CarmenP

Hello Everyone!

I am post-op RNY, surgery date July 2014, starting weight 302, surgery date weight 290.

Today, I’m 190, and I’m four days post-op from an abdominoplasty. Surgeon was able to remove 15 ponds of skin. I’m hopeful to be 175-180 when I’m healed and all my swelling goes down.

Here are before and after (the “after” is from 2 weeks ago at the beach, before my plastic surgery).

I like to come and read about everyone’s successes. Your stories are always so familiar and comforting to me. Very few people understand the struggles we’ve faced, the nastiness, the hateful attitudes, the condescension (“hey, you should feel lucky we even MAKE clothes in your size!”), and even though I don’t post much, I’ve so enjoyed seeing the happy transformations.

❤️hugs to everyone on this journey!

Carmen

Hello Everyone!

I am post-op RNY, surgery date July 2014, starting weight 302, surgery date weight 290.

Today, I’m 190, and I’m four days post-op from an abdominoplasty. Surgeon was able to remove 15 ponds of skin. I’m hopeful to be 175-180 when I’m healed and all my swelling goes down.

Here are before and after (the “after” is from 2 weeks ago at the beach, before my plastic surgery).

I like to come and read about everyone’s successes. Your stories are always so familiar and comforting to me. Very few people understand the struggles we’ve faced, the nastiness, the hateful attitudes, the condescension (“hey, you should feel lucky we even MAKE clothes in your size!”), and even though I don’t post much, I’ve so enjoyed seeing the happy transformations.

❤️hugs to everyone on this journey!

Carmen

Hello Everyone!

I am post-op RNY, surgery date July 2014, starting weight 302, surgery date weight 290.

Today, I’m 190, and I’m four days post-op from an abdominoplasty. Surgeon was able to remove 15 ponds of skin. I’m hopeful to be 175-180 when I’m healed and all my swelling goes down.

Here are before and after (the “after” is from 2 weeks ago at the beach, before my plastic surgery).

I like to come and read about everyone’s successes. Your stories are always so familiar and comforting to me. Very few people understand the struggles we’ve faced, the nastiness, the hateful attitudes, the condescension (“hey, you should feel lucky we even MAKE clothes in your size!”), and even though I don’t post much, I’ve so enjoyed seeing the happy transformations.

❤️hugs to everyone on this journey!

Carmen

I went to Charlotte Plastic Surgery, and my surgeon was Dr. Scheuer. He’s WOOOOOOOONDERFUL.

Thank you! Yes, if you have to pay out of pocket, you will definitely want to shop around! I know I talked to a lady in NY and she said the same - she went elsewhere because it was so expensive.

Everything was just shy of $12,000. And insurance doesn’t cover squat. Not for cosmetic surgery.

Hello all!

A few months ago, I posted asking about doing plastic surgery to remove my “apron” of skin. Originally, I intended a panniculectomy. I met with a surgeon, and we went back and forth. He was advocating for an abdominoplasty, and I wasn’t interested in the recovery/pain involved with that procedure. But he didn’t think I’d wind up happy with the simple panniculectomy.

We finally reached a compromise of sorts. He did an abdominoplasty, minus the muscle tightening. While he was at it, he gave me a slight butt and thigh lift, removing a chunk of skin/fat - so-called “saddle bags” - from my sides/flanks. I also had my mons lifted (ladies, this was actually the part I wanted most, if you can believe it!)

I am currently 4 days into recovery. I’m SORE! I’m tired. I’m a bit swollen. Everything feels tight. I’m in a compression garment, and I feel like 2 pounds of sausage stuffed in a 1 pound casing. Lolol I walk hunched, can’t stand up straight, I have 2 drains, and I hate the idea of doing and undoing this ensemble so much, that I actually skip showers to avoid the hassle (and I normally shower AT LEAST once a day!).

The surgeon said, pre-surgery, he was maybe being a bit ambitious with the marks he’d made on my body. He was hopeful to get 90% of the skin. He actually got all of it, and then some! 15 pounds of skin, gone. And he said it was all skin. He didn’t need to do any Lipo, as there wasn’t any fat.

I will keep you all posted with my progress. But if you’re thinking of doing this, I’m happy to share whatever info I have. I’ll also post pics when I’m feeling better!

Carmen

Hello all!

