Question:
Did you have plastic surgery post-op? Tuck, Lift, Implants? Please help.
I'm scheduled for surgery, but i'm getting cold feet. It would sure help me out getting your feedback. I am scheduled for a tummy tuck, breast lift and augmentation. Did you have any of these done? Are you happy with them? Would you do anything differently? Thanks for sharing. — Babs B. (posted on October 21, 2004)
October 21, 2004
I had my tummy tuck 9 weeks ago, it was definitely much worse pain wise
than my lap rny. Also the recovery time has been much longer due to muscle
spasms and huge incision. BUT I would do it again in a minute. On some days
it was pure hell, but when I started on this journey I told myself I would
not stop until ALL is done. (At least that ins. will pay for), and I meant
it. My panni is gone and my tummy is flat and tight, I do still have some
swelling but it is subsiding. Go forward, don't look back, you will be glad
you did......
— Donna Y.
October 21, 2004
I'm 20 months post op and had my 1st plastics done, when I was 9 months
post op. Had a breast reduction/lift, due to rashes. AT 14 months post op I
had a Full TT, again due to rashes.
No pain with either...I never took as much as a pain pill. The stomach
tightening was uncomfortable, but that is to be expected! lol
I'm so very happy with both. Now, I have perky 36 C's (no implants)and a
very tight/flat tummy. I had my belly button pierced and love it.
I work out daily to get the very best results. Exercise is my friend!
I'm 54 but get compliments all the time how great I look. No one believes
my age and that I'm a Grandmother 6 times. It was very much worth it.
Your mental outlook has much to do with your recovery. PS surgery diet is
protein/water....you should do good, since this is gastric bypass surgeries
diet, also.
Find a pic and see yourself like the pic, because you soon will be.
Good Luck!
(hugs)
— Hazel S.
October 21, 2004
I had an extended abdominoplasty with muscle tightening, brachioplasty,
liposuction and removal of the skin that flabbed over the sides of my bra
about 16 months after my RNY. Like Hazel, I had no pain, and like Hazel, I
really needed to do the plastics for my mental well-being. I simply could
not see the weight loss with that large pannus hanging into my lap. I am
thrilled with the results, and would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Insurance paid for removal of the abdominal skin only (not the muscle
tightening or any of the other procedures), which was a great help as it
then covered the hospital and anesthesia charges. But, even without any
insurance help, I would have done it. I just did not feel like I had
completed my journey without it. I do not have a perfect body by any
means: my breasts are deflated and droopy and my thighs have lots of extra
skin. But, I had done what I needed to, and don't regret it even a bit.
The scars will take awhile to fade enough for me to be comfortable with,
but even with scars, I'm better off now. Best wishes to you.
— Vespa R.
October 21, 2004
I've had an abdominoplasty, liposuction of the upper arms, modified
brachioplasty on the upper arms, inner thigh lift and will be having a
breast lift in January. In answer to your question, yes, it was well worth
the money and pain to have all of these surgeries. If I would have stayed
in that skinny person body with the HUGE amount of excess skin, I would
have been unhappy for the rest of my life. I am now SOOO much happier
since the surgeries and am looking forward to the hopefully last one
(breast lift) in January. My body looks better now at 41 then it did when
I was 21!!
— Patty H.
October 21, 2004
I've had a lower body lift, arm lift, breast lift and inner thigh lift and
each and every procedure was worth the discomfort. Feel free to email me
privately with all your questions. Happy to help.
— Vicki S.
October 21, 2004
I had LBL, Breast Lift (no implants) and inner thigh lift and some lipo
also. This was all done during one surgery. The pain/discomfort was much
worse for me than Open RNY. But I had basically no pain with open RNY. I
was bent over for 3 weeks and had difficulty walking because of that - get
a walker!! You can get one at any thrift/second hand store for $10. or
less. It will save your back! For the first 2.5 weeks I really wondered
if I would have done this knowing how difficult the recovery was but, once
I had the drains out at 3 weeks, it was smooth sailing. For some reason,
that seems to be the turnaround for everyone I spoke with pre-op - when the
drains are removed. Don't know why but just seem to notice that trend.
