First I will say that I'm trying to keep my eyes on the prize here, so no regrets so far! But this recovery is hell!! I had a tummy tuck, breast lift w/silicone implant, and mini-arm lift. Surgery went well, the dr said he removed 7 lbs of skin & fat w/ lipo, yay! However, the first couple days I was unable to keep down any of my meds?! I'm guessing just sensitivity from the anesthesia in addition to not eating a whole lot. But now that I can keep pain meds down, things are a bit more manageable... And thank God for my wonderful husband! I need help getting in and out of bed, he had to remove my catheter, he empties my jP drain /records it, makes sure I'm taking my meds & that I'm doing the breathing exercises (with the incentive spirometer), and is taking care of our two toddler by himself! All the while he didn't even want me to have this surgery because he said I was fine the way I was (but that's a different topic, for a different day). I cherish him! Whatever you do, don't go into this alone! There is just no way you can do it alone! I will post pics once I'm healed up some, I have to keep this tight binder on for right now.

Did ur insurance pay any at all?

No my insurance did not cover any of my surgery. This is all out of my pocket. I was supposed to go back to work after two weeks.... But I don't think they understood what I do for a living lol.... I am an industrial maintenance technician, picture auto-mechanic but for equipment that fills a manufacturing facility. I think I will need an additional week or so off, I will talk to my doctor on weds at my follow up. But I think for a desk job, majority could go back after two weeks for sure.

What is the disadvantage if a full arm lift other than the long scar?

Thank you do much for posting the pics. That really shows that this is also major surgery.

A friend just had a mid body lift after losing a great deal of weight four years ago after bypass. She is really struggling with recovery two weeks out due to pain.

My doctor said that he didn't think my arms needed the full arm lift, and that he really likes to avoid doing those because the scars they leave are very bad. So he did a mini arm lift (a cut up in the armpit) which will pull things a bit tighter and my scars will be hidden

Thank you so much for sharing your pics. I love the flat tummy. I can't wait for mine. I also had my VSG in Mexico, and I had planned to go there for plastics as well. Now, I will get a few consultations in the US before I make that decision!

What is the disadvantage if a full arm lift other than the long scar?

Thank you do much for posting the pics. That really shows that this is also major surgery.

A friend just had a mid body lift after losing a great deal of weight four years ago after bypass. She is really struggling with recovery two weeks out due to pain.

I just had a full arm lift on the 10th. The scar does heal and should be a fine line. My arm looks fantastic, scar and all!!

I am not in pain 2 months out still just not healed. My boobs are still sore and still a little swollen around my TT incesion line. I sure this goes away soon! I saw your pics and I looked very similar to you. It was so awesome when that drain came out. I could not believe how loong it was!

Most if not all insurance will not pay for cosmetic surgery. There are some exceptions,where your Dr documents recurring skin infections etc. then they May pay for part if it.

Just thought I'd update... Healing is going well but still swelling a lot in my lower abdominal area I was brave enough to try on a two piece bathing suit!!!!

Please ignore my knee high socks!! Haha I actually was having a rough day... Asthma and still pretty sore

Just thought I'd update... Healing is going well but still swelling a lot in my lower abdominal area I was brave enough to try on a two piece bathing suit!!!!

Please ignore my knee high socks!! Haha I actually was having a rough day... Asthma and still pretty sore

You look great!

Just thought I'd update... Healing is going well but still swelling a lot in my lower abdominal area I was brave enough to try on a two piece bathing suit!!!!

Please ignore my knee high socks!! Haha I actually was having a rough day... Asthma and still pretty sore

You look simply amazing! Knee highs and all!

Thank you so much!! I can wait for my tummy to flatten out and get my spray tan!

Also wanted to give an **update**... Had my second follow-up yesterday and the doctor had to remove 60cc's of fluid from my abdomen. It did it hurt, but freaked me out!!! I haven't had any drains since 8 days after my surgery. He said that this kind of thing can happen in about 20% of his patients. I go back for another follow-up next week and he said most likely he will have to do it again . I also wear my compression garment 24/7 , one because I'm supposed, but it gives me some comfort from feeling like my guts are about to rip open. Still on pain meds, but doing ok otherwise.

Also wanted to give an **update**... Had my second follow-up yesterday and the doctor had to remove 60cc's of Fluid from my abdomen. It didn't it hurt (because ' date=' but freaked me out!!! I haven't had any drains since 8 days after my surgery. He said that this kind of thing can happen in about 20% of his patients. I go back for another follow-up next week and he said most likely he will have to do it again <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />. I also wear my compression garment 24/7 , one because I'm supposed, but it gives me some comfort from feeling like my guts are about to rip open. Still on pain meds, but doing ok otherwise.[/quote']

Also wanted to give an **update**... Had my second follow-up yesterday and the doctor had to remove 60cc's of Fluid from my abdomen. It didn't it hurt (because the skin is still pretty numb down there)' date=' but freaked me out!!! I haven't had any drains since 8 days after my surgery. He said that this kind of thing can happen in about 20% of his patients. I go back for another follow-up next week and he said most likely he will have to do it again I also wear my compression garment 24/7 , one because I'm supposed, but it gives me some comfort from feeling like my guts are about to rip open. Still on pain meds, but doing ok otherwise.[/quote']

Also wanted to give an **update**... Had my second follow-up yesterday and the doctor had to remove 60cc's of Fluid from my abdomen. It did it hurt, but freaked me out!!! I haven't had any drains since 8 days after my surgery. He said that this kind of thing can happen in about 20% of his patients. I go back for another follow-up next week and he said most likely he will have to do it again . I also wear my compression garment 24/7 , one because I'm supposed, but it gives me some comfort from feeling like my guts are about to rip open. Still on pain meds, but doing ok otherwise.

Did he remove the fluid to help flatten out your tummy? I feel like mine needs that too. I am still swollen but thought it would be flatter by now.