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....

OK, I got the QUICKEST peek at my arms tonight and I'm going to be super happy! First of all, the scar is scary and long, but it's so well placed. You really have to contort to see it....

You're not kidding about the placement. That's fantastic! No one is ever going to notice the scars unless you raise your hands up over your head. I'm so relieved it's going well for you. I've also heard (and seen) some scary stories about brachioplasty. Do you know how many ounces or pounds of skin your dad removed? Not that it matters, I'm just curious about how it will affect your overall weight.

You look really great, Julie!

Do you know how many ounces or pounds of skin your dad removed? Not that it matters, I'm just curious about how it will affect your overall weight.

He said it was "negligeable." He took 12 lbs off my stomach the first time, but said he didn't remember if they told him how much it all weighed but he'd be surprised if it were more than 2 lbs (which I'll get back with my implants next month, so it comes out in the wash). He took 8 inches of skin off my thighs, but it didn't weigh much because it really didn't have any fat or other tissue come off with it, and it was very thinned out skin from having been so heavy. I was surprised, honestly -- I thought we'd be taking off another 7 or so lbs with this surgery.

Sitting where I sit now (at goal), I can tell you it doesn't matter. 2 weeks ago I thought it mattered, but it really doesn't now that I'm here.

you look fantastic, Julie. i am so proud of you!

Amazing results. You look absolutely stunning!! Yea for you and I wish you a speedy recovery!

Wowsers Julie! You look AWESOME! You have normal person arms!!!!!!

holy hell you look great!! thanks for sharing your journey with us

Julie, wonderful results, you must be so excited! Glad you're feeling better.

Cindy

That is an amazing change! So exciting. Congratulations.

OK, I had some staples taken out tonight and I got the quickest look at my legs. They're going to look so great once the inner thighs are done! I can't wait. I think the outers look great, but it feels half done. And that's ok too. It's not that long of a wait!

HOLY COW:eek:. I am totally floored:faint:. Your afters are totally AWESOME!:clap2: You know it is so easy for people to look at your clothed before photos and think why would she ever want to have more surgery you looked freakin' HOT already. But the difference is just amazing, absolutely AMAZING!:whoo:

I am so happy for you:D. (still hate you and want that friends and family discount:heh:, but happy all the same )

Hey silly comment. Are you having to pin those drains to you all the time or just for the pics? I know your an old pro at this PS thing but I had a little fanny pack the docs office gave me to tuck my two drains into when I had the Tummy Tuck. I really liked it, pinning them up just made me nervous and it was easier to camoflauge them in the fanny pack when I had to go out.

Wow Julie, you just look fantastic. It already looks worth all the pain and discomfort to me!!

That is a tremendous difference! so inspiring.

Wow! Julie, you look amazing! Thank you for posting the pictures. It brings a reality to what you have gone through. I'm SO thrilled for you that I could cry! You are gorgeous and should always wear RED!

As for the tape, hooray for passing out!!! That will teach him!

If you can push through the pain of a marathon, then he better pay better attention to your complaints in the future.