How fun....a new thread!!! I can't wait to get to know my fellow fabulous fourties!!!

So nice to hear from you StephC!! Sounds like you are back up to full speed!! How was your recovery? How long were you out of work?? I'd love to hear details!!!

I had my surgery on May 1st - honestly the first 2 days were bad - like why did I do this to myself bad - but then each day got better. The surgery was on Thursday, I went home on Sat., Sunday I had my dd wash my hair and that perked me up quite a bit, Monday I went into work to do the payroll - on drugs - totally screwed up the checks, wrong date and pay periods - hahaha - I had my dd take me in for the half hour or so that it took - then that same day I had my drains taken out - that also was a bit painful, but the pain only lasts a minute. Thursday I was driving myself, and also went into work for a few minutes to deposit checks, with a run to the bank. I went back to work the following Monday with the thought that I'd only work half days, that was just a thought. I ended up working full days and I felt great. So I was actually off work 11 days if you count the weekends that I have off anyway. I had the stitches taken out on the 16th of May.

I feel great! I love having a flat tummy and for the first time in 20 years I'm wearing my shirts tucked in. I have actually gained 10 lbs - go figure! But everyday someone says something to me about my weight loss. Its the strangest thing bc the first year of my banding I had lost 50 lbs and few people said anything to me, and I wondered why, like they would make comments about my hair looking good or something like that but never say wow you've lost weight. Now this past month since my tt I've had tons of people say things about my wieght loss. Everyday.

Church is a big compliement day for me. I had a new top on and one lady asked me if I'm stealing clothes from my daughters now. I said no, they are alot smaller then me - well actually yes I do wear some of my oldest daughters old pants. It just suprises me when I get something like that. Then my neice said you look like your still losing weight, I said no, I'm up 10 lbs. She said well your weight must be shifting bc you look smaller today. I'm in a size 8 or 10 - pants - but my top is still med - to large - I'm busty - size 38D.

Anyway - the tummy tuck is something I'd always dreamed about but never thought I could get - or afford - but my insurance paid 100% for a full tummy tuck. I really feel blessed.

As far as the weight loss, I'm still considered overweight and need to lose another 25 lbs to get in the "normal" weight on the bmi chart but so many people have told me I look good right where I am now that I don't think its a priority, I'm happy with the size I am.

I am getting ready to submit to insurance for approval. I've been thru the gaunlet and am ready to get on with it. My best friend and I have often said that we will one day get plastic surgery; no enhancement, just put everything backup where it goes. This leads to the question:

Has anyone out there lost 80-100 pounds? Did your abdominal area shrink back in with weight loss; or at 40 will plastic surgery be a must; once the weight is gone?

Hi Sleepygirl. I am only starting the journey, but I can't imagine that all of my bell will shrink back to where it was. I carry most of my weight in my belly, so I am thinking that plastic surgery will be be a definite for me after I have reached my goal!!!! Right now I'm taking one step at a time and learning to replace old bad habits with new healthy habits!!

All the best to you!!!

Not everyone needs plastic surgery. Mine was as much medical as cosmetic. I had lost 80 lbs before surgery but I'm up 10 so I'm at 70 lbs gone. Of course my boobs hang low and swing to and fro but I also nursed three babies so whether that has to do with weight loss or not is yet to be determined. My belly was horrible, stretched out from pregnancys too, but my arms and thighs arent' too bad, they arent' tight and nice like when I was young but for a 46 year old woman they aint' bad. :thumbup: I see the imperfections of the rest of my body but I don't feel like they are bad enough for more surgery. I know some people think that after the tummy is nice then they need to get the girls done and then that will lead to the arms... so on but I don't. I'm just happy to look good in my clothes and feel "normal".

I agree. For now, I am happy just looking better in my clothes...not too worried about how it looks naked (although everything is getting pretty droopy!).

I've lost 56 total and at age 43 things were starting to droop anyway. I have a c-section lap that has been there for 15 years so only surgery is going to make that thing go away. Yes, I could get my thighs done and my arms and probably my hind quarters as well but have chosen what is most important to me and will stick with that. My poor chest has been sagging for years.... breast feeding 5 babies in 6 years certainly had a long lasting effect... so I can't blame that on weight loss. So, TT and mastopexy for me and I'm going to call it good. Well, after I lose about 40 more pounds.

47 here. I'm okay with the number...its what comes with it thats bad. However, i became a grandmother 16mths ago...which i was not ready for...thats for older then me people...but he has made me so young again. He actually was one of the reasons to get LPB...i was having a hard time getting in the floor to play. nice chatting with all you 40somethings.

Hi all. I am 49. I want to be in onederland before my 50th b-day in Feb. I am almost 2 months out. I get my 1st fill next week. It is driving me nuts not getting a fill yet. Had a mix up at the Dr.s office last time I was in to see him for my 6 wk. check up. Thought I was getting a fill then, But due to a miscommunication between the secratary and me I was'nt scheduled like I thought. So I am chomping at the bit (and anything else that lands in my mouth) needless to say. I have started low-carbing it and writting down my intake. I want to loose at least 5 more before I get my fill next week. Good luck to yall. Look forward to knowing ya.

I turned 40 April 5th, so this was my present to myself. Perhaps 45 will be TT and masto!! Time will tell, huh?!!

Wow, you have lost a lot of weight in 3 months! Good for you!

I never really gave serious thought to any cosmetic surgery, but it certainly is looking more appealing.

I think I will wait awhile before giving it any real consideration. I would love to lose about 6 more pounds and keep it off a year before thinking of the next steps!

hey everyone. i have not been on for a while. it seems i got on just in time. i will definitly get a tt when all is said and done. i just turned 41 last month and have always dreamed of a flat tummy and breast lift. but of course having 2 kids (over9lbs.) and nursing them for a year each kinda does something to the body. i have only lost 54 pounds. i have about 50 more to go so maybe next year i will treat myself.:confused_smile: i can't wait!!!!

Edited July 15, 200818 yr by laphappy40
for got to say something

step c i am very happy for you.

Hello Fab Forties

I turned 49 June 25 and will be banded on July 23rd. I plan to be fit and fabulous 50, I'm going on a cruise for my 50th and plan on looking and feeling good. That is, if I can make it past the 1 wk preop and 3 wks of postop liquids, that is freaking me out.

Hello Fab Forties

I turned 49 June 25 and will be banded on July 23rd. I plan to be fit and fabulous 50, I'm going on a cruise for my 50th and plan on looking and feeling good. That is, if I can make it past the 1 wk preop and 3 wks of postop liquids, that is freaking me out.

I go on 7/22, know what you mean about the pre-op i have two weeks. i'm 8 days in. I cook big old country dinners for my hubby every night as i settle in for a protein shake. and trust me it's hard, but getting easier as it goes, not quite as hungry as i was in the begining. but I just don't seem to be dropping any weight, just maintaining at this point. would love to lose about 15lbs before surgery. But at this point i don't see it happening so i'll just take what i get. good luck to you!