Now that it's less than a month away, I wanted to start a thread where I post all of my experiences regarding my upcoming plastic surgery. I loved watching Telly and Puddin's journeys and I thought I'd enjoy sharing mine with others as well.

The background is that I'm 5'2, 34 years old, no pregnancies. I've lost 150 lbs in 10 months and would like to lose 40 more. I carried 100 lbs of my excess weight for a long time, given my age -- at least 15 years. The other 100, I gained in the last 6 years upon entering the workforce. I've lost weight successfully twice before being banded -- once on NutriSystem (about 60 lbs) and once on Optifast (about 90 lbs), but was unsuccessful at keeping it off.

Though under ideal circumstances I would wait until I actually hit goal to consider my major plastics, three factors have encouraged me to go ahead with surgery on March 28th. First, I'm changing jobs and have the unique ability to take the month of April off. I won't have this kind of flexibility again for several years and it's a "now or never" kind of thing. Second, both my band doctor and my plastic surgeon are on board and don't think I need to wait. I have substantial excess skin in the stomach and breasts and the whole team thinks the majority of my remaining excess weight is in the lower body (hips & thighs). Finally, my father is my plastic surgeon, so cost issues should I need a revision later for losing additional weight are less of a concern that they would be were I paying surgical fees. Thus, March 28th it is!

I had my "consult" with my dad last week and we decided on what will likely be the procedures (he's still thinking it over before deciding for sure). At Christmas, we had tentatively decided on a breast lift and a mini-abdominoplasty (where just the excess from below the belly button is removed). Now, we've decided on a larger operation because I've managed to lose quite a bit more weight between Christmas and now and he thinks I'm close enough to goal to go for a more aggressive result.

So, I'm having a breast lift for sure. As for the stomach and thighs, he's going to do what he calls an extended tummy tuck. This is a complete tummy tuck (i.e. both above and below the belly button), but the incision will extend around the thighs, akin to a LBL, to take out some skin and fat from the outer thighs. It won't go around 360 degrees like a true LBL because I don't have much excess in the back -- it's a bit of a hybrid. Plus, since I haven't had children and I've been working out consistently for several years, I don't require the muscle repair that often goes along with a tummy tuck -- just the skin and fat ressection. This should make the recovery a bit easier.

As far as preparations go, I've bought my plane ticket (I live in NYC and my parents are down south). I'm staying home for at least 3 weeks before returning to NYC -- longer if necessary. I rented a hospital bed to help with getting up and down and keeping the legs raised. My step-mother is a nurse and she'll be staying with me for about 10 days post-op, and, of course my Dad will be home in the evenings/on the weekends. I have bought all of the seasons of the TV show "24" to keep me company in the early days. I got a wireless card for my laptop so I can use it from any room. I have a shower chair but no raised toilet seat. Dad said without the muscle repair, I'll be moving around fairly well pretty quickly. I'm spending one night in the hospital.

That's it for now. As things develop, I will post again. For those ahead of me in the journey, if I've neglected any preparations, please let me know!

Julie, I've been reading your thread and following it for some time now. I just wanted to chime in and say how inspiring you are. I hope to be banded soon and have been a couch potato most of my life (other than camping, hunting, fishing, etc...I was never a runner or aerobic fan) and I'll be starting at a weight similar to your starting weight. I hope that I can even enjoy half the success you have in your (a little less than) first year out.

I wish you the best with your surgery, I am certain you are in very good hands, both with your father, and your stepmother. It's wonderful to have those resources! One of the surgeons I work with has put the offer on the table for a TT down the road, I'd just have to pay anesthesia costs. I was very hesitant to accept because of similar reasons to those you laid out earlier. We've known one another for a very looong time and I thought I would feel "funny." Your very articulate response on the previous page was such an eye-opener to me. Thank you for posting your thoughts and conclusions. It was MOST helpful!

I will continue to follow this thread closely, I can't wait for the next chapter in your story.

Thank you again!

Julie,

Good luck tomorrow. I'm sure it will all go well and be over before you know it. Check in with us when you can.

Good luck tomorrow Julie!! I'm so excited to hear all about it. Please let us know how you're doing when you feel up to it. You'll be in my thoughts...

Good luck tomorrow Julie! Post when you are able to with an update!!

Julie my friend---know I am with you there in spirit---I know things will be fine, and soon you will be a whole new you body wise---one you have dreamed of being!!!

Check in with us, here or on the other thread ASAP---we will be worrying and waiting!!!

(((((HUGS)))))

Kat

I'm going to say prayers for you tonight and tomorrow, Julie..good luck.

Thinking of you tonight Julie - and will be with you tomorrow ("in my heart" - to quote my grandaughter Skylar)!

Now on to a speedy, pain free recovery, a hard tummy and perky boobies!

Julie: My prayers and best wishes are also with you. What I love about quilting? I love a lot of things about quilting. I love the texture of the fabrics and the illusion of texture that you can create with fabric choices. I like combining colors and patterns. The creative side of quilting is limitless. From deciding on a quilt pattern, to choosing the fabrics, to modifying historical designs, to deciding on the actual pattern to quilt on to your finished quilt, etc. Quilting is a great past time. It takes up a lot of space for fabric storage however, because once you start quilting, you start hording fabric. It just comes with it or so it seems. Quilting can be messing. It's also very exacating. You have to cut things exactly right and you have to sew perfect 1/4 inch seams if you want your corners to line up perfectly. That part can get frustrating. If you send to be a perfectionist quilting can be frustrating and satisfying at the same time. There are some great quilting guilds in NYC, so after your all healed up, I would check them out or go to a quilt shop and take a class. God Bless you this week!

Thinking of you today JULIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Julie Im thinking of you and hope that you are doing fine. Wow I cant wait to see your pics,you are already a sexbomb and whats gonna be after the surgery...I cant even think of...

I want to know how much it hurts cause I was always saying that I will try it without the surgery only becase Im so scared of the pain...tell me the truth:-)

xxxx

thinking of you this day after surgery! Hope you are doing ok.

I hope all is going well. I am sure you are doing great cuz you are a trooper. Cant wait to hear from you.

Thinking of you day and night Julie!

Hope you're feeling better soon!

How's the "recliner chair" working for you? Hope "Dad and Stepmom" are taking great care of you!! Looking forward to hearing from you.