An update on ME--xpost from VSG Board

OK, like that just made your day! I don't post very often, but I read daily--gotta get my fix.

I'll be two years out April 10th; and my ticker is a bit deceiving. I do weigh what it says, and the goal is my goal; 'sept my PCP has had me on maintenance. So, officially I've been done losing weight and maintaining in a 5 lb range, anywhere from 133 to 138 lbs.

Yes, I went from 256 to this range; I went from size 26 clothes to 8 and / or 6; I went from a ring size of 8 to a 5; shoe size 8 wide to 7 regular--but the most amazing thing to me--I GAINED ONE INCH. You read that right, gained one inch. Surgeon told me that that is not unheard of, weight and gravity pulls everything down.

I started to research plastics months ago, from the encouragement of my PCP. She wanted an idea of what the best "guesstimate" is on the approximate weight of excess skin so she could determine where I should stop losing. I obtained 3 opinions on what services, etc; and all concurred that I am carrying around between 10 - 15 lbs of excess skin. I chose which surgeon I want to go with, Dr. Columbus out of Cincinnati, and obtained pricing. Basically, the recommendation is to do this in two steps; first with the fleur-de-le abdominalplasty with circum. lower body lift as one part (slight lipo of saddlebags too). The second surgery would be breast lift and medial thigh lift, one year later. The cost about leveled me, especially since I promised my hubby that I would not take us into debt over this. Almost one year ago, I started a part time job and started saving. Well, TA DA, my savings plus our tax return gives us what is needed to do part one of my surgery. I am so excited. I have looked at the "best time" for me to do this, since I have small children. I am going to wait until the end of September of this year for my plastics, that way both kids will be in school full time, and will have about one month to aclimate.

I stand in front of the mirror constantly pulling and daydreaming on what I will look like without this---I don't remember ever a time I didn't have something hanging off the front of me; since I had been obese since the age of 6. I will say, it has taken me 40 years to look this good (smiles and shameful modesty here).

I am thankful for what this surgery has given me--many opportunities and the health to carry me through them all.

Any advice that I should start doing and thinking about now? Thanks for being here too!

Hey Rhonda, Good to hear from you :)  I had my VSG two days before you so I remember you well from the VSG boards.  I am having my plastics on 4/8 and will definitely post my before, afters, opinions, etc...  I have been trying to work out as much as possible and drink my protein shake daily pre op...  I want to be as healthy going into this as possible.  The hardest part has indeed been the wait.  Like you, I am so excited and really just want it behind me already :)  Congratulations on how well you have done with your sleeve and I know you will love your plastics!!!  Robin

So do tell, what are you getting done? Are you doing it all at once or breaking it up? Are you upping vitamins and eating pineapples? I heard the bromaline helps speed healing too. I definitely will be following your story!

All at once!  BA, Mini Arm Lift, Thigh Lift and LBL.  My before pictures are on my profile and the password is Preop.  I drink a protein shake every day with 1 tbsp flaxseed, 1 tbsp Acai, 1 tsp Maca, 1 tsp Camu, 1 tsp Goji Berry, 1 tbsp Coconut Oil and a dash of stevia.  I add either 8 oz of vanilla or chocolate soy milk and some fresh or frozen fruit for flavoring.  I have been using this shake for a while, it helps me maintain my weight and keeps me regular.  I also take a probiotic called Femdolpholus everyday.  My skin is in really good shape, I don't have thin spots or problem areas that cause rashes, I have been really lucky.  I also feel that I am far enough out from surgery that I get good vitamins through my food.  I make a tray of fresh fruits, veggies and cheeses every morning and that is what I snack on throughout the day.  I am all freaked out because I gained 4 lbs over Christmas and haven't been able to lose it.  Other than Christmas I have been maintaining for 18 months and feel good about being stable enough for PS.  Keep in touch :)  I will let you know how my recovery goes.  Robin