Just like lots of others, I have tons of questions about plastic surgery. Specifically the Abdominoplasty and Brachioplasty. Some quarries are a bit more personal than others, but here goes...

-Recovery time experiences for these procedures? I realize everyone is different, just trying to get a general idea of what to expect if things go forward. I've been reading through the forum and it seems people return to work in 4-8 weeks, with continued recovery for excessive swelling, etc. Someone mentioned 9 months to return to normal?!?

-Did you go down in pant size quickly? Shirts can be worn loose forever, but for pants, how long before you saw a change. This isn't a vanity question--I've read that compression garments are recommended. Do you buy something that fits you at the time of the surgery? a size smaller? How do you know what smaller size? You'll have swelling, etc.

-What are some good compression garments? How do you put them on (and off) without harming stitches and such? Plus, just pulling some of those things off and on to use the restroom, isn't that a lot of straining and pulling when your bits are tender?

-Being a girl of a hefty size, my pubic area is pretty puffy. It's just soft and fluffy. I don't wish to end up with a pooch bigger there than my stomach. I'm not sure if I'm explaining this properly, but while the idea is to get rid of the stomach--I don't wish to look like I'm 'packing'. Is there anyone who has had the procedure who knows what I'm talking about and who can give me some insight?

-How long before you can do normal things--bending, walking, grocery shopping, sleeping on your side, belly laughs without pain, sex?

-Are these procedures really done on an outpatient basis? Seems like a lot of cutting/chopping going on for them to send you on your way.

About me: Started at 361 lbs, currently at 213 lbs, pear shaped.

Sleeved in 2012 converted to bypass in 2015. Not a glowing example of success, but thankful for what I've lost.

Looking to have an upper abdomen incisional hernia repaired and surgeon has suggested this be done during an abdominoplasty. I'm to be photographed next week for submission to insurance. I've asked that they submit photos of my arms too, hoping insurance will consider those too. Would be great (timing) to get both done at once, but no idea if insurance or the surgeon would go for that.

I have a large apron--large and squared-ish at the bottom. It doesn't cover my entire pubic area, but it is cumbersome. The surgeon said it would rate a #3 on the 'Pittsbrugh scale', so he believes it will be covered by insurance.

I currently live in Europe, so language can be an issue with medical terms, even though I'm ok with normal conversations.

I appreciate all the information here and any help you guys can give.

Really appreciate everyone who has shared their experiences, advice and photos.

If/when I have it done, I'll share mine also. It really does help. I started imagining what it might look like--what I might look like, how it would feel to not have so much stomach to carry around, to try and work into a pair of pants, etc.

Again, thank you all!

It would really be in your best interest to get a handle on your self sabotage, otherwise any plastic surgery would be a waste and insurance will probably only pay for it one time. Maybe some counseling?

Thank you, TheRealMeisHere, I may have misspoken. Please don't think I'm self-destructive, not at all. I just need to be more pro-active in reaching my goals instead of passive. Not just weight-wise, but in many things.

It's crazy, really. Something for someone else and I'm all over it, above and beyond. Something for me and I procrastinate or let it slide til the cows come home.

Hello there! I just love this forum! Such good advice from different people with different situations. I had the lipoabdiminoplasty done 3 days ago. I highly recommend getting one of those recliners that sit you up and lay you down electronically. My husband found it online at Walmart and was a fraction of the price of everywhere else, even Craig's list. Spanx shorts to breast has worked really well for me and you can still wear it for smoothing afterward. My abdominal compression garment isn't long enough cause I have a long torso. I went to the medical supply store and bought another one for $30. I hope this helps and good luck!

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Hello everyone, I will be a year out October 26th and due to the rapid weightloss my stomach skin hangs. My insurance is Cigna and the coverage states it's not covered for skin removal, unless medically necessary. Has anyone successfully had Cigna to cover tummy tuck or anything for the abdomen area. I have rashes now I'm the folds of the skin, and have to constantly utilize antibiotic creams to gain relief. Wanting to know if anyone can give me some advice or doctors in Atlanta to handle my case.

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Thank you, TheRealMeisHere, I may have misspoken. Please don't think I'm self-destructive, not at all. I just need to be more pro-active in reaching my goals instead of passive. Not just weight-wise, but in many things.

It's crazy, really. Something for someone else and I'm all over it, above and beyond. Something for me and I procrastinate or let it slide til the cows come home.

It's a woman thing! We all jump to help another but feel selfish for doing what we need to do.

You really do need to learn to take care of you or you won't be able to take care of anyone else. Many people get help with the emotional aspects of overeating, as the changes need to be lifelong. You want something that you can feel good about and do long term.

It's been a long while since I first posted these questions and received so many helpful answers. For my insurance to pay, I had to get to and remain at a bmi under 35 for a year. I was able to get there and remained for longer than a year (plus had to wait scheduling with two surgeons, etc.), but it's done now. HolyMotherOfPete was the pain bad. Not all the time and not the incision, seriously, all numb there, but the abdominal pressure and spasms. Coughing/sneezing are murderous for a few days. I had some complications with a few things, but also a big reaction to the bandages--blisters everywhere. Apparently, I'm allergic and didn't know it.
Anyways, as so many great people have shared theirs, I'm sharing my results.
Thanks again to everyone.

You look amazing!!!

My sleeve surgery will be on August 1st! I pray I won't need skin removal surgery but am pretty sure I will at some point in the future.

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