I saw pics you posted .... you look great!!!! I have a consultation set with Dr M for April.... unfortunately I may have to cancel as an investment fell through that we were banking on. Plus my daughter is in 11th grade and helping with college is first priority. I am still taking a vacation to D.C. So we shall see....

I had a lower body lift, butt auto-augmentation and breast lift in one (all day) surgery. I was able to lay on my back for recovery. I slept in my bed with a wedge pillow behind me. Sitting up was very painful for a few days due to the abdominal muscle tightening, but I never had any pain around my incisions - in fact my butt and breasts never hurt a bit. Those stomach muscles though! WOWZA! lol

I had the same doctor as Gwen and Erin ;) We all adore him and I likely paid the same (though I don't remember).

My only advice as you do consults and get pricing...I found it imperative to go to a plastic surgeon who specializes in PS and body contouring after massive weight loss. The type of tummy tuck a person who lost 150 lbs needs is quite different than for someone who had 2 kids and can't lose the pooch. So keep that in mind as you shop around!

I definitely think having paid out of pocket for plastics helps keep me on the (mostly) straight and narrow. I mean, I don't want to be out all that cash and gain 100 lbs back.

There are a number of scientific studies out there that indicate it does. So I'm trusting those!

Insurance covered nothing for me and each of my procedures averaged about $7-8000 all total. The LBL counted as two procedures in terms of pricing.

That said, it varies significantly by area and surgeon.