Body Lift: Stories

I had a lapband placed 10/13/2008 and subsequently lost 150 pounds going from about 350 pounds to just under 200 pounds. I am a six foot tall, 57 year old male. I had excess tissue, resistant fat pockets, and skin laxity that I knew would never resolve with diet and exercise. While that lapband was a success, I didn't feel that the process was complete without addressing the poor body contours.

On 12/20/2010 I had a lower body lift (belt lipectomy) with abdominoplasty and medial thigh reduction. It was about a 7 hour procedure and I had a two night hospital stay - one mandatory and one that elected.

The anesthesiologists did a great job and I had an uneventful surgery and recovery with no nausea. The first day I stayed in bed and had little movement or appetite. I just wanted to relax. I had moderate discomfort and had a morphine pump that I could control if I need some meds. The second day I was disconnedcted from the pump and given percocet for pain which caused some nausea. I was moved from the bed to a chair and the getting out of bed was intensely painful. I though I would pass out from the pain. I spent the rest of the day and night in the chair. The third day I was disconnected from the IV and had my catheter removed. I spent the rest of the days being walked. I had to demonstrate that I could walk, eat, and urinate before I could be discharged.

I had four drains inserted and was given written discharge instructions and a demonstrations on caring for the drain. The first week at home I had limited activity and only got out of bet to use the restroom, empty my drains, and walk around as instructed for recovery. The second week was a little more active. I started to drive in the third week. The fourth week I was very sore, but could function normally. It took about six weeks to be close to normal. Each day things got better.

I had seromas on both legs and an opening on the abdomen that constantly drained, requiring me to wear absorbent pads. It was inconvenient. I also got a very antibiotic resistant infection in my thighs.

All things considered, I would to it again in a minute. I look better than anytime in my life. The surgeon was a genius and was able to give me a youthful, masculine contour that was better than I looked in high school! Was it painful and intense? Yes. I have scars that are apparent but slowing improving and easily hidden by the most brief of briefs. BUT, the results are so amazing that the cost in terms of money, discomfort, inconvenience, and scaring are unquestionably worth it.