Bat wings gone

I had my first round of plastic surgery last week--breast reduction and upper arm lift.  I had a lot of stuff to remove.  I started out at almost 400 pounds and was down to 187.  I'm getting used to having a small chest--it could be normal but I wouldn't know!  Compared to where I was, these seem small, but I wore a I cup. But it is the arms that I'm having to adjust to the most.  They are not--nor will they ever be--slim.  I guess I just didn't know wht to expect, but right now they still look very big and flabby.  I measured them and I have lost 3" around, so there is a hugh improvement.  And I didn't want them done "tight" as that makes for worse scares and would have been out of proportion with my lower arm.  I am a bit disappointed in how much I still have around the elbow, but if they had taken any more there, they would have had to continue even further down my arm to keep things lined up.   I 'm posting this primarily to remind us larger ones, that plastics will not make us look like we were never this big.  I am pleased with the improvement and just need to remind myself to measure my results with reasonable expectations.   Sally 398/184/170

Congratulations, Sally.  I am hoping to have my arms done this summer/fall.  I will have to keep reminding myself to keep my expectations realistic.   Wishing you all the best in your recovery.  Hugs, Tracy

Dear Tracy,

I had really big arms and a lot of skin to have removed.  It was terrible how it hung over my elbows.  I wanted to be sure that the reduction was in proportion to the rest of my arm.  I didn't want it so tight about the elbow that it looked even stranger at the elbow.  Also, my ps told me that if you do it too tight that it can make for a worse scare because it pulls on the skin.  I will always be aware that I don't have pretty arms, but they are just so much better. One good thing is that I'll never have to shave my arm pits again as he took all that skin! Good luck when you are ready.  Be sure to have lots of pillows around. Sally

Sally, congratulations on your first round of PS! My upper arms have a life of their own.  I call them Hoppy and Bob (stolen from Garrison Keillor).  Hoppy already hangs below my elbow and Bob is trying to catch up to Hoppy. Thanks, too, for the reminder that PS can't rebuild a once large body back to perfection.  When I had my PS consult to see about getting Blobby (big blob on the back of my right thigh) removed, he kept saying that it would leave a significant scar.  I knew that, but I think some people are shocked that PS leaves scars. I'm interesting in hearing more about your PS in terms of post-op recovery, etc.  I am having Blobby removed in April and I worry about healing and pain.  I will need to have my arms done at some point (heck, I'm going to need everything done at some point!  ), but I worry more about PS on the arms and legs due to the chance of getting lymphedema post-op. I'm not sure I need a breast reduction because my breasts ran away.   If the PS could find them, maybe he could put them back where they belong!  Either that, or I could get one of those industrial breastplates like Wonder Woman wears.  It's sad -- I used to be quite chesty, too. Kix

I have been very fortunate in regards to healing.  I had the surgery done on the 28th and am now back at work a half day today.  I did my first driving Wednesday and had a beauty day on Thursday.  I just go stir crazy stuck at home, so I tend to be ready to get out after about a week! The arms hurt more than the breasts.  I think part of it is that they are wrapped up (to help with the swelling).  And they do swell.  At night everything seems to get a bit stiff and so I will take a pain pill sometimes.  I can't reach up very much and still don't carry much.  Washing my hair is slower as is just about everything else!   But it is uncomfortable more than painful most of the time.  I do use pillows to prop them up both when sitting and sleeping.  I am very glad I had the surgery but I do think it has hurt more than the bypass.   I look forward to reaching the point where I can actually see how the scars are going to turn out.  They go from just below the elbow all the way up to the new arm pit.  I'm hoping they will stay thin. Let me know if you have any questions. Sally

Congratulations Sally!   I one of the fortunate ones that won't have to have arms done, but the breasts and tummy are going to need some help! It nice to hear from others how it feels and about the healing. Best wishes to you!

Congrats on your first round of plastics!  I'll need to have my arms, thighs, tummy, and breasts done after I finish losing and my weight stabilizes.  I'm lucky that my insurance will cover my tummy and breasts, but I'll have to pay for my arms and thighs.   I appreciate your sharing the information about what to expect after surgery.  I know I'll never look "normal," but it helps to know what kind of improvement we can expect after surgery.   Anyway, thanks again and best wishes for a speedy recovery! Kellie Lap RNY 10/25/2005 396/213/165?