Plastic Surgery After WLS: Stacy’s Journey
October 12, 2015My plastic surgery journey began when I had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) on 1/12/2013 by Dr. Quinones. I am over 2 ½ years post-op and have lost 124 pounds. I did not get my Sleeve because I had medical problems. In fact, I was really quite healthy, or at least that is what the doctors told me even though I was 313 pounds. My insurance would not cover WLS and I knew it was only a matter of time before I would become very unhealthy.
To have the sleeve procedure in the US, it was over $17,000, and I couldn’t afford it. My PCP told me to look into having the surgery done in Mexico and she would provide all of my follow-up care. I did my research and found Dr. Quinones.
VSG post-op
I went to Tijuana, Mexico by myself and I was scared. I don't speak Spanish, but saving my life by having WLS was worth taking the chance. Dr Quinones spoke perfect English, the staff was very caring and the facility was very clean.
I can never thank Dr. Quinones for what he has done for me. Before my VSG, I was overweight and had no confidence or self-esteem. I hid in the shadows being ashamed of myself. Now, I am starting to love myself! I wear makeup and nice clothes. I fix my hair and put myself out there for all to see. I still hate pictures of myself but slowly that is changing too. This has not been easy (no, this is not the easy way out!), but I would not change one day of my journey. I am grateful to be living a Sleeved life and loving it. I have only one regret. My only regret is that I wish I'd have done it sooner than I did.
Before having WLS I had had many surgeries like C-sections, a hysterectomy, and few others, so my belly looked like a road map of scars. To make matters worse, I had a very large apron that was hanging down, and it was hard on my back.
When losing weight I never set a goal weight, but a goal size. I could never reach that goal with my apron. To tell the truth, I was still ashamed of how my belly looked so much that I would not let my husband see me without covering up my belly.
Plastic surgery pre-op
When I looked in the mirror the apron reminded me of the big girl I was. So, I set out on a quest to find a plastic surgeon for a Tummy Tuck in Tijuana. I did Google searches for plastic surgeons in Tijuana and made a list of them.
I checked to make sure they were a certified plastic surgeon, and not an aesthetic surgeon. Next, I looked for news stories or any negative press that was out there. I searched forums and YouTube videos for testimonies of the doctors left on my list. I am lucky, because I traveled to Tijuana and many times got to meet the plastic surgeons in person for my consultations.
I really think I saved the best for last. When I met Dr. Carmina Cardenas, I knew instantly she was the doctor I wanted to use. She is very passionate about plastics and never tried to talk me into anything other than what I wanted. I also liked the fact that she was very open and shared her story with WLS. It was nice to know she understood what I was feeling and why I wanted to have a Tummy Tuck.
After a long consultation with Dr. Cardenas, we decided together on my procedure, a Lower Body Lift (Circumferential Tummy Tuck with muscle repair) Lipo to my lower back, and Fat transfer to my butt. After I had made my decision, I had a chance to meet a few of Dr. Cardenas' patients and talk with some other doctors, including Dr. Quinones (my sleeve surgeon). All the doctors gave her high recommendations which made me feel even better about my decision.
Plastic surgery post-op
On June 2, 2015 I had my procedures done with Dr. Cardenas. I was very nervous, because I am in a support group for plastics, and everyone told me how painful a TT was. I was really scared because I was having a Lower Lift which meant I wasn’t having an incision just on my tummy, but all the way around my body.
I can say from the time I woke up to the time I went home eight days later, I never was in real pain like everyone said. I got to go home with my drains because I live so close by. I only had discomfort because I couldn’t quite get 100% comfortable. Most of that was because of my drains. I was 14 days out when my last drain was removed. After the last drain was removed, everything was much better, especially getting comfy when sleeping. I had to wear a Faja (special girdle) for a minimum of six weeks, but I found I really liked it. I never really took any pain medication when I was at home. I only took medication to help me sleep. The process was so much easier than I ever thought it would be. My scar line is so small, and low, that I can wear a very low cut bikini and it cannot be seen, and I love that.
I am now three months out, and cannot believe the renewed confidence I have. I love wearing tight jeans and form fitting tops. I can wear a dress now, and I never have to see that ugly skin flap again. I know I was smaller after WLS, but not having all that extra skin helped me to shed the big girl image I still had in my head. Now, I have more room for the woman that I love now. Thank you to Dr. Cardenas for helping in the last part of my journey to a new healthier happier life.
 | ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stacy Eckel had gastric sleeve surgery on 1/12/2013 and has lost 124 pounds. Stacy is an AutoCAD drafter & designer. Stacy is a Support Specialist for Pompeii Surgical helping with pre-op and post-op diets. Stacy in her spare time runs weight loss surgery support groups. |
