Before & After Plastic Surgery with Lelani
December 8, 2020Before & After Plastic Surgery with Lelani - Why I Decided to Have Plastic Surgery
Before & After Plastic Surgery with Lelani: Throughout my adolescent and adult life, obesity was a major struggle. I was on every single diet, the scale was my enemy, I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin and hated pictures being taken. I hated myself for sneaking food and making excuses. My health was declining, and I knew that if I ever wanted a future that this all needed to stop.
The final moment was the day I fell down because my knee gave out, and I struggled to get back up. I realized I am 30 years old and I live alone. The thought of not being able to take care of myself terrified me. That was the moment that I decided to take my life back and make changes.
It started with hours of research on what my options were. I was part of a weight loss program, joined a support group, and changed my eating habits from probably close to 4000 calories to 800 calories.
I had weight loss surgery after several months of struggling with the decision. I struggled with that decision because I thought I could do it on my own, but I realized I couldn’t. Obesity is a disease and should be treated as such.
Weight loss surgery is not easy, its hard work, it means changing your life. I began working out with a personal trainer every single day for up to 3 hours a day and lost just over 150 pounds. I challenged myself and set goals for myself even though many days I was struggling and couldn’t get myself to the gym. I set a goal to do one 5k a month as part of my training, and then I completed a half triathlon.
The joy that I felt is something, that I can’t quite explain. I completed a fitness challenge that 2 years prior I would never have dreamt of ever doing.
The decision to undergo plastic surgery/body contouring was a great one. I prayed over it, I spoke to family and friends, and I made sure my reason for surgery was because this was the next step in my health.
I did not care about the perfect body or image. I only wanted to be healthy. I found a plastic surgery clinic and surgeon but as the days started approaching my surgery, I realized they that they did not align with my goals. They wanted me to look like Malibu Barbie and made me feel low because I didn’t want that as well.
I had a consult with Dr. Jeffrey Umansky earlier that summer and I reached out to his team, explained what had happened and that I would love to have surgery with him.
With the help of Dr. Umansky and his amazing team, I am finally me. I am confident, I am proud, I am happy, and I choose to LIVE life! This journey, although extremely difficult, has been the best journey and I wouldn’t do anything different.
Before & After Plastic Surgery with Lelani
OH Username: LelaniM
Surgery Type: Extended Abdominoplasty, Breast Augmentation – Saline Implants with a Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
Surgery Date: December 22, 2018
Surgeon: Dr. Jeffrey Umansky
My Surgery and Post-Op Life
The days leading up to my surgery, I received phone calls from not only my anesthesiologist but also my OR nurse. They wanted to make sure I knew what was going to happen, see if I had any questions, and to reassure me that everything will go well and I will be fine. I know a lot about surgical teams, and that doesn’t occur.
Dr. Umansky’s team from start until now, has done nothing but be exceptional and caring!
I came to my surgery on a Saturday morning, alone, and very scared. My family couldn’t bring me, but was going to be picking me up. Everyone helped me to relax and be calm. They were all reassuring.
After surgery, I left the office to a hotel room with my family and was for lack of better words, completely out of it. The following day, for my first post-op appointment, Dr. Umansky came in on a Sunday morning to make sure that I was doing well.
In the days following surgery, the team was nothing short of amazing! From answering my calls after hours to helping me, to giving me advice and encouragement. I had pain but that was to be expected, and every single time I became worried, the team was just a phone call or email away to answer all my questions.
As time went on, and I adjusted to my “new” body, it was everything that I expected and more! With the excess skin being removed, clothes fit better, my overall health is better, I am more comfortable in clothing and with myself. I have never been happier, I am active, and strong, and capable of doing anything that I achieve to do!
A Special Milestone / Non-Scale Victory
Something that immediately comes to mind is I went to a formal attire event, and I was able to a very form fitting backless dress. I felt stunning and confident in my body. Removing the excess skin, did so much to empower me and give me confidence.
Share Your Before & After Success!
Celebrate your own Before & After WLS and/or Plastic Surgery Success, milestones, non-scale victories, and inspire others! The OH team wants to hear from you to share your weight loss surgery journey. Visit our Before & After Submission page for details.
