Hi everybody. I wanted to start this thread to document the plastic surgery journey that we are about to start on. Frangipani & I both were banded last August and have each lost over 100 pounds. Since we have been traveling the lapband road together and now are about to have PS at the same time (me on June 12 & Frangi on June 13) we thought it would be appropriate to share a thread.

We have both learned so much from those who have gone before us and our hope is that our stories can be of some value to others.

I am having a lower body lift and medial thigh lift. All of my pre-op testing is done and now I'm just nervously waiting for my big day, which is less than two weeks away! I will post clothed before and after pictures for sure and I'll have to think about more revealing pictures later.

Hi Everyone!

Well, today is two weeks post-op for me and I feel fabulous!!!

I am having a few issues, though -- my incision opened up in another spot over the weekend. Fortunately my Dr. explained to me in advance that the backside incisions can be a bit more troublesome because of the amount of tension our body movements place on them and he did prepare me for this -- so I am handling it, even though I would much rather see everything healing and completely closed up.

Also my second drain is out. It actually came out much earlier than it would have otherwise because I was still draining 100 cc's per day, but I accidentally somehow pulled it out partially to the point to where it was useless, so out it had to come. Of course, it's great not having any drains in BUT I hope I don't end up in "swell hell" (so far so good though :biggrin:).

I'm feeling a lot better about the booty now! Since I am now drainless, I spent a little time this morning trying on some clothes without my compression garment and I have to say that the booty gives me a very nice and shapely look in clothing! Woo Hoo!!!!

Naked though, things still look very raw and bruised, so the jury is still out on that. However, I'll know better once the "jury" (DH) sees me. One thing I appreciate about him is that, even though he is truly one of the most diplomatic and tactful people I have ever met, I can also always count on him to give me the brutally honest truth when I need (want) it!

Apparently Ike will not cause too many problems here in Miami for us, but I did delay might flight home by two days simply because I didn't want to take a chance of having problems and being stranded at the airport. Also, with this incision opening up more, it will give me peace of mind to have my Dr. take one last look at it on Thursday before I return home.

Have a great day ladies, and thank you for all of your wonderful support and kindness!!! :smile::frown:

Edited September 9, 200818 yr by Frangipani

J-Lo better look out Frangipani is coming to town!! I bet the booty looks great!

J-Lo better look out Frangipani is coming to town!! I bet the booty looks great!

LOL Shalee!!! :biggrin: And thanks!!!!

Everything good with you?

Frangi: So glad you're feeling better. I know that back incision can be problematic. You know I still have a few knots that are working to the surface on my front incisions. Wondering how I'll pick at them from the back side. Guess I'm going to have to work on my flexibility! Are you having to put dressings on the back side? Glad you are liking the shape. That's a relief. I'm sure when all the bruises and swelling goes away, you're going to be smokin! How do the legs feel?

I'm so jealous of your new booty!!! Mine is .... gone :thumbdown:

I'm doing GREAT! Thanks for asking. I just posted some new pics in the Aug thread.

My back is doing soooo much better!!! My doctor seems optimistic that things got better so quickly and it sounds like I might be able to hold off on surgery for a long time. Years even. It's a compression issue so we'll see.

With that new body, are you shopping like a crazy woman? :cursing:

frangi - so great getting caught up on the "reinvention of you"...!!!..

you still amaze me w/your candor & spunk...you and the new booty will have a party shopping.

be safe heading back home,..

cheers,

lulu

Hi Everyone!

Well, today is two weeks post-op for me and I feel fabulous!!!

I am having a few issues, though -- my incision opened up in another spot over the weekend. Fortunately my Dr. explained to me in advance that the backside incisions can be a bit more troublesome because of the amount of tension our body movements place on them and he did prepare me for this -- so I am handling it, even though I would much rather see everything healing and completely closed up.

