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Well, I got the second (2nd) denial letter on Tuesday (August 23, 2011).  I am sad about that, but I told myself with the first effort to get approved that if I was denied, I would not appeal the decision.  Yet, when I did get the first deniel letter, I did make the decision to appeal it.  So with this 2nd denial, I'm going to let it rest.  I believe that there may be a deeper reason for why this surgery should not happen at this time.  In the past when I've done anything regarding surgeries - especially as the result of my wls - I've never had a problem with denials, delays, etc.  So this is letting me know - DON'T PUSH IT!  If it was meant to be, it would have sailed through like all of the other times that I got authorizations for the surgeries.  My main concern was to be able to have the left arm revision and thigh lift done at the same time.  So since that will not be the case right now, if I still want to have the thigh lift done in the future, I will most likely have to become a "paying" patient.  Even with that, if it's to be, I believe that everything will be available to me.  Who knows, perhaps another ps is supposed to perform this particular surgery.  There are SO many reasons that the Lord (I believe in Divine intervention), may be bringing about this delay!  I've definitely learned that "Delay does NOT mean, Denial".  I believe that one day, I will get this done!!!  :o)

In the meantime, I will now wait for the approval of the left brachio revision, and move forward.  I pray that this time all will come out with the best AND FINAL possible results!!!  I know it will happen!!!  I can't wait to get it over with.  My current plans are to have this surgery around Thanksgiving.  That will give me time to get use to my new little granddaughter, Madison - aka Maddie.  :o)  In addition, Sabrina will still be off work with the baby, and would be some help to me in my recouperation period.  It's all going to work out for my good.  :o)  Plus, I'll have beautiful arms for the holidays.  I'm not saying that I'll every wear anything sleeveless, but my arms will match in size and I'll definitely be able to wear the sheer sleeves that are on the dressy outfits around Christmas time.  The appearance of my upper arms will not be one fat and one skinny!  Yeayyyyyyy!  Thank you Dr. M!!!  Your'e the BEST!!!  :o)

Well until the next time I post, today is my BEST day!  I'm alive and breathing.  I'm happy and satisfied in my spirit!  All is well with my world!  Yes!!!

I found out that my jpeg pictures are too large, and I'm not savvy enough to know how to change it.  SO!  If you want to see my smiling face, you'll have to go into my profile!  I plan on downloading more later. 

Well...I'M OFF TO VIVA LAS VEGAS FOR VACATION!!!!  YAAAYYYYYYY!!!  WHO KNOWS...MAYBE I'LL HIT THE BIG POT AND HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO "PAY" FOR A FABULOUS NEW BODY!!!   WELL...maybe just a little nip and tuck here and there!  But in the meantime, I'm going to enjoy being able to walk up and down the strip, visit the malls, and all without huffing and puffing, or screaming knee joints!  HALLELUJAH!!!  THANK YOU JESUS!!!

I'll post my highlights upon my return!

Enjoy life and remember...Today is your Best day!!!

God bless,
Rose

Well, I got part of it right.  I still don't know how to downsize for the avatar picture, but that's ok.  At least now people can see what I look like!  Yes!!! I'll add more when I can get a good picture of me full length!   Okay...here we go....

Well, here I am - doing pretty good actually!  I really have no particular complaints at all.  I've been trying to stay on track, and admittedly, it's not always easy.  I just do the best that I can everyday.  Since my surgery, I've come to look at life in a much different way.  I try not to use certain words anymore...i.e. "failed, failure, messed up, etc.".  I've come to know that even if I do something a little "different" than I should have, I don't set myself up by using words that tear me down emotionally.  I just "encourage" myself that I'll do something different IF it happens again!  I try to include all aspects of life in my daily living.  By that I mean that if I see something that I want, I've learned to do it, eat it, etc., but not allow it to "control"  or "dictate" to me like I did before.  I'm in control of my life.  I allow what I want - not the other way around.  It's such a liberating feeling to know that I'm living a wonderful "new life again"!

