Search the Community

How's your body doing with loose skin with the rapid weight loss? I hope my question isn't too personal.

I developed lots of fine lines under my chin & my marionette lines down the sides of my mouth got way deeper with my weight loss. 😩 Waaaa! About 6 years ago I bought a similar hand held personal machine for about $250/$300 but I didn’t think it did anything. I used to run it over my face every night while watching tv. This time I’ve gone to my beauty therapist. She charges about $250 for a pack of 6 treatments. I’ve done 12 weekly intensive RF treatments. Each session takes 30 minutes. I’ll be starting maintenance next - 20min treatments with my monthly facial. My therapist puts a gel on my skin before the treatment and reapplies during. I think it acts as a lubricant for the wand and to protect the skin. I do get odd little dry flaky spots around my mouth where she spends extra time. I’ve noticed some reduction in the depth and length of the lines around my mouth & the the fine lines under my chin have lessened. Of course the machine my therapist uses is for professional use & produces a much more intensive pulse. (It also cost >$10000 for her new machine 😱.) RF is supposed to stimulate collagen growth and it takes time for the results to be seen so I’m hopeful for some more improvement. It is not a long term or permanent fix. PS I’ll be 55 later this year too.

Yes, I have. I've been taking the hair, skin, nails one from Costco- they are gummies. I started maybe a month pre-surgery & am continuing to take them still (surgery 1/7/20). They go down easy as they are gummies and my stomach has accepted them well.

7:33pm EST: Edited to change Album Name Ok, so I wanted to show you guys a before and after of my boob cuz I just have the biggest crush on them. However. Bare boobs are like 18+, so I tried to de-XXX it by putting a little censoring flower-sticker on the image...BUT it hides what I think is the best part of it (the perky tip!, lol). Soooo...I instead put a cartoon filter on it, so it looks less real and more like an "artist's rendition". Hopefully this is not offensive to anyone. If it is, please let me know and I will remove it. Anyhoo...I was going to include a link to the photo here, but it shows a preview, and I don't want to surprise anyone coming to this thread with a gratuitous boob shot. So if you want to take a look: go to my Profile (ms.sss) go to Albums and you can see it in the album titled "ms.sss PS pics (xxx)" Image Caption: Notice the flat, saggy, spread-to-the-sides-of-my-body pancake-y shape of the BEFORE boob with flat wrinkly nipple VS the perky, gravity-defying 16-yrs old-ish AFTER boob w/ stand-at-attention-nipples, LOL. The line you see under the AFTER boob is not a skin-wrinkle nor fold, its my incision line, so It sorta makes it look like its resting on my torso, but in the real life picture, you would be able to see that its staying up there all on its own.

The first thing out of my mother in law's mouth when I told her I was having surgery (and this was in front of her husband and mine) was 'oh, what are you going to do with all that skin?!'. Who says that?? hahahaha

Hmmm I do see this recent review on Amazon I Think These Reviewers Are Imagining Things People are saying they saw changes after a week, posting before and afters that literally look exactly alike - giving rave reviews? Something is off. They are either suffering from confirmation bias or the reviews are fake. First, I've seen this same product marketed as a cellulite reducer, skin whitener, and skin tightener. Sounds sketch. The instructions are weird and incomplete. There are three settings and three options for the length of time to use it: 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min. The manual says not to use the machine more than 3-4 times a week. But it doesn't say on which setting or for how long. So if you use it for 30 minutes on the highest setting is that the same as using it on the lowest setting for 10 minutes? Who knows. They don't explain. I tube of gel comes with the machine, but it has maybe four words in English, the rest in Chinese, so I have no idea what those instructions are, nor the ingredients, but my face and neck broke out in a papular rash for three days. Still, I stayed the course. Not an iota of difference. I'm not at all impressed. This is just snake oil. Not only that, but I found it on another site for $80, hundreds less than I paid. I'll be returning it. 13 people found this helpful i will be watching to see how it all turns out.

