Well I wasn't going to post these, but I figured I've been very open and honest about my journey so far and that I should continue to be open even now. I have to admit, posting these is a bit humiliating but I think it's important for people realize this surgery was no walk in the park. It was painful (and still is) and has a long recovery process. Losing over 200 pounds leaves a lot of excess skin.

Last week, May 1st, I had a tummy tuck/hernia repair/skin removal surgery.

The top pictures are the before pics taken the morning of surgery. The after pics are taken today, 8 days later.

You can see on the before pics I had A LOT of extra skin. You can also see the very large hernia sticking out on my upper tummy.

I am still really swelled, have staples from hip to hip, and drains in but I I think my surgeon did an incredible job.

Was it very expensive? I kind of see a TT in my future but I know insurance won't cover it. Your surgeon did a good job.

Thanks and I admire your willingness to help the group by posting. It's pretty impressive and I will look to read more about the recovery etc... I have lost 280 lbs - will be 300 lost by end and I have an entire heavy stretchy "skin suit" which is frustrating. I have/am considering the surgery but would need full body... Still weighing the pros n cons.

Lee

looks great .. thanks for sharing.. congrats !

Was it very expensive? I kind of see a TT in my future but I know insurance won't cover it. Your surgeon did a good job.

It only cost me $500 out of pocket. The rest was covered by my insurance because it was deemed medically necessary.

It only cost me 500 out of pocket. The rest was covered by my insurance because it was deemed medically necessary.

What type of symptoms do you need for medical necessary to qualify ?

Thanks and I admire your willingness to help the group by posting. It's pretty impressive and I will look to read more about the recovery etc... I have lost 280 lbs - will be 300 lost by end and I have an entire heavy stretchy "skin suit" which is frustrating. I have/am considering the surgery but would need full body... Still weighing the pros n cons.

Lee

Oh I still need a lot more surgery, too. My legs, upper arms, breasts, and butt all need to be lifted. But because of the medical issues involved my doctor didn't want to wait any longer on this one. Plus, I knew it would be the painful and extensive.

Also, I had so much excess skin on my stomach it actually prevented me from being able to ride a bike or do anything that required lifting my legs high.

In about a year or so, I plan on continuing to another surgery. I'll probably do my legs and butt next then my arms and breasts the year after.

Thanks for sharing - the visuals help those of us who may need the same.

What type of symptoms do you need for medical necessary to qualify ?

The hernia covered the actual "tummy tuck" portion because I'd had reoccurring hernias for a decade and my abdominal wall desperately needed to be strengthened.

The skin removal, or panniculectomy, was covered because I lost more than 100 pounds and the skin hung below my pubic hair line.

You look fabulous. Waiting for some photos in some sexy new clothes

Well I wasn't going to post these' date=' but I figured I've been very open and honest about my journey so far and that I should continue to be open even now. I have to admit, posting these is a bit humiliating but I think it's important for people realize this surgery was no walk in the park. It was painful (and still is) and has a long recovery process. Losing over 200 pounds leaves a lot of excess skin.

Last week, May 1st, I had a tummy tuck/hernia repair/skin removal surgery.

The top pictures are the before pics taken the morning of surgery. The after pics are taken today, 8 days later.

You can see on the before pics I had A LOT of extra skin. You can also see the very large hernia sticking out on my upper tummy.

I am still really swelled, have staples from hip to hip, and drains in but I I think my surgeon did an incredible job.

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Missy you look great!!!

No one saw anything bad. I am very proud of you sharing your goods and bads. Thanx

I admire your courage of posting your before and after pics. I'm sure most people wouldn't. But, excess skin can be a big problem for people and I know the reason I joined this site was to get a "real" account of things lap-band related. So thanks for sharing!

It looks great! Your surgeon did a great job and as it heals I'm sure it will look even better and better! You have done a great job on your journey and continue to help others (like ME!), who are just starting on theirs!

Good for you!! Surgeon did a beautiful job. Feel better soon.

Donna

Your surgeon did a great job! Congrats on all your successes Missy.

You look amazing glad to hear your recoving well! Thanks for posting your pics.. I would love to treat myself to a TT next year

I want one....you look great how fun this this going to be to dress....like a new doll thanks so much for sharing we need to share more pictures it help so much......You are my hero