At this time, I'm awaiting  to hear from the insurance company to find out if my appeal letter will get a thumbs up for my thighplasty.  Either way, I'm going to have another revision to my left arm (this being the last time), to try and get it to look more uniform in appearance to my right arm.  I've never truly been pleased with either arm from the original brachioplasty surgery.  When problems developed with my original plastic surgeon (long story), being desperate to have my horrible arms done, I settled with having it done by my wls surgeon.  He saw my disappointment and knew how bad my arms were and I know that he honestly wanted to help me out.  I have to admit, I was one of his "first" patients, (he was newly certified when he did my brachio).  Somehow, I'd hoped that being  one of his first patients, I'd be a success.  Sadly that was not true.  I guess as they say, "practice makes perfect".  I must say however, that with how badly my arms were (each upper arm 24"+ around), they were a lot smaller after the 1st surgery.  They ended up being 14" on the right and about 16.5" on the left.  Better, but definitely NO cigars.  I prayed and prayed that the left arm would shrink to the size of the right, but it NEVER happened.  However,  I can't let it go without saying that I'm thankful for the attempt that my wls surgeon made trying to help my arms to look better.  Finally 1 1/2 yrs later, I found another great ps who wanted to try and correct the problem.  I was (and still am) very delighted that my new ps saw hope in getting my arms to look the same.  After the first try, they still didn't quite match up.  BUT, being the trooper that he is, he said that he would not give up - and he hasn't.  Six weeks ago, he did some lipo (if fact, I've had lipo twice), in preparation for having one last brachio revision on my left arm in the next couple of months.  He's such an awesome ps.  I would have just said "whatever", but he said "No, I'm going to make it right".  Sshhhhhh...I think he's a little bit of a "perfectionist", but for me that's a good thing!!! LOL!  He's the BEST!  At this point, I'm waiting to find out if I have been approved for the thighplasty, which he will do at the same time.   If the thighplasty is denied again, then I'll just go ahead and have the revision to my arm and maybe try for the 3rd and last time to get my thighs done at a later date.  I do have a lot of problems with lots of hanging, saggy skin, the chaffing, infections, and irritations with my thighs.  As a result, for the past 7 years, I have NOT gone without wearing some type of "spanx" type knee-length garment - DAILY - literally and I'm NOT lying to you!  Even when I go for my walk at work sometimes if the weather is warm, which is most of the time in California, I will sweat in my garment which is a bit uncomfortable until I "dry out".  {{{Sighing}}}!!!  Oh well, like I read from an earlier poster this morning, I'd rather live with some of these "post-op" problems than with the "pre-op" co-morbidities and problems I had.  This is a much better trade-off, thank God! :)

I pray for all who are getting ready to travel this road.  I've learned over the years that it is definitely NOT a quick fix.  I've read of most of the different types of surgeries (and perhaps if it was available to me at the time of my surgery, I might have chosen a different wls procedure); however, I have read and learned that, they ALL have some pros and cons - EVERY ONE OF THEM!!!  The main thing is to develop a new life style change that will be followed for life!  New habits that will keep me at my best health for the rest of my life!  Will I limit my carbs to zero? NO!  Will I cut out all fat? NOPE!  Will I stop eating sugar? BIG NOPE!!!  Will I exercise EVERYDAY?  Nawwww!  BUT!!! I will do my VERY BEST to live with BALANCE!!!  A little give and take here and there - but with balance!  I feel that without an obesity problem, this is how I would have lived my previous life!  Oh yes...some days I still have to battle the obesity demons in my thoughts ...remembering where I came from, with a panic and fear of going back!  Then I stop myself.  To live with THOSE FEARS will make me loose balance and start doing ridiculous things - like eating lettuce all day, for fear of gaining an ounce!  RIDICULOUS!!!  No...I won't live like that either!  Balance is the key!!!  Balance in every area - enjoying and embracing my New Life! 

On the 9th of this month - August -  it will be my 7th year surgiversary!!!  The number 7 has so many wonderful and significant meanings - especially Biblically!!  One of the meanings is COMPLETION!!!  I say I've completed the horrible season of Obesity in my life - NEVER TO RETURN AGAIN!!!  Hallelujah!!!  That cycle is BROKEN - FOREVER!!!  It's over and done with!!!  YES!!!  I'm free of the weight, and I'm living a life of good health and freedom.  I'm remembering the past, enjoying the present, and  SO looking forward to my future!!!  YES!!!  I thank God for this wonderful opportunity and 2nd chance that He's given me.  I've lost 156 pounds total, and I've kept it off!!!  I am SO proud of myself, and my family and friends are proud of me as well!  I believe that I've been a great example to those that I've mentored and I've always been open to share my experience with anyone who has asked me about the surgery and my life after wls.  Unfortunately, I've also experienced the sadness when someone that I've mentored took on the selfish and snooty attitude, once they lost the weight, thinking that they were "ALL THAT" - literally acting booshy and as if they didn't "know" me.  To bad that those attitudes make them look so Ugly, instead of the beautiful person that they think (yes THINK) they've become!!!  We ALL know that it feels wonderful to be and wear a smaller size, to buy smaller more beautiful clothing, to feel so much more energetic, and to do things that we haven't been able to do in years!  Not to mention the "high" of not having to take a handful of pills everyday!  BUT, please, KILL the ATTITUDE!  It doesn't "Look Good" on you!!!    Pun definitely INTENDED! 