A few months ago, I posted asking about doing plastic surgery to remove my “apron” of skin. Originally, I intended a panniculectomy. I met with a surgeon, and we went back and forth. He was advocating for an abdominoplasty, and I wasn’t interested in the recovery/pain involved with that procedure. But he didn’t think I’d wind up happy with the simple panniculectomy.

We finally reached a compromise of sorts. He did an abdominoplasty, minus the muscle tightening. While he was at it, he gave me a slight butt and thigh lift, removing a chunk of skin/fat - so-called “saddle bags” - from my sides/flanks. I also had my mons lifted (ladies, this was actually the part I wanted most, if you can believe it!)

I am currently 4 days into recovery. I’m SORE! I’m tired. I’m a bit swollen. Everything feels tight. I’m in a compression garment, and I feel like 2 pounds of sausage stuffed in a 1 pound casing. Lolol I walk hunched, can’t stand up straight, I have 2 drains, and I hate the idea of doing and undoing this ensemble so much, that I actually skip showers to avoid the hassle (and I normally shower AT LEAST once a day!).

The surgeon said, pre-surgery, he was maybe being a bit ambitious with the marks he’d made on my body. He was hopeful to get 90% of the skin. He actually got all of it, and then some! 15 pounds of skin, gone. And he said it was all skin. He didn’t need to do any Lipo, as there wasn’t any fat.

I will keep you all posted with my progress. But if you’re thinking of doing this, I’m happy to share whatever info I have. I’ll also post pics when I’m feeling better!

Carmen

Hello all!

A few months ago, I posted asking about doing plastic surgery to remove my “apron” of skin. Originally, I intended a panniculectomy. I met with a surgeon, and we went back and forth. He was advocating for an abdominoplasty, and I wasn’t interested in the recovery/pain involved with that procedure. But he didn’t think I’d wind up happy with the simple panniculectomy.

We finally reached a compromise of sorts. He did an abdominoplasty, minus the muscle tightening. While he was at it, he gave me a slight butt and thigh lift, removing a chunk of skin/fat - so-called “saddle bags” - from my sides/flanks. I also had my mons lifted (ladies, this was actually the part I wanted most, if you can believe it!)

I am currently 4 days into recovery. I’m SORE! I’m tired. I’m a bit swollen. Everything feels tight. I’m in a compression garment, and I feel like 2 pounds of sausage stuffed in a 1 pound casing. Lolol I walk hunched, can’t stand up straight, I have 2 drains, and I hate the idea of doing and undoing this ensemble so much, that I actually skip showers to avoid the hassle (and I normally shower AT LEAST once a day!).

The surgeon said, pre-surgery, he was maybe being a bit ambitious with the marks he’d made on my body. He was hopeful to get 90% of the skin. He actually got all of it, and then some! 15 pounds of skin, gone. And he said it was all skin. He didn’t need to do any Lipo, as there wasn’t any fat.

I will keep you all posted with my progress. But if you’re thinking of doing this, I’m happy to share whatever info I have. I’ll also post pics when I’m feeling better!

Carmen

Hello all!

A few months ago, I posted asking about doing plastic surgery to remove my “apron” of skin. Originally, I intended a panniculectomy. I met with a surgeon, and we went back and forth. He was advocating for an abdominoplasty, and I wasn’t interested in the recovery/pain involved with that procedure. But he didn’t think I’d wind up happy with the simple panniculectomy.

We finally reached a compromise of sorts. He did an abdominoplasty, minus the muscle tightening. While he was at it, he gave me a slight butt and thigh lift, removing a chunk of skin/fat - so-called “saddle bags” - from my sides/flanks. I also had my mons lifted (ladies, this was actually the part I wanted most, if you can believe it!)

I am currently 4 days into recovery. I’m SORE! I’m tired. I’m a bit swollen. Everything feels tight. I’m in a compression garment, and I feel like 2 pounds of sausage stuffed in a 1 pound casing. Lolol I walk hunched, can’t stand up straight, I have 2 drains, and I hate the idea of doing and undoing this ensemble so much, that I actually skip showers to avoid the hassle (and I normally shower AT LEAST once a day!).

The surgeon said, pre-surgery, he was maybe being a bit ambitious with the marks he’d made on my body. He was hopeful to get 90% of the skin. He actually got all of it, and then some! 15 pounds of skin, gone. And he said it was all skin. He didn’t need to do any Lipo, as there wasn’t any fat.

