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POSTED UNDER Body Lift Reviews

67 Year Old Grandmother, Weight Loss of 132 lbs, Now Ready to Have Arm Lift, Breast Lift and Lower Body Lift - San Antonio, TX

UPDATED FROM tomndot68
18 days pre

Change in Plans

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tomndot68
$24,200
I have had to cancel my Aug 3rd surgery with Dr Fisher. My husband has multiple sclerosis and isn't doing well. Also I will need a longer recovery time for the arm lift, breast lift and lower body lift done all at the same time. I do have a supportive daughter and her kids for help for a couple of weeks after surgery. I have cancelled because stress, heat (it's terribly hot here in Texas) only contribute to husband's further illness. He can't drive at all, push a cart through a grocery store, etc., cook and care for himself. I do want to say to those younger than the 67 years old that I am, if you can find a way to do this earlier in your life please do so. I am afraid I will never get all that skin taken off of me and should have lost the weight earlier in life and had the skin surgeries done before this. I will definitely be maintaining the weight loss as my health is the best it's been in years. I am proud of being healthier and keeping this massive weight off for three years now. There are several of you that I will be following to see your new bodies. Good luck and I will just keep on working toward a time when the surgery will fit into my life and my families lives.

tomndot68's provider

Peter Fisher, MD (retired)

Peter Fisher, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Replies (5)

July 15, 2016
I can't imagine the stress you have been under while you made this decision. I am sure it was very difficult. I respect your reasons. These are not easy recoveries. Have you by any chance just considered doing one of the procedures? My most visible change has got to be my arms. I can't wait to be up at the white board teaching without seeing my arms flap around crazy. Perhaps baby steps? I will be thinking of you!
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July 15, 2016
Thank you and the baby steps of doing one at a time has occurred to me. And yes you're correct the arms flapping is the hardest part. And living in Texas where it is miserably hot for 6 months a year, I never wear anything sleeveless or short sleeved...elbow length mostly. I'll be watching you and cheering you on for wonderful results.
July 15, 2016
My whole closet is filled with 3/4 sleeves. I'm in Floresville. South of San Antonio. It's been so hot that the dogs don't even want to go outside. Lol
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July 15, 2016
I know where you are....I'm in Kerrville. We went to Cleveland (my home town) over by Houston...the temp outside the car was 104 degrees. Don't go out!!
July 16, 2016
I am so sorry. I know how you were looking forward to your surgery,
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July 16, 2016
Thank you. I haven't totally given up. You can inspire me to keep hope and perhaps get things done a bit later. Have you had a consult and have a surgery date.
July 16, 2016
Yes. My surgery date is this coming Thursday (7/21/160). I am having a full tt with lipo of flanks and possible hernia repair. My insurance is paying for the panni part and I paid the rest up front ($2200). After losing 117 lbs, I need surgery all over but the cost and the fact that I am 72 years old, I will be very happy to just get the apron off.

I am very excited and nervous at the same time. Your prayers are very appreciated.

I will be praying for your situation. I have been the caretaker for my family for years as well and know how easy it is to get "lost". Make sure you take some time for yourself because you ARE worth it!
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July 16, 2016
Wow! Jul 21st! I had no insurance coverage but did have the finances to pay it in full. I know the excited and nervous and scared feeling. Your prayers are appreciated for me. Yes that's the correct way I feel sometimes is that I get "lost". Love my family very much but I always put them first before me. Who is doing your surgery and where?
July 16, 2016
Dr. Vincent DiNick, Forrest Medical Center in Ypsilanti, MI. Dr. DiNick was highly recommended to me by friends and family. I have only seen him twice but like him. When I went to the hospital for pre-op, one nurse called him a "clean freak" and the doctor who checked me called him a "perfectionist". Both terms are just what I was wanting to hear!

