14 Years Post Gastric ByPass Starting Journey with Lower Body Lift - Chicago, IL

Wow, where do I start. I'm so excited to start the journey to improve the appearance of my body after MWL. I had a RNY gastric bypass in May of 2001 and planned to do the necessary body surgeries but didn't feel they were ready for prime time in the mid 2000's after several consultations. Life happened and now 14 years out I am finally doing this for me.

So my back story...at 40 years old I had the gastric bypass, initially loosing 155 lbs over 12 months going from a high of 285 lbs to a low of 130, settling into my 'final' weight of 145 18 months out. For most of us, our bodies can't sustain the bottomed out low and we bounce up 10-20 lbs within a year -- for me it was 15 lbs. I maintained 145 lbs (total net loss of 130) on my 5'4" frame for about five years. In 2006 after a total hysterectomy weight began to creep on (up to 165 lbs) -- life continued and by 2012 I was up to 185 lbs, some attributed to slow metabolism and diagnosis of thyroid cancer (all is good now) and some just plain bad habits. Needless to say, tough mentally to regain weight and tough physically to lose it post gastric bypass. About a year ago I'd had enough, took control and began to lose some of the weight. In February of this year, I began to seriously look at body procedures again. Today, at 54 and 14 years out, I sit at 170 lbs and hope to be at 165 on my surgery date, June 16.

I am starting with the lower body lift -- tummy tuck, butt lift supporting a lift of outer thighs. Because I don't want a flat butt (would be expected) I'm also having the gluteal auto augmentation using incised fat. My plan is to stage a second surgery in the next 12-24 months for the arm and inner thigh lift -- maybe breast augmentation. I can't believe I'm considering BA -- in 1999 I had a medically necessary reduction and panniiculectomy with hernia repair. After losing weight I lost much of the volume in my breasts. I was lucky that given the panniculectomy, I don't have the large lower apron of skin on my abdomen but my saggy butt, inner thigh and arms (skin and stubborn fat) are just horrible. The dirty little secret of weight loss surgery is that while you are significantly down and have much improved your health (risks) you are left with a deformed body we hid under cloths but never feel good about. That is about to change.

I haven't taken 'before' pictures yet but promise to post them ahead of surgery. I will appreciate any guidance and support from those that begin to follow my journey and I'll share here on Real Self to support others considering this path.

Starting the 60 day countdown today. Pre-op appointment on 5/22 and surgery on 6/15...Cheers!

Before pics coming soon. I followed up with Dr. Shifrin to clarify my procedure. Adrian gave me his email and he responded within hours. I'm impressed and know I have made the right choice.

June 16th. Today is the day. Cooked ahead, bought the contour pillows, sheet protectors, a great over bed tilting table and the ever popular go girl! I am writing from the surgery staging. Dr Shifrin is running s couple hours late on his morning surgery. I was supposed to go in at noon....almost 2:00...but no rushing allowed!

Sorry I don't have the before pics...docs office didn't send them over. Asked this morning and they said Dr. Shifrin has them on his camera and I need to ask him when I see him today.

Bored but excited -- stay tuned!