Ok i will be the Ginny Pig - Just ordered the best on on Amazon, Keep in touch - I hate this skin issue and even with cross fit want it gone, Should be here next week ORDER PLACED January 11, 2020 TOTAL $257.52 SHIP TO ORDER # 112-1267645-2253818 Invoice Arriving Monday by 9pm Track package MLAY RF Radio Frequency Facial And Body Skin Tightening Machine - Professional Home RF Lifting Skin Care Anti Aging Device - Salon Effects/More Safe Sold by: MLAY US Product question? Ask Seller $369.99 Buy it again

I have decided between the support on this post along with the rational explanations, I no longer think I am a slow loser. I think that I am doing well enough and the way I am losing is helping my skin shrink along with the rest of me. I didn't get fat in one day and it won't take one day to lose it. When I had my VBG in 1998 I lost very quickly but I was also 33 and not 54. I also exercised like crazy and not so much this time. I really think the up in calories is helping move things in the right direction, but I am going to stick at the level (800 ish cal. a day) for awhile. I am afraid to go to 1200 to 1400 like they advised.

Had my check up with the Dr on my arms yesterday. Said everything is healing nicely. He answered some of the questions I had regarding elbow swelling, and the tightness when extending my arms. He said that's all normal. It just takes awhile for full recovery. There was one area under my arm that looked like it was puckering. Turns out it was a stitch so he snipped it. He said I may come across others and to just go in if they're bothering me and he'll snip them. I didn't realize that's what the issue was on that one he snipped because nothing was hurting me (like the issue @ms.sss had with her boob). It just looked weird, like it was just going to ultimately heal puckered, and in the days leading up to my appointment I was starting to get upset thinking that it was going to look like that permanently. Dr said I can put lotion on the incisions of my incredibly dry arms. He also said to start putting the silicone tape on. I haven't done that yet because I've been so busy with work that I've pretty much just been crashing when I get home. I asked about the bio oil and he was indifferent about it. Said he didn't feel it makes a difference but it also doesn't do any harm so he left it up to me. He said with my light skin the scarring should not be very noticeable. He said I can shave under my arms as long as I'm careful. But I'm not ready for that one yet because it scares me. I still barely even look at my incisions. I get grossed out seeing all those scabs etc. I just have my husband look over the incisions every couple days to see if he thinks anything looks to be of concern. I really like my Dr. He is kinda quiet yet personable. And his years of experience just somehow really come across when he's explaining stuff and giving examples whether he's answering my questions or just sharing stuff in general. I can't really describe what I mean. He's confident, but not arrogant. Anyway I just really like him. I want him do other skin removal surgeries for me, after I've saved enough money. So, pretty uneventful appointment. I walked away feeling good knowing that everything is healing well, and relieved that the aches and pains I've been having are all part of the recovery process. My next appointment is in 3 months.

Thanks for the replies guys. As far as the food thing goes you guys are right in that I need to figure out what I can eat that will make those away from home days lean on the healthy side. I think it may be some laziness and I also think it might be some unwillingness to stick to the small and dull list of stuff I actually eat that will make it onto a more "healthy" list but I will just have to deal with it. I am not too worried about the take out stuff mostly because even thinking of the greasy, fatty foods I used to consume now makes me queasy so I don't see myself going overboard but I just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to screw up stomach size or anything but again I will get on the task of fixing it. My gf is still plus size and not on any plan or diet to change that so it kind of makes the take out control part of the process harder but I think she will support me if I tell her I can't be eating what she is anymore. So you guys suggested taking photos and I have been doing that since August. I would do it standing sideways in the mirror at work since I don't have any mirrors big enough at home. While I can def notice a difference between day 1 and now it is the more recent photos I have the biggest trouble with. The last couple months a photo 1 week has me thinking I am bigger than the previous and then a newer one will look like im smaller and then back to bigger again. Maybe it could be because I am wearing different types of clothes in the pictures? I try to stand in the same spot/stance as much as possible but it isn't always exact so could this be a factor? It is just hard to stay positive when your brain is your worst enemy and always planting seeds of disappointment at every chance it gets. I just ordered a scale that has a 500lb limit so maybe that is the only way to be 100% about my progress although I do fear seeing numbers increase instead of decrease (thanks again brain) but I don't think I am to truly see what is going on in the pics so it is the only way. It's good to know the hair issue isn't a huge problem. I really was worried that going permanently bald on top of all my other issues at the moment could really cause my self esteem and depression to spiral out of control. I will def purchase some vitamins as suggested. I am aware that plastic surgery is an option for the loose skin but the issue is the cost. Insurance covered my sleeve surgery so that is the only reason I was able to get it. My surgeon says that under certain circumstances insurance MAY cover the surgery for loose belly skin but it is not definite and that would not include any loose skin elsewhere on the body like arms and legs etc. I honestly don't really see the point in just getting the belly skin fixed if the rest of the body will still have loose skin so I am not sure about how this will all go. I have also been told that the surgery to fix loose skin all over the body is very painful and I am not able to take any kind of narcotic painkillers after surgery so that will also factor in. I knew a person who had the surgery but had to keep all the loose skin and their mental health and self esteem took a pretty big hit from looking that way and that's not even including the intimacy issues she deals with from mean because of it. Seeing all that has made me scared to think about what impact my mental state could have from living with obvious and excessive loose skin. Thanks again for all the guidance and advice I really do appreciate you guys taking the time to hear me out and address my concerns it is truly a kind gesture.