I will keep you all posted with my progress. But if you’re thinking of doing this, I’m happy to share whatever info I have. I’ll also post pics when I’m feeling better!

Carmen

Everything was just shy of $12,000. And insurance doesn’t cover squat. Not for cosmetic surgery.

Hello all!

A few months ago, I posted asking about doing plastic surgery to remove my “apron” of skin. Originally, I intended a panniculectomy. I met with a surgeon, and we went back and forth. He was advocating for an abdominoplasty, and I wasn’t interested in the recovery/pain involved with that procedure. But he didn’t think I’d wind up happy with the simple panniculectomy.

We finally reached a compromise of sorts. He did an abdominoplasty, minus the muscle tightening. While he was at it, he gave me a slight butt and thigh lift, removing a chunk of skin/fat - so-called “saddle bags” - from my sides/flanks. I also had my mons lifted (ladies, this was actually the part I wanted most, if you can believe it!)

I am currently 4 days into recovery. I’m SORE! I’m tired. I’m a bit swollen. Everything feels tight. I’m in a compression garment, and I feel like 2 pounds of sausage stuffed in a 1 pound casing. Lolol I walk hunched, can’t stand up straight, I have 2 drains, and I hate the idea of doing and undoing this ensemble so much, that I actually skip showers to avoid the hassle (and I normally shower AT LEAST once a day!).

The surgeon said, pre-surgery, he was maybe being a bit ambitious with the marks he’d made on my body. He was hopeful to get 90% of the skin. He actually got all of it, and then some! 15 pounds of skin, gone. And he said it was all skin. He didn’t need to do any Lipo, as there wasn’t any fat.

I will keep you all posted with my progress. But if you’re thinking of doing this, I’m happy to share whatever info I have. I’ll also post pics when I’m feeling better!

Carmen

Well, folks, I had my RNY in July, 2014. I started at 302 pounds. I finally, finally, FINALLY, F I N A L L Y!!!, hit onederland this morning!!! I stalled out 2 years ago at around 205, and never lost another ounce. Bounced between 205 and 215, and just got fed up. Went back on my post-RNY regimen around Thanksgiving, and this morning was 199.8!!!!! I cannot believe it!! I never thought I’d see the scale dip below 200.

4.5 years, but, if you work at it, and just stick to the program, it will work!!!

*hugs for everyone!!!!*

Carmen

Well, folks, I had my RNY in July, 2014. I started at 302 pounds. I finally, finally, FINALLY, F I N A L L Y!!!, hit onederland this morning!!! I stalled out 2 years ago at around 205, and never lost another ounce. Bounced between 205 and 215, and just got fed up. Went back on my post-RNY regimen around Thanksgiving, and this morning was 199.8!!!!! I cannot believe it!! I never thought I’d see the scale dip below 200.

4.5 years, but, if you work at it, and just stick to the program, it will work!!!

*hugs for everyone!!!!*

Carmen

Wow!! Congrats to you lady!!! Way to kick it back into high gear!
re: post op regimen (It's sure amazing how our docs know what to tell us to eat! It's like they have this whole "weight loss phase" figured out or something. ) Every time I start getting tricky with their orders, I stall out (ahem, begin maintenance and stop losing...every time. )

@CarmenP
you continue to be strong and persistent!! Good for you! - I'm sorry you went through a long
stretch of not losing weight. You didn't give in to temptation/frustration and possibly gain lots of weight. As you wisely said "stick to the program, it will work"
awwwww, onederland - welcome to the neighborhood - i knew you'd arrive
keep UP the good work, while your weight goes DOWN.
kathy
congrats

That's wonderful! Congrats. 🏆

That’s great! Congratulations!

Well, folks, I had my RNY in July, 2014. I started at 302 pounds. I finally, finally, FINALLY, F I N A L L Y!!!, hit onederland this morning!!! I stalled out 2 years ago at around 205, and never lost another ounce. Bounced between 205 and 215, and just got fed up. Went back on my post-RNY regimen around Thanksgiving, and this morning was 199.8!!!!! I cannot believe it!! I never thought I’d see the scale dip below 200.

4.5 years, but, if you work at it, and just stick to the program, it will work!!!

