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.

Enjoy the shopping and donb't overdue!

So I went and got drained again today.

The surgeon wants to put a drain in again. I don't want one. I'm graduating a week from Sunday and don't want to commence with a drain sticking out of me.

I need to really talk to him about it. Ick.

However, I have to say I'm feeling good having been drained and he told me I'm allowed to take a bath! That will be so nice. I love soaking.

So kids, I have to buy a pair of short/capris to wear to an outside party tomorrow. A dress is too dressy and my workout pants are too casual. I'm not looking forward to it but psyching myself up for a bit of shopping and buying only a size 12. I know I'll be in a 10 eventually, but I can't force the issue.

Rambling here......

Ms Juli.. keep in mind you are still swollen my dear!!! and trust me youll be suprised once you get to that store and try clothes on..!!!

and 12 are you kidding me thats wonderful!!! tell me when is the last time you remember being a size 10/12????

Congrats on MBA! I am so jealous of a size 12 its sickening.

With a rocking new bod Im sure you will look amazing in whatever you wear.

Watching you and other bandsters in the PS part of the journey has psyched me up to get started on my own.

Good luck and congrats!

I did find some cutie pants, light tan, kahki (how do you spell that word?) which is a first in a long long time.

I never wore light colored bottoms because I didn't want a shadow on the underside of my belly.

Well since there is no under side anymore, just my crotch (!), they looked cute as could be.

They are still a bit uncomfortable on my belly because of the incisions. And about the crotch, I'm not used to my clothes actually fitting my rise, which I guess is the appropriate word for that area. That's going to take some getting used to.

So today's update is that I did as I was told by my surgeon which was srcub off the glue on my scabs. I think I took more than I should because I had a raw exposed little piece of me that stings when I turn this way or that, when I bent to polish my toes. Yikes.

There's always something new happening with this recovery.

I did however go to spin class today. I didn't make it the full 45 minutes, but I did go for a solid 30. I feel pretty proud.

Holy crap Juli! you did spin class today? I am WAAAY impressed! Aren't you only 2 weeks out from surgery? My dr. told me it would probably be 3 weeks before I could even go back to the gym. How are you feeling?

T

Holy crap Juli! you did spin class today? I am WAAAY impressed! Aren't you only 2 weeks out from surgery? My dr. told me it would probably be 3 weeks before I could even go back to the gym. How are you feeling?

T

I AGREE IM 7 WKS OUT AND AM STIL STRUGGLING TO GET BACK TO MY GYM ROUTINE!!!

YAY GO JULI!!! :thumbdown:

Juli,

I'm so happy for you and your cutie little pants! Your weight loss ticker is amazing and I can't imagine how awesome you must feel!

Enjoy this new life you've made for yourself. You've earned it!

~C

Holy crap Juli! you did spin class today? I am WAAAY impressed! Aren't you only 2 weeks out from surgery? My dr. told me it would probably be 3 weeks before I could even go back to the gym. How are you feeling?

T

No, it's been a full 4 weeks since I had surgery. And I'm not ready to say I'm even close to 100%. I just love spinning and my thinking is the sooner I get back to the gym and "regular" the better.

Congratulations on your recovery. I can't believe you are spinning already. I hope to be back to some kind of exercise routine in a few weeks also. All of this sitting around has me worried about weight gain.

I bet you look fabulous in your new clothes!

I tried to have my 7 year old take my picture yesterday. She wasn't too interested and I looked super angry in the pictures because, well, I was. She was fooling around and all I wanted was a picture of me I could share.

Alas, next weekend when I graduate I'll pull the camera out again and see about getting a few photos before I put on the cap and gown.

I tried to have my 7 year old take my picture yesterday. She wasn't too interested and I looked super angry in the pictures because, well, I was. She was fooling around and all I wanted was a picture of me I could share.

Alas, next weekend when I graduate I'll pull the camera out again and see about getting a few photos before I put on the cap and gown.

yay pictures!!! im waiting till after my next surgery but cant wait to see yours

Juli - I agree you are amazing if you are back on a spinning bike after 4 weeks post op.

I am curious if you have any regrets choosing a plastic surgeon in Cincy (hour and a half away) rather than having picked someone in your hometown? Was the cost difference major savings? Did you just really connect with the surgeon you chose? I know that is really important.

Oh Juli...I am sooo proud of you! I feel like a fool for not looking for this thread long before now, but I want you to know that I am thinking of you, and so proud of everything you have set your mind to do!!! (School, wt loss, ps)! I am so blessed to have gotten to know you, and you have been an amazing mentor!!! Rock on Girlie!!!

Congratulations Juli!!! On your graduation, the weight loss, dealing so well post op, the life style change commitment and everything. You rock! You've lost ALMOST 200 POUNDS!!!! In case you've forgtotten, that is a HUGE accomplishment. Completely, incredibly amazing and you should be very proud of yourself. We all know how tough it is, even with the aide of the band. So, forget the size and remember where you were. I know it's natural and most of us do it.... I'm 5'8, 161 and wear a comfortable 8 (well, most of the time... sometimes it's a 6, sometimes a 10) and I still think "maybe a 6 would be better.... if I could just lose this last 10 pounds". So my advise, forget about it, heal and enjoy the new, freshly gorgeous YOU!!!

Juli - I agree you are amazing if you are back on a spinning bike after 4 weeks post op.

I am curious if you have any regrets choosing a plastic surgeon in Cincy (hour and a half away) rather than having picked someone in your hometown? Was the cost difference major savings? Did you just really connect with the surgeon you chose? I know that is really important.

Hi Kathy,

I love my surgeon in Cincinnati. It's him and one woman in particular on his staff who reassure me every time I drive down there that it was the best decision ever.

My scars already look amazing, he knows what he is doing.

He's kind of funny and maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but we banter and he's compassionate and logical and will answer all and any questions.

There were NO cost savings. Actually I've probably paid $3000 more to use him than if I had stayed in Columbus and went with, Dr. Howmuchmayicutyou. (The one who spoke at the support group.) Also his office staff while local didn't do a thing for me.

No regrets with the choice of surgeon at all.

Thanks for asking.

Edited May 5, 200917 yr by OH Juli