So I got the 50+ multi vitamin ( even though I am only 29) it has B12 and also Biotin. I also got the protein called colleges peptide it is for bone health skin hair etc and has complete amino acids it has 18grams clean protein! I only use unflavored protein. I don’t like the extra carbs or the artificial sugar in the zero carb proteins. Hope this helps. I am super am scared of hair loan

I am only 3 weeks out and maybe my mind set will change later in the journey BUT I find myself a slow loser. I am not losing the same amount as EXAMPLE fatboyslim. I am also not losing around the same rate as pre op. I find it frustrating that I came to this to be a “safe” place to talk about frustration of not dropping lbs as fast as others (I know we shouldn’t compare but we do) I am dropping lbs just not like the 5-10lbs a weekers. I’m following my plan the best I can - I am lacking the protein. I’m having a hard time trying to drink 2 protein drinks to meet my goals AND eating 2 oz of protein (eating part of tuna creation pack with good culture cottage cheese to “soften” it up) I’m just insanely full. Anyways, I get CICO , I agree with it BUT right now it’s just not going A+B= C for my body on the scale BUT I’m definitely losing inches. Also, I’ve been spotting on and off since Monday and have had period like cramps . So I know my hormones have to be a little wonky atm. Usually during my monthly I hold water weight 🤷‍♀️ . My face is breaking out like a teenagers too 😩 I usually have clear skin with a pimple or two during that time. Back to the point. I find it frustrating when I see people blow the weight off and I’m doing the same thing and I look like I’m going snails pace THEN some say it’s being unrealistic to have the expectations of losing fast like others or I must be lying , making excuses etc etc etc I am just not understanding why it’s so detrimental to others if I want to label myself a slow loser ? Or other people do? It’s keeping me from the mind frame to restrict (to only drink water at this point to drop faster), or say F it if I can’t be like Mike - why bother?. Saying I might be a slow loser or I am one makes me feel better or at peace that I’m not melting like others 🤷‍♀️ maybe it may help others who are feeling a bit defeated that they aren’t dropping as fast Anyways, end of rant

Doing great since surgery. I could be doing better to reach my protein goals but make up for it with a shake. It's amazing how little I can eat still. I can just now finish an egg and haven't yet finished a chobani yogurt. I have about 18 more pounds to loose to reach my goal weight and may have to add in more snacks after that to stay in maintenance. I'm not counting calories just trying to reach my protein goals right now. Hope all my April 2019 brothers and sisters are doing good! We're almost to our one year anniversary! HW-240 SW-239.5 CW-137.9 GW-120

Welcome! My first suggestion is to get a handle on what you are eating by tracking your food. I use the Baritastic app. It's really easy and you get used to it. Can you get an appointment with a dietician? Maybe make a list of all the foods you do like and pick the ones that help you achieve your goals. Have you ever tried V8 or other vegetable juices? Losing/thinning hair is totally normal even if you are doing it right. It will likely grow back. I lot of people cut their hair shorter while they are losing some. You are right on schedule for that. If you are unhappy with your loose skin after you are done losing, a lot of people get plastic surgery. Good luck!!!

So a little background: I am a 6'3" male who had my "Sleeve" done in July and ran into a small Pulmonary Embolism which kept me at the hospital an extra week. I have to take blood thinners for at least 1 year but thank god they have moved me off of the Lovenox injections (I hate and fear needles) and onto a pill so it's not that big of a bother now . A month before surgery I was 500lbs but got down to 455lbs on the day of my surgery. I honestly forgot what my weight was 3-4 months ago on my last surgeon visit and any scales I have had access to since then top out at 300-350lbs. I vaguely recall one doctors scale saying 375 almost 2 months ago but it could have been in error since it really wasn't built for that. I have a few concerns that you guys probably heard a billion times so please excuse me but I just don't want to screw up too bad. Despite access to a usable scale I know I am losing weight because I have had to buy smaller clothes. I wore a 5XL shirt pre-op and now wear 3-2XL, some other articles too small 30 days ago now starting to fit little by little as time goes on etc etc. I have also noticed loose skin and I keep getting told I have a noticeable reduction in my face. I am having a few issues that I can't tell if I am ruining my surgery or what but hopefully you guys can help and sorry for the novels worth of words ahead. Firstly I am worried that I may be stretched out too much. I am VERY picky eater and don't eat vegetables, but before you go on with the lecture let me say: "YES, I have "Re-tried" them all several times to appease people and in various different preparations but no matter what whenever I eat most vegetables the taste literally makes me sick" anyway, I knew this was going to cause some challenges .Once I could eat normal foods my diet was pretty much occasionally scrambled eggs for breakfast, 2 pieces of grilled chicken for dinner every night and fruit anytime before and after that. Mostly oranges but also apples, banana and the occasional grapes. Now that the weather has changed grilling enough for most of the week is not as easy so I have had to mix it up. I know it is shameful but a few days during the week I stay at my gf's apt and she has no way to cook in her apt so I try to bring as much "pre-cooked" food from home to microwave but often we have to order out and this is where being a picky eater runs into some problems. It's hard to find any healthy dishes I enjoy with most of the places mostly because most of them are vegetable based or vege heavy. I tried doing grilled chicken from halal place but it is hard to order food for 2 people when 1 person is not on a diet and the other does not eat most of the healthy options. Naturally I have had to get regular non-diet foods like an occasional burger, italian/pizza, chinese rice/soup and mexican. Obviously I am not able to consume the entire portion of whatever I get and it is a bit of a waste of money with all the leftovers not eaten again but I was always taught that moderation was the most important thing no matter what you eat and it has not seemed to interrupt the weight loss this entire time so I thought it was ok but I am often wrong. I only have this delivery stuff a couple times a week at most and I don't order out the rest of the week when back home but I have noticed lately that no matter what I eat I am able to eat larger portions than I did a few months ago. I am not talking about eating an "overstuffing binge" amount but def a bit more than I could eat a few months ago. For example I ate 2 decent sized chicken breast cutlets tonight with no problem when a few months ago it was a struggle to eat 1 and a 1/2 drumsticks. It seems to be inconsistent too, in other words some days I can only handle a smaller portion and then the next day it could be a larger portion and it will just randomly switch between the 2 all week. This has me worried I have done something wrong to my stomach with my eating. Recently most of my diet has consisted of eating yogurt, I will have a "fruit on the bottom" cup multiple times a day either as a meal or as a snack and other than that I only eat fruit or some "Popcorners" (they are popcorn somehow shaped into a "potato chip" shape) but the nutritional facts state they are not a junk food chip with the bad stuff. OH, I also forgot to mention that even way before my surgery I only drink water. I DO NOT drink any kind of high sugar drinks, carbonated drinks or even anything with caffeine like coffee, soda or tea. I may have a glass of orange juice once in a blue moon but aside from that it's nothing but water all day every day. Does it sound like I screwed up and ruined this whole thing? My other issue I have noticed is my hair started coming out in worrying amounts when brushing and in clumps during a shower. I do have long hair and it seems to be getting thin in some spots and much more scalp is showing through if I pull my hair into a ponytail. I never had this issue before and it is scaring me a bit. I take a daily "complete" multi-vitamin along with an extra pill of Iron and I know my protein intake is probably not ideal but I don't think it is low enough to warrant the hair falling out like this. Is this something anyone has experienced? Lately I have been experiencing some body dismorphia where some days I will look in the mirror and notice my weight loss but some days my head starts to tell me I am either "gaining weight", "not losing anymore weight" or just a general lowering of self esteem and I swear that I start to see these things in the mirror when logic tells me it is not possible. One other thing that has been really messing with my head is the whole loose skin situation. I feel like the loose skin is going to make me look disgusting or undesirable when all is said and done but also it's kind of like "what was the point of losing all the weight if I will only look as bad or worse than I did when I was obese?" It kind of makes me think I will be trading in one type of depression for a new one and still be in the same boat I was before and I really don't want that. I feel like all the positive aspects of the surgery will only be physical in it's results but still leave me in the same low self esteem state of mind I was in before. Any of you run into this? Did you figure out how to get past it? Thanks in advance and again I apologize for the long post but I just want to get everything out in one shot. I look forward to any replies.