Well...I think I've gotten caught up now.  I pray that my next post will be with the wonderful news of getting the approval for my thighplasty.  If not, I do so appreciate being able to have been approved for my previous procedures - panni, breast lift, brachioplasty, and brachio revisions!  I will NEVER stop praising God for how blessed I truly am!

Until next time...Today is my BEST day -  and you be blessed as well!
Always,
Rose

So then....here I am....updating my profile.  I guess, I've been a bit bombed out lately.  I just had my 57th birthday - WITHOUT MY MOM!  She's been in Heaven for 9 months now.  My emotions are all over the place right now.  I miss her as if she's been gone for years, yet I feel like it was only yesterday that I spoke with her last.  The emotions of grief does not always make sense!  I realize  that I will NEVER stop missing her, but I do wish that my heart would start to feel better.  It always feels like it's breaking!

On another topic, I'm still doing post-op visits with my surgeon for my left arm.  Another let down.  I just don't know what to do about this arm continually healing larger than the right arm.  At this point, it's STILL about 1 1/4" larger than my right arm.  Although I see the frustration on my surgeon's face, he continues to encourage me that he will not give up until it's right.  I must say that it's very 'noticable', otherwise I'd just say 'leave it alone and I'll live with it'.  He knows how disappointed I am with the whole thing.    BUT, if he won't give up on my arm, then I sure as heck shouldn't! 

As far as the BL goes, all is well there.  I didn't get any augmentation, so it's all my own flesh.  I do believe that a little more "fullness" would have looked better, and lifted the nipples to a bit perkier stance, but  I didn't have enough fat to push up and accomplish that feat.  Overall, the 'after' is amazingly beautiful compared to the 'before'.  I don't have to shake, shift, and adjust to get the girls into the cups any longer.  They just 'sit' right in place and it's a done deal!  I just LOVE it!!!  Also, what can I say about going bra-less in tee shirts.  OMG!  I just love it!  I don't even need to wear a bra at all.  They sit so nicely.  Now I'm not one to GO bra-less......but if I did, I COULD!    I just love them.  Thank You, Dr. "M"! 

Oh my, I can't believe that I'm already coming up on my 7th year!  Yep, that's right.  I had my Rny  August 9, 2004.  Thank You Jesus!!!  This has been an amazing journey.  It was the best thing that could have happened to me!  I totally feel that I am a great success.  I lost a total of 176 pounds.  I haven't been over-weight all of my life, so I am VERY happy to have lost enough weight to gain my good health back after years of being a super morbidly obese woman!  While I'd still love to loose a few more pounds, right now I'm in awesome shape.  I exercise 4 to 5 days a week and feel great!  I love the size(s) I'm in - 8 -14 (mostly 12's) depending upon the designer.  Isn't that crazy though?   But almost EVERYONE thinks I'm way smaller and speaks often of me being "skinny".  Sshhh...come closer... ...I think it's the collars bones and neck muscles showing!  But, hey...I'll take  ALL the compliments!    Seriously though, this is the happiest (and healthiest) I've been in years, and I thank God for His wonderful Blessing!  At the end of the day, I Very happy in my skin - wrinkles and all!!!!  Even my wrinkles are healthy now. 

God bless you all - everyone of you!  I pray that those who are seeking to gain control of your good health, that God will grant you success - no matter what stage of this journey you now find yourself - beginning, middle, or end!  Hmmm???  Is there ever really truly an end stage???    To be continued.......

