A year and a half later after surgery...

Ok, so maybe its not the ideal "Bikini Body", but I don't think I've ever been happier with myself. I had gained a little bit of weight over the last few months, but I knew I really wanted to rock a 2 piece this summer. I have been going to a local MMA class and busting my ass to lose some blubber for the summer. I really couldn't be happier with the results from my surgery but the toning from class has made all the difference. It's a good thing I took before and after pictures in this bathing suit or I never would have realized what a huge difference there is in my body.

If you notice. the top is a "midkini" and comes down about 1.5 inches from the bust line. I had to get a top like this to cover my upper abdomen because the Dr who did my Tummy Tuck left a very noticeable and embarrassing roll of fat right under my breasts, on top of my rib cage- which has made getting rid of it nearly impossible. The next adventure I am planning is going to happen this December when I get a breast lift and augmentation, and Vaser Lipo to correct the stubborn fatty deposit on my upper abdomen that was never addressed during the TT surgery. Despite a few imperfections, still the best decision I have ever made.

Down to 166 lbs. now, and I was down to 162 lbs at my lowest. I am shooting for 147 lbs as my final goal weight though. Im happy I have been able to maintain my weight for so long and that Im still in this healthy frame of mind. Once this semester is finally over and I have more time, I am going to head back to the gym 5 days a week and start up weight loss mode again. Can't wait :)

Hello friends,

Just a quick update. I had scar revision done about about 2 months ago on the front of my belly where the incision opened up and scarred over (see photos), and my right hip where it was bulging out. The bulge was due to the sides being uneven, not swelling like my Dr originally thought, so he said he had to take extra tissue and that it looks like I could use a little more lipo. Thats not going to happen any time soon though, unless he's going to pay for it bc I certainly can't afford any corrective surgery. The scar in the front and on the side where I was re-opened and re-stitched is much darker than the rest of the scar, naturally, because it hasn't had as much time to heal. I still notice my right side bulges out much more than my left side. I don't love the fact that the fat distribution is uneven like that, it's pretty noticeable in clothes. The scar on my belly button shows a lot more than other people's I've seen; mine is dark and looks like a purple circle was drawn around my actual belly button, plus there is a keeiloid on the side which adds to the weirdness of its shape and appearance. I also don't love the two fat pockets that were left at the top of my abdomen right over my rib cage; it turns into a roll when I sit down and in pictures it is very noticeable. I guess wearing a bikini is still out of the question lol.

Overall, I am very happy with my decision to have the skin removed from my belly. I wish maybe my doctor had paid a little more attention to detail with regard to symmetry, but it is what it is. I'll take a flat belly over that old hanging belly any day of the week.

My weight is down to 169 lbs, so I've officially lost 106 lbs to date! This is the lowest I've ever been. Still wearing size 12 pants mostly, but I was able to get into a few 10's. Im okay with that :) It probably would have made me feel better when I was heavier to know that even if I was of a healthy, average weight my hips would always be too wide to ever be a "small size".

Check out my new pictures =)