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catwoman7
on 4/22/18 7:51 pm
RNY on 06/03/15
Topic: RE: Traditional TT vs. FDL tummy tuck

I don't care about the scar - but oddly, I think I'd care about not having a belly button!!! I also think having another consult or two might be helpful...

RNY 06/03/15 by Michael Garren (Madison, WI)

HW: 373 SW: 316 GW: 150 LW: 138 CW: 163

joanne0658
on 4/22/18 7:31 pm
Topic: RE: Traditional TT vs. FDL tummy tuck

I had an FDL last summer and the vertical line is barely noticeable now. My abdomen is super flat plus my belly button is cute (looks just like when I was young). Recently (March 2nd) had a breast reduction/lift along with a monsplasty. Now everything looks GREAT!!!! (The second operation was hell during the initial healing, as compare to the FDL . . . and that made no sense). Anyway, you'll know what's best for you once you entertain a few more consults.

Jo

Age: 60 | Height: 5'3.5 | Surgery Date: 07/24/15 | Starting Weight: 292 | Surgery Weight: 267 | Goal Weight:150 | Current Weight: 149 | WL so far: 143 lbs

Liz WantsHealthForAll
on 4/22/18 3:47 pm - Cape Cod, MA
VSG on 03/28/16
Topic: RE: Surgery date scheduled!

Hmmm... it was probably about a week before I could walk upright completely. I don't think I started taking any walks outside until the drains were out (at 6 days).

I believe the compression was for about 2 weeks (I thought it was going to be longer so I remember being surprised when he said I didn't need it any more). I had bought a softer compression over the counter garment to wear at that point but my surgeon said it wasn't necessary so I never used it.

I do remember that I felt pretty close to 100% in about 4 weeks. At that point, I drove all the way to Florida in 3 days and was swimming in the pool there.

I had abdominal surgery (laparotomy not laparoscopic) years ago and it was similar - slightly less painful which might be because I already knew how to change positions? Since you had an open hysterectomy I would guess it would be pretty much the same for you too in terms of getting around.

Liz 5'3" HW: 219 SW: 185 GW: 125 LW: 113 Desired maintenance range: 120-125 CW: 119ish

Librarian67
on 4/22/18 1:43 pm
RNY on 02/28/17
Topic: RE: Traditional TT vs. FDL tummy tuck

I had the same question. One surgeon said that I needed a FDL and the other said it was totally unnecessary, he could tighten above my belly button without the vertical incision. I have a 4 inch scar from my RNY that wasn't done very pretty so having a PS make a nice incision would certainly be ok. In any case my upper belly swells out and I'd really like to have it fixed. That's the tightening that I've been told is most painful, but I think the end result will be worth it.

I ended up choosing to have surgery with the non-FDL doc for other reasons, including that the other doc didn't believe in putting in belly buttons because they are "unnecessary". Yes, but totally weird! I'd feel like an alien!

I encourage you to have at least one more consult for perspective. I think it will help to clarify things for you.

I'm excited for you!

Librarian67
on 4/22/18 1:30 pm
RNY on 02/28/17
Topic: RE: Surgery date scheduled!

Thanks Liz! As for getting and keeping things moving, I've got a good selection of options plus prunes! Between WLS, dental surgery, my hysterectomy and now PS, I have lots of experience with preventative measures.

I still have a wedge in bed from WLS but I did order a recliner with power lift since my wife has back problems and may not be able to help me get up and down. Not thrilled about having it in my living room so it may get donated after I'm done with it.

I've started adding a second protein shake in to boost my total protein. How much did you aim for with surgery?

Also just ordered a couple more dark colored camis to wear with the binder. How long did you wear a binder and did you wear some other compression gear after that?

When were you up to walking after your TT? I will really miss my swimming and other vigorous exercise for a few weeks!

Thanks!

Sharon SW-267
GW-165 CW-167 S.

on 4/22/18 8:45 am - PA
RNY on 12/22/14
Topic: RE: Would you have felt good enough for this?

I did not have the full thigh lift, just enough lipo harvested to complete a breast reconstuction. There was no way in hell that I could have have sat/stood for those hours without having legs elevated. My drains were in for 10 days.

Heat, sweating, and Swelling are your enemies - sweating is bad because it is easier for the fluid to migrate to your damaged tissue (creating swelling) that to work its way to the surface of your skin. Reducing swelling is you #1 post-op goal. Also, more swelling is more stress on you insiscions and gives worse long term scar appearance.

Plastic surgeries are much longer 6/8 hours vs 1/3 hours for WLS, and the recoveries are much longer. You may be ready for dancing, but I would not bet much money one it.