I’m so sorry ur experiencing this with the LB n it’s unfortunately cuz u’ll continue with all those symptoms until u make the right choice in removing it n instead settling for a revision. I can fully relate to ur experience/symptoms cuz I too had the LB for 11 yrs n all my symptoms started a few months after getting it. So, I just put up with all the symptoms n tolerated the band cuz it was a nice little tool that DID the JOB in helping me loose weight by not OVER EAT or able to eat anything at all. I was 210 lbs when I got it. I went down to 135/40 lbs n loving/liking the way I LOOKED even though the symptoms SUCKED. I became ANEMIC n at one time got an AWFUL BACTERIAL infection that I DON’T wish on anyone. Believe me it was a SACRIFICE having the band. But unfortunately n cuz I had no other choice; in 2018 I had the band removed due to LOTS of problems with the port after getting a tummy tuck n too was tired of all the TERRIBLE/AWFUL symptoms that came with it. If I would’ve FULLY RESEARCHED n known of all the LB symptoms; I would’ve instead OPTED for a bypass. Unfortunately I did gain ALL my weight back but that was only due to lots of medical issues once I entered MENOPAUSE n being put on medication. So now, due to all my weight gain I REFUSE to let myself go n NOT EXHAUST all options for OVERALL BETTER HEALTH. Therefore, I’m currently being monitored by a nutritionist n dietician along with my bariatric doctor for a possible GASTRIC BYPASS that was recommended by my doctor. Hope my sharing helped n u make the right choice for ur OVERALL HEALTH. May God illuminate/bless you in DOING THE RIGHT THING.🙏🏽

Loose, elastic waist, shorts to wear with the hospital gown. They have you up and walking around the hospital the next day and it is really nice not to expose yourself to everyone. Other things I used: phone/charger (with headphones), toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant and a mini fan.

So I’ve just been for a check-up with my surgeon’s offsider. My continued issues with low blood pressure and now poor liver function, high inflammation levels & general weakness are raising red flags. Add to this I’m still losing weight (54.1kgs this morning) even though I’m trying to eat more & more regularly. Plus I’m still losing lots of hair (even my eyebrows are thinning now so I’m having my brows microbladed on Monday). She’s made me an urgent appointment with the surgeon for next week suggesting that he may need to stretch my stomach so I can eat more & get in more nutrients. Yikes 😱. I am eating a little more at each sitting and tend to graze all afternoon slowly eating combinations of fruit, cheese, high protein yogurt smoothies or protein bars. I eat until I feel full. Sometimes I’m just not hungry so I eat to a routine (3 meals & afternoon snacks) to ensure I get in my protein & other nutrients every day & always protein first. I even stopped my exercise program (loose description - I hate exercising so I’m not devastated) because I’m still losing weight - couldn’t afford to burn off the calories. Has anyone had to have their stomach stretched by their surgeon? What do they do? Has anymore has these problems? I don’t want to put on weight again.

