Hi All-Stars,

I've posted in the cosmetic surgery forum but also wanted to let you know that I saw the plastic surgeon that my bariatric surgeon recommended this morning, and after a lovely long consultation, I'm booked in to have a Torso Lift on the 2nd of April.

I had hoped that a simply TT would be sufficient, but as I have loose skin on my hips and back as well as my stomache, the PS suggested a Torso Lift for the best result. So I'm having a 'ring-bark' incision to remove the hanging skin from my tummy, hips and back, plus he's removing the skin on my upper tummy and is knitting my stomache muscles together, to get a trimmer look.

So I'm on the countdown to the 2nd April now. I asked about having to be unfilled, and yes, I will be unfilled one week prior to surgery, and then refilled typically while I'm still recovering in hospital. So I'll be unfilled basically only for a week or two.

The PS also reckons I easily have about 4kgs of skin to remove (about 9lbs) so this will take me to goal, or less if I'm at goal by my surgery date.

So this is it, the last 'leg' to goal and the maintenance phase for me. Wish me luck, guys!

I am so excited for you to already be doing the PS! That is really amazing to be at goal and with a great body shape under a year. You've done a great job!

I am a little shocked at all the things I used to NOT do because of my weight, but didn't realise that I was doing.

But now, I realise I DID in fact modify my life so as not to 'stand out' and that I'm not doing that anymore.

It's funny how our mentality shifts, and we 'hide' ourselves, without even realising we're doing it.

This is sooo cool! I'm really happy for you Lellow! Sounds like it might be quite an ordeal.

I think what you said above is so true. I love to swim and haven't been in years. This past summer, I took DD to the HS pool for "Mommy and Me" swim lessons and really had to work hard to "get over myself" to do this. I had already lost a little weight in the insurance program to get surgery but still was really embarrassed. BUT I was doing this for my DD not for me so had to "cowgirl up" and I had a lot of fun. It was a 2 week class and she was having so much fun, I signed us up for another 2 weeks. I won't be at goal this summer but I'm already looking forward to getting in the pool again! She'll be doing lessons on her own this summer but I plan on taking her in the evenings for free swim times too. I didn't do that AT ALL last summer. NO WAY!!!

Best wishes on your upcoming surgery!