God bless and I love you all!
Today is my Best day - that's my stand and I'm sticking with it! 
Hugs... ~ Rose

Well...well...well - I am Well and doing wonderful!!!  It's been a little over a month since I last updated.  Since then, I had some lipo to my left arm, and had the little dog ears repaired on the inside and outside of my left breast.  My left arm is still extremely sore, and it also has some swelling in it - so it's still larger than my right arm.  I'm trying my very best to not get disappointed at this time.  Admittedly, I'm very tired of dealing with this left arm - trying desperately to have it slightly resemble my smaller right arm.  To a small extent, although I may not call it a "nightmare", but I sure will call it a "bad dream"!  :(  My "dream" was to simply have the Huge batwings removed from both arms, and move on in life!  Since that dream, I have had 2 revisions and 1 lipo procedure to that same arm!!!  Sickening!!!  Although I would that my right arm was shaped as nicely as some of the arms I've seen post-op, I can live with it as it is now.  I asked my surgeon (who had the stressful job of trying to 'fix' my left arm), if he'd like to throw me back into the "crab bucket"!  But the sweet, wonderful, and generous surgeon that he is, said "Absolutely NOT"!  I truly love and owe my ps a great debt of gratitude!!!  I think he wants more than I do (well maybe not MORE) to get my arms to match in size! 

I'm still wearing the compression garment day and night.  I was released to start exercising again, including using the light hand weights, and I resumed that this week.  Today marks the 2 week point since I had the procedures done.  I have a post-op appointment today, and I will get my arm measured today to see if there is any changes at all.  I sure hope so, if for only a bit of encouragement!  Lord please!!!  Last Friday when the sutures were removed, I didn't realize until later that evening, but a little area on the inside corner incision line under my breast pulled open.  I was horrified at first. I taped it close after applying topical antibiotic cream.  I called my surgeon on Saturday morning and he said that I was doing everything correctly and to come in and see him on Monday morning.  By the time I went in to see him, the incision was already closing up.  It looks like the line will continue to heal without any problem, and that there will not be a bad scar.  I'm so happy about that!!!

This journey has been one of amazement, and full of many ups and downs.  All and all, although I may change a couple of things - namely the original surgery to my upper arms performed with a more qualified surgeon; but for the most part I would do it all over again the same way!  All of my surgeons have been great in their own individual fields of expertise!  I'm very happy that I'm healthy after loosing over 157 lbs. in approximately 6 1/2 years.  I feel good in my skin - even though some of that skin is Very loose and flabby.  I just say that I'm "fluffy", and since my precious beau doesn't mind and has said that he loves touching my skin, then I'm very happy!  Now that's Not to say that some day in my future I may want to go ahead and have my thighs done and my tummy revised; but again, for now I'm happy with me and who I've become after wls!  I'm wearing size 8, 10, 12's and some 14's - all depending upon the brand, style and sometimes even the time of day I'm wearing them.  Lol.  Today, I'm wearing size 10 two piece and jacket!  I honestly don't expect to take this 56 year old body down to a size 4.  That would NOT be a 'nice looking' place for me to be.  Right now, I'm loving the look of my toned neck and collar bones under my blouses.  Although I have a little tummy, spanx does a very good job of taking care of that AND my thighs!!  Yeaahhh!!!  I look great in slacks and one of my most recent 'WOW' moments came when I pull out my brand new boots that I've had under my bed for approximately 2 years because they wouldn't come up over my thick calfs!  WELL GUESS WHAT?  I've been wearing ALL FOUR (4) pair since last month!!!!  They all pull right up with no problem! AWESOME!!!  :)

All I can say is what a wild, wonderful and awesome journey this has been for me!  This year I will celebrate 7 yrs wls.  Tears of Joy want to slide right down my face right now, but they can't - at work with no more mascara!  Lol!  But God knows that I am happy, happy, happy, and I give Him All the Glory for taking care of me through this journey!  Thank You Jesus!

So I say, to everyone, God bless you at whatever stage you are presently at in your journey.  Just keep the faith and don't give up hope - NO MATTER WHAT!!!  I'm a living witness that it does work!  My many prayers for your victories and successes!

God bless,
Rose
***Today is my BEST DAY!!!

So...it's been awhile...yeah??? Well I guess it's because I've just been busy.  Anyway, I knew that it was time for a little update.  So here goes...

We made it through Thanksgiving - missing Mom more than ever.  But like I wrote in my personal journey, we missed her physcial presence, but her precious loving spirit was represented in every dish and every bite that we took.  She taught us all how to make those recipes, and I think we outdid ourselves this time - making sure to prepare each dish to perfection just as she would have liked it.  Oh yes...I had my mini-breakdown on Sunday morning after Thanksgiving.  I allowed myself to weep deeply for her - longing to feel her touch, smell her scent, kiss her soft fluffy cheeks, and Lord - just to see that beautiful bright smile that would make the sun back-up and shy away!  That was Mom, aka Bigmama!!!  Well, after about 15 minutes of out-pour, I felt so much better.  I looked at her picture and smiled - now I was ready to get dressed for church!

