Round two of my transformation begins on Tuesday. After healing from my lower body lift, abdominoplasty & arm lift in April I'm headed back to the OR for a breast lift with implants and a thigh lift. As an avid lifter, I've opted for small over-the-muscle implants (255 cc?) that won't be a detriment to my workout routine. My legs are a different story...no amount of exercise seems to improve them. I have 17-inch calves which my surgeon tells me can't be changed because they're mostly muscle, but I'm hopeful that the thigh lift will at least allow me to comfortably wear shorts. Wish me luck...pics to follow! Updated on 6 Sep 2017: So I'm just now coherent enough to write a reasonably understandable post. My surgery was scheduled for 10 yesterday, but it was closer to 11 that things got underway. Dr. Rubin marked & photographed me, and all I remember was waiting outside the OR & then waking up in recovery. I wasn't in much pain upon waking, but, BUYER BEWARE, as I lie in the hospital bed now my thighs hurt so bad I cannot move them! My chest is wrapped & looks swollen, but any pain pales in comparison to my legs. I also had Vaser Lipo done on my chin, and other than the chin wrap there's no discomfort there. I'm going a bit stir crazy not being allowed to walk yet - they want 8 hours of bedrest first. So I'm looking forward to getting my catheter removed, and experiencing what I know will be sheer hell in my thighs upon standing. I'm not really understanding the schedule for my pain meds, because I'm not seeing nurses come around ever few hours; however, I will make certain that I am adequately medicated for walking tomorrow! I will say that resting is much easier this time versus the TT & LBL, but I'm pretty sure getting mobile in the morning will be brutal! Updated on 6 Sep 2017: Pain. Intense pain. Probably the most intense pain I've ever experienced. The nurse removed my catheter, and had me stand for the first time. My legs were on fire, and there are not words to describe the pain that was untouched by narcotics. My knee was in excruciating pain, which I found out later in the day was attributable to the drain placement...thankfully they may come out tomorrow. By evening I am walking (slowly lumbering to be more exact) up & down the hospital halls. It hurts horribly, but it gets a little easier each time. My breasts have not yet been unwrapped, but any pain is not noticeable compared to my legs. Cannot feel any pain from vaser lipo to chin except when palpitates Updated on 8 Sep 2017: My first full day at home has gone well. Every walk gets easier. Taking Keflex for an antibiotic and Norco for pain. All of my bathroom functions have returned to normal (hooray for no post-anesthesia constipation!); however, the position of sitting on the toilet is very painful. I don't have any swelling yet, but it really didn't start until about 7 days post-op with my LBL & TT. Relaxing this weekend, but headed back to my desk job on Monday. Updated on 10 Sep 2017: You know those huge masculine arms & shoulders that I worked every day to have? They have been my lifesavers. I can lower & move my lower body slowly and without putting undue pressure on my incisions. Getting mobile has become increasingly easier; however, assuming "the position" in the bathroom is still pretty uncomfortable (but infinitely easier than it was directly post-op). There has been no seepage from my incisions, but I do have some fluid leaking from around the drain sites. Left leg averages 20 ccs of fluid in a 12-hour period, and right averages 30 ccs. I've gone for several walks outside - I'm slow & awkward, but I know it's important to prevent blood clots & heal faster. My breast lift has been a non-issue. They are still hugely swollen, but the pain has been minimal. Same goes for my chin - the liposuction entrance is itchy, but otherwise fine. Updated on 13 Sep 2017: Went back for my first post-op today. One drain was removed (a hellishly painful thing!); however, one had to stay as it is outputting over 65cc during the 12-hour period during which I am on my feet. I'm able to now wear compression on my legs and a sports bra. Daily wrapping of the upper breast is now required to encourage the implant to settle. My legs are still sore, but everyday walking becomes a wee bit easier. I am very swelled in my abdomen & lower back area - almost as if my prior surgery areas have been aggravated by the most recent procedures. I am seriously depressed about my inability to exercise...it sort of feels like I'll never run again, but I know patience is required. I've been back to work a few times this week, and plan to put in a full 8-hour day tomorrow. Updated on 17 