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.

I am getting excited now! My surgery is 1 week from today!

Getting excited for you, Julie! Are you still trying to lose weight up to the day of your surgery?

How long will you be out from work?

Hi Becky, I had my PS unfill last week and have gained about 5-7 lbs unfortunately. That still puts me 35 lbs from goal though so I should be okay. I am starting to get nervous. Wish I didn't gain anything though. I was doing so well and lost another 8 lbs since my last fill 8 weeks ago. So 3.2 is where I need to be. I'm at 2.7 right now and can eat normal portions. From what I hear 5 lbs is about the norm. Julie

Well Julie, I'm down here in OC thinking good wishes and sending you white light for a quick, uncomplicated surgery and recovery. I'm really excited to see how you do and what you think.

I know I'll want to go this route when I get lower, but I know I need to do a lot of research first.

How did you end up picking the doctor you are going with?

Hi Becky, there was a couple reasons why I went with the doctor I chose. First he was about $3k less than my other doctor. Second, he was Board Certified and teaches at Stanford. Third, when it comes to the thigh lift they typically cut down the entire thigh to your knee. He is using another method by just cutting at the top of my thigh and suturing up. I am so glad I will not have that scar that goes down the entire leg. It was quite expensive though. My TT is $11,500 and my thigh lift if $8600. So it is costing me a little over $20k for everything. I am currently in a tight 16. My goal is a 14/16 so this should put me there. My surgeon said that I have been a success at 75% weight loss. With 60% being the norm he is very happy with my progress. My goal weight now is 200. I am about 16-20 lbs from that now. My PS said that if I chose to lose another 25 lbs my stomach will be fine. He said he pulls it really tight, ouch!

Sending positive thoughts your way Julie - I am 8 weeks post-op today and can't believe I have this behind me . . . Yay - the time has flown by and the recovery was much easier than I expected. You'll do great and be so glad you did it when it is all over!

Thanks Mommi. I'm a little bit down today due to the fact I opted to have my unfill 10 days early. I have gained 5-7 lbs back. Funny how it takes me 8 weeks to lose 8lbs and only 10 days to gain it back! I do have stomach fat on my upper abdomen so I really hope they can get it all with the surgery. Did you have much of that? Where are your before and after photos? Julie

The best of luck to you for a good surgery and recovery. Be well.

Fran

Thanks Fran. 6 more days! I had to buy Spanx today to wear over my thighs. I guess I need to have my thighs in something like a girdle or bycicle shorts for a few weeks. He wraps them when I have my surgery. I go back 2 days later to have the wrap removed then onto the girdle. I am concerned that I will not be able to get the girdle over my stomach though since I'll have a stomach girdle on too. Oh joy!

Julie:

My thoughts are with you for Monday. Mostly I'm jealous, but I'm sincere in saying that I hope all goes well and that you're back on your feet in no time.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Sue

Julie tomarrows the big day - are you ready? I bet you're excited! Good luck we'll be thinking of you.

WoooHooo Julie, your day is almost here, I am SOOOOO jealous!! I cannot wait to join you on the other side of this next bridge!!

Good Luck tomorrow, I will say an extra special prayer for you and for your surgeon-------smooth simple, beautiful surgery, quick, painfree recovery.

Big ((((HUGS)))) Check in when you can!!! Have them take lots of pictures for us!!

Kat

julie,

just To Let You Know I Am Thinking Of You, And Praying For A Smooth Surgery And Quick Recovery. Keep Us Updated When You Are Feeling Up To It.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts. I am very nervous today about everything. Thankfully he gave me some valium I can take in the a.m. along with my anti nauseau medication. I can't believe my jelly roll will be gone tomorrow, and my double chin! I will post when I am feeling up to it. Love all of you! Julie

Best of luck Julie. Its the 21st here now, and I thought Ooh, must log on and see how she's going. Forgot that you're some hours behind us.

Think I'll go and google breast lift with augmentation, sigh. Been trying on new bras, lol.