Let the journey begin. I met with the best Board Certified PS today. I can't believe he came in $4k less for a BA and lift. He also teaches at Stanford. I have some great news about the thigh lift. He said he will not have to cut me from the top of the thigh to my knee. Rather he can cut at the top of the thigh across and lift me that way. I was quite surprised. I hope they turn out okay doing it that way! So here I go for an Extended Tummy Tuck and thigh lift on 4/21. I am taking 2 weeks off of work. Wish me luck.

Hi Steph, Attached are my before and after pictures. I was either 285 or 320 in the before pictures. The 2nd picture is a size 18. I am now down another 15-20 lbs from that and in a size 16. I don't have any tummy pics yet but I plan on doing that. I've lost 74 lbs since being banded and I'm down 108 from my high. Julie

Wow, that's awesome! When I first got banded, I wasn't planning to do PS, but now I'm leaning in that direction. Would it be rude to ask how much the total estimated cost is? Or a general range? I'm going to have to poke through this forum to see how much I'm going to need to save up. Plus, I'm guessing 2-4 weeks off work on top of that... yikes.

Hmm... BA & lift, or kids' college fund? They can get student loans, right? :thumbup: I'm j/k, btw, in case anyone decides to flame me.

Julie you look beautiful now - you will be an absolute drop dead gorgeous hottie after plastic surgery! :biggrin2:

Hey Julie - thanks for posting the pics! You look great! I know you're getting more and more excited ... ok I know I'm getting more and more excited!

Thanks everyone!

Molly, my estimate was $11,500 for the extended tummy tuck with lipo and $8,600 for the thigh lift. $20,100 total. I'm in CA and from what I understand others have gotten the same thing for a lot less $13k in other states. Julie

It is getting closer Julie!!!!

When I got my approval the other day---I was buzzing all day long! I forgot to do a dozen different things, then I had trouble winding down to go to sleep. Can you imagine what it will be like when the day gets closer????

So excited for you!!!!!

Kat

Congrats Julie!!! Have a Safe Surgery, Hope your Up Posting soon After!!

I had my tummy tuck 9 days ago and today the drains came out. It was not so bad, and I cannot wait to see the results. A lot of swelling and itching, but the price of beauty does not come cheap!!

Banded 08/06 and lost 120 pounds. The surgeon said the lab weighed what he removed and it was 5 pounds. Be well all.

Fran

Good luck Julie! It's all so exciting isn't it? I had my breast augmentation last week, still recovering, love the new breasts! I went from a B to a DD. Brachioplasty is next but not until fall (thank GAWD). You'll love your TT results, I had mine done about 5 years ago and have had another baby since then, I have new stretch marks but I'm still happy with the results. I can't wait to see how your thigh lift goes!

Best of luck to you Julie, I am about 6 weeks post-op from my TT and am so glad I did it for myself.

Thanks everyone for the post. I bought a bathing suit in a size 16 this weekend. Its snug in all the right places that will be taken care of with my surgery. He does carry bikinis in size 14 and 16 so after I mend I am going to go back and have him hook me up with a bikini for my trip to Hawaii in June. I can't wait! Julie

Way cool Julie!!!

I have been to Hawaii several times (DD used to live there), but never was in a shape to even consider a bikini! The thing about it being such a tourist mecca, is that you see people of all shapes and sizes, so I never felt especially conspicuous---but I do think I have a new goal------------Hawaii in a bikini!!!

What type of suit did you buy?

Kat

Hi Kat! Any luck on your surgery date yet? I bought a tankini. So it is like a bikini but covers your stomach. You should check them out. They are really flattering. Can't wait to get the bikini though. Julie

Julie, am so excited about your TT. I use to live in San Mateo, Ca. but I am now residing in the Philippines. Please please write about your experience and post your pictures. Am thinking about the surgery plus augmentation- from a 46 C I am now down to a 36 b but can fit into an A!!! yes, my twins are so slim and deflated! Good luck and will pray for your speedy recovery.

Thanks for the post. I am down to a 42B right now so I totally understand. Not sure if I'll have a breast lift with augmentation next year or not. I need to raise the $10k that it costs.