POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover REVIEWS
51 yo, Fleur-De-Lis TT, BL & BA; 5'5" 156 lbs - East Texas
ORIGINAL POST
I'm 51 years old and had gastric bypass 17 years...
$15,625
I'm 51 years old and had gastric bypass 17 years ago, losing about 80 lbs. I gained back about 20 over the years but have been stable. I currently weigh 156 (I'm 5'5"). The weight loss left me with loose skin & apron that I've just lived with over the years. I've also always had significant asymmetry in my breasts. They've never fluctuated much with my weight gain/loss, though.
I've had consultations with 3 surgeons (2 in Tyler, Tx and 1 in Longview, Tx). The first doctor (in Tyler) I never felt comfortable with from the very first interaction. In fact, I went home crying & decided this just wasn't for me. But then I realized that the problem wasn't ME, I just needed to give another doctor a try and see if it was a more positive experience. SO glad I did! Loved the next two surgeons. So, word of advice - DON'T GIVE UP UNTIL YOU FIND A SURGEON YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH!
At this point, I'm 99% sure I'm going to go with Dr. Gary Jacobs in Longview. With all other factors being fairly equal, the primary reason for this choice is location (he's an hour closer to my home).
I've already decided on silicone implants. Wavering on size. My goal was never really to have large breasts, just pretty, symmetrical ones. I've learned this - the clothes you wear when trying on the implants makes ALL the difference. My first visit, I wore a button down shirt and we tried a 350cc (on my smaller breast). I turned sideways to look in mirror & immediately decided it was WAY too large! I looked like a square from my chest down!
Next visit, I wore a fitted tank top (not on purpose, just what I happened to be wearing). We started with a 450cc on the smaller breast & my profile/silhouette was beautiful! That's when I realized that my wardrobe was going to have to change. SO KEEP THAT IN MIND when you're choosing your implant size & final desired look!
Dr. Jacobs discussed a fleur-di-lis incision for my tummy tuck. This is a decision we'll make together, so I'm waiting until my scheduled pre-op visit (one week prior to surgery) to finalize that and the implant size decision.
I'm hoping to schedule the procedure for early April. Will add photos soon.
Doing this because the other posts on RealSelf have been SO helpful, and I hope my experience can help others and answer questions as well!
I've had consultations with 3 surgeons (2 in Tyler, Tx and 1 in Longview, Tx). The first doctor (in Tyler) I never felt comfortable with from the very first interaction. In fact, I went home crying & decided this just wasn't for me. But then I realized that the problem wasn't ME, I just needed to give another doctor a try and see if it was a more positive experience. SO glad I did! Loved the next two surgeons. So, word of advice - DON'T GIVE UP UNTIL YOU FIND A SURGEON YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH!
At this point, I'm 99% sure I'm going to go with Dr. Gary Jacobs in Longview. With all other factors being fairly equal, the primary reason for this choice is location (he's an hour closer to my home).
I've already decided on silicone implants. Wavering on size. My goal was never really to have large breasts, just pretty, symmetrical ones. I've learned this - the clothes you wear when trying on the implants makes ALL the difference. My first visit, I wore a button down shirt and we tried a 350cc (on my smaller breast). I turned sideways to look in mirror & immediately decided it was WAY too large! I looked like a square from my chest down!
Next visit, I wore a fitted tank top (not on purpose, just what I happened to be wearing). We started with a 450cc on the smaller breast & my profile/silhouette was beautiful! That's when I realized that my wardrobe was going to have to change. SO KEEP THAT IN MIND when you're choosing your implant size & final desired look!
Dr. Jacobs discussed a fleur-di-lis incision for my tummy tuck. This is a decision we'll make together, so I'm waiting until my scheduled pre-op visit (one week prior to surgery) to finalize that and the implant size decision.
I'm hoping to schedule the procedure for early April. Will add photos soon.
Doing this because the other posts on RealSelf have been SO helpful, and I hope my experience can help others and answer questions as well!
ImNotGracie's provider
Replies (1)
UPDATED FROM ImNotGracie
24 days pre
Photos added
I know how much before-and-after photos help, so I'm posting all my 'before' shots now.
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM ImNotGracie
22 days pre
Surgery date tentative for Apr 6, 2016
Dr. Jacobs' office asked another patient if they would reschedule so I could have that date - it's the best one for my kids to be with me when I have surgery. So excited they called to inform me I could have the date & they'd get back with me to confirm time & pre-op consult one week prior.
After reading up on it, I've decided to go with the fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty. Seems I'm a perfect candidate: it will remove the excess skin above my navel, it will help to contour my waist more, and I already have the vertical scar from my gastric bypass.
Will make final decision on implant size at that pre-op consult as well. Last I was there, we were discussing 400-450cc on right and proportionately smaller in left (I can't remember how much smaller).
Told my kids (21-yr son, 25-yr son & wife) this weekend about the surgery. It's not easy for boys to hear their mom is getting brewst implants, but I assured them I wasn't doing this for size as much as for lift & symmetry (without going into details), and they're all very supportive.
Will schedule time off from work this week. Can't wait!
After reading up on it, I've decided to go with the fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty. Seems I'm a perfect candidate: it will remove the excess skin above my navel, it will help to contour my waist more, and I already have the vertical scar from my gastric bypass.
Will make final decision on implant size at that pre-op consult as well. Last I was there, we were discussing 400-450cc on right and proportionately smaller in left (I can't remember how much smaller).
Told my kids (21-yr son, 25-yr son & wife) this weekend about the surgery. It's not easy for boys to hear their mom is getting brewst implants, but I assured them I wasn't doing this for size as much as for lift & symmetry (without going into details), and they're all very supportive.
Will schedule time off from work this week. Can't wait!
Replies (4)
March 14, 2016
You are right, clothes really do make a difference with breast size. I like wearing tanks with an overshirt so that you show off your shape but can still have some cover. Sounds wonderful!
March 14, 2016
That's a great look! I just know if I'd only "tried on" implants with a loose-fitting blouse, it would've totally affected my size choice - and maybe not in the best way!
March 14, 2016
I'm also in my 50s and have lost 80 pounds. I don't have your patience, though. I had an MM after I had kept the weight off for three years - LOL
I am four weeks out today and feel really good, all things considered. I am so happy that all that flab is gone and that my breasts have volume again!
Good luck with your procedure!
I am four weeks out today and feel really good, all things considered. I am so happy that all that flab is gone and that my breasts have volume again!
Good luck with your procedure!
March 15, 2016
It wasn't so much patience as finances! Now that kids are grown (I'm a single mom), I can finally do this. It's funny I could wait all those years, and now I feel like I can't wait 3 weeks! LOL
Thank you for the good wishes. This forum is really therapeutic!
Thanks for sharing your story and photos with this community. I hope you get the results you're seeking with your surgery, and that you'll find everything you need here to feel supported and prepared. Let us know how we can help.