Anyway, with all the discomfort, I would do it again in a HEARTBEAT!!! It
is totally worth it. Totally. I cannot share how much I love my new body.
It's not just a new body for me - it's a new life. I no longer feel
self-conscious and embarrassed about the way I look naked. I highly
recommend it. When I was going through the worth part of the recovery, I
would just tell myself that I AM going to live through this and it WILL get
better. Some people have very little discomfort and very little pain.
We're all different. I wish you the best of luck!
— [Deactivated Member]
October 21, 2004
Dear Barbara---On 9/8 I had a hernia repair with a TT and brest lift with
implants. To my great surprise, I had very little pain. Yes, I walked
bent for a few weeks and I am still wearing a binder type undies but only
took pain meds for about 4 days and other than just a bit of discomfort I
have done very well. After surgery you will have to wear a binder (well my
dr had me in one) and she suggested I get this certain type from Wal Mart.
It's called Hanes Body Creations Shaper with a sculpting band, Firm 6. It
runs $10.88. I also was told to get a bra that uses a hook and eye closer
in the front. Again off to Wal Mart for the Beatform. I did get this a
size larger. I'm to be a 36C so I got the one that fits 38 BCD.
Tyr to get these before you have surgery so they will be on hand. I also
put neosporin on all my insicions twice a day. Then after they all closed
I am now putting a vitamin E oil on all of them. They have healed so
nicely and some especially around the nipples are not even noticeable. I
was also told to massage the implants from the top so they would drop into
the pocket made for them. I religiously did this and now they have fallen,
look great, and are starting to feel more normal. I still have some
swelling in both areas but that is to be expected. I did much research
prior to this surgery and have learned that the some of the swelling can
last up to 6 months. That's ok. I too happy now to complain. I am now in
a size 4 jeans. At the start of this entire journey I wore a 22W and I
have now lost a total of 123 lbs. Go in with a good attitude. I too was
scared but my daughter said think good thoughts and all will be good.
— Tammara D.
October 21, 2004
I had a arm lift, breast lift with augmentation, tummy tuck, lower body
lift, back roll removal and a medial and lateral thigh lift with incision
going from groin to knee. I would do it all again in a heartbeat!!! I
LOVE LOVE LOVE my results. I did have alot of pain but my doctor was on
top of it with the pain meds. PLEASE... let your doctor know if you have
post-op pain so he can prescribe other pain meds. You should not be in
unbearable pain! It should always be manageable. I have documented alot
of my journey on my profile and on my website that is listed at the top.
Please stop by and check it out! I will be updating with pics as soon as I
can. I will say that through it all, even though, 2 months post-op of my
lower body lift and still having a drain coming out of my hip draining a
nasty seroma that won't quit... I still love and am thankful for everything
I have gone through. I am now pursuing school to become a PS to help
others like I have been helped! Good luck to you and don't be scared!
— SMG I.
October 22, 2004
I had my tummy tuck, it will be two years come this Christmas, and I love
it, I am trying to get my thigh lift approve from bcbs hmo, but have had no
luck.Please if you can, get the tummy tuck did, I would love to have my
breast lifted, but I'm sure I'll get denied, did you go through insurance
if so would send me a copy of your letters and their approval letters?
— johnlette H.
October 22, 2004
Oh my goodness!! Thank you all sooo much for your responses. I really
appreciate your input. You've helped a lot. I have exactly 2 weeks to go.
I'm still nervous....but feeling better about it. Thanks again!
— Babs B.
October 25, 2004
Being nervous/anxious is a normal part of getting ready for surgery.
Hopefully you are also a bit excited. WLS patients in my experience are SO
grateful and the responses you got are the reason this area of plastic
surgery is so rewarding. I think most who were given good counselling
before surgery and are well-informed are VERY happy and would do it over
again in a minute.
— DrL
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