Sep 2017: Well, the idea that my thighs would heal with no openings went out the window this morning. On my right leg where the thigh incision connects to the groin there is a small opening - I noticed it when I did my pre-shower inspection. I'm not freaked out because I think this area is probably going to be very much like my armpit in terms of healing - It opened in a minor fashion several times when I was recovering from my arm lift. My breast lift & chin vaser are healing nicely - no worries there. Getting around, to be frank, sucks. I can walk now, but it's awkward, I can't hold my abs in correctly...I look like like an oompah-loompah. Updated on 21 Sep 2017: A bit over 2 weeks out. One thigh drain was removed a week out, but the other continues to put out 80-100cc in a 12-hour period showing no signs of decreasing. Swelling is less than what i had for lbl/tt, so I'm not sure what to make of it. Updated on 26 Sep 2017: The swelling is slowly subsiding - my drain is now putting out about 40-50ccs in a 12-hour period. I'm hopeful that will be enough to convince my surgeon to remove it at my next post-op tomorrow. And, the best part, when I'm not swelled, I can see muscles in my legs!!! Woohoo! Updated on 27 Sep 2017: This is my second round of plastic surgery, so I know that drain removal is more awkward than painful. My surgeon decided that it would be okay to remove my last remaining drain today. He flushed doxycy-something through the drain to help with tissue-muscle adherence - this burned & was painful behind the knee. As he began to pull the drain out there was a lot of resistance & pain, and then a small 'pop' inside my leg. I winced & when he attempted to pull again the drain wouldn't budge, and I was in sheer pain. He then flushed lidocaine into the drain to numb & pulled harder. After some 'pops' and then the feeling of a rubber band being stretched & broken, the pain kind of subsided & the drain was able to be pulled out. It appeared that the white/red elastic-type tissue had begun to grow around it. My leg is beyond sore tonight...today's experience may have been more traumatic than the surgery itself. This was certainly a complication if which I had never heard, and I hope anyone having this surgery can avoid it! Updated on 9 Oct 2017: Finally within the last week I’ve started to feel like the old me again. I started running again in 1 min walk/1min run intervals with no pain at all. I’m holding off on lifting for another week or so due to the breast lift. My scars are very similar to my arm lift scars - red & bumpy, but it took about 3 months for those to smooth out. I gained about 10 pounds in the no-exercise recovery period, but I’m righting that ship as we speak. I can wear jeans, sit Indian style, and kneel. Very low squatting is tough, but I have no doubt that range of motion will return with more exercise. Updated on 29 Oct 2017: Swelling is mostly gone. Some late day swelling in lower back & calves persist, but it’s manageable. I would like to lose fifteen more pounds, but it’s safe to say I’m an “After” who is reasonably happy with her body! If I can do it, anyone can! Updated on 30 Dec 2017: Yes, that’s swimwear! First time in 15 years! Updated on 30 Dec 2017: I have severe body dysmorphia which will probably never change. I still see a 250 pound woman when I look in the mirror. But common sense tells me that I should be happy with my results, and I think I can finally accept my body! Updated on 10 Jul 2018: I’m officially one year out from a lower body lift, arm lift, fleur de lis tummy tuck, breast lift & implants, chin lift, and thigh lift. ...and it’s 100% worth every pain, scar, and mental hurdle I faced along the way. When I weighed 250+ pounds 15 years ago, I never thought I would live to wear a bathing suit again in my life. Enter some diet willpower, a newfound love for running & weightlifting, and good old-fashioned plastic surgery, and...here I am in a size 4/6! I’m not quite as small as I was pre-surgery (I gained about 10 pounds during my sedentary recovery), but I don’t need to be as small to hide the extra skin. As a muscular 157 pound woman, I’ve finally learned to be happy with the body God gave me. I struggle everyday to maintain my weight: the desire for sugar has never waned for me, but I’ve learned that through moderation I can enjoy a treat everyday. Losing weight changed my life, and allowing the transformation to come full circle through the plastic surgeries is beyond my wildest dreams. I’m living proof that miracles happen, and there will never be a day that I will not be grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given to reclaim my body and my self worth.
