Stage 1 Excess Skin Removal Following Gastric Bypass - LBL/Arm Lift

So 5 months post-op today (and 1 month post-op from my Stage 2 which you can read under separate entry). Still have the tightness I mentioned above, but Dr. Fisher reopened and retightened my hips in my Stage 2 procedure as they had fallen a little. Dr. said it happens and often the 2nd time it is done, it tends to stay up better. All to say, I cannot really discern the tightness from the 2nd procedure or the first, but I will say that it seems the "same" and not worse which I consider and improvement given I am only 1 month post-op from the 2nd procedure (if that makes any sense at all..) Despite having the incision lines reopened, the LBL scar (360 degree) is looking really good. I still have swelling on my backside just above the "crack". Dr. Fisher jokingly (I hope) told me last month he was going to make me wear compression for 6 months after this 2nd stage. (Frankly, I am just someone who swells. Always have been but interestingly, I saw this post on YouTube yesterday where a plastic surgeon was saying that those who had massive weight loss seem to have prolonged swelling. Would be curious if there were any studies about that. BUT even before my weight loss surgery, I had random swelling.)

Tummy still looks great (in fact seems even flatter after Stage 2 somehow). Still numbness there too but nothing annoying.

My arms still swell occasionally and I still have some numbness in my arms. The scars are flat but still fairly red. They did get wider (likely due to the swelling but also my scars tend to do that). I ordered some DermaBlend leg and body make-up yesterday so I can cover those scars and wear short-sleeves (and eventually sleeveless!!). I know the scars will eventually fade, and if they don't, I think there are things that might be able to be done with lasers to help. Plus eventually I think I won't care as much. I am just a little self-conscious of it right now. But it is WAY better than the skin and fat hanging down that I did had! Trust me, even if I cannot cover them up and they never fade, I would prefer this version of me 110%!

In case you want to continue to follow my story though my next stage of transformation - here is the link - https://www.realself.com/review/san-antonio-tx-stage-excess-skin-removal-gastric-bypass-thigh-lift-breast-lift

Thought I would check back in and update - AND to say I am a week away from my Stage 2 procedure with Dr. Fisher! (I will start a separate entry for that. I am having vertical thigh lift and breast lift / augmentation.)

As to this Stage 1, I am loving the results, but for me (and I hope this helps someone) - I am still swelling some and I my butt is still sore to lay on in one position for too long. (Doesn't seem to be an issue when I am sitting in a chair at work or driving though.) Still a lot of numbness in arms, thighs, hips and stomach. I would not describe anything I have as pain, but I would say that I am surprised by the constant feeling of "tightness". (I described it too someone as having on pantyhose that were too tight and kept falling down and you can't pull them up! :) ) So sort of annoying but I am told that the "tightness" is a good thing; otherwise, I wouldn't have the results I wanted. I am also told that my brain will eventually adjust to the feeling and I sure hope so (and I do think it will). I can say that I still see improvement each week, so at about 16 weeks now, I expect to feel even better in 6 months! Wish me luck on my next adventure!