My Plastics Consult (WARNING -- very long)

I just have to say first and foremost that obesity is such a humiliating disease. Even though I'm technically not obese any longer, the after-effects still get me down. I thought that finally "giving up" and seeing the bariatric surgeon for a consult was bad. However, I had another breakdown in the plastic surgeon's office yesterday. It was just soooo humiliating for me to have someone pick up my apron, move things out of the way, pull the back fat, and lift and tuck my boobs. Okay - pity party out of the way for now. I saw the plastic surgeon yesterday for a very "preliminary" consult, to ask questions, figure costs, etc. I went in asking questions about the benefits of a tummy tuck (which my insurance "might" pay for) vs. a lower body lift - what the cost difference is, etc. I also asked about a breast lift/augment, costs, etc. This particular plastics guy doesn't combine those two procedures, for the health and safety of the patient. He said that a lower body lift takes somewhere around 8 hours or so if done right and then the lift/augment might take another 3-4 hours and that's way too long for a patient to be out. SO - I'm looking at 2 separate operations. He did say that a lower body lift is the most extensive surgery that I will probably ever have in my lifetime. It's also one of the most expensive of the reconstructive surgeries - the price I was quoted was $15,000, and that includes the surgeon's fees, the one night hospital stay, and the hospital costs for operating time and anesthesia. My wonderful hubs says fine - even if the insurance doesn't cover it, we will find a way to make this happen for me at some point after the first of the new year. He estimated that I am carrying around approximately 20-25 pounds of excess skin. My goal of 140 might not be realistic for me at this point after wls since I can't "lose" the skin. He said that I should try to get to and maintain somewhere around 150-155, since the skin removal will put me down in my goal range. Even though we are told to wait until at least one year out from wls before pursuing plastics, he told me that my skin and weight are in the right condition for me to have these procedures done at any point from here on out. Evidently they look for your skin to be "thin" enough, which shows the condition of the tissue and mine is pretty thin. He did say, though, that because of my relatively young age that the skin outside of the extra apron and side and back is thick and tough enough that if I DID decide to do the plastics in the next few months that it was lax enough to stretch back with a the pounds that I might still lose after the plastics. Regarding the boobs, his estimation of my boob size after just a lift is only a small "B" cup. So, I'm looking at a lift AND an augment, since I want to keep a proportionate "C" size. Lisa

Lisa: Thanks so much for all this great information! I am definitely going to be doing this, myself, and the more information I hear, the better. I really, really appreciate your taking the time to write this up! I wish you the best of luck in this endeavor! Please keep us posted! Hugs, Jersey

I certainly will. I'm looking towards the early spring to have this first surgery done -- maybe February or March. I'll have another consult with a second surgeon sometime in November.

Lisa, Thanks for the information. That's amazing that you are so close to goal and are given the green light to have plastics done soon. I want to do that same so this is useful info. Karen S.

Isn't it amazing how very far we all come so quickly? The surgeon I consulted with yesterday said that if I wanted to schedule before my year is up, he'd consult with my wls surgeon to tell him the same things he told me yesterday. I am so ready to get rid of this stomach that I've carried around for so long! But on the insane flip side -- I won't know my own body without this stomach that I've carried around for so long. LOL -- what a crazy lady, right?

Hey don't worry, we have grown attached to our extra hangings! But you know what, you won't miss it once it's gone. I think it's so sweet that your hubby is willing to support you financially with this, what a nice man! Karen S.

Yep, my wonderful hubs is one of the best men I've ever had the privelege of knowing. And I don't say that just because he's my husband. He voluntarily married us four women (I have three daughters) and willingly and commendably puts up with all the hormones, mood swings, and feminine issues from all of us (AND our friends).

Thanks Lisa for the wonderful info. I too have been considering it. But the only part that I want is the breast augmentation. I dont even want to lose alot just want them back where they are supposed to be. My boyfriend doesnt care if I go thru with it cause he says I am perfect the way I am but I want to do it for me. he supports me 100% I am thinking I am going to wait until my one yr for sure and that will be one of my gifts to myself. Suzette

My wonderful hubs is always telling me that he loves me no matter what and will support my decisions both morally and financially. BUT -- I get a little tired of my nipples dragging on my belly button. LOL. I know that I won't ever be the perfect 18-year old "Barbie", but I want a normal body. And you're right -- it's a great gift to ourselves.

WOW, I feel like I just saw an episode on Discovery Health Channel! Thanks so much for the info and sorry it was so hard on you