Well, I thought it was time to leave the old TT thread and start a separate one for my lateral thigh lift and brachioplasty that are coming up on November 8th. I figured months and years down the road, it'll be easier for someone considering the different procedures to find info if the threads are appropriately titled, so I'll have a thread for this surgery, and then probably another for the medial thighs and mons lift that I have planned for December 20th (assuming all goes well with the recovery from the November 8th surgeries).

As backgound for anyone who hasn't followed my first round of PS, I had an extended TT and breast lift on March 28, 2007, approximately 11 months after my band was placed. I am 5'2 (when I stand very very tall!) and I started at 358 lbs. I was at 199 when I had the first PS, which was somewhat controversial because obviously 199 isn't goal for someone who is 5'2. I went ahead with it because my pannus was so large and completely in my way in terms of exercise and the timing coincided with a job change, which gave me the time off I needed. Plus, I'm in the fortunate position of having a father who is a plastic surgeon, so cost wasn't too much of a concern (it's not free, but it's close) if and when I needed a revision (which, BTW, I do need).

Lateral Thighs

OK, so November 8th. The lateral thigh lift is the last MAJOR surgery I'll likely have from my morbid obesity. It's a very big surgery, particularly for me because I have an extreme amount of excess skin on my legs and bottom. Basically, they will re-open my TT scar on the sides and continue it around until it nearly makes a circle, as if I was wearing a belt. Then they pull up the outer thigh and butt. I'm expected to lose about 5-7 lbs in skin. It's not expected that I'll need any lipo in conjunction because I'm supposedly quite thin, but for the skin (or so they tell me). Supposedly there will be some improvement to the inner (medial) thighs as well, but they do think it's a near certainty that I'll want a separate operation for that, even though the scar is bad and many people would rather live with the excess skin. Mine is extreme enough that they think the scar will be outweighed by the improvement. Medials will likely be December 20th, along with a mons lift.

Brachioplasty (arm lift)

As for the brachioplasty (arm lift), I've been working out my arms for 2 years with a trainer my muscles are really great (if I say so myself!). I toyed with not having the arms done. Like the medial thighs, the scar is really bad if you're not a candidate for having them done through the arm pit (my hang is all the way to the elbow, so I'm not a candidate). Once again, my Dad said that the scar is bad, but that my extra skin is bad enough to justify it. If my Dad weren't the PS, I don't know if I would be having the arms done. I trust him completely when he says it will be worth it. I guess it's that I know the extra skin is bad, it's just that the legs are SO SO bad that I don't question them for a moment. the arms, well, I usually wear sleeves and they just don't bother me as much. Anyway, I'm doing it. As it can be done in conjunction with the lateral thighs, there's not much more surgical risk, so that's the plan.

I will post pictures along the journey, including before shots. 16 days in counting. I expect this will take me from being a size 6P to a size 2P (on bottom) -- something I truly can't fathom as I still see a heavy girl when I look in the mirror. I don't know if my top (4P) will change a size or not. Probably not. My rib cage is large for my frame and I don't find myself not buying things because they're too small in the arms -- they're more likely to not zip up the side, etc.

So there we have it. This forum was such a major source of support during my first round of PS. I look forward to sharing this journey with you as well.

To be continued....

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!

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!

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!

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

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.

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!!!!!

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?

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??

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.

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.

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!

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

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!

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!

Julie: You look fantastic! How do you feel about the scars on your underarms? I'm thinking about getting this procedure also, but I'm not sure if the scars will bug me more than the arms flapping!