Welcome! I am so glad that you decided to join us! I am sorry but I am waiting just a little longer to have surgery again. I had a hernia operation and it was worse than the open RNY. They had to reopen me and the recovery was very rough. I do not want to be going through all that again for a while. Please let us know how you do. I am just curious (if you don't mind sharing), what were your medical conditions that you need to have this done. I continually have a rash but have not been to the DR. to report it yet. It is not itchy just blotchy and red and raised. I go next week to see my surgeon so I am hoping to talk to him about controlling it. As far as the whole thing- You just need to do what will make you feel best. Just remember that it would probably be easier to get them both done at the same time. So think twice about questioning whether or not you can do one now then if you feel like it go again later. The right thing to do is open up and talk it out. This is a great place to start! your sister in WLS Chandi 305/292/?

Hey you December 04ers! I didn't even know you guys existed or I woulda been here much sooner! You can read my profile to know my long story. But what is on my mind right now is that I had a plastics consult for a panniculectomy. Of couse the surgeon tried to convince me that I needed the whole abdominoplasty and pay out of pocket for the difference, but that is just not possible for me. I am still paying old medical bills from the RNY. But he thought sure that the panniculectomy would be approved by my insurance, so they submitted it and I am waiting. I am not in the market to wear a bikini, you know what I mean? I just want to be able to wear a size 8 or 10 pants and not be stuck in size 12 because of that skin hanging there. I have many physical ailments, so it is medically necessary. My question to you all, if you had a panniculetomy, did you have the abdominoplaty done as well? And if not, were you ok with just having that skin removed? I think I will be fine with just that much done, because honestly, THAT is the issue that bothers me the most. I don't care if I have a completely flat abdomin. My thighs hang like elephant skin, so what good is a washboard tummy? I just want to have the hangy parts off my body. Please give me some feedback. I want to feel good about this, but there is a lot of pressure to do the whole shebang. jean

Hi Kelly -217 WOW. I know its very slow going right now. Guess our bodies have adjusted to the current intake and exercise regimes. I know I need to kick it up a notch, but life stresses are getting in the way. I went to a counselling session today, for increasing my self esteem. I'm entering what I refer to as my "self care" phase of life, trying to put my needs ahead of the needs of others. I'm hoping it will also give me the push I need to step up my program a notch. Best wishes. Thanks for checking in. I miss all the December crew. Karen G

No new posts in our little group for a while now. I was just wondering who's out there and still checking in.? I'm still struggling with the weight. Down to 184 pounds now, a total loss of 110 pounds. I sure wi**** was more. I'm having a really tough time at work right now. The stress is alot to bear with the program, so I am getting some counselling. I start today with a stress counsellor. Best wishes, Karen G

Hi- I wanted to add my weight loss to the December 2004 Surgery posts. Sorry it has taken me so long to write, but I haven't checked my email in a while!!! lol!!! Anyway, my total to date is 196 pounds!!! Please add my weight loss to the list and I will write back when I get off of my plateau!!!! God bless, Andrea