JulieNYC's Lateral Thigh Lift and Brachioplasty

[JulieNYC 4]

Oooh, I haven't been to Century 21 as a thinner person. It was pre-9/11 last time I went there. GOOD CALL, Lucy!

kygal,

//do you feel like a thin person? Do you find that you are treated differently? What do you mean when you say your head is playing "fat girl tricks" on you?//

Those are hard questions. You might find it interesting to read through what some of us have said over on the "At Goal" forum in a thread called "Passing for Thin." Basically, the answer is, no, I don't feel like a thin person most of the time. I have moments where I do, but mostly I'm a person with a disease who is maybe in remission, but the disease is still there. Meaning, I still obsess about food and my body and eating too much or too little. I still think I'm "fat" a lot of the time, though the PS helps with that. Sometimes I feel thin, but then I'll see a picture of myself from a certain angle and I genuinely do think I'd look better 10 lbs lighter. Those 10 lbs make me feel "fat." Maybe that IS what it is like being a thin person -- meaning everyone has fat days. I don't know. I see a therapist weekly and we work on these issues and will for a while.

I don't find that I'm treated differently in most instances. Meaning, I always had a job where people respected my mind, and I always had family who loved me for who I am. I am lucky. Where I find myself being treated differently is in anonimity. I'm not anonimous anymore in public. Men hold doors for me (or sometimes even hand me their card -- so wild!), strangers (men and women) strike up conversations on the bus, people just talk to me more. Now I do believe this is in reasonable part because I'm simply more approachable now. I don't dress to be hidden. I smile more. Etc. But some of it is the weight.

I hope that begins to answer your questions. I can't completely answer them because I don't know the answers and even when I do, they change for me, sometimes hourly. It's a process....

[comepickmeup 0]

Lucy and Julie -

You girls are too funny! I've never been to Loehmans. I actually live down by Century 21, but I've only been in there once (I've lived here about a year and a half) but couldn't find the plus size section...so I gave up! It's chaos in that store! But once I'm able to fit in "regular" sized clothes, I'll be making a triumphant return!

Julie -- I'm getting banded by Dr. Kurian, I know she's newer to NYU. I was originally wanting Dr. Fielding but the wait was longer and I was wanting to do this over my holiday break from grad school. Can't think of any questions at the moment, but it's nice to know you're around and are familiar with them. Thus far, I've been extremely pleased with everyone in the office. They are all so nice.

Lucy -- are you an NYU'er as well?!

When I lose the weight...we'll all go shopping at Barneys together!

Hope everyone has had a good weekend!

[JulieNYC 4]

I think you're in excellent hands with Dr. Kurian. I think they're all excellent surgeons and that it's more important to find a practice with the right fill and aftercare philosophy for you than anything. They're very aggressive at NYU and don't believe in withholding fills from someone based on things like having lost too much weight/not enough time having passed, etc. That really works for me because it would make me angry to be denied a fill I thought I needed based on having succeeded the month before with "willpower", etc. Some people feel differently and prefer a gentler, slower approach and, thus, would prefer a different mentality. Anyway NYU was a good fit for me.

Yes, let's all shop together at Barney's at goal! Woohoo!

[kareyquilts 1]

Julie: I'm going to checking out the passing for thin thread, but right as I'm typing this I'm thinking, but am I thin enough to be a part of this thread? Lately, I have little attacks of anxiety that I'll start gaining my weight back. This happens of course after I've eaten something that I shouldn't have or maybe a little too much good food. I'm obsessing more about food in general. Maybe I need another fill because I'm not getting that stuck feeling at all, but I really don't want that feeling. It's unpleasant and irritating. I think I'm just nervous about parading myself in front of 3 different plastic surgeons. I know in my head that I'm just another body that needs fixing, but to me it's very embarrassing. I'm worried that they are going to tell me to lose the last 20 pounds first, and part of me is just fine with that too. So confusing. I guess that the scars of years of being overweight don't go away as quickly as the fat does! Thanks for being such a good sounding board and example. By the way, I have your present from Utah and will try and send it by the end of the week, when I mail off some other packages. Just wanted you to start anticipating it! Have a good day!

