1 year follow up---very late-------

I finally had my one year follow up today. Labs are great, have lost 134 lbs so far. Have not reached my goal of 140 lbs but I am pretty close that I can taste it. They scheduled me for a Hernia repair and Panni removal for Feb 19, WOW!!!! I am so scared about that. I knew it was coming but I never thought I would be so fast. They have not summitted the paperwork to the insurance company but according to them it should be a breeze. Doctor talked to me about having breast work done here instead of Colombia as I had planned and I am going to see a surgeon who can do my breast surgery at the same time of the hernia repair and panni removal. However, I do not know what to do. It seems that all at once might be too much for me to handle but then, if I have everything done at the same time, I will done quicker with the surgeries but the pain and recovery time should be longer. There is also the $$$$$ issue, I have an appt to see the PS next week and depending on how much he wants to charge I will make my decision. The hernia repair and panni removal is already costing me $2000.00 so I do not if I will be able to have the money for the breast surgery(I do not want to use credit cards--hate them) What would you do? Have all the work done at once? or in two steps?

Congratulations on your great checkup. Wow, 134 pounds!!! You lost a whole me! (plus a pound) Can you imagine trying to pick up and carry that amount now...and to think you used to do it every day. Wow...the loads we all put on our hearts, lungs and bones! I *almost* wish for a hernia so there would be some chance of getting insurance to help out with a tummy tuck. No luck for me, it will be self-pay all the way. If I had the money and had to have everything your doctor suggested I'd definitely do it all at once. Like Maghan said...why not just deal with the anesthesia once instead of twice? Please forgive me for not remembering but what type is your breast surgery? If it is a reduction/lift and you don't have any lifting to do with your job it won't be a bad recovery at all. I had my house all prepped so that there was nothing heavy to lift and had help with vacuming since my reduction was done while DH was deployed. The kids were little but they were able to help me quite a bit and I only needed help the first night so that when I was home on pain meds I didn't fall down or anything. Feb 19th...how wonderful to be getting it done so soon, congratulations on that too! You have such an exciting year ahead of you now! Molly

Not wonder I was very tired all the time, it has to been from carrying you aroud..... I do not know what kind of breat surgery I will be having yet. I wil see the PS next week and take from there but I think I will need a lift and implants..not sure yet.

Congrats on a terrific and very successful first year as a WLS patient Beatriz! What an awesome journey you have had! Wow.. feb 19th!!!!! Amazing! That is like so close and sooo exciting!!! Honestly, I am not sure if I would do them both.. maybe ask Maghan and Angela.. they know what some of the pain is like and can probably better direct u on what to do. If its a money issue.. id just DO IT.. you can get through it, you are strong girlie.. As long as you have the help at home. Money is always a factor for me.. to save I'd do it all at once and just endure it.. but thats me and not always the best option for everyone.. im sure I'd drive my DH NUTS but oh well, thats what hes there for.. for sickness and when I'm in pain.. i mean health.. haha..

Thanks Melissa! I will seriously keep your recommendation in mind when making my decision.

Congrats on your AWESOME success!!! FEb. 19th...HOLY MOLY that's SOON!!! As for the plastics, I HATE being down for the count, so the fewer procedures, the better. Plus I HATE pain, so yeah, I'd do it all at once to get it over with. And depending on how bad the pain is...if I did some and it was incredibly painful, I may never go back and finish. So, if I could financially work it out, I would do everything at once. Good luck with your decision and consult. Here's hoping for a speedy surgery and recovery!!

Shawneena: Thanks for the encouraging words. Bea

Bea- That is AMAZING news- I am so excited for you - 134# is unbelievable. I was watching BIG MEDICINE last night and all of the PS stuff makes my head spin......i think that if you are going to get all of the procedures done EVENTUALLY --and it is safe to do so- I would do it all at once. Money will be an issue for me too when it comes time to have it all nipped and tucked.....from my photos you can see that i have all the loose skin on my hips thighs and booty-----my stomach is FLAT as a pancake....thusly there is NO chance that my insurance will pay a dime for it--IT will be all out of pocket- BUT the way i see it --is i did not come all this way to carry around saddlebags forever.........hugs

I love to watch Big Medice too, but it also scares the heck out me to see what they do, but I think the end result is very much worth it.

Hi, Bea... I would do the "two step". The Dr has a limited amount of time for the surgery so why make him rush to fit in more, when he can concentrate on the initial repairs instead. The money issue is extremely important, as the credit card payments will ultimately make the cost sky-rocket. Avoid Debt. Going to Columbia is a great idea and you'll have the option of having any minor revisions completed at the time of your breast surgery. You'll have time to recover. Time to assess if you are completely happy with the US surgeon's results and make further decisions, if needed. You won't stress your finances with this untimely debt. Everything is happening so fast for you. I know that you will make a good decision. Please consider the above. Lots of Love... Ro