Checking in, 15 months post-op

Jul 31, 2023

So, I just crossed the 15 month mark, and have been holding steady at 165 - just under 140 lbs from my high weight.  I've been holding steady since about May, and not worrying about logging my food, but still on the scale daily.

I have more "normal" food (aka carbs and a bit more fat) and eating a bit larger portions but far less than I had before.  I find myself experimenting to see what "works" with my rny and learning the hard way at times (too much fat/carb or too large a portion).  That said, I'm not gaining and hopefully can keep maintaining this time around.  I do worry that I'm not getting enough protein now that other foods are getting onto my plate, and I notice some hair loss recently, so I'm going back to "protein first" as much as possible.

That said, I've started conversations with plastic surgeons for a panniculectomy! It's time to take that "FUPA" off the front, after 30+ years of a belly.  

My surgeon assures me that I will qualify for the panniculectomy, but lipo on my upper abdomen won't be included, so I'm talking to a cash-pay surgeon she recommended to potentially have lipo on that area a few months before the panni (doing it after would just make me baggy again).

I'm also considering going back to my post-op eating style to see if I can whittle a bit more off in the next few months, but that would delay the surgery, since you need to maintain weight for 6 months before going in.  That wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.

I definitely have a LOT more anxiety about this surgery, as I've heard how painful the first few weeks are.  I really didn't have a lot of pain with the RNY, although the band removal was worse the first few days.  I probably should stop watching the panniculectomy vlogs on youtube as it doesn't really help my anxiety, and I know from my own experience with my bariatric surgeries that there's a wide variety of experiences with pain/healing and there are a good amount of people who love the drama and attention.  Not discounting their experience in the least, but I need to temper my anxiety somehow.

Much to consider. For now, I'm sticking with my plan and meeting with the lipo surgeon in a few weeks to see what she thinks about my 2-step approach, and whether it really would leave me with a lot of pudge on my upper abs if I didn't do the lipo.

Long term, I'll consider whether I want cash pay surgery for my thighs and arms (they're pretty saggy too).

Much to think about...

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