I'm getting SmartLipo done in 2 weeks :o)

Hi All,
    I'm getting the SmartLipo done in two weeks on my abdomen and chin/neck area.
I get all my pre-op measurements, ect done this Wednesday and then I'll have my procedures done on the following Wednesday ! It'll take about 5-6 hours and I'll be awake as they use just local anesthesia for SmartLipo. Total cost is $8,750. I will most likely have some loose skin in the front of my abdomen but it will be about 6 months to tell just how much it will be. If it's not too bad I will just leave it but if it bothers me I will get it removed whenever I have my breast surgery done the following year. I may not have to do anything to my arms or legs as they are shrinking well with my weight loss so far. I had my RNY 7 months ago in March 2009 and have lost 70 lbs.
I'm in a size 16 but the SmartLipo will shrink me down to 12-14 before Christmas as most of my weight is around my belly area. I can get in a size 14 jeans now, I just can't zip them up :o).
I was going to get a tummy tuck but the SmartLipo is not as risky so I decided to try it instead.
Wish me luck !
hugs,
TerSue

I wish you luck let me know how you make out.
Susan

Thank you!
Terry

Hi.  Do you feel your weight loss is complete, and stable after just 7 months ?

My thought is that it's a bit early for PS, as you may lose a bit more on your own and may need quite a bit less surgery if you wait ?  Just my $0.02.

Hi Dr L,
   I know my weight loss isn't finished yet. I'm still 60 lbs from my goal weight but I would like to get rid of as much of my abdominal fat as possible to help with my lower back pain. 99% of my weight is around my middle. My legs and arms are in good shape with no loose skin. I realize I may have some loose skin to be removed from my lower tummy but I am having my breasts done in a year anyway so will have my loose skin removed then....if I need it done. There may not be enough there to bother me. I won't know for certain until about 6 months after my SmartLipo.
I also know my weight/metabolism won't stabolize completely for another 10 months. Getting the chin/neck fat and the abdomen fat reduced and my skin firmed up will be a good thing :o). It's just another step forward for me. I decided on the SmartLipo because I won't be under general anesthesia and the recovery time is faster and a lot less painful than a tummy tuck with regular lipo.
   TerSue

OK. Good luck with your procedure and keep us posted.

If you are for sure set on going ahead with this now then I wish you the best, but I am finding it hard not to throw out my opinion, and it's only meant in a helpful way. It sounds as if you have lost a little more than half of your weight. If you still have 60 pounds you are trying to lose then I strongly suggest that you wait. Your body will still go through a lot of changes with that amount of weight left to lose. It sounds like an expensive procedure and I think you'll probably end up needing more surgery after you reach goal. If you waited it could all be taken care of at once with a tummy tuck.

How many consults have you been on? I am a little surprised that your plastic surgeon is willing to proceed with you so far from goal. Most surgeons suggest that you not only make it to goal but you hold steady there for awhile. Anyway...that's my 2 cents and like I said before, if it's a go then I wish you only the best.

I totally agree with you Renee. I think we were responding at the same time!  I even thought that perhaps this surgeon was taking advantage of her by agreeing on doing this so soon after WLS.    I hope not, but I think having more consultations is the thing to do. It really is an expensive procedure which may not even be necessary in a few months.

Wow, I didn't realize lipo was so expensive!  I know most surgeons recommend that you be at a stable weight for about 6 months.  I am really surprised a PS would agree to do the lipo so early out from your RNY.  I think if you wait a few months you may not need lipo and a TT would take care of any excess fat and skin you may have left and you could use that money towards that instead.  Just a thought!

Good luck,
Melissa

Hi!
I feel I have to chime in........like many of the others have said I'm rather surprised your surgeon has agreed to perform this with you not being at goal.  The reason I think you should wait is because your body will go thru a lot of changes as you lose the rest of the weight and then when you hit goal I really believe you will be faced with needing a TT.

I was like you when I was about 50 or 60 lbs from my goal.  I wanted to have my LBL but my surgeon told me I needed to wait.  When I was about 40 lbs from goal I had a breast reduction and lift.  I continued to lose weight and 2 months ago had another breast lift because my breasts got saggy again after losing the rest of my weight.  I wish I had waited, it would have saved me money and a procedure.

In a nutshell.....I think in the long run you'll be better off waiting but it's totally up to you.  Maybe you could go on a couple more consultations and then make your decision.
If you do decide to go forward I wish you the best!!