That's it...I'm gonna do plastics

Haven't been around in a while here...life has been hectic (but mostly good) and I've just been enjoying it (or something like that!)

I have been going back and forth with this decision for a while now and wanted to make it official - as well as ask for advice. Cause once I say it on the board, it's real ;)

Here's the deal... Banded in March 2010, I lost my first 95 lbs really quickly. Now my body is in great shape and I'm healthy and happy and can fit into normal clothes, wear whatever I want, etc.... and though I'd love to be down to my ultimate goal of 155, I've been stuck at 180 for 6 months and I'm realizing that unless I want to starve myself and becoming an excercise addict, I may just never be able to lose that much.   I still have really good restriction in my band and don't gain weight even when I'm not counting calories daily cause I follow the band rules and pay attention to my signals. I rarely ever get stuck and it's always right before my period when tightness takes me by surprise.

So, what am I *****ing about? I have this spare-tire midsection that just won't go away no matter what and I'm realizing now that it's probably never going to happen.  

I mean, I can fit my legs and butt into size 8 pants but I have a whole bakery's worth of muffin tops hanging out over it.  I didn't come all this way to still feel as fat as I always did (actually more so.)  I've been pondering the idea of plastic surgery and I've also been working on body image with my therapist and it just dawned on me: the only thing I am uncomfortable with is this one specific part of my body.  So let's get rid of it!! I am on the prowl for a good plastic surgeon experienced in post-WLS work.  I probably will need either a regular abdominoplasty or "lower body lift".  

Anyone have one you can recommend? Prefer on the east coast but I'm willing to travel. Even thinking about going out of the country if the surgeon is just as good and the cost is less.

There's a couple I'm planning to consult, but they're in Dallas & Houston.  Quite a ways from the east coast... 

Dallas:   Dr. Saretsky  http://www.drsaretsky.com/     several on the DFW yahoo group have used him and are happy.


Houston:  Dr. LoMonaco  http://www.drlomonaco.com/    I heard him speak at TABS and spoke with him a bit.  Really like him.  Don't know anyone who's used him though.
   

I live in Florida.  In Gainesville, FL we have two great hospitals and Shsnds is a teaching hospital.  I googled the web site for plastic surgeons in Gainesville and I foubd several listed that I will call as soon as I get ready for suegery.  Best of luck to you.

I have had some plastic surgery and am very happy with the results. I used Dr. Fiala in Orlando. He has a web site, www.drfiala.com Be sure to take your time and choose the surgeon that is best for you. Congrats on your weight loss!

Thanks to all for the replies!

I have family in Houston so it's easy to do surgery there. As well as Alabama or Atlanta, GA.  

Congrats to you!  Sometimes the finally deciding part is the hardest. I think you've done a wonderful job and are looking at this very realistically. I carry most of my excess weight in my abdomen and will likely be in the same situation. Goodness,even if I had a TT right now I'm sure I could fit size 14's because they fit everywhere else but the tummy. I've been on the plastics board scoping things out and  many people that have had a tummy tuck report how happy they are about their clothes fitting so much better after the swelling from surgery goes down. Good luck to you!