Humpty Dumpty

i just found out that i got approved for my reconstructive surgery. i'm having a tummy tuck, arm lift, inner thigh lift and a butt lift. i have a 7 year history of rashs and skin tears that bleed and meds haven't helped. i am the very first person my doctor said that everything has been approved for. even tricare said that they normally don't approve arms and thighs. i'm so greatful that i am going to get rid of this excess skin and painful rashes. i have military insurance and they are really hard to work with, but i was even able to use a non-network surgeon. i was approved in less than 24 hours(normally takes 4-6 weeks) and my surgery date will be march 12th. my husband was so great helping me after my wls and he says he will help me just as much with this part. i go on march 3rd back to the doctor so he can show me the markings that he will use to map on my body. the only part i am nervous about is the healing and how i'm supposed to sit down or go to the bathroom??? i have been thinking alot about my "goal"weight. i'm 5'7 1/2 and i wanted to be at 147 or 130 as a dream goal, but now i think i have changed my mind. i think i would look better at about 160(btw my top weight was 350). i really had to think about what the whole point of having wls was....to get healthy and look normal. i'm no longer shopping in the plus sizes, my body moves more freely, i have more energy, i don't feel like the biggest person in a room and i'm not thinking about what other people might think of me anymore. i even got into a bathing suit for the first time in 12 years INFRONT of other people(ok i did wear a cover up shirt to swim in, but i was still in a bathing suit! haha). after the reconstructive surgery i'm ready for my body just to age gracefully. i can truely say i'm happy with how i look and WHO I AM. i couldn't say that and really mean it a couple of months ago. i have become more active with my family and that has made them happier too. the way i feel right now is what scared me the most before wls. to feel happy about my self image. like everyone else i did the yo-yo thing getting my hopes up every time that this would be the time i would lose the weight , but then i would fail and each time i failed it was like a rip in my soul. last week i had some deep inner soul searching and decided that it's safe to be happy now hahahaha i just have to remember that i have a tool that i must always use. best of luck to everybody.

This is such great news Fran. Especially the positive attitude that you are now so truely happy with yourself. You sooooooooo deserve to be happy. Good luck with the surgery. We're all rooting for you. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Fran, Congrats!!! Wishing you all the best. Ken

Fran, that is sooo awesome! How wonderful that the insurance is going to cover everything. Congrats! Best wishes! Elizabeth M

Yeah, Fran!! What awesome news! I'm in awe that it's all going to be done at the same time...but I'm more in awe with u'r positive attitude and self-acceptance. You GO, chickie! (((hugs))) -Karen

Hi Fran, Congratulations on your approval. I'm so happy for you. Working in a Primary Care Physicians office I deal alot with insurance companies and I have to tell you I am very surprised that Tricare has approved. Are you having all the procedures at the same time? I'm sure you will make out just fine. I am starting to get intested in reconstructive surgery myself. Who is going to do your surgery and how did you find out about them? It was nice seeing you at the support group last week. You looked wonderful and were so supportive to everyone. I do hope that you continue to attend the meetings. Freida

Wow Fran!! That's awesome!! I'm so happy and excited for you!! What a wonderful place to be in your life to be happy with how you look and who you are!! It must be an amazing feeling!!! ((hugs)) Carla

Wow, Fran. That's great!!!! Such good news and everything moving so quickly now for a good change. Dianne