Hello all

I am getting a circumferential belt lipectomy and some liposuction in less than a week, and honestly feeling kind of nervous. I've heard a number of people say the recovery process is much harder than the bypass - I had a roux en y in Oct 2022, and while it wasn't terrible it also wasn't fun. Has anyone else had this procedure? Any tips or tricks or words od reassurance?

I know people have recommended getting a lazy boy recliner but it seems insane to get one for just a couple of weeks. I'm hoping I can make do with lots of throw pillows on my sofa, where I imagine I'll also be sleeping - less chance of me rolling over and hurting myself.

Also, does anyone else have any photos of scaring they would be up for sharing? I had originally thought I would be getting more work done (including chest and upper arms and possibly inner thighs), but I spoke with two surgeons and they both said that the scarring wasn't worth what kind of difference I could achieve in those areas, and said I should just stick with the lipectomy and some liposuction. I have to say I felt a bit disappointed by that, as I am pretty self conscious about my chest and 'bingo wings'. Now I'm worried I am spending a huge amount of money and will have substantial scarring, but won't actually see that much positive change. I've attached some photos - what do all of you think?

In my view for what its worth, Your arms are brilliant. The surgeons have given you good advice and saved you some money. Your torso is not bad. Do you really need a 360 ? There are smaller surgeries these days. If you put your surgery into the search engine you will get pictures of the scarring. Everyone heals differently so scarring is never the same on two people. There is also a small risk of infections and abcesses that will make a mess of any surgeons handy work.

Any work on your stomach area would hurt for at least the first 5 days. Three months ago, I was opened from my pubic bone up to my navel for unrelated surgery and I was walking around like a woman broken in half. Just sitting up from lying in bed is a feat that will leave you sweating. Which is why people advocate recliners, because they stand you up with out using your sore midsection. With a 360, you will struggle to find a comfy spot to lay on. BUT all this passes, good meds help, having someone with you helps.

In the end its a very personal thing. If I were younger and unmarried I may think differently but I am old, I have a mass of extra skin but I live in a fairly cold country. I am only ever showing my arms and legs when I go abroad on holiday. I don't give much thought to what people say as long as I don't hear it. I park myself on the beach, doff off and enjoy the sun on all my saggy baggy bits. Then I come home and hey presto, I back in leggings and long sleeves that hide everything.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Be happy in what ever amount of skin you can live with.

I didn’t have a belt lipectomy, but I did have an extended tummy tuck. I didn’t buy a recliner, but did buy a set of wedge pillows off Amazon for about $50. They were worth it and made sleeping much more comfortable. One big wedge under my head/shoulders and a smaller one under my knees.