I won't forget to pray for you! Also for your husband and family. If this 72 year old (today) grandma can get skin removal surgery- so can you. Don't give the dream!
July 16, 2016
Meant to say "don't give up the dream!"
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July 16, 2016
I won't give up the dream!! Happy birthday! When it comes to a doc and his team, you can't ask for anything better than a "clean freak" and "perfectionist. He sounds just right for this kind of surgery. Will you be staying near the medical center for a few days after your surgery?
July 17, 2016
I am fortunate to live only 20 minutes from the medical center. Dr. DiNick said I will be there one or two nights. The time went so slow for months and now it is flying!

I am glad to see that you are staying positive and hope you can re-schedule your surgery soon.
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July 16, 2016
I am so sorry to hear that you had to put your surgery off. Hopefully things will quite down. You have such a positive outlook I am sure you will find some time for you!
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July 16, 2016
Thank you. I will keep on looking for a time for me to take care of me even if I have to do this one surgery at a time. You are looking good my dear.
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July 16, 2016
Oh no, I read this and my heart breaks for you. If we were close I'd come and take care of you both. I drove home 9 hours today and watered ate and just sat down to read everyone's update. I agree if possible and if your insurance will let you do it in stages. Give yourself a little something if you can. I don't know how sick your husband is I know he always stands behind you and would want you to do one thing. I'm will be thinking about you everyday and hoping things get better. PM me if you want. XO
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July 17, 2016
Your drove 9 hours home!! Amazing. I am considering the possibility of doing this in stages like you are suggesting. My insurance doesn't cover the surgeries and I'm paying for it ourselves so I should be able to do that. Hopefully this horrid heat will let up and it will be an easier time for Tom's health. Also my Mom's brother passed away on Thursday and they are 4.5 hours away. So maybe it should be this way for awhile. So tell me how is the dog? How is Mom? How are you?
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July 17, 2016
Well my friend drove and I rode along. I was really swollen but we did it leaving at 4am.
I'm so sorry to hear about your Moms brother.
Jake is still acting normal and is peeing some, nothing like before but it seems the proxicam is shrinking the tumor to allow him to pee at all. I'll talk to the vet this week to see what the next step is. My Mom had a set back this week freaking out telling my sister her cancer was coming back from many years ago. My sister rushed her in to Dr. Just a little swollen gland. Her leg seems to be healing she goes for new X-rays on Thursday. So much drama lately. How hot is it? I'm fine just trying to get through this swelling every day. I knew about it but did not imagine it. Wearing my garment is pure hell. It's not a faja its like a back brace just goes around the middle when I sit it digs in under my boobs no matter how loose or tight. I make sure I take the Bromolin (sp). Avoid salt and drink water. That's about it. Hope the heat subsides and Tom gets felling better and you can go forward with a new plan.
July 17, 2016
So proud of your success and health improvement. You are such a great example of how a life can be changed at ANY age. Live life to the fullest...you have been given a second chance!
UPDATED FROM tomndot68
2 months pre

Before Pictures

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tomndot68
Posting these pictures of myself was very hard to do. It sure makes a person see themselves as they are. My arm lift, breast lift, and lower body lift will all be done at the same time. I've ordered a toilet seat riser with handles. Also will be picking up body wash wipes and bed liners. Any other needed supply suggestions will be appreciated.

Replies (5)

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June 14, 2016
I'm so proud of you. Do you have a recliner lined up or renting one? Someone told me to get one of those things to pick stuff up off the floor. A grabber??? I'm sure your Dr. Gave you a list of things like arnica. We're almost there yea for us!
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June 15, 2016
Yes, I'm getting very excited for us both. I do have a recliner and also an adjustable bed. We bought the bed about two years ago. Happy we have it already. I might check out one of those grabbers. That would probably come in handy.
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June 15, 2016
I have a sleep number bed but it is not adjustable. I was looking online at them a few weeks ago during a sale but still very expensive with just having to buy the adjustable part and not the base. I have lots of pillows.
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June 22, 2016
Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you! It's one of those things that you will never regret spending the money on!