*hugs for everyone!!!!*

Carmen

Well, folks, I had my RNY in July, 2014. I started at 302 pounds. I finally, finally, FINALLY, F I N A L L Y!!!, hit onederland this morning!!! I stalled out 2 years ago at around 205, and never lost another ounce. Bounced between 205 and 215, and just got fed up. Went back on my post-RNY regimen around Thanksgiving, and this morning was 199.8!!!!! I cannot believe it!! I never thought I’d see the scale dip below 200.

4.5 years, but, if you work at it, and just stick to the program, it will work!!!

*hugs for everyone!!!!*

Carmen

Well, folks, I had my RNY in July, 2014. I started at 302 pounds. I finally, finally, FINALLY, F I N A L L Y!!!, hit onederland this morning!!! I stalled out 2 years ago at around 205, and never lost another ounce. Bounced between 205 and 215, and just got fed up. Went back on my post-RNY regimen around Thanksgiving, and this morning was 199.8!!!!! I cannot believe it!! I never thought I’d see the scale dip below 200.

4.5 years, but, if you work at it, and just stick to the program, it will work!!!

*hugs for everyone!!!!*

Carmen

Thank you for the feedback! The (negative) realities are definitely something I would weigh above and beyond any potential positives.

For clarity, I’m considering a panniculectomy. I just have this horrible sagging bunch of skin that is, honestly, disgusting. I really feel like I need to do something. Would the same pain/recovery/time to heal apply for this as would the full tummy tuck/muscle rebuilding, etc..? I’ve got a consult with one surgeon, but I know that won’t be enough information for me. Plus, he’s in the business of selling this (or any) cosmetic procedure to me, so I am wary of getting all the bells and whistles but none of the brutal truth, you know?

Thanks again!

I had extensive skin removal surgery following RNY. I did it in two rounds (upper / front, then lower / back), two years ago. Aside from RNY itself, it's the best decision I ever made.
It's nearly impossible to find useful information about cosmetic surgery online. The majority is either advertisement or scare-mongering, and most of it is not relevant to a bariatric patient. The only way to learn is to schedule consultations with local surgeons, get an assessment and quote, and - most importantly - look at their book. All of these consultations should be free of charge. If they're not, skip to the next option. They will all have photo albums of similar procedures they've done on past clients, and can talk you through the similarities and differences between yourself and those other people. They all have different techniques and different experience, and the good ones will want to make sure you have a realistic assessment of what you can expect in terms of final outcome. Don't assume that the first surgeon you meet is going to be the right one for you. Shop around.
In terms of finding good candidates, I would start by asking the team that did your bariatrics surgery. They likely know which surgeons in the area do a lot of post-weight loss surgeries and can make a recommendation.
Good luck!

The best relative pain guide would be how many inches of incisions do they need to do, as it is the skin that has the most nerves; the interior work like for muscle tightening would be less noticeable. So, a basic panniculectomy to cut off the excess skirt would not be greatly different than a full tummy tuck/abdominoplasty.
You do want to find a surgeon who specializes in reconstruction after massive weight loss, as there can be a lot of difference between a basic mommy makeover and a person who has lost 1-200 or more pounds. They usually specialize (at least for our typical need) by patient type rather than body part, though some of the bariatric surgeons who get into plastics as a sideline for their patients will often leave the more "artistic" aspects (like breast implants or facial work) to a specialist PS, though that can sometimes be combined into one procedure if they work in a team effort.
People do go to Mexico or other countries for PS as, with the bariatrics, the cost can be much less. The downside is that PS procedures have a much higher chance of mild to moderate complications - incisions that don't heal promptly, or open again, Fluid build up not caught by the drains, seromas, etc. Much of this can be handled by taking selfies and email instructions on treatment, but sometimes it takes an office visit, so dealing with someone local is a big plus.

Thank you for the feedback! The (negative) realities are definitely something I would weigh above and beyond any potential positives.

For clarity, I’m considering a panniculectomy. I just have this horrible sagging bunch of skin that is, honestly, disgusting. I really feel like I need to do something. Would the same pain/recovery/time to heal apply for this as would the full tummy tuck/muscle rebuilding, etc..? I’ve got a consult with one surgeon, but I know that won’t be enough information for me. Plus, he’s in the business of selling this (or any) cosmetic procedure to me, so I am wary of getting all the bells and whistles but none of the brutal truth, you know?

Thanks again!