8 days ago I had my abdominoplasty with vertical extension! I couldn't be happier. My surgeon removed 23 lbs of loose skin just from my stomach alone! I made the decision to only have my stomach done and I will have my arms, legs and breasts done once I am at my goal weight. After almost a whole year of not moving up or down in my weight I felt completely stuck. I couldn't believe that I was going to just stay at that weight when I had come so far already, I just knew I wasn't ready to be done. After consulting with my family doctor, she suggested that it might be time for the skin removal. The recovery will take a few more weeks, but I already know if was the perfect time and the best decision. I have just under 100 lbs to lose before I hit my goal weight, and I am so excited for the finish line in sight!

Wonderful!! Here's to the finish line in sight now

Way to go! Congratulations and you look AMAZING! Curious to know if your insurance helped pay for your surgery?

How exciting!!!!!! How are you feeling?

Way to go! Congratulations and you look AMAZING! Curious to know if your insurance helped pay for your surgery?

It did not pay for the vertical extension, which cost $1150 up front, but covered the rest of it. I can't wait to post after pictures

How exciting!!!!!! How are you feeling?

I am still sore but I feel great!

"After" pics are still to come! I still have a lot of swelling and one drain that will be removed in a week.

Congrats to you!!! Here is to the finish line

Wow! I can't get my head around 200lbs! That IS a huge step! Congratulations! You look so much healthier!

Congrats to you….can you explain a vertical extension…thanks

Congrats to you….can you explain a vertical extension…thanks

The vertical extension is where they do two vertical cuts on the abdomen from between the breasts down to the belly button area and pull the skin together.

CONGRATS WE HAVE THE SAME DOCTOR DR. CARLIN IS THE GREATEST I AM 5 DAYS POST OPT I AM SO HAPPY THAT YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO BE HEALTHY AND CONTINUE TO STRIVE FOR YOUR GOAL STORIES LIKE YOURS JUST GIVES ME MORE CONFIDENCE THANKS FOR SHARING.

Good for you! Can't wait to see those pics! Who did your plastics? I see you are in my neck of the woods.

Good for you! Can't wait to see those pics! Who did your plastics? I see you are in my neck of the woods.

I used Dr. Sherick through Centers for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Ypsilanti.

I am very happy for you!

Okay here it is. There is my before pic, at my heaviest 450 lbs. and my pic 3 weeks post op for the tummy tuck. I've had even more swelling go down since then and my weight has started to go down again even though I'm not allowed to work out for another 4 weeks minimum. Couldn't be happier!