The grabber wasn't something I got, but I've heard it's handy to have. I'd recommend Arnica Montana and Bromelain for swelling and bruising.

If you're not already doing high protein and low sodium, that would be beneficial.

I had two 6 hour surgeries within 5 days of each other; what I noticed most afterwards was my lack of energy. It was upsetting and hard to wait for it to return - I'm an active person (not hyper) and wasn't prepared for that. Just wanted to mention it since we're the same age group. It passes - for me it was a good four weeks. Don't let it get you down if it happens! : )

Looking forward to a wonderful outcome for you!

Doing my arm lift on the 27th with tummy and side lipo ---

All the best!
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June 22, 2016
Electrolytes! There are Nuun tablets on Amazon - don't use the sugary stuff like Gatorade, etc.
June 23, 2016
So happy for you, you are going to look great!!! I have several friends who have had complete body makeovers with Dr Fisher and they look incredible...I just finished up with all my body work, two weeks ago with a very long leg lift with Dr Fisher, I am completely all closed up and feeling great, couldn't be happier! You picked the very best guy to do this surgery!!!
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June 23, 2016
Thank you, you have brought tears to my eyes. I'm happy, nervous, excited and really am glad I've gone ahead with this decision. It's calming to me to hear about Dr. Fisher's work and people loving what amazing surgery results he has had. Your legs have done well, I did see the pictures of your long leg lift surgery. You have healed very quickly.
June 23, 2016
Thanks, I am feeling so much better than I expected. Not bad for this 62 year old grandma either!
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July 10, 2016
So excited for you! I about 8 months out from the same things you are having done! I'm 8 weeks out from my medial bilateral thigh lift! You will be so happy you did this! It's really worth it! I found a walker a great help for my surgeries. I used it for about 2 weeks with my first surgeries and a bit longer with my thigh lift! Good luck! Can't wait to see your results!
July 11, 2016
If you are staying at the Homewood Suites, they have the walker that Southern Belle purchased. My daughter used it after her surgery and they said they would keep it for Dr Fisher's patients, so you can call or ask about it when you get there.
UPDATED FROM tomndot68
2 months pre

Date of Surgery Set

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tomndot68
I've had a consult and the surgery date is set for August 3rd.

Replies (2)

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June 12, 2016

What an amazing story, thank you for sharing it here with RealSelf. I know it will be difficult for you to post your photos, but many people in our community do this more as a way to document the changes they've undergone. To look at results as they progressive is such a testament to the journey you've been on. I leave that to your discretion of course, but would love to see your results when you're ready to share.

Is there any pre-op process you are doing before your procedure? What does your downtime look like?

July 14, 2016
"Dot", I, too, am following your progress. I am 56 and have battled obesity throughout my entire life (including childhood). It takes determination, courage, and discipline to get as far as you have gotten so far. I am truly encouraged by your example. I would also like to see photos post op from your next surgery, if you feel comfortable with that.
I am in the final stage of readying myself for a bypass (Roux en Y) in October. I know that I am going to require additional bodywork in the future.
thank you for sharing openly and honestly. May your surgery be everything you need and want it to be.
Sue (North Carolina)
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July 15, 2016
Thank you for the nice words Sue. I'm happy you're a few years younger than I am. I've had to cancel my surgery for several reasons. My husband is disabled with multiple sclerosis and isn't doing well now. I can't have the long recovery time right now. My daughter/grandson would help out for a week or so and have been wonderful offering that. It never was a question of the finances to do this, it's always been a question of not stressing my husband out. He has been supportive. So for now, I'm going to follow you and your decision to get healthy. Do what you must do to get healthy and stay healthy. Right now my wish/goal is to keep the weight I lost off and hope for another time when I will be able to have the help needed for the recovery time needed. I have made it to my goal weight and am very much healthier than I was three years ago at nearly 270 pounds. If I may, I'd love to follow your progress. Dot
July 17, 2016
yes, I need to get something going on here about myself.. My surgery is probably going to be in October.