychological effects of excess skin! What a blessing to have that gone. I am just trying to adjust to the new me. Many thanks to all of you for the kind and encouraging words.

Thank you @@superbariatricbabe for the beautiful article on Padma Lakshmi. I had never seen her before. I love her quote "my body is a blueprint of my life." Wow, very powerful

Thank you @AvaFern. Yes, the scars are only visible directly from behind. I can't see them unless I hold a mirror up to look. Best of luck on your upcoming plastics!! Thank you too @RJ'S/beginning. You are always so kind. I know what you mean about just wanting the loose skin gone. It has made a tremendous difference in my body perception. I could tell the difference in my tummy even with all the tape and bandages on. It wasn't until today when the bandages came off my arms, that I could get a good idea of what they looked like. I guess it has just been a shock to me. When I was 300lbs. I would try everyday to camouflage myself. Yes, I thought a loose black shirt would disguise my weight...lol! I was just so hopeful that getting to goal and having plastics would end this particular struggle. But, I am realizing the battle will go on. Whether it be in the form of body image struggles, keeping the weight off in maintenance, etc...I am going to try to learn to embrace these scars. Yes, It is a hard won fight for all of us in one way or another.

Thank you for the encouragement @@Miss Mac. I appreciate it. Wishing good luck and health right back to you.

@VSGAnn2014...the plastics were a few weeks ago. Yes, I am sure the scars will fade in time. Thank you @finediva...I too am thankful for my arms and being able to carry and care for my children. Like I said, am I still blessed, yes. I am just having a moment that's all. Thank you both

Hello. I had my scheduled panniculectomy revised to an abdominoplasty with fleur de lis incision. I was back and forth regarding the risks involved with an old, large gall bladder scar. I sought multipe consults and even discussed with my bariatric surgeon. I finally decided to take the leap with the fleur de lis. My tummy was a disaster with skin. I felt eventough I had reached a normal BMI, I was still wearing the "fat suit" I have heard other people talk about. I am completely okay now with the larger tummy scars as I did not plan on wearing a bikini. I am just so beyond grateful having the skin removed. So here is my issue: I also had a brachioplasty completed. I had the arm skin of a 100 year old. Totally scarred from old stretch marks, causing skin to be incredibly loose, wrinkled. They were just awful. I would always wear longer sleeves. I work out so hard and have nice muscles. Just could never see them thru the excess skin! Because of the excessive skin issue, there was a possibility going in that I would have to have a posterior brachioplasty. The incision goes closer to the back of my arms, rather than the common pics seen of it medial (and hid very well with arms at side). Now, my arms look beautiful from the front and the sides. You can see my muscles/definition now. The skin is that tight. However, looking at me from from the back the scar is very visible and extends about an inch below my elbow. I am not even sure what I am getting at here...I am rambling...I guess I just wanted the scar totally hidden and am struggling because it isn't. I had hopes it would not be as bad as it appears to me now. I am trying to remind myself of how far I have come. Maybe trying to feel proud even though I am still scarred. I just so wanted to be able to wear short sleeves or tanks and feel good about myself. I don't think I have ever in my adult life felt good about myself. I just wanted to feel like a normal woman. Is this the end of the world...no. Am I still blessed...yes. Just struggling right now. Thanks for listening.

Wow, wow, wow...you are awesome!!!!!

My quick Protein shake go to is Premier Protein ready mixed. It is 30g protein per shake and delish. When I was allowed to start yogurt, I used Fage 0% plain. It is 18g of protein. In the beginning, I added only a touch of honey. Both are quick and easy protein sources. Good luck!

No drain here and no problems.

Yay! Way to go!!!! Love the scale pic too:)

Yay! That is awesome

Dr Joseph Capella in Ramsey NJ was one of my choices. He deals with massive weight loss patients. Maybe check into him? Think Ramsey is only a couple hours from Philadelphia. Good luck!

Stay strong...you've got this. Good luck!

I am a fan of Fage 0% plain. I added a touch of honey in the beginning. Now, 14 mos out, I add walnuts and diced fresh fruit. Yum!

We are all works in progress...that is how it should be Personally, I weigh daily. In the past, I would not weigh for months at a time. Goodness, could I pack on the weight when I wasn't looking...lol! For me, daily weighing works, keeps me in check. But, it doesn't stress me. You too will find a balance that works for you! Good luck!

Thanks Rovobay. A year goes by so quickly. You will get to goal...you deserve it and your family does too!

So happy for you! Congratulations on the surgery approval and the new baby!!!

Yes, lot and lots of appointments pre-op! But soooo worth it. Hopefully, you are in the home stretch now. Good luck!

Yay! I do remember the excitement...took a picture of the scale!!! And believe me, I wished that I knew how to do cartwheels. Because I was that happy... Lol:) Good luck to you!

Wonderful!!! Having a supportive husband helped me sooo much. You are awesome to be on these boards. Best of luck to both of you!

Nicely done! Congratulations

Stay strong! I was afraid of failing too. After all, I had failed at every other weight loss attempt my entire adult life. But, I am telling you...you can do this! Take this time to retrain yourself. Follow the sleeve rules with Protein first. Learn mindful eating in moderation. Find some kind of exercise you enjoy too. Before you know it, you will be a year down the road! You have a whole new life ahead of you. Good luck!

Hang in there! I understand the anxiety. I used to scour these boards...looking at losses, similar stats, comparing myself to others. It drove me crazy! I would have good months and months where I found myself so disappointed. But, I am learning along the way about moderation with mindful eating and incorporating fitness into my daily routine. Things I never did before. This journey is so much more than just weight loss. It's about finding a good, healthily balance in your life. Like Oregondaisy said, follow the rules and you will be a success. Hang in there...you've got this

My vote is for Premier Protein also. Love the chocolate and vanilla. Have not tried the strawberry yet. Originally I would purchase at Sam's Club. But they are now carried in my local Walmart and Shoprite. Good luck.