You dont have any lose skin.. wow u look amazing.. congrats Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Keep a daily log of weight, food I eat, calories and protein to constantly remind myself of why I started this journey. And if I forget slap myself, take mental note of it and remind myself it’s not worth it. But also remind myself letting loose a little once in a while is ok as long as it’s within certain rules I set (getting my daily protein, vitamins and not breaking my maximum calories) I know it’s hard. To add to the book suggestion. Look for the book on audible audio book and listen to it while you take a walk. Also if you can try to just go on a quiet walk somewhere to clear your head and think about why you had bariatric surgery and how to get back into the groove again ... And thankfully you have a lot of support here too.

I've had my lap band since 2015, and I HATE it. It does what it should do, stops food from going into my stomach. But I get stuck a lot and it hurts, I end up vomiting it up, and anything unhealthy slips right through the band without a problem. I can eat gobs of cake, cookies, chocolates, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, casseroles, the works but it is painful to eat fruits, lean proteins, vegetables, etc. due to them getting stuck. It's like it's doing the opposite of what I want. When the food stays in the pouch, all I need to do is burp a couple times and boom, pouch is emptied. In short, It. Just. Does. Not. Work. I want a revision but I'm not sure what to do. I need to talk to a doctor, I realize, but I'm nervous. I thought the lap band would be the ticket out of fatness but it's absolutely not. I'm scared if I try something else, that won't work either. I love to eat and I can't stop. I've tried all kinds of diets. It just sucks, my appetite is insatiable and I need to do something about it. I'd love to hear from people who have had revisions and share what's different about their new procedure (whether sleeve or bypass). Sleeve makes me nervous because I've heard a lot about GERD. My spouse's grandfather died of esophageal cancer, due to years of GERD. But bypass makes me nervous because it seems like such a severe surgery... and I don't want to look like a skeleton in a bag of skin 😕 Any shared experiences would be appreciated!

i have some loose skin and im a little embarrassed about that however im working through that as when i was bigger i was more embarrassed about that than i am about loose skin still dont wanna take my shirt off in public

Sounds like a very good appointment and that your Dr thinks you're progressing well! That's awesome. Thanks for all the detail info. I'll bounce it off of what my Dr tells me tomorrow. Glad you love your boobs! Reading about them and your Tummy Tuck makes me so envious. I'm still surprised your Dr did everything during the same surgery. Mine recommended keeping the upper body lift surgery separate from the lower body lift because each is pulling the skin in opposite directions. I'm impressed that you are handling the recovery of so many areas of your body as well as you have been. If (I'd like to say 'when' but so many pennies to save first) I have further skin removal surgeries, I still think I'll split them up, moreso because my pain tolerance is so low that I just can't imagine having essentially my whole body hurting and trying to heal at the same time. Thanks again for your update!

Update for today: Since I wanted to wear my regular bra today at work that gives me a better profile look (compared to the sports bra type I wore yesterday), I did what a couple of you suggested - I wore a thin camisole *under* my bra. It totally helped. No chafing on my side incisions at all. So happy! As far as the swelling in my elbows, this morning they had improved from the day before but by the end of today they're more swollen again. Tomorrow I have my next Dr checkup so I'll ask about it. Hope I don't get a scolding for no longer wrapping my arms either in the garment or ace bandages. Every day or so I try the ace bandages to see if it will help with the swelling but it actually makes it worse so. Plus it also makes the under side of my elbows red and sore. The tightness I was having when I outstretched my arms seems to have improved quite a bit. Thinking it's because I've naturally been moving more these past 3 days since I've been back to work compared to the 3 weeks I was home doing absolutely nothing. My skin around the incisions is so dry and gross. I haven't put on any oil or that silicone tape yet because at my last appointment the Dr just said not to do anything. Hopefully tomorrow at my appointment he'll say it's ok. So there's my 24 day post arm lift update!

