HOT OFF THE PRESS!!!!!!!!!

Hi Millie,
Thank you for your kind and so true words!!  Money does come and go, but I was raised by "Depression" parents who always taught me to not spend unless it was absolutely necessary.  I had to come to terms that my unhappiness was due to the stagnation of this journey!  I know I deserve it, but I was so concerned about all the other things that all of this money could go to (I still have a 13 year old who wants to go to an Ivy League school). Plus my DH is already retired as am I.  We have lost our shirts with the market's devastation, so timing with this stinks.  But you are right....I must take care of me!!!!

Thanks for the good wishes and prayers. 
Hugs, Lora 

Hi Lora,

I'm right there with you and definitely interested in your progress as you begin this new cycle. I've been looking in the L.A. area for the right plastic surgeon. I have an appointment with Dr. Agha (Dr. Hurwitz's associate) in LA at the Obesity Help convention. Meanwhile, I'm meeting with other surgeons for consultations.

After losing 115 pounds at the age of 57 I'm very interested in removing the extra skin and not look like a 90 year old woman. Yeah, it's expensive and a little selfish maybe, but I have a lot of years left and want to feel good about my body. I'll be having neck/lower face lift, arm lift, tummy tuck, leg lift, breast lift and implants. I look great in clothes, but..... The two doctor's I've seen already have quoted me the following for the above procedures: first doctor - $28,000; second doctor - $42,000. Geez, what a difference. 

Do you mind me asking what you are interested in and the cost?

All the best to you. Anyone out there going to LA Nov. 1 and 2?????

Kathie
 

 

 

Hi Kathie,
First of all....nice to "meet" you!  It appears that our GBS dates were close (3-12-07 for me).  I have lost about 135 pounds and I am 52 years old.

I am going with Dr. Hurwitz because he developed the "Total Body Lift" (TBL), which means I will have this done all at one time.  It will make healing a bit easier and since insurance doesn't cover (they consider it cosmetic and not necessary----like nobody obese has ever worked for these insurance companies...geez, their audacity and stupidity) it will be more cost effective to do all at once and only have to pay the hospital 1x instead of 3x or 4x.

I am pretty much doing the whole bod....batwings on the arms, upper thighs ( he said my knees to thighs are really tight and have great muscle tone from walking/working out) but he will lipo around my knees.  I am having my breasts done..no implants. He pulls the skin from below, above and from the sides in order to rebuild the breasts.  My back will be sculpted because I have a lot of skin.  In fact, when he lifted it up during the exam, he pointed out that I had a waist under the skin.  Wow...I had a great waistline under all of that stuff!  Plus, I am having an abdominoplasty with panni removal.  He is also going to tighten my muscles.  He said that I don't need face/neck work or butt work.  In terms of cost....your second consult was closer to mine  plus a bit more.....yikes!!!
There is also a lot of preop stuff...procrit injections, 2 additional vitamin supplements, some eating adjustments, etc.

Well I wish you luck and get all the info you can...it can be overwhelming.

Keep in touch or PM me.

Hugs, Lora 

Wow Lora, your life has been exciting and full lately!  Glad to hear that your MIL is going strong!  And the plastic surgery saga was so interesting.  It would have been nice to have been chosen, but at least you found the PS that you liked and are getting it done!

Are you having the arms and the LBL done at the same time?  I sooo want to have those.  I'll be very interested in your progress and sending positive, healing thoughts your way.

Hi Evelyn...Yes it is WOW!!!  I really can't believe I am doing this, and thank goodness it is soon, so I don't have to think too much.  I am having the total body lift.  This is a 9 hour procedure that includes breasts, arms, panni, abdomen, muscles, back, thighs and whatever lipo is necessary.  My butt is fine (according to the PS--but I can't see it), so he is leaving it alone. He said all of my walking and working out have paid off.  Well at least something has paid off!! 

I suppose I should tell you, just do it.  We worked so hard to get to where we are, but the journey doesn't feel complete without finishing the job. 

Thank you for your positive and healing thoughts, because I know I will need all that I can get!!!  And good luck on your path to happiness and fulfillment.

Hugs,  Lora 

Wow, big step! Hope it all works out well for you. Glad things are OK with your MIL.

Hi Eileen,
Yes it is a gigunda step!!!  I think it is even bigger and (scarier) than deciding to have GBS.  But I am feeling at peace with it.  I appreciate your kind words and thank you for thinking of my MIL...it is truly a miracle.

Hugs, Lora 

PS--Good luck and best wishes on your impending knee surgery!

ok-wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

now- here's my screwed up thought--all this-the girl who will NOT put her face on OFF was satnding nekkid ona step stool and owuld have been on a tv show.....


lora...i love ya and i am tickled for you !!!!!!!!!

Maybe NOW she will do a picture for the OFF crowd? 
What a rollercoaster ride!  So much happening so fast! 

That gal who changed her mind, maybe she'll just change it again.  Here's hoping for you!

Patti

Awwwwwwwwww Patti,
You are so sweet!!  It is a really long story about the picture thing...but who knows, I am a-changin'.  One never knows when one can transform from a flower with a butterfly to a real live person...stay tuned!!

Thanks for your kind and hopeful words...much appreciated!

Hugs, Lora