When I was younger my breast was one of my best assets. You either had them or a Butt.. lol. Over the years my breast have really grown large and began to give me back and neck problems and lots of headaches. So April 2017 I finally decided it was time to get a reduction. So I made an appointment, there they took pictures. I never really complained of my issues so therefore my physician advised me to go to PT and and get a mammogram since I was over 40 that way it’s document for insurance approval. So I procrastinated ad got mammogram in February 2018 and that time they found 2 very small benign cyst in my right breast. At that time I was scared and unsure so I put it off again. So April 2017 I decided that I can do this so I called the office and scheduled my appointment for June 28th 2017. In May i ran into an old friend who had a breast reduction 2 years ago by the same doctor and her breast looks Awesome. So I decided to continue on with my scheduled surgery so I went back for pre op information. I was given scripts to get blood work done and approval from my pcp. I will let you know ow that turns out. Appointment is in 2 weeks. Updated on 10 Jul 2018: Arrived at hospital at 9:30 am, surgery was scheduled for 11:30am. Everything was going smooth. got my IV in my left hand . Surgery was pushed back til like 1:30, that’s when my dr came in to do my markings. Updated on 18 Jul 2018: Surgery was about 3 -3-1/2 hours long. I’m not sure how long I was in the recovery room but I remember just going in and out, wanting to close my eyes but at the same time wanting to see my family to let them know im done and I survived. Once my room was ready I was then wheeled up into my room where they kept me for 23 hours observation. I had lots of visitors I couldn’t wait til I was well enough to see what I looked like. Updated on 18 Jul 2018: I was scheduled to see my doctor 5 Days after surgery to have my bandages taken off, I was excited to see what was be hind them. I can honestly say that my journey has been very pleasant . I walked into the office and they were like when did you have surgery, you are look awesome. Then the time has came, the bandages are off, and I can honestly say that my girls are very nice.. I love them ???? Updated on 21 Jul 2018: I can honestly say this was a great experience throughout my process.
I am currently awaiting a lower body lift and arm lift following major weight loss. My surgery is scheduled for 1/24/17, and I've been told it's an 8 to 10 hour procedure. I'm looking forward to seeing the culmination of all my efforts to revamp my life in terms of diet and exercise...my swan moment awaits. Updated on 8 Jan 2017: Pre-op blood work is completed, and my final pre-op appointment is Wednesday. I'm looking forward to discussing my recovery outlook with my surgeon for several reasons. One of which is that I'm concerned about being able to return to my desk job in a timely fashion, the other is that I'm concerned about the muscle deterioration I know will occur once I'm forced to stop weightlifting during the recovery phase. Ready to make this change, but I would be lying to say that I wasn't nervous. Updated on 13 Jan 2017: Unfortunately PCP wasn't able to provide a clearance for surgery due to the fact that my blood tests indicated low vitamin D levels (5) and low thyroid levels (.02 TSH). I was prescribed a D supplement (50,000 unit) and my Synthroid dosage was adjusted (112 mcg). After 6 weeks I will repeat the blood tests, and if all is normal I will receive my clearance. Cheers to being an ugly duckling for another two months...everything happens for a reason. Updated on 10 Mar 2017: After adjusting my thyroid meds and taking a massive prescription vitamin d supplement for six weeks my blood work is normal. PCP has given me the proper clearance & I'm scheduled for April 25th! I've put on ten pounds due to stress from personal issues and work, so my goal is to eliminate the recent weight gain pre-surgery. Looking forward to seeing the results! Updated on 25 Apr 2017: Very sore & very loopy! Updated on 26 Apr 2017: Updated on 28 Apr 2017: This procedure is incredibly painful...no mincing of words whatsoever. It is literally learning to maneuver in a new, tight, and very sore body. The pain meds are necessary to function. Slowing down is necessary to function. I am in great physical shape, and the combined LBL and arm lift has figuratively brought me to my knees. I was discharged from the hospital today, but must keep ab binder & arm wraps in place until my check up next Wednesday. The good news...I saw my new, cellulite free buttocks & thighs today!. Updated on 1 May 2017: I removed the binder & gauze for the first time today since getting home. The pain is pretty much gone (not taking Narcotics anymore), just an overall tightness & numbness. Really pleased to not see any hanging skin, but I am still incredibly swollen in both my thighs & tummy. I just might be able to wear a swimsuit at the end of all this...wasn't counting on that! Updated on 3 May 2017: ...but it's going down. Updated on 5 May 2017: It's good to be clean! I never