Well now for the update on {{{{mmmeeeeeeeee}}}}!  Ok, I'm doing very well - even dropped a few more pounds that I'm ecstatic about.  Uh huh...this morning my scale grinned up at me and said "167"!  Hallelujah!!! Yes!!!  {{{clapping hands}}}!  Awesome!  Now all I need to do is stay on the downward trend.  I think I've had the 165 goal for months.  I've gotten so close, but only close - never quite hitting that mark.  Hmmmmm...dare I say it?  Dare I say that I just might make it this time???  YES...I'm going to say it - I'm going to speak it out loud!  I AM GOING TO GET TO MY GOAL AND I'M GOING TO MAKE THAT 165 MARK THIS TIME!  YES!  I'M GOING TO DO IT!  I'M GOING TO DO IT!  I'M GOING TO DOOOOOOOOOOOOOO IT!!!

Alright...settling back down now, here's the rest of the update.  After my last appointment with my ps, after the 1st of the year (2011), I'm going to have some lipo done to the left arm to see if we can't get it closer to the size of the right arm.  I'm wondering if it will give me another little "batwing" of hanging skin, but at this point I really don't care.  If in the sleeves of my blouses and jackets, both my arms finally look the same size, that's all I'm concerned with.  In addition to the lipo, he's going to excise the little dog ears (skin flap) on both ends of my incisions under the left breast. The right side turned out really great.  These procedures will be done onsite at his office in his procedure room (which looks like an operating room in the hospital). :)  They will be done under a little local pain medication - either Lidocain or something similar.  I was told it will take all of approximately 2 hours and I'm done.  AWESOME!!!  I'm so thrilled about this.  I'd hoped that I could have had it done before Christmas since I'll have a week off from work, but if has to be done later that's ok too.  Just so that it's done.  :^)

Speaking of Christmas holidays, I'm always to last minute person - and I still hold that "title" this year. :*(  Oh well, it is what it is.  I'll get there.  I think this year, my family is realizing the very true meaning of Christmas; the main being the birth of our Lord and Savior , Jesus Christ, and then also, that it's all about loving each other and expressing that love each and everyday that we share together - understanding that at any day or time things can changed drastically!!!  All of my gifts this year will not be the same old thing.  I've decided to give from my heart of love - putting thought into every decision made...even crafting some of the items myself.  Well, that's the plan.

I pray blessings for all you!  This year was phenomenal - even amidst the trials, challenges, adjustments, changes, and sadnesses and "new normals".  I can say that I'm still blessed to be here - 156 lbs. lighter, 8 sizes smaller, better health, happier heart, with a great big brighter smile!  All who are anticipating this journey, the key is to stay focused and determined.  Don't loose heart - no matter what comes your way - lost paperwork, slow processed paperwork, hard-to-deal-with office workers, un-sympathetic office workers, and even denials!  DON'T LOOSE HEART!  Be patient and hang in there.  Remember the story of the Tortoise and the Hare! :)  Persistence is the Key to your ending your race/journey in victory!!!  I'm living in that VICTORY EVERYDAY!!!  :)

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanza - or whatever your celebration may be!!!  Always remember that...Today is your (and mine) BEST day!  Today is the best Present ever!

God bless you all,
Rose

I can't believe that I didn't post at least once in October.  I guess it was a very busy month. 

Well...here I am.  I'm 3 1/2 months post-op after BL and left arm brachio revision.  I'm mostly happy with the breast lift.  It was a good experience - not much pain to make note of at all.  It was a pretty easy recovery.  Both breasts have "settled" and dropped into place.  They look SO much better than before, but although I honestly am not a knit-picky person, I still wish that they looked a little more natural - not quite as boxy.  Also, I didn't have implants so going in I knew that they would not have the "perfect" look and honestly, I didn't really want a perfect look - just a natural look.  But truly, I do like them A LOT!  I love the way I look in my bras and tops.  I love not having to push and tuck them in my bras.  I love not having to bend over and try to make sure that the "former" tubes were "sitting" in right.  I love not feeling that itchy feeling because there was moisture in between the "folds".  Oh yes, there is a lot to love about having the lift!!!  I'm so thankful that I was approved for it, even though there were other issues that were at the root of me being able to have this done.  All is well in the end!  Thank You Jesus!  :)

