Lower Body Lift with Spiral Thigh Lift Following 95# Weight Loss After Gastric Sleeve. - San Antonio, TX

I have been overweight my entire adult life. In 2013 I had the gastric sleeve and lost 95# within 6 months. I was thrilled with my weight loss, but not thrilled with the extra skin that was left hanging on my body. Six months ago I met Dr. Peter Fisher and without hesitation had a breast lift with augmentation and brachioplasty. I was thrilled with my results. Fast forward six months, and I am now recovering from my Lower Body Lift with Spiral Thigh Lift and Liposuction. My surgery was just 3 weeks ago and I am amazed at the transformation in my body. I have included pre-surgery photos and post-op photos of day 1, 6 and 8. There has been a remarkable changes over the past two weeks and I will post more recent photos in the next few days. I will also try to describe the progression of my recover as well.

Thank you all for your encouraging words. So, where to start? This recovery is absolutely the most painful and difficult thing I have ever done. I actually miss my ridiculously stressful job! The first week of my recovery is a blur. Basically, after released from the hospital on day 3 post-op, I slept (a lot) in my recliner, took pain medication around the clock, emptied/measured my 4 drains, and was reminded how crappy day time TV is (even with the food network and DIY). Everyone said that constipation is a problem – they were right. A week without having a BM is way too long. The good news is that with stool softeners, fiber and hydration I have not had a problem since. I am so grateful for my husband. I truly couldn’t have made it without him. We stayed at an extended stay type hotel for the first week following my surgery because our home is a 2.5 hour drive away. Yes, we brought my recliner to the hotel. Weeks two and three have been full of challenges and accomplishments. My best advice to all is to listen to your physician, rest, don’t get discouraged, keep on top of your pain, eat healthy and to be patient with yourself. I have gained weight, lost weight, had swelling and numbness come and go, slept all day, had trouble sleeping, felt like I was sitting on boulders, walked like I was 80 (I’m 50), and a multitude of other things. I now know that no matter how much you read about other’s experiences you have no idea of how it really is until you go through it. I am appreciative to everyone on RS who have shared their experiences and photos. It is very encouraging to see the journey of others. My 3 week photos are attached. Happy Hump Day!

Yesterday was my final post op appointment with Dr. Fisher. He said I am healing great and I believe he is almost as excited with my results as I am. I am really going to miss him. Don’t get me wrong, I am thrilled that I have been released to back to work next week and I have the A-OK to increase my activity to do pretty much whatever I want to, but he is a terrific person and I really enjoy talking with him. I am certain he would welcome a visit from me or any of his patients any time.
I have not had any complications and am very fortunate that I am recovering and healing so well. I am still having pain on occasion (usually in the afternoon/evening time) and my lower back and lower abdomen swells off and on, but overall, I am feeling fantastic. Isn’t it funny how our minds work when it comes to pain? I can’t remember how I felt yesterday much less 5 weeks ago. I know it’s a good thing, but it is strange. I have had a lot of small but significant accomplishments over the past several weeks. I have graduated from my recliner to my bed at night, made a trip to the grocery store (with my husband), survived swelling from hell, shaved my legs, got a much needed pedicure and My big accomplishment for today was throwing out my toilet “booster” seat.
Thank you again for your posts and photos. They are so educational and inspiring.