realized how much I would miss the ability to bend & stretch however I please, but I do. No real pain at this point, but still very tight & very swollen. The swelling has actually worsened since the drains were all removed on Wednesday, especially in my legs. I am so worried that I'm going to gain weight as Dr. said no treadmill walking yet, but I guess the proper attitude is to realize that I lost the weight before so I can do it again. Updated on 7 May 2017: I was certainly not mentally prepared for how this surgery would upset my life balance. Metabolically I maintain my weight at 1400-1500 calories per day...that includes a pretty strenuous daily workout. Take out the exercise, keep the calories the same...it's perfect science that weight gain follows. So in addition to this crazy swelling, I'm gaining weight too which is making me incredibly unhappy. I see so many other reviews detailing how happy everyone is with their progress, and all I see at this point is that I'm swollen and getting fatter. Granted I'm a type-A perfectionist, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to have my work cut out for me in the gym after I'm cleared to go back. Everything seems to be healing nicely, pain is minimal, and I'm noticing activities that were very difficult (getting in/out bed, getting dressed) are becoming easier. I hate how I've had to slow down to accommodate my recovery, but I'm still hopeful the end result will be worth it. Updated on 9 May 2017: Today the swelling in my tummy was definitely down in the morning. Yes, I've gained weight, but I think when the dust settles I'm going to be very happy with the results. Afternoon thigh, calf & ankle swelling is still horrible. I'm going to talk this over with my PS at next Wednesday's follow-up. Arm lift swelling is pretty much nonexistent. The good news is that I can now wear Spanx instead of the binder! Updated on 24 May 2017: I woke up two days ago to a somewhat swollen, red & warm elbow. Then I woke up yesterday with that effect continuing down my forearm. Knowing it was probably an infection I called the doctor's office, and they had me come to have it checked. They drained (painful & not much fluid) the arm and put me on another course of antibiotics. I'm hopeful that will resolve things -- this is really the only "problem" I've experienced throughout my recovery. Now for the ugly...I have gained 15 pounds. Maybe 5 is swelling, but I'm pretty sure the rest is due to the fact that I'm still eating like someone who does a full workout daily. I go back for a post-op check-up today, and I'm praying that I get the greenlight to get back in the gym. The weight gain in combination with the lack of exercise endorphins is making me an intensely angry, depressed person. I know how to fix things, but I need to know that it's okay to put my body back to work! Updated on 7 Jun 2017: Slowly getting back to exercise & being able to move around like the old me. Swelling has greatly dissipated, and I'm even seeing some abdominal definition. I gained 15 pounds as a result of not exercising over the past month +, but getting back to my killer workout routine & good eating habits will resolve this. Very happy with my decision at this point! Updated on 1 Jul 2017: After getting back to my cardio & lifting routines a few weeks ago I've lost 6 of the 15 pounds gained during the no-exercise recovery phase. I'm starting to like what I see! My abdominal incision still swells late in the day, mostly in the lower back area, but it's gradually improving. And to think I'm going to do it all again in September for my thighs, chest & neck! Updated on 5 Aug 2017: This will be my final update on my lower body lift & arm lift. I have a date for my next procedures (thigh lift, breast lift with implants, and vaser chin lipo) on September 5th. I'm almost back to my pre-surgery fitness level, but I am still 7 pounds heavier. I must say though, with the excess skin gone I can almost accept the higher weight. I still have some mild afternoon swelling in the rear incision area and lower back, but it's superficial - no meds needed. In conclusion it was hellish -- there were days I cried because I was so miserable -- but the end result was worth the pain. Dr. Rubin & his staff are amazing. And yes, that's me in a sleeveless dress...never thought I would be able to say that!
I had a gastric by-pass to lose weight and get rid of the diabetes, when I got pregnant with my son. He is now 17 years and I still haven't lost the pouch from my C-section. I get a rash on one side of the scar all the time. I have been wanted to lose the weight for so long. I'm short and it feels like I am carrying around a spare tire. Updated on 31 May 2014: I can't wait to say goodbye to this belly Updated on 1 Aug 2014: He had to skin Graf a navel for me, mines was damaged. Updated on 2 Aug 2014: I feel good, can go up and down the stairs by myself. Only thing is I can't stand for long. Updated on 23 Aug 2014: Updated on 23 Aug 2014: They think I might have torn the muscle in my stomach. Updated on 20 Sep 2014: Doctor said he may have to do my navel over again.