Now the left arm is quite another story altogether.  I'm not happy here at all.  My surgeon and I just don't know what the issue is.  This is the 2nd "Revision" for pete's sake!!!  Why can't this arm cooperate???  It's still a little over an 1" larger than the right arm.  I just don't get it.  I know that I'm told to still give it some time, but with my experience, I already KNOW that it's done what it's going to do and it is not going down any smaller.  I am SO disappointed with this.  My surgeon has been so great and he's determined to get it the same size as my right arm.  I have to admit that I'm a little apprehensive to keep messing with it - even as badly as I want it to be the same size also.  I've seen where there are times when patients have had issues with Lymphodema after having surgery in the upper body.  Something about the lymph glands not flushing the fluids out of the body and becoming a long term issue.  As much as I don't want to say it, I'm wondering if this is a "leave well enough alone" situation.  I would be devastated to have something go wrong and end up battling the lymph gland problem.  What I'm going through now would be nothing compared to dealing with that type of problem.  So what do I do?????  Lord help me with this.  My desire (with a great possibility) is to get married soon, and the dress that I'd like to wear is gorgeous.  One of the things that I loved is the sheer wrist length sleeves.  The size of my arms will definitely be noticable and especially if one is larger than the other.  I don't want to find another dress.  My mom loved that dress when I showed it to her just prior to her passing away.  It's heart-breaking enough that she won't be there - especially since she's the actual person who brought my love and I together.  Now to NOT be able to wear the dress would hurt me even more.  I must move away from this conversation for now.  I'll revisit later - after my appt. with my surgeon this coming up Thursday.  I pray for a great report.

Ok, I'm determined more than ever to get these last few pounds off of this body.  I'm increasing my protein intake through shakes.  I'm going to try to do 2 each day.  I was reading something that one of my OH friends wrote last week.  She said that even with increased exercise, the way to truly help with getting those pounds off is to definitely watch the carb intake and increase the protein intake.  That's exactly what I'm going to do.  Perhaps finally by Christmas, I can say that I finally met my goal.  :)

Overall, I wouldn't trade that last 6 years for anything.  It's truly been a blessing to have good health, while feeling and looking good!  Hallelujah!  I thank God for guiding me to make this decision everyday.  I have NEVER looked back.  Oh there have been times when I've felt a little tired (as in right after surgery going through the whole adjustment thing), but I've never regretted my decision for one second - that I can remember!!!  My true goal and endeavor is to stay in a place of good health, and never go backwards.  I have to challenge my mind everyday to do the right thing, and that includes eating correctly, drinking correctly, moving my body when it doesn't feel like it, taking my vitamins, and keeping a very positive mind-set and outlook on everything - especially my future.  I want to be, first and foremost, a success; and secondly a great encouragement to those who are in the place (and body type) that I used to be in.  I totally understand their delimna, their emotions, their struggle, and their determination to get to a better health and life!  My prayers are with YOU!  God bless you!

Always remember, as I do, that Today is our BEST day!  Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is not promised.  What we do in this day...Today is what will create our future results...good or bad!

Much love and blessings to all,
Rose

Ok...here I am!  I'm 8 weeks post-op after left arm brachio revision, right arm brachio "tweek", and breast lift!  I still have some swelling on my left side.  I'm still healing in all areas.  Although I'm coming along, I still have to realize that my final results are not going to be realized for at least another 4 to 8 months - according to most folks time calculations.  Hmmmm...so patiently I wait.  Nothing else to do.

The wonderful thing is that with my breast lift, I have wonderful sensation.  I was worried about numbness and not having any feeling, but I don't have to worry about that.  Thank you Jesus! :)  As for the arms, it's just a wait and see approach. At this point, like I said, I still have some swelling, but also at this point, my left arm is still visibly larger than my right - after 3 surgeries.  It also measures about an inch larger right now.  So, we'll see what happens.