If you do not have one, I would look for an elec recliner on craigs list. I was lucky to get one for $40, but they go for less than $150 - I steam cleaned it and kept a pad and sheet on it. Best investment ever.

Sharon

Liz WantsHealthForAll
on 4/22/18 7:47 am - Cape Cod, MA
VSG on 03/28/16
Topic: RE: Surgery date scheduled!

As Kelly said definitely start eating lots of protein before and after for healing. My surgeon attributed my fast healing to my consumption of protein which a lot of people ignore.

The things I really used were a foam wedge pillow with a washable cover which I got from amazon (some just use a recliner, but I didn't want to have one in the house and the pillow made the transition to a bed from the couch easier). You'll need extra pillows for under your knees too. I wore camisoles under my tummy binder (tee-shirts would obviously accomplish the same). I didn't need much in the hospital as I mostly slept off the anesthesia and figured out how to get up and down, so I stayed in the hospital gown and didn't read or use my phone/iPad. DEFINITELY have something easy to get into to go home. I had super stretchy yoga pants which I wore along with super stretchy leggings at home for a while.

Oh and maybe have something in the house like milk of magnesia for constipation. I did fine with the restart of my bowels after WLS, but not after TT. It was rather painful for a couple of days once I got full but couldn't let get rid of the backup (TMI I know, but it was a big problem for me at that point).

Liz 5'3" HW: 219 SW: 185 GW: 125 LW: 113 Desired maintenance range: 120-125 CW: 119ish

catwoman7
on 4/22/18 7:32 am, edited 4/22/18 7:36 am
RNY on 06/03/15
Topic: Traditional TT vs. FDL tummy tuck

I think I want a FDL tummy tuck because I have a lot of loose skin pretty high on my torso. At my age, I don't really care about a vertical scar. I'd rather deal with that than risk being left with a "muffin top".

One PS agreed a FDL would be best for me. The other said I'd probably be fine with a traditional TT, and he could always go back later and add a FDL (at an additional cost, of course) if I still wanted that.

SO...does anyone regret doing a FDL? Or on the flipside, did anyone get a traditional and in retrospect wish they'd had a FDL?

I think I'm going to do a couple more consults and see what the majority opinion seems to be (although I'm aware some PS's are against doing FDL's at all, so of course they wouldn't recommend them), but I'm curious about real patients' thoughts/reactions.

thanks in advance!

RNY 06/03/15 by Michael Garren (Madison, WI)

HW: 373 SW: 316 GW: 150 LW: 138 CW: 163

Librarian67
on 4/21/18 6:59 am
RNY on 02/28/17
Topic: RE: Another consult in Chicago

Decisions about your behind...;)

Surgery is not generally cheap in the DC area either but like you I don't really want to travel and stay away from home for several weeks unless I have to.

I'm very happy with the surgeon that I have chosen and feel like he will skillfully do what I need.

HW: 248+, SW (RNY: 2/28/17): 244, GW (10/17): 125; LW: 115; 45# regain (19-20); CW: 135.6; new goal: 135; Plastics: Ext mastopexy, Ext abdominoplasty-5/18/2018; diagnosed w/ gastroparesis 11/20.

Sharon SW-267
GW-165 CW-167 S.

on 4/21/18 6:31 am - PA
RNY on 12/22/14
Topic: RE: Another consult in Chicago

I've had 3 6-8 hr plastics done and I support your research and checking around to get different approaches. Even though you want it done NOW - the research and planning make all the difference. From what you write, you do not have enough info to make a decision. My weight has fluctuated a bit since surgery, and I recommend getting to your stable weight before the plastics - it will be clearer what the correct path is.

I had 2 done with Dr Michaels in the DC area and very happy with everything about them. He decided to specialize in post wt loss surgery back in med school, so he is an expert in it and not just squeezing you in. He understands that post-wt loss skin may not have the normal elasticity, etc. He is very carefull about scar placement and appearance - Thank you Jesus, because I have several feet of scars and they pretty good. The best thing is that he does phone consults - you email him spec photo shots (without your head) and talk over the phone. After hanging up, I cried in relief that I would not feel deformed anymore. I am tearing up now just thinking of my 'before' and my current. Then, I met with him in person before the surgery and I felt even more confident.

I am not sure what the other docs have said, but Dr Michales wants you to get cleared for surgery by your primary care phy, or another doc to make sure you can withstand the long surgery. I timed my annual physical so I got that a month or so before surgery.

I had breast reconstruction done, and he required a recent (I forget if it was supposed to be within 30 or 60 days pre-surg) mammogram for that work - prob not necessary for the back lift, but something for others to think about.

Best wishes and be patient to sift through the options. I hope you'll be happy whichever way you go.

Sharon

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