Extended TT, Inner TL...The journey of recovery...
I am 56 years young and have finally decided that...
I am 56 years young and have finally decided that it is my turn to do something that I wanted to do for many years, no guilt, no going back. Just me and my journey for a better body.
Since I was 14 I have always been "chubby". Well chubby went to obese by time I was 20 then at 21 I had my only child and of course I had gain more weight. Back then there were some crazy diets, liquid protien, phen-phen you name it I was all about it. I did the yo-yo dance for years. My weight toped out at 305, yep, I was a little chubby for sure.
My late husband became ill and I it was my wake up call to better health. Took me 4 years of hard work to lose over 180 pounds. During this time he became better and was enjoying better heatlh. That was short lived and he died in 2000. Well, guess what??? yep I was on my way to becoming "chubby" again, but, not as bad and I got a handle on it quick. Lost the 50 pounds I had gained and have kept it off for more than 9 years. Kept telling myself it was ok to have a belly that sat on my lap, it was ok that my inner thighs felt like jelly rubbing together. I know ewww, but, it's true..
For the past two years I have been working my core, legs, upper body and while I have more definition in my calves and quads, there is still the turkey skin hanging between my inner thighs. My tummy looks like a Santa belly. No matter how many planks, what core work out I have done, all I have to show for it is a slight shadow of a hour glass shape, a fat pad laying right under my breasts and thick skin hanging on my hips. One morning while I was getting dressed I looked up and saw my body for the first time as it really is, a lot of skin, saggy skin and I just couldn't take it anymore. This is where my journey for the new body begins...
Thanks to this site and some very wise people who have been willing to share their experiences here and tips on what to look for in a PS, I was able to interview 7 different PS here in Scottsdale and Phoenix Arizona. I knew exactly what to ask and what answers I was looking for. Finally I found the PS for me.
I went to my consulation and the office staff were wonderful. All my questions were answered honestly and thoughtfully. My visit lasted 2 hours and it seemed as though I was only there for a few minutes. He marked my body to show me what he would do, how he would do it and then he said to me "You ust promise that you will do everything I tell you or I won't be able to help you". Now that was something no other had said to me... Well I called the next day, gave my deposit and have my surgery date set August 11 2011 at 7:30 in the morning!!
After reading others journey on this site, I decided rather than just reading, I will share my journey with the hopes that there are others who might read and learn as well.
Today I am on a mini vacation in CA.I wanted a little time to sit on the beach and visualize how my journey will play out..
My preop visit is set for Thursday July 28. I will upload my before pictures once I return home.
desertlady55's provider
Replies (2)
Hi Desertlady55,
Thank you so much for explaining your journey. This is what our site is all about, to share your experiences and vent about your struggles and let us see the new you!!
We are all looking forward to seeing your after photos and to experiences and to hear about your recovery! Please keep us in the loop. :)
Kate & the RealSelf community
Ok, so I am back from my mini vaca and I am so...
Today was my preop visit!!!!! I was feeling ok when I was on my way but by the time I walked through my PS office doors, I was feeling things I had not since I was a very youg woman. You that giddy, glding on air because you are doing something just for you and you know deep in your heart that you made the right choice. When I walked in I was greeted by Michelle, she was just as friendly as the first time I had walked through the doors. It was comforting to be welcomed so warmly. I need all the comfort I could get because reality was really setting in for me. I AM going to have a better body, flatter tummy and for once I will have a waist.
I was ok with everything until I had to have the before pictures taken, wow, what a mixed bag of feelings for me. It's hard enough for me to look at the saggy tummy skin and saggy turkey skin in my thighs not mention having someone who is so fit looking through the camera lens at my body. However, by the end od those pictures I was thinking "This is the last time I will have tummy and thighs looking as they do".
So all the instructions given, Rx written and droped off at the pharmacy. Now it's time to take each day, breathe deep and contniue to mark lists of to-dos.
I've read from many that they rented a hospital bed others have used a recliner. I am thinking of using a recliner.
I am making a grocery lists and thrying to think of make ahead meals for myself. Any suggestions? I have a small deep freeze that I can store things in as well.
Until the next time...
Replies (1)
I am very excited for you:) I do remember that feeling of walking in for my pre-op. I had a million butterflies in my tummy and was so excited.
And yes the dreaded pictures were not fun. But you will be glad to have them for after the surgery. It's great fun to compare from month to month and watch the amazing changes that take place in your body.
Keep posting:)
Ok, I took a deep breathe took some before...
Replies (6)
Please post your pics. I just put mine up and it was so difficult to do. But my body is what it is and I'm praying & believing for a good outcome and a whole new beginning.
My TT will be Aug 16 so we can go through this together!
I can so relate to how you felt being photographed. My PS and his PA have seen more than me than my boyfriend. ;) As I got into the operating room (walking), my gown was taken off, and my body was already marked. I had to stand on this little stage as my PS and PA painted (with a brush) iodine all over my naked fat body. Of course I turned to humor and asked did they help their wives baste the turkey on Thanksgiving. They were nice about it, but I was so ready to say goodbye to that belly!!!
You worked so hard to lose weight and keep it off, good for you! You are going to love the new you!Remember to stay away from foods with lots of sodium and also to get a stool softener.
One of my earliest memories was when I was 4 and going into an operating room to have my tonsils removed. I was embarrassed when they removed my gown and I was just in my underwear. I still remember the feelings it produced and that was 43 years ago!
Good for you:) It's wonderful that you are doing this for yourself. You deserve it after all the hard work you have put into getting healthy
We will all be here to help you celebrate your journey. Enjoy your mini trip and just relax for a while.
And hurray to you for researching 7 doctors. I did the same thing and so glad that I put all the extra work into it. Payed off well for me.
Keep us up to date.