Hey all! I'm 3.5 years out from gastric sleeve and I haven't stopped into these forums for a while.

I've been putting off plastics because my life is a blur time-wise, but I'm getting married in May and would like to reap the benefits of the brachioplasty for my wedding dress, since my arms are always my biggest point of insecurity. They've always been disproportionate, and even more so now that I lost the weight. I also wanted a tummy tuck and LBL, but we want to try for kids right away, so I'll deal with that down the road if ever.

Well, I pulled the trigger and did it!! Tuesday was my surgery down in Monterrey, Mexico for arms and legs.

It wasn't easy. I came by myself and I've had a lot of self doubt about doing this, feeling vain and selfish taking a risk that could possibly take me away from my fiance and family. I cried going into the OR. But, I'm on day 4 of recovery and every day is a little easier. I don't want to talk about Wednesday and Thursday, that was my lowest point. But, having the nurse come in and assist me with changing my bandages and showering, and finally unwrapping the results really gave me a mental boost.

All in all he took a little less than he had marked for my legs, a whole inch more than he'd marked for my arms, and a full 3 liters of fat from liposuction. I'm very pleased with the results. Feel free to look at the attached photos, ask questions, tell me your thoughts. Thanks BP fam!

Edited November 23, 20196 yr by Ruth1ess

Wow! I cant wait to see the results after fully healed. I bet it will look amazing. Already tell the skin is so much tighter. How much pain are u in?

Congrats on your weightloss journey!!!

10 minutes ago, Dances with Carbs said:

Wow! I cant wait to see the results after fully healed. I bet it will look amazing. Already tell the skin is so much tighter. How much pain are u in?

Congrats on your weightloss journey!!!

I don't like to talk about the first couple of days, I was in a pretty dark place. Since yesterday, though, the pain has become manageable and is improving dramatically. It was the same with my gastric sleeve, I didn't want to be alive those first couple of days.

Glad you're feeling better. I'm sure you'll be so happy with your decision when it's all said and done.

5 hours ago, Ruth1ess said:

don't like to talk about the first couple of days, I was in a pretty dark place. Since yesterday, though, the pain has become manageable and is improving dramatically. It was the same with my gastric sleeve, I didn't want to be alive those first couple of days.

Thank you so much for sharing this. I was in a dark place after my gastric bypass surgery. My body went into sensory overload and I was bed bound because of its impact on my chronic illness. I want thigh tuck so bad at some point and maybe some other things. I’d definitely have to go to Mexico probably would do BariatricPal Mx hospital. I do worry about those first days after even though I have high pain tolerance it takes its toll body and mind. I am sorry your first days were hellish and hope that each day of recovery gets better (and it will) I’m glad you shared an open honest story since that’s what I look for. And the result is already looking great.

On 11/23/2019 at 11:17 PM, Darktowerdream said:

 Thank you so much for sharing this. I was in a dark place after my gastric bypass surgery. My body went into sensory overload and I was bed bound because of its impact on my chronic illness. I want thigh tuck so bad at some point and maybe some other things. I’d definitely have to go to Mexico probably would do BariatricPal MX hospital. I do worry about those first days after even though I have high pain tolerance it takes its toll body and mind. I am sorry your first days were hellish and hope that each day of recovery gets better (and it will) I’m glad you shared an open honest story since that’s what I look for. And the result is already looking great.

Thank you, and you're welcome. I try to be as honest as possible so people know what they're getting into. I'm doing okay now, I've stopped taking my pain meds and I'm here recovering in a hotel in Monterrey until Friday, then I get to go HOME. I'm excited about home. I am hobbling a bit but probably need to take it more easy and not walk around so much, but I get pretty bored in my room. Some random nerve pain sometimes, especially in my legs, and where the compression garments end there's some pressure and rubbing which is sensitive.

7 hours ago, Ruth1ess said:

Thank you, and you're welcome. I try to be as honest as possible so people know what they're getting into. I'm doing okay now, I've stopped taking my pain meds and I'm here recovering in a hotel in Monterrey until Friday, then I get to go HOME. I'm excited about home. I am hobbling a bit but probably need to take it more easy and not walk around so much, but I get pretty bored in my room. Some random nerve pain sometimes, especially in my legs, and where the compression garments end there's some pressure and rubbing which is sensitive.

I had quite a few surgeries including breast reduction many years ago, and hysterectomy in 2010 and other surgeries on my feet and Achilles’ tendon and such, but for some reason had a hardest time with the first days after my RNY.

The compression garments are probably the hardest to get used to, at the same time you will find yourself depending on the security feeling they give. Once you are home that’s when things will start to get a little easier. For now maybe find new scenery in the hotel to rest. Recovery is difficult when walking is hampered, I’ve had enough of those ... take it slow and easy. And remember to elevate your legs often.

im slowly thinking about the idea of plastics. And when I can I find others here who have had it. I haven’t been able to get out as much and I’m thinking about when I want to try again. I get rashes on my belly, under bust and thighs from being allergic to my own sweat. It’s so hot here so often. It would be nice to be comfortable in my own skin sometimes without sagging excess skin.

Your recovery will take time but I hope once you are home it’s smooth sailing for you.

I had a brachioplasty on the 19th. I don't know what your compression garments look like but I just ordered this and I love it so much better. Hooks in the front and provides compression to the armpits. BRABIC Upper Arm Shaper Post Surgical Slimmer Compression Sleeves Humpback Posture Corrector Tops Shapewear for Women (Beige, S) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K2TWL6F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2Wz3DbE7DE8XR

On 11/23/2019 at 2:42 PM, Ruth1ess said:

wow! Thank You so much for sharing! you are inspiring!

Hey all! I'm 3.5 years out from gastric sleeve and I haven't stopped into these forums for a while.

I've been putting off plastics because my life is a blur time-wise, but I'm getting married in May and would like to reap the benefits of the brachioplasty for my wedding dress, since my arms are always my biggest point of insecurity. They've always been disproportionate, and even more so now that I lost the weight. I also wanted a Tummy Tuck and LBL, but we want to try for kids right away, so I'll deal with that down the road if ever.

Well, I pulled the trigger and did it!! Tuesday was my surgery down in Monterrey, Mexico for arms and legs.

It wasn't easy. I came by myself and I've had a lot of self doubt about doing this, feeling vain and selfish taking a risk that could possibly take me away from my fiance and family. I cried going into the OR. But, I'm on day 4 of recovery and every day is a little easier. I don't want to talk about Wednesday and Thursday, that was my lowest point. But, having the nurse come in and assist me with changing my bandages and showering, and finally unwrapping the results really gave me a mental boost.

All in all he took a little less than he had marked for my legs, a whole inch more than he'd marked for my arms, and a full 3 liters of fat from liposuction. I'm very pleased with the results. Feel free to look at the attached photos, ask questions, tell me your thoughts. Thanks BP fam!