I worked really hard to lose weight using Take Shape for Life and in clothing, I looked fine. But underneath my clothes, I wasn't happy with what I saw. I had also carried most of my weight in my hips and thighs and it had gotten very uncomfortable sitting. I had to redistribute the excess skin to try to make myself comfortable. I researched as much as I could online and read books before consulting with 3 plastic surgeons. I chose Dr. Joseph Capella because he has hands down the most experience with post-weight loss body contouring and he made me feel very comfortable right from the start.
I was originally thinking of having a body lift, arm lift and thigh lift. My breasts were very saggy but i wasn't sure I wanted to to anything with them. Dr. Capella never tried to talk me into anything...he answered questions and told me what was possible. If I did not have a concern with an area, he did not suggest corrections. He was not trying to sell me anything more than what I wanted.
Ultimately, I decided to have the breast lift with the arm lift and body lift in one surgery. The thigh lift would have to wait till a later date because I would get a better result without my body being pulled in opposite directions.
Dr. Capella took before photos and I scheduled the surgery. I was in good physical shape since I had been working out regularly and we did not have to worry about any potential nutritional deficiencies since I did not have bariatric surgery. I had the normal pre-surgical labs and a clearance exam from my PCP prior to surgery. The surgical coordinator and Dr. Capella were great in letting me know what to expect before, during and after the surgery. They welcomed any and all questions.
I arrived early and was marked up by Dr. C. The surgery was expected to take 7 hours and he would be assisted by his PA, Scott. I was expected to spend only one night in the hospital though from what I had read, I was surprised it wouldn't be at least 2.
I remember shivering as I awoke from the surgery. I had a urinary catheter in since I wouldn't be able to get up too soon and those inflatable stockings on my lower legs to prevent clots. I was allowed to have Percocet for the pain every four hours. I wish there had been a pain pump or pain ball or the option of 2 Percocet that first night because I was very uncomfortable. I ran a slight fever and was unable to get comfortable. My abdomen was quite sore and I couldn't bend at the waist on my own at all. Plus, my arms couldn't really be used for support because they had been operated on too.
The next morning the catheter was removed and I was helped out of bed. The nurse used a sheet wrapped around me to help me up. OUCH! Once I was up though, I was able to walk around and use the bathroom. I took some laps around my floor and was taken down for a doppler to check for blood clots. Then I could go home. I had 4 drains in...2 to be removed after a week...the other 2 to be removed a week later.
Recovery went very well. Getting into a seated position and getting up were the most challenging and painful because of the tightening of my abdominal muscles and I walked in a somewhat stooped position for a while. But gradually, I straightened up and healed beautifully. I slept in a recliner for the first week or so so that i did not have to be perfectly flat. There were no complications. I have been going for follow-up visits for after photos and a little scar revision.
My results are amazing and I have absolutely no regrets. The scars are fading beautifully. I like my body more than I ever have in my entire life. It has done wonderful things for my self-confidence. While it may not have been easy, it was worth it.
I was originally thinking of having a body lift, arm lift and thigh lift. My breasts were very saggy but i wasn't sure I wanted to to anything with them. Dr. Capella never tried to talk me into anything...he answered questions and told me what was possible. If I did not have a concern with an area, he did not suggest corrections. He was not trying to sell me anything more than what I wanted.
Ultimately, I decided to have the breast lift with the arm lift and body lift in one surgery. The thigh lift would have to wait till a later date because I would get a better result without my body being pulled in opposite directions.
Dr. Capella took before photos and I scheduled the surgery. I was in good physical shape since I had been working out regularly and we did not have to worry about any potential nutritional deficiencies since I did not have bariatric surgery. I had the normal pre-surgical labs and a clearance exam from my PCP prior to surgery. The surgical coordinator and Dr. Capella were great in letting me know what to expect before, during and after the surgery. They welcomed any and all questions.
I arrived early and was marked up by Dr. C. The surgery was expected to take 7 hours and he would be assisted by his PA, Scott. I was expected to spend only one night in the hospital though from what I had read, I was surprised it wouldn't be at least 2.
I remember shivering as I awoke from the surgery. I had a urinary catheter in since I wouldn't be able to get up too soon and those inflatable stockings on my lower legs to prevent clots. I was allowed to have Percocet for the pain every four hours. I wish there had been a pain pump or pain ball or the option of 2 Percocet that first night because I was very uncomfortable. I ran a slight fever and was unable to get comfortable. My abdomen was quite sore and I couldn't bend at the waist on my own at all. Plus, my arms couldn't really be used for support because they had been operated on too.
The next morning the catheter was removed and I was helped out of bed. The nurse used a sheet wrapped around me to help me up. OUCH! Once I was up though, I was able to walk around and use the bathroom. I took some laps around my floor and was taken down for a doppler to check for blood clots. Then I could go home. I had 4 drains in...2 to be removed after a week...the other 2 to be removed a week later.
Recovery went very well. Getting into a seated position and getting up were the most challenging and painful because of the tightening of my abdominal muscles and I walked in a somewhat stooped position for a while. But gradually, I straightened up and healed beautifully. I slept in a recliner for the first week or so so that i did not have to be perfectly flat. There were no complications. I have been going for follow-up visits for after photos and a little scar revision.
My results are amazing and I have absolutely no regrets. The scars are fading beautifully. I like my body more than I ever have in my entire life. It has done wonderful things for my self-confidence. While it may not have been easy, it was worth it.
