After debating, do I put a thread on here or not, apparently I’ve decided it’s a good idea, so here it is.

I’m scheduled for my plastic surgery April 6th.

I’m having a lower body lift, a 360 incision and a vertical incision, a mons lift too. I’m having my arms done, and a revision to a breast reduction surgery from years ago. I’m not getting implants.

I’m seeing Dr. Kurtis Martin. His staff has been amazing. He makes me feel very confident in his skills. This will take 7 hours of surgery and I’m maxing out the amount of time he will work on one person. It’s good, because I don’t think I’ll need other surgeries. I was kind of apple shaped and didn’t carry a lot of weight on my legs (relatively speaking) so I’m not having leg work done. However the way he places the incision on/around my hips there will be some improvement with my legs.

I’m guessing there’s 20-25 pounds of skin that’s coming off. I’m basing that on the estimates the two surgeons I saw gave me. One said 15 with a wink, the other said 30. I’m going with Doctor 15. Doctor 30 was super eager to cut me as much as possible and wanted to give me the works. Dr. 15 asked me what I wanted and even made me defend the vertical incision decision.

As much as I’d like to get my neck done, there’s no money for that now. Maybe later if I strike it rich.

I was shooting for dropping more weight before surgery and I hope I still will, by my weight loss has stalled. I exercise regularly and hard, so I know it’s about eating fewer calories. But the good news is I’m pretty buff under the skin! I’ll be able to show off my muscles this summer.

I will have my port revised too, btw. Being unfilled doesn’t sound appealing to me, but I know I’ll work through it.

And I don’t know that I’ll be posting pictures of my half naked body. As grateful as I am to those who have gone before me who have posted their pictures, it’s just not in the cards for me.

Oh, and let me answer this before it gets asked. I do feel like if I waited one more year I’d probably have all my weight off. However, right now I have a job that will pay for the panniculectomy, and generous benefits for time off. A year from now I probably will not be able to take off for 4-6 weeks. I base that on the fact I’m finishing my MBA the end of March and I’m going to be looking for something new this summer/fall.

Surgery now is the best fit for the schedule.

Yeah, you saw right, I’ve been in school since 2005. I got my undergrad then my graduate degree while losing a bunch of weight. It was absolutely deliberate. I'm absolutely that awesome.

Glad to hear you are doing so well after ps. :thumbup:I still don't think I can do it. Just will have to wait and see.

Juli,

I am so happy for you! It sounds like you are doing so well. Congratulations and ROCK ON CHICA!

~C

Just out of curiosity, how much are these surgeries costing you? My ins pays for paniculectomy, also, but nothing else. I will need to save up. Thanks.

18K is about the average. My insurance covered the panni but not my doctor and since that was only 3K of the package I decided to pay it all out of pocket.

Having a doctor I trusted is worth paying the price. I heart my doctor, BTW.

Hey kids,

So I'm getting some big swelling seromas which my doctor drains weekly. Yesterday he took out about 16 ounces which was a huge relief.

So while I"m feeling the pain let me say, this does hurt. It hurts a lot. It's not a walk in the park....and I'm healing beautifully and doing really well and I've got a decent pain tolerance.

But for those of you considering the surgery it's a knock you down kind of thing. Mind you I've got about 8 feet of incisions on my body; I did the maxium amount of plastic surgery an ethical doctor would perform.

So reality is that before I'm thinking I'm all hot and skinny and my memory fades about the pain, this is rough, rough, rough.

You've been warned.

I was too, but I didn't really hear it or listen...

Juli, I am sorry you are having a rough time. Keep taking your medication and keep your pain as much under control as possible.

Mimi

Juli,

I hope the pain subsides for you soon matey. I guess having had less surgery (just a belt lipectomy with a vertical incision) I have had it easier than you. It's wise to warn others that they should be aware of the pain factor. I think that's something anyone looking at this should be prepared for. That way, if they don't have too much discomfort, they can consider themselves lucky.

I'm sorry to hear about the seromas. My last drain site leaked for a few days then stopped, and no seromas have formed. Hopefully your Fluid build up eases.

And how is your back? Are you more upright yet?

Edited April 23, 200917 yr by lellow

Julie, I hope you get some relief from the pain and swelling. Hang in there. You've done such fantastic work and you'll get through this.

Sam

Juli: It is a tough surgery. I totally understand, but you made it through and everyday will get better. When I had my LBL, I had some incisions open so I had to have bed rest for almost a month. I thought I would go mental, but now I have a waist and a nice tight butt (even if I do say so myself). It was well worth the pain, but it's certainly not for sissies! Thanks for sharing your experiences, it will help others. Hugs!

Thanks.

Yeah, I'm still building up Fluid. It will be okay. I am up and about. I can't imagine be confined to bed rest. Karey, you're a trooper.

I have to say I'll be happy when I'm 100%. My results will be worth it. However, I just wanted to put it out there this is literally a pain of a surgery. Like Karey said, it's not for sissy. :rolleyes2: LOL.

Sorry your having seroma issues, not fun.

I have to agree on the best rest thing, it really sucks. I was on it for a little over a month because of my wound issues. Not fun at all. And I have to say this surgery kicked my butt, Bb in the end it was/is all worth it.

I also agree everyone should be warned these surgeries are painful and rough on our bodies.

Juli:

Glad to hear you are up and about some. Don't overdue!

I hope your swelling and seroma issues go away soon.

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with all of us. I just found out today that my panni was approved by BCBS. I'm paying the difference to have a full tummy tuck. Bye bye belly on 5/14/09.

Take care. Heal quickly.

Sue

Question for those who have had PS...what is the difference between the panni and a TT? Doesn't it all come out about the same? Flat tummy, no hanging skin, right?

Hi Gone 4 Ever:

I asked the same question on the Dr. Schulman thread. I think he said that the tummy tuck includes tightening the muscles and because of that it has a far better cosmetic result. Another thing that I think is different is that with a tummy tuck you can keep your belly button (they move it and put it where it belongs), but not with a panni. I'm sure others here know more because I've not had the surgery yet, but I wanted to give you a quick answer. I'm scheduled for a tummy tuck on 5/14 - yippee!

I think if you google Dr. Schulman's website you can see pictures of both procedures with before & afters.

I love my band!

Sue

Yeah, Sue put it pretty well.

Pannis just remove the skin.

Tummy Tucks repair the muscle by lacing it together. As for the belly button, my doctor cuts around the orginal button and carefully measures the newly pulled skin, cuts a hole and attaches it to the area.

There's got to be a better way to detail that...

But my belly button is where God put it. The skin it's poking through however was put there by Dr. Martin. :thumbup: