So after 22 months, losing 155 pounds, reaching my "dream goal" weight of 125 pounds and healing from my tummy tuck and panniculectomy, I took some before/after pics that I feel really embody the new me. It's been such an amazing journey, and I can honestly say that the change has been from the inside out, thanks to some hard emotional work with my therapist, dealing with the "eating issues" that really were not about food at all.

This journey has been absolutely amazing, and while the recovery from the TT was WAY harder than I expected, I wouldn't change any of it for the world. I Think my journey is complete now for the most part. I am waiting on insurance approval for an arm lift, and I was told I would hear by the end of June, so that is the only other thing that could possible make me feel any better physically.

And now that my TT is mostly healed (though i'll be sore for several more months) I'm back to running now, which emotionally makes me feel so much more grounded. It is my meditation.

Anyway....I just thought I would post this here for anyone coming on the "success stories" board to see if the surgery is right for them or could help them. I can tell you that for me, it has provided me the opportunity to make some changes I wasn't able to make before and I'm way happy with the results!

So here are my almost 2-year post op (post TT) before and after pics.

U look fantabulous, congratulations, how was recovery after the tummy tuck? What other surgery did u have?

Thank you! I had a panniculectomy and tummy tuck. I am in the process of appealing a denial for a brachioplasty (arm lift). The recovery from the TT was ROUGH. In retrospect, I would do it all over again because the results were amazing (I think there are pictures in my profile), but it is definitely WAY more difficult of a recovery than the WLS itself and I would say even more difficult of a recovery than childbirth. :-) BUT again, like I said, the results are so worth it once you get past that first few weeks. I'm 2.5 months post op on the TT and still wearing full compression and sometimes my ab binder (mainly when I'm at home) and my abs are still sore. My surgeon told me it takes a good 6 months or so for the ab soreness to go away.

Great job! Congrats!

Great compliance! You look younger and way more healthy. Hope you feel the same.

I am years out from surgery but love to see how others are doing.

I find these boards inspirational to me and check them when I have down time.

Congrats !

Ps. I also thought the TT was way harder recovery than I expected... And I also have kids!!

Congrats

Wow - you look amazing

You look so amazing!!

Wow

Wow! You are a clear example of how taking the weight off also takes off years in appearance.

In a good way, looking at your before/after pics are like looking at a mom and her daughter.

You look FABULOUS!

-RC-

Thank you for this! I am smaller than ever but not at goal! At 13 months you help fuel my hope that reaching my goal is possible! Congratulations to you! I have around 30 pounds left! I lost almost 100 pounds and life is moving!!!!

Amazing