THE NEW OLD ME....

Good morning OFF,
I haven't been here for months but have done some lurking.  Couldn't be without my OH completely.  I didn't post for a few reasons, but the main one was purely physical.  Not sure if anyone remembers, but I had some pretty major plastics done.  In November, actually 4 months ago Saturday, I had a Total Body Lift.  Yep, plastics all around--stem to stern...arms, thighs, groin, back, butt, belly, abdomen, breasts, I think that is it.   It was a 10 hour surgery, 3 units of blood, and still recouperating.  I decided to take the plunge and do it all at one time (No, insurance didn't pay a dime...but my house is now remortgaged). 
My surgeon, (the world reknown Dr. Dennis Hurwitz), is the "man who developed " the TBL and is a sculptor as well as a surgeon.  He really did recontour my body and removed all of the sagging, wrinkled, hanging skin.  The recovery is long, nerve-wracking, frustrating and painful, but so worth it.  No more batwings, shar-pei puppy thighs, muffin top, 34 longs, etc.  Of course I have lots of scars, but it is Okay!  They will fade.  I believe the trade-off is inevitable and positive. 
I have finally turned the corner, and have to thank Mary (Baseball-Mom) for being my private chauffeur (still can't drive very well because my range of motion for my arms is still slightly limited) and dear friend in every sense of the word.  She and I have returned to the gym and even though I am not back to where I was, I am improving and enjoying it.  Some of the exercises  are actually easier because I don't have a lot of discomfort from skin and rashes and infections.  I had almost 12 lbs. removed and lost weight,too.  So since Nov., I am 20-25 lbs. less which brought me to my goal weight (Finally!).  And as for clothing sizes....my jeans are size 4 (was an 8 pre-op).  I can't believe it...I still think it is a mistake when I put them on...my mind is still catching up. 
Lots of other things have been going on in the past few months, but I won't bore you now.  Instead, I will look forward to being part of the OFF again. 
I also want to thank Laureen, Janet, Candy and Melissa for being there for me too. Even though it was by phone, it was so wonderful to know they were just a call away.  They along with Mary have been such a great cheerleading section for me, and I am grateful for their friendships!!
I am looking forward to getting to know the newbies here and rekindling some old friendships!
Have a great day.
Hugs,
Lora

PS--Thursday was my 2 year surgiversary!!  What a journey...........

Lora, your last statement summed up your life lately when you said What a journey........... That is an understatement if I have ever heard one. I am so glad that things are going well for you. I am envious of the plastics but I am sure that isn't for me. I have to have hernia surgery and the doctor said that he will do a tummy tuck and so we are waiting for the insurance. I know that is about the most I will ever do. Even though I would love to have a boob job since the girls are getting tall or should I say long!

I am so glad that you are back and joining us again.

Brenda,
I am so glad to hear from you and for your kind words.  You are so right...the summation for the past 4 months is "What a journey!"  The good, the bad, and the ugly!  Just like life....it makes me appreciate all the wonderful things and to take a few moments daily to think about them.  This journey has been a blessing.
Congrats to you too for your successes!
Lora 

Hi Lora,

It's so good reading your message and knowing that you're feeling better. I'm right there with you with the plastics, although I'm doing it in 2 separate surgeries. I had my first one in November also (upper body lift inluding arms, breasts, and neck and lower face). This was my 3rd surgery in 1.5 years and by far the most painful; especially the face. I will be going in this Friday and having a circumferential body lift done and am not looking forward to the pain. I can't even begin to imagine how painful to go through it all at one time...ouch! You must have had amazing people helping you. A few days after my November surgery my dear Dr. Katzen told me that I could go home and wash my hair that was stiff with dried blood. My ears hurt so badly that I couldn't begin to imagine how much pain would be involved if the water touched them. I waited another day to wash my hair and asked my dear husband to join me in the shower. It's been a long time since I invited anyone to shower with me and while we were in there (Thanksgiving week) I remembered why I had given this up....the person standing under the ho****er is fine, but the person not under the water is cold! It brought back memories of a younger "perkier" me!

I'm so glad to hear that you're doing better and I'm sure you look fabulous. I'll check your profile to see if you've added photos. I have some of my upper body lift if you'd like to check them out.

