Today I celebrate the 5 year anniversary of having had surgery with Dr. Capella to remove excess skin that occurred after weight loss. (260 lb at my highest down to 169 lb.) New Pics on my page.

I am at a good place in my life. I am grateful. But it was not easy.

As you can see from my pictures here, my scarring and healing has been challenging.

On the day that I had my surgery, Dr. Capella's right hand man, surgical assistant, Scott had called in sick. Apparently that hadn't happened in the 8 years that they'd been operating together.

The procedure they developed is one that others break down in to several separate operations.

I wanted to do it, with the assurances and seeing his successful record, in the one fell swoop!

I'm not sure who was in there to help..I know I met all the folks who were in the room, but I don't remember their names. I don't know whether my outcome would have been different, but my guess is that it would have been. I only share this to show that unexpected things can happen in surgery. Folks considering any procedure need to have their eyes open. I also should mention that Dr. Capella offered to fix any issues gratis with a few prerequisites; I would need to weigh the same as I did after the surgery-169lb. ( I am as of today 179lb.), and I would need to pay for the hospital fees and all but Dr. Capella's fees if I went ahead with a revision.

All of this said, I am still glad I went down this road--scars and all.

I am a 58 year old woman today.

I was unable to figure out a healthy relationship with/toward food and still feel that my weight loss surgery journey is one that I have no regrets about.

However, for any younger person, or older person reading this who is still deciding how to proceed with difficult extra weight that makes them uncomfortable or unhealthy, I would hope that you pursue the solution in a "non- diet" way before surgery. My mind was ruined by all the diets I had been on since I was 7 years old. When you can't think in a different way, and food is either "good" or "bad", it is very hard to makes friends with "listening to your body" and having a healthier relationship to food choices and body image.

There are many healthy heavier folks and many unhealthy skinny people. Society makes it very hard to resist the message of Thin = Good. We're changing though. I see that. I see confidence coming in all sizes.

Anyway, I just wanted to share an update. I don't know how many folks do that here.

When I was researching whether or not to proceed, I wanted to read other people's stories.

I am definitely not "done" with my weight issues. I could stand to lose more weight. Of course.

My blood tests show me in a pre-diabetic place and my cholesterol is a bit too high. (Diabetes runs in the family.)

However, I do not need or take any medications. I want to keep it that way. My main goal is weight maintenance at this point.

Acceptance of my imperfect self. I want to live, and do, without food being top of mind all the time.

I have a more balanced life now.

My goals are to keep exercising--I mainly walk- keep being mentally healthy--have reasonable goals--and not ever hide out, like I used to.

I'd like to get into the 160's and of course lower would be nice....but mainly it is staying under 180 and maintaining.

I eat as a vegetarian and still aspire to be vegan. Both for animal welfare and because of my insane love of cheese!

It would be helpful to just take that off the list of foods I eat. Mainly I want to be kind to myself.

That has never been easy. I hope this helps someone.

All the best, Ingrid

I am considering Dr. Cardenas for similar procedures. I can not find you on realself. Is there a way for us to communicate privately? Thanks in advance.

Check with a bariatric surgeon to get a recommendation for a plastic surgeon who works with weight loss patients. Plastic surgeons charge a non-refundable consultation fee, normally between $75 and $250. That will normally include pictures. They will examine your skin and make recommendations. They will advise you about insurance and about payment plans that they work with. This is not mine, but from a book. "Weight loss surgery was the best thing I ever did for my health. Plastic surgery was the best thing I ever did for my self-esteem".