Also my second drain is out. It actually came out much earlier than it would have otherwise because I was still draining 100 cc's per day, but I accidentally somehow pulled it out partially to the point to where it was useless, so out it had to come. Of course, it's great not having any drains in BUT I hope I don't end up in "swell hell" (so far so good though :thumbup:).

I'm feeling a lot better about the booty now! Since I am now drainless, I spent a little time this morning trying on some clothes without my compression garment and I have to say that the booty gives me a very nice and shapely look in clothing! Woo Hoo!!!!

Naked though, things still look very raw and bruised, so the jury is still out on that. However, I'll know better once the "jury" (DH) sees me. One thing I appreciate about him is that, even though he is truly one of the most diplomatic and tactful people I have ever met, I can also always count on him to give me the brutally honest truth when I need (want) it!

Apparently Ike will not cause too many problems here in Miami for us, but I did delay might flight home by two days simply because I didn't want to take a chance of having problems and being stranded at the airport. Also, with this incision opening up more, it will give me peace of mind to have my Dr. take one last look at it on Thursday before I return home.

Have a great day ladies, and thank you for all of your wonderful support and kindness!!! :smile::smile::smile:

So glad to hear that things are going as well as they are. Both drains out...WooHoo!!! I know the area that has opened up is a drag, but just a minor (and common) part of the process. It will be all healed up in no time. Remember, I had the same issue on my left backside. Two different places opened up, but they didn't cause any problem and they look great now.

I think it works out perfectly that you are delaying your trip home for a couple of days. The peace of mind that you'll get from one last visit with the doctor before you go is priceless. Are you prepared this time for the messy house that you're sure to find when you arrive home? I'm sure DH will be trying to put things in order on Friday morning, LOL.

You know we can't wait to see some pictures, so get hubby to take a few in some of your cute new outfits and get them posted ASAP!

I'm glad Ike is going to miss FL, but it sure is looking like Texas will be the target. Let's hope it weakens over the next couple of days. It has been one hell of a hurricane season hasn't it? My heart really goes out to those poor people in Haiti and Cuba. They really need our prayers now.

OKay, I don't want to take this thread over, but I need your opinions! I finally went and had the upper GI today and a fill under fluroscopy, both of my surgeons were there to see how my band was sitting. It was doing great and they put in some restriction, which will be nice. While I was there, I told them about my upcoming plastic surgery and they both said, don't let him do an anchor incision on you. Your tummy looks great, etc. They were adamant about it. Now, I know that it's not really any of their business, but it really was kind of upsetting. I told my DH what they said and of course he agreed with them. I know that I need to make this decision and I have to admit that I really don't like the idea of a long scar down my mid section. It kind of shook my confidence. I also don't like the roll of skin on my upper abs when I sit or exercise. Maybe I need to attach some pictures so you can see what I mean? I really don't mind the scar from my tummy tuck at all. I'm going to have scars down my arms and all the way around, so I don't know why this is bothering me so much. In a way, I just feel sad that it's even necessary. I keep dieting and have lost another 6 pounds, so I'm 13 from goal. I don't think that the weight loss is going to make the situation any better. What are your feelings on scars and all this?

Hi Karey, First let me say that I'm glad your band is looking good and that you were able to get a fill. I hope everything continues to go very well in that area.

Now, is the only reason the band docs oppose the anchor incision because of the scar, or do they think it will have a negative affect on your band some how? If it is the scar only then I really don't think it is their business. Perhaps they are just trying to give you a reality check. Maybe you perceive that your stomach looks bad and it really doesn't to anyone but you. Is that possible?

For me, the scars are a small price to pay to correct my loose skin issues. My lower body lift scars don't bother me or DH (the only other person who sees them) at all. I will be having the long arm scars too and probably will not wear clothing in public that lets them show. My main concern is the way my clothing looks and fits.

If I "needed" (like Salsa) the anchor incision I wouldn't hesitate. However, I do think you have to weigh the results against the scaring. I had the small horizontal thigh incisions even though I could have gotten more "perfect" thighs with the long vertical cut. I just didn't think the results would be that much better to warrant the big scar.

