“Baby Steps! 7 Weeks Post Op VTH - California”

55 Years old and have been fat for as long as I can remember. Highest weight was 259. For the last 3 years I've maintained 175-180 and am 5'8". So yes..I could stand to lose more. The majority of my weight is hips down. I have no leg shape they are tree trunks. 10 years ago I went from ps to ps searching for someone willing to do something to them and I was told they could do nothing. 5 years ago I flew to Texas and a doctor did lipo. Was happy at first cuz he basically debulked them to some extent which left me with swag drapes for inner thighs.

About 6 months ago I started searching again. Swimming over a mile every morning 7 days a week and no amount of exercise was going to make them better. Then I found Dr Agha - lots of before and after photos. Now I am 7 weeks post op a verticle thigh lift. Legs are still sore and I had some incision openings in the groin area but I've since learned that it happens frequently. Dr Agha also did some fat transfer to the buttocks (which I made clear to him that I had no interest in a big booty - been trying to have a small one my whole life) it was in preparation for the butt lift he will be doing 9/1 with a sprial thigh lift and tt. Until then I have a HUGE ASS!

Before surgery I wore a size 10. We are going on a Cruise Aug 11 and I have no clothes that I can fit in to. Oh well.. all a part of the journey. My butt will flatten out when he does the lift. After that I'll have my arms done and that's it.

It's been wonderful reading all the posts and gaining the encouragement and strength from all of you.

Keep 'em coming cuz it keeps me going!

I'll try and get some pic's posted soon.

Updated on 25 Jul 2011:
Hey all you anticipating a thigh lift or verticle thigh lift. Here is the list as promised.

1. Toilet seat Riser w/handles.
2. Absolutely! Do NOT - Do NOT use stairs.
3. Order a freshette at www.freshette.com
4. For a verticle thigh lift - have on hand 5X7" sterile pads and 4X4 gauze pads for dressing changes.
5. Tape - I prefer the cloth tape - alcohol to remove the goo left behind.
6. Steri-strips in case anything looks like it might pop open unless you don't mind endless weeks of packing with gauze 2X's a day like I have had to do:( Hate it!
7. I think a hospital bed or lift chair would be great if you can afford it. I've only found 1 rental place in Los Angeles for the lift chair. I 've read that most people who have a tt/tl prefer the chair lift.

Hope this helps!

Updated on 27 Jul 2011:
Went to see my Dr yesterday. Healing well now. Had a long discussion about my LBL on Sept 1. I have changed my mind and will have my arms done then and hold off for the big one in January for several reasons. I want to lose another 15 lbs prior to the LBL. My VTL was only 8 weeks ago and I am still healing and want to really feel strong when I have the LBL. Also, every year my husband and I go to Cabo in Nov for 10 days and I DON'T want to potentially jeopardize our time together there by an incision potentially opening. Not being able to swim etc etc. My arms aren't real bad and no doubt I'll be healed. Guess I am rambling. Sorry All!!

Updated on 4 Aug 2011:
Wow!!! Red banner day for me! Both groin incisions are finally closed and heald. 9 weeks post op today. I still have two openings mid thigh on my right leg. There were two small scabs that my Dr pulled off a couple of weeks ago and wanted me to pack them..Now 1 is about an inch long and 1/4" deep the other is about 1/2"X 1/4 " deep. After all I've gone through it seems like a piece of cake now. Been getting up at 4am to walk 2 miles before I start working at 5. Bummed I can't swim though.
I put on 6 pounds over the last 3 months and trying to get it off. Really want to lose another 15-20 before the LBL in Jan - which I know I will do!
Arms are next for 9/1 - hey atleast I'll be able to keep up the walking during recovery!

Updated on 1 Sep 2011:
Big Day tomorrow..Having my arms done! Talked the husband into going hunting for the weekend with his buddies. A sister/friend will be with me. Love her to death! She even took two days off work to be with me. We've been friends since elementary school. My husband absolutely stresses and then it stresses me. Besides he is very anal about pain meds. I can take 1 or 2 tables every 4 hours. If I take 1 and it does not do the trick he insists I wait until the 4 hour mark to take one or two more. Just don't want to deal with it. I want drugs and I want to sleep:) after surgery. Just hope I don't deal with anything opening under my arms. I've seen enough bandages and gauze over the last 3 months. Send prayers!

Updated on 6 Sep 2011:
Back home yesterday! Arm surgery went really great!!! Little sore but much better than anticipated. Dr didn't even put in drains cuz my arms weren't all that extensive. I look like a weight lifter the way I carry my arms but I am doing fantastic. I've had absolutely no swelling in my lower arms and hands. Doing so well that I got up at 4:00 am and walked two miles before starting work. LOVE the ARMS!!! Hope all you gals are doing well!