On the personal home front, I'm still "madly" in love with my wonderful best friend!  He is so awesome. We celebrated our 2 yr. "madly in love with my best friend" anniversary this past Monday.  Wow - 2 years.  Honestly, I'd hoped for more to be going on by now...say a marriage or something?  Oh well, it's all about timing, and we're enjoying ourselves and each other.  The rest will happen natually when it's time.  It's helped me to not worry or fret about it any longer.  I'm maturing in this relationship, and he's feeling less pressured! :)

I'm still missing my mom something terribly since she went home to be with the Lord this past June.  I even cried last night.  I'm crying because I haven't (and probably never will) finish the grieving process over my mom, and now my dad is having major issues - being hospitalized for almost 4 weeks now.  I'm so sad for him and my heart breaks that he is going to this with his health issues and he's still grieving over mom also.  I pray so hard for God to bless my dad and my family.  We truly need a break!  Mom and now dad always say - it's in God's time and victory will come!  I thank God for my parents and for allowing me the priviledge of being called their daughter - their oldest daughter!!!  I love them dearly!

Well, that's my update for now.  I'll be in touch again soon...

Always remembering that Today is my BEST day!  Best regards to all those anticipating and walking this path today or in the future!

Be blessed,
Rose - experiencing "New life again"! :)

Good morning OH family and friends!  I thought that it is time for a short update since my last round of plastics. 

Well, I'm doing very good for being only 3 1/2 weeks out from my brachio revision and breast lift.  I still have slight pain, sometimes "shooting" where the nerves are trying to re-connect.  I also have some numbness in the areas of the incisions.  For the most part, my little girl on the right side is doing awesome.  Her incision line are hardly even noticable, and the areola is just beautiful.  Now Precious on the left side is a slightly different story, although it's not her fault.  Since I had a brachio revision and there is a lot of swelling there, it has also affected Precious.  She's still swollen and her incision lines are still scabbed over and there are sutures that are wanting to poke out, and a variety of things going on.  I feel more pain with her than the other.  Nevertheless, my awesome surgeon says that both girls and my arm are looking very good.  Now with the arm, there has been some "delayed" healing there and the incision line wants to break down in some areas.  I am on a 3rd round of antiobiotics, and I'm also applying a medicated strip to the incision line prior to wrapping with gauze and the compression wrap.  My right arm turned out nice and small, but my left arm has also been about 2 inches larger.  I'm praying so hard that this time will be the final surgery to get both arms closer in size.  I've had 2 surgeries on the right side and now 3 on my left side.  I just do not want to go through this again.  If my left arm still isn't small enough to closer resemble the right arm after my final healing this time, I will suggest only lipo to help get better results.  I'm not going back through another surgery under general anesthesia for this arm.  That's too much for me.  As I stated earlier, my surgeon is so awesome and determined to get me to a place where I am very pleased with my final results.  I love him for that. 

I've learned some very valuable information during this season of my life - my wls experience.  A great deal of going through this transformation also affects my emotional state of mind.  There are some things that do not bother me as much as others.  For instance; my thighs are terrible but am I that concerned about them? No.  I still have a pouchy little muffin top after having the panniculectomy, but am I dying to have a full tummy tuck with muscle tightening? Not!  I mean honestly, if say someone came to me and said I'm going to pay for you to have every corrective surgery that you want to have done; then yes - I probably jump at that chance.  Now, when it comes to some of the more obvious things like the arms, or areas where infections may be a problem, i.e. under the belly flap and breast area, then that must be done.  Now, with that all being said, I'm very happy at where I am right now.  I want my arm to completely heal.  In the end I pray to God that it with all the swelling gone, it will be the same size (or no noticable difference anyway) as the right arm.  In the end I pray that "precious" looks as smooth as her sister and that they both turn into beautiful gems with all scars faded nicely. 

Those are my desires and goals at this point in time.  Honestly, I don't ask for much.  Never really have.  Life is too short to be unhappy about anything.  I learned THAT painful lesson when the dearest, most valuable thing in my life left me - MY PRECIOUS AND AWESOME MOTHER!  I thought that my life would cease when hers ceased on June 7, 2010 @ 2:40 a.m.  That day is burned into my memory and I'll never forget it.  SO!  For now, I just want to be as healthy as I can, and use my God given time wisely and live it with great joy and happiness!  I want everyday filled to the fullest with blessings that I may find in the simplest of places.  I want to experience blessings and wonders in unexpected places!   I want to grow old with a great love sitting next to me, and with family, grandchildren, and friends close by laughing and enjoying the goodness of life.  I want to praise my Heavenly Father everyday for how Awesome He is to me and in my life!  I want to see my precious Mother again one day - when it's my time to go to Heaven!  That's not too much to ask for... 

Until next time...Today is my BEST day!!!  :)
Rose