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.

I was banded in August of 2011. I lost 90 pounds, gained back a little when i got complacent and now am losing that back down to where i was again. I really want to get a tummy tuck when I get back down to my goal size again and maintain that for a year. I love reading your posts. You are a true inspiration to us all. Your bravery for posting these pics is to be commended. When i was going through that complacent stage and not using the band as I should i wasnt coming to this site. When I came back to the site, you had begun posting on here and I am certainly glad because you keep me motivated.

Keep up the good work! You look great. Lets see some whole body shots after you go on that shopping trip and get yourself some new clothes. Also how much weight did it drop when they removed all that extra skin and flab and what kind of difference did it make in clothes size?

Thank you for the kind words

They removed over 12 pounds of skin. I actually am getting my drains and staples out today (yay!), but even with all the swelling, I know I've dropped a full size in shirts already. I went into the hospital wearing a snug XL top and today I'm wearing a L top that fits perfectly. My pants literally fall off of me, which is kinda funny. Because of the binder around my middle, I don't feel them slipping down so I don't realize I'm about to moon the room until the crotch of my pants are at my knees and yank them back up LOL! I plan on buying pants over the next couple days but I know I've dropped at least one size if not possibly two.

Wow you look amazing! It's like a totally different person! Get those bathing suits ready! That's the one thing I can't wait to do! I've been so embarrassed I havnt worn a bathing suit without a sun dress in forever! Good luck to u! I can't wait to start my journey my paperwork were all just faxed yest. To the insurance... Say a quick prAyer and keep your fingers crossed for me!

You look amazing and your courage is to be commended!

Thanks for sharing and the info.

i admire your courage of posting your before and after pics.... and i completely know where you are coming from. You look amazing.... Your doctor did a wonderful job.

I had my TT feb 15, 2012.... and would do it again tomorrow. It took me a few weeks to be able to walk up right, but i did go back to work i think it was like 12 days later... can't remember. But i work at a desk.

My total cost was $8800 this was the pre op, doctor, garment, hospital, Anastasia one night stay and a year of follow ups...Everything... it was not covered under my current insurance.

I put it all on a 0% interest slate credit card and now i work cleaning buildings on the weekends to pay for it... Friends ask... why do you still have a second job cleaning.. i raise up my shirt and say... this is why...

The TT has done so much for my self-confidence. I will be wearing a bikini this summer in public for the first time in over 20 years... (after i get my white self to the tanning bed)

I am glad you posted the pics cause I am due to have a TT in oct and I am scared not of the surgery just the down time. How long we're you recovering from the TT?

I am glad you posted the pics cause I am due to have a TT in oct and I am scared not of the surgery just the down time. How long we're you recovering from the TT?

Today is day 15 post surgery and I'm still recovering. I still have some staples in too and will until Monday. At this point, my back and hips and actually hurt a lot worse than my stomach. In fact, though my stomach is tight and swollen it really doesn't hurt anymore. My back, on the other hand, is killing me. This is turning out to be a lot rougher recover than I anticipated.

I hope that it starts getting easier for you Mis. I have read before how brutal recovery can be. Good luck!! You look great!

How am I just seeing this! I'm so happy for you, I had a TT back in 2009 and I remember how awesome it was to get the extra skin off....and I never did gain any weight back in my stomach when I got fat again, so I won't need another one thank goodness. I remember it being a pretty long recovery but I'm so stinking happy for you that you had it done! You look amazing and it will only get better!

Missy, I just saw these too. So very happy and in awe of you! What an inspiration you are to others (since day 1) and you have got to be so very proud of your personal power! Beautiful!!!

Congratulations! I must say the pics made me a little weak in the knees lol but , looking good!

Wow Missy,

You really look fantastic! I wish you well!

Congratulations on your success!!! That was very brave of you. Thank you for sharing and giving all of us hope. God bless

WOW! IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU! You look amazing, even more than that... im so proud! It is seriously an inspiration!

you look great i had a TT in October of last year and my pictures on in my profile if you want to see. But you look great!!