All the best for all of us out there becoming the people we want to be and the courage to change.

Gentle hugs...

Dear Kathie,
Wow...I know you understand the recovery period that I am going through.  I still can't wash my hair alone completely yet because only one of my armpits "popped."  I may need a revision in the "unpopped" one because there is a small skin flap.  Oh well.  Dr. H. said it is a simple procedure in the office...simple???  We'll see.
Anyway, thank you for your lovely message and your gentle hugs.  They are so appreciated.  Congrats on your successes, your upcoming surgiversary (close to mine), and I wish you a well this Friday.  If you would like any LBL tips, just PM me....I have a few that will ease some of the discomfort.
Hugs,
Lora 

 Hi Lora,

Thank you for your post. I would love any tips you could offer. I just saw my surgeon and tried to visit my recovery center but there wasn't anyone there...rats. I have my recliner ready at home and spent last weekend cleaning the house thoroughly since I know it will bother me more while I'm sitting at home rather than at my desk at work. 

Did you need a walker or toilet raiser? I used both of these after a total hip replacement last year but gave my walker away. I have a cane that I used after 1 week. 

Preparing for this second surgery is much more difficult for me having already been through round 1 and still having sensitivity at my wounds. I even had one stitch under my breast pop out last week with bleeding. It feels very much the same as when I went into the delivery room for my second birth. You've been there before and know what to expect and the pain is still in your short term memory. I try to think of it in the same manner...the pain is well worth every bit because you end up with that beautiful baby. For us going through plastics, we are willing to put up with the pain in order to have a body that we're proud of. I read a post the other day from a woman who said she liked her nice filled out body more than the "old" looking saggy one. I felt the same way and last summer was envious of women with chubby filled out legs rather than mine that looked like I was 90 years old.

I'm so glad you're feeling better and hope every day gets easier. You are very courageous and I'd love to see photos!

Gentle Hugs, Kathie

Lora,

Congratulations for everything you have accomplished. This journey is not the easy way out, it takes hard work and determination. Your two years is proof of that.

It is good to know you are getting back in the swing of things with less pain. Keep up the good work. You are an amazing example of WLS SUCCESS!!!

 Annette

My dear Annette,
I so wished that you would be one to read my post because I knew you would send pennies my way!!!  I am touched by your words and know that I have your support and caring...I feel it through the cyber world! 

It is hard to believe that it is almost a year since our GTG in the 'Burgh, so I suppose that means that it is time to plan another...NYC in the fall??????

By the way, I have read some of your posts in the past few months and hope you and Tom are feeling well these days.  Also, my sympathies for your sweet furbaby that passed on.  I have missed you my friend and send lots of hugs your way!!
Missed you!
Hugs,
Lora 

Lora:

Good for you ... and happy second-year surgiversary! Size 4 is fantastic!

Bravo for having the plastics. You are so brave.That is something I considered (just the panni ... all insurance would pay and I can't afford anything else). But after having two knee replacements and all the pain that has gone with that, I've decided that's enough pain on elective surgery. I applaud you for going through with this, though. We want to see pictures!

Eileen,
How good to hear from you!!  Thank you for your support and encouragement...but as for me being "brave"....not sure if that is the right word.  Perhaps I was CRAZY!!  In all honesty, I was a bit worried, skeptical, hesitant and so on the fence before this surgery, mainly because of the expense.  I was denied the insurance coverage for the panniculectomy because my panni "didn't hang long enough!"  Geezzzzzzz....  Actually it did hang to the "necessary place" for a long time, but then "stupid me" exercised like a fiend...it raised the panni apron (even though it was still measuring the same length), just not hanging as low as it did.  So I am in appeal right now...have been for 4 months.  I plan to take it to the end...for principle's sake!  We'll see. 
I try not to look at this TBL as "elective" because I felt as if I wasn't having the quality of life that I deserved to have.  Plus, the yeast infections were so awful...pain, discomfort and odors.  I am much happier now and have been taking advantage of this new me. 
I wish you continued luck and best wishes every day and hope that your knees and legs will soon have some much deserved relief!
Hugs,
Lora