Post some pictures and I will give you an honest opinion (for what its worth, LOL) of what I would do if I were in your shoes. I do totaly understand your sadness that all this surgery is even necessary. Regrets don't get us anywhere, but I wish I hadn't wrecked my body in the first place.

I think that my lap band doctors didn't think I didn't anymore done and also said that healing is more difficult with a vertical incision. It's not their decision of course, but it seems that everyone wants to give their opinion! Okay, I took some pictures, you can see the flash in them, but it will give everyone an idea. It's helped me to see the pictures, especially the handful of skin that I can grab. Okay, this is humbling, but here they are:

Karey:

I know that you didn't ask my opinion, but here it is anyway. You look faaaabbbbbuuuuulllllooooouuuuuusssss! I would spend that plastic surgery $$ in ten or fifteen years when you want to get your face lifted.

Like me, I think you may be struggling with feeling 20 years younger, but waking up with a middle-aged body. I know that I feel 20 years younger too since I've lost 147 pounds, but we need to remember that we're "middle-aged". Yipes - there I said it. We are middle-aged. It's normal to have some wrinkles and some soft spots. Do you remember hugging your own Grandparents and feeling bones, or did they feel a little bit squishy and warm? It's time to be a little bit squishy.

I hope that you can find some peace with your beautiful:thumbup:, average-sized body.

Take care.

Sue

LOL Shalee!!! :sad: And thanks!!!!

Everything good with you?

Hi Frangipani,

Yes all is good, I met with 2 more PS's and then Again with the very 1st one. We have decided to go with him. After the 2nd consolt and seeing how much upper tummy skin I have in addition to the lower skin, he did decide on the Anchor cut with my extended TT and my breasts aren't all that saggy, just flat and he believe's with a high profile implant I will get good results. So I have booked Oct 23rd for my makeover!!

Can't wait to see pix of the new you.

Kelly :-D

Edited September 11, 200818 yr by Shalee04
spelling

Hi Karey! You did ask for my opinion so I'm going to be totally honest, as promised. I think you look wonderful just the way you are. Seriously, no one would ever know that you were once obese. You look like a woman who has taken good care of herself by eating right and exercising. If I were in your shoes I would not get an anchor incision. Not only because of the scar, but because you already really do look great.

I know you say you aren't happy with the excess above your waist, but almost everyone has some of that. It is normal, especially for women our age who have had children.

I know others may say "if it makes you feel better about yourself, go for it", and I do agree with that to some extent. I would just caution against getting too hung up on trying to get everything perfect. It is just not possible.

Ok, that's my two cents worth. Hugs, Becky

Edited September 12, 200818 yr by TexasBecky

Hi Frangipani,

Yes all is good, I met with 2 more PS's and then Again with the very 1st one. We have decided to go with him. After the 2nd consolt and seeing how much upper tummy skin I have in addition to the lower skin, he did decide on the Anchor cut with my extended TT and my breasts aren't all that saggy, just flat and he believe's with a high profile implant I will get good results. So I have booked Oct 23rd for my makeover!!

Can't wait to see pix of the new you.

Kelly :-D

Congratulations on setting your date. You are going to be soooooo happy! Keep us posted.

Sue and Becky: Thanks for your responses. After taking a long look at myself and taking the pictures, I was almost too embarassed to post them. When I could grab a handful of skin, I felt sure I knew what your response would be. I guess I still don't have a good idea of my size and shape, because I thought, there is no question really, that I should get this TT revision. Now, I'm not sure. I think I will look better with clothes, but the scar down the middle is kind of a big deal. Well, I'm going to keep thinking about this. Maybe, I'm not as big as I think I am. Even though I'm middle aged (or past), I still what to look as good as I can. I'm going to have so many scars any way, what is one more? Well, I guess it's one more, big one, is what it is! Not sure what I'm going to do...

Edited September 12, 200818 yr by kareyquilts