Losing weight almost three years out

Before losing 15 pounds as a result of plastic surgery I decided I was done trying to lose weight.  I read something that made me realize how defeatist that was and decided I could and would think thin.  I started visualizing myself at 130, a weight that I have been before.  My appetite slowed down, and better yet, I started making better choices.  I have lost two pounds in two weeks.  I debunked the honeymoon period myth and enforced the power of positive thinking.  I don't care if it takes another three years to lose the last thirty pounds. I can do it. For those that are close to goal and try as you might can't lose that last thirty pounds, consider that it may be excess skin.  I would have never been able to lose the 15 pounds of skin my plastic surgeon removed. Thanks, Loris

Loris, this is an important message!  Thank you for sharing it with us.  I certainly needed to hear it! What exactly is an upper body lift? Kix

Kix its been such a long time and you've done such a wonderful job!! I just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS on your success!!! Jamie

Hey Kix.  An upper body lift addresses the breast, back fat and axilla which is the side boobs.  The incision generally extends completely around the back and is hidden under your bra.  Of course the  incison is under my breasts and up the middle of my breast and around my nipples.  This is standard for a breast lift.  The scars around my nipples and up my breasts are extremely fine and are fading fast. I had a breast lift with auto-augmentation.  He left my side boobs partially attached and folded them into my lifted breasts.  I only lost about a cup size in volumn.  After the swelling subsides I should be a 38D, down from a 38DD. Loris

you go, girl! that power of positive thinking is wonderful, isn't it? i'm giving it a try, too.  my foot surgery left me with less than desired results so i'm hoping an attitude adjustment will help.  it generally does. kudos on the great post.  thanks for sharing

Loris...What can I say you look FANTASTIC!!!!! I was just talking with someone on here about plastics I can't decide should I or shouldn't I go for it. I really want to lose more weight first I think. I'ts been nearly three years for me also.  As Kix said thanks for sharing such a positive message with us, I needed someone to light a fire under my bum. Jamie

ILoris I just took a second and went through your plastics pics and it's just amazing. I mean the transformation is just astonishing!! Looking at the pictures made me a little scared though...was it as painful as it looks? There was a guy on Discovery Health I believe and you could just see the pain in his eyes. However, after it was all said and done he was over the moon with happiness. I'm only at 165 give or take, shouldn't I be down a lot more before considering plastic?  Thanks for sharing your experience and helping people like me who are on the fence, Jamie

Your BMI is plenty low enough to consult for plastics.  The pain is not as bad as the incisions make it look.  The muscle tightening is real sore, but the incisions are pretty numb in most places and the doctor wants to control the pain.  The difference in results between a lower body lift and a tummy tuck are profound.  With a LBL, it addresses the outer thighs, hips and buttocks.  As you could see from my pictures, my rear and hip were my biggest problem areas.  It also took care of the lower back fat.  I will post pics of my upper back from my upper body lift soon.  The difference in my breast is amazing, but I don't have those pictures. Get some consults with surgeons who have plenty of experience with massive weight loss patients.  check out the plastic surgery board.  It is good to see you back on the board.  Loris

You look fabulous, Loris!  And you're absolutely right that it's still possible to lose at almost 3 years out!  I'm 28 months post-op today, and I'm still losing 3-5 pounds per month.  WLS and all, it's all about calories in, calories out, and regular exercise.  I'm so pleased for you that you've found the motivation to keep going; visualize 130, work hard, and it will be yours.  I look forward to seeing more pictures from your plastics journey - I haven't done any plastics yet, and will be waiting until 2009 to start, but love seeing what other's look like post-plastics - amazing!  Kellie

HEY LORIS,         GREAT JOB ON THE WEIGHTLOSS. ITS IMPORTANT FOR THE OLDIES AND NEWBIES TO KNOW AFTER EVEN ALL THAT TIME YOU CAN STILL LOSE... YOU SO DESERVE IT... KEEP IT UP! HUGS MARGE