[JulieNYC 4]

Karey,

You're certainly thin enough for the "passing for thin" thread. First, because you are THIN and second because there's no weight limit with that thread -- it's for anyone who is facing the issues you describe. I have those same panic attacks about regain. Would it help you if you tell yourself "if the scale ever gets above X for whatever reason, THEN I'll get a fill?" and as long as it doesn't get to X you can enjoy living at a more comfortable fill level? That might make you feel in control....Be sure to pick an X that is at least 10 lbs above your normal weight so that you have to actually be gaining and not be jsut having a heavy day in order to trigger it, you know?

The

[Lucy 0]

No, I live in Miami Beach, but I spend a lot of time in NYC and am thinking about moving there soon. I haven't been up in a few months, but I can't wait to hit all the shops on my next trip. We have Loehman's here and I practically live there (especially now that I'm starting to fit into 14's!!).

I will definitely join you on the Barney's trip when I'm at goal weight.

[Kristin07 0]

Julie I enjoy reading your threads so much! Your pictures give me so much inspiration! I really agree with your theory of when you need a fill you should get one. I am dealing with my surgeon who will only alow us to get fills ever six weeks. The first fill was 1 cc the second 1cc then anything after that is .25!!! I feel like im not going to have good restriction for a year! I have tried talking to them and they just keep saying these are their rules. hmmm.. Well non the less you have really inspired me! Thanks for opening up and sharing your life on this board. Post new pictures, keep us inspired!!!!!

[kareyquilts 1]

Julie: Thanks for the advice. I do think I will set a limit of 8 pounds. I also talked to my exercise buddy about my feelings and she promised to be a support and made a pack to encourage me and up the exercise if I gain any weight back. I guess I just feel vulnerable right now and also, there are a lot of sweets around this time of year. I really do have a sweet tooth, but I'm going to deal with it. Do you think it's too negative to have some pictures of me at my heaviest near the fridge?

[mcgreen 0]

Julie-thanks again for sharing your experience! Do you even recognize yourself when you see photos of the "new you"?

How long did your dad advise you to hold off on exercising?? I really want the surgery done (ok- really its pleural- need LBL, inner thighs, breasts and brachioplasty but I need to wait till I lose 40-50 more pounds and get my bonus so I can pay for the procedures) -and I am already worrying about the time I'll have to stay away from the gym.

What did you do re exercise/diet with your first and now this surgery??

[sweethot143 2]

Sure -- both of these pics are elsewhere on this thread, but maybe it helps to put them together and crop them so that it's easy to compare -- wow, I hadn't done that before. My "after" looks like I stretched my length with photoshop or something, doesn't it!

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wow! you look amazing. perfect hour glass. I bet you can't believe that is you! so curvy, but a good curvy.

Amazing.

[enterprise01 0]

Julie, how long do you have to wear your compression garments? I hope you'll post some more pics soon. I can't wait to see how well you're healing.

[comepickmeup 0]

I think you're in excellent hands with Dr. Kurian. I think they're all excellent surgeons and that it's more important to find a practice with the right fill and aftercare philosophy for you than anything. They're very aggressive at NYU and don't believe in withholding fills from someone based on things like having lost too much weight/not enough time having passed, etc. That really works for me because it would make me angry to be denied a fill I thought I needed based on having succeeded the month before with "willpower", etc. Some people feel differently and prefer a gentler, slower approach and, thus, would prefer a different mentality. Anyway NYU was a good fit for me.

Yes, let's all shop together at Barney's at goal! Woohoo!

I agree...all three surgeons seemed to be great, that's why I didn't hesitate when it came to schedule with Kurian. I am glad that you confirmed their philosophy on fills...that was one of the questions I have for the doc. Gentle, shmentle. lol.

I hope you're healing well!

[KarenG. 0]

I want to come to Barney's - can I come too?!

[JulieNYC 4]

Of course you can come to Barney's! I can't believe I've never been.

One month today was my surgery, so here are some pics. More to come on the thigh lift. I couldn't figure out the angle to take the butt shots and I didn't have time to give it. 2 weeks from today I get rid of the crepe skin on my inner thighs, assuming my bloodwork clears on Monday! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

[She Smiles 2]

Wow Julie, you just look fantastic! Each new set of photos you post just blow me away. Good luck with next weeks bloodwork, what a great new year you'll be having in your smokin' hot body!