Had my 3 week post op follow up with my surgeon tonite. Before he came by to check me out, one of his PA's took all my steri-stips off, and I finally got a good look at all my incisions. I was glad to see that they are pretty flat, considering. About 80% of them have some sort of scab in varying states (newish, crusty, peeling, etc.. or whatever). When Doc came by to check me out, he said he was happy with the way I was healing, among other things: NOT cleared for regular exercise. He said I could walk as much as I want and can do lower body (i.e., leg) work, but that's it. NOT allowed to submerge my body in water yet (i.e., no swimming, baths, hot tubs, etc.) NOT allowed to expose my healing incisions to the sun (which I can't do anyway since I'm to keep my garments on...see below) I am cleared for sex. LOLOLOLzzz...I didn't even know I wasn't allowed. Ooopsies. With the steri-stips now off, I am to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Am to keep the compression garments on at all times (save showering) until I see him again in another 3 weeks. I asked about the silicone tape (for scar maintenance) and he said ideally they should be used at least 6 weeks after surgery. Apparently the body is supposed to do some healing first. I will be given a supply at my next follow appt. He gave me my "before" pictures he took of me back in June 2018 and holy moly, I look different! Here is a bit more detail organized by each procedure site: ARM LIFT: The arm incisions seems to be the scabbiest of all the areas. It is also the "raise-iest" incision, specifically in the armpit. Doc said I am still pretty swollen there, which is a little surprising, because I thought it was normal sized. So I asked does this mean my arm will get even smaller, and he said I could probably expect to see a bit more shrinkage, but that I can also expect the skin to loosen a bit as well, so net result may be zero from this point. I'm pretty happy with the size right now...so I do NOT want it to get smaller...thought I wouldn't mind a bit more definition (can't wait to be cleared to work em out!) I can wear deodorant if I want to. He asked me to make an effort to lift my hands up as far as comfortable every day until I get full upward extension, but to be careful as the armpit incision is statistically the most likely to separate and become a wider scar. BREAST LIFT w/ SIDE BOOB EXCISION: As the title says, I ❤️ my boobs! The whole lifting aspect of this was supposed to be secondary, but OMG, I love my boobs! They are a lot smaller than pre-op WLS, but may actually be bigger than I was pre-op PS (I think I'm a 30C now) but, they are so perky and stand-at-attention-y, LOL. They have fullness at the upper part now, I won't need a push up at all anymore. Actually, I probably don't even need a bra, they handle gravity all by themselves. And my nipples! After my breast lift correction: reduction many years ago, my nipples looked stretched out and flat. Now they are perky too and pop out a bit in a nice way even when I'm in a "non-aroused" state...or maybe I'm now perpetually aroused, LOL. .I told Doc that I feel there is still a liiiiiitttlbe bit too much skin left in my left upper side boob for my liking. He said if after 3 months, it doesn't work itself out, OR I am still displeased, he will do some maintenance in that area under local anesthetic. Bonus. I can wear regular bras now if I want, but if I want to wear an underwire, to make sure there is some foam or padding around the wire. TUMMY TUCK First thing Doc said when he walked into the room was "Look at your waist!" (I was naked save my panties on the exam table/recliner). That made me feel good despite the fact that my waist is actually bigger now than it was was pre-op, as is my lower abdomen. But it is super smooth and tight now When I told him about the size increase, he and the PA said that I can expect there to be swelling for up to a YEAR. Wtf?! This is the first I've heard this. Granted my stomach is not so very big in the grand scheme of things, but it IS much bigger than it was before. Le Sigh. I told him that I am generally standing upright, except for the little while after I get up after sitting down for a while. He said what I figured he would: get up more often. I don't have to get up for long, just lots. "Its better to go for 10 minute walk every hour than a 60 minute walk every 5 hours" That's all for now. I'll try to post some pics tomorrow now that my steri-strips are off...