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Glad to hear that you are healing!
HW: 248+, SW (RNY: 2/28/17): 244, GW (10/17): 125; LW: 115; 45# regain (19-20); CW: 135.6; new goal: 135; Plastics: Ext mastopexy, Ext abdominoplasty-5/18/2018; diagnosed w/ gastroparesis 11/20.
The last few days (since day 9 Post-op) I've looked pretty normal except for the 3 surgical pins on top of my head (about an inch into my hairline). They are about 3/8 inch in diameter, so not tiny. I have to do sort of a comb-over with my hair to hide them (they will be removed next week at 3 weeks Post-op). The bruises are essentially gone. I used a tiny bit of concealer on the few remaining on my left eye, but they are so slight I don't even mind being seen without makeup. Swelling is still slightly present, but that may take weeks to months to fully resolve from what I hear. I think they already look better than before anyway. Pics below are at 12 days post-op with makeup, without makeup, one of the surgical "pins".
Liz 5'3" HW: 219 SW: 185 GW: 125 LW: 113 Desired maintenance range: 120-125 CW: 119ish
I would wholeheartedly vouch for Dr. Reish in NYC, who did my breasts and tummy tuck. I've seriously never in my life received care from a doctor as top-notch as this. Super responsive, attentive, and he does wonderful work!
I was at goal for like 6 months pre-plastics, but I would have done it sooner. My surgeon didn't have a goal requirement but I will say that getting the plastics certainly makes me want to do everything in my power to maintain my results - much moreso than pre-plastics.
VSG: 06/24/15 // Age: 35 // Height: 5'10" // Lost so far: 190 lbs
HW: 348 (before 2 week pre-op diet) // SW: 326 // CW: 158
TT/Lipo & BL/BA: 07/21/17 with Dr. Reish (NYC) BL/BA Revision: 01/11/18 with Dr. Reish (NYC) 
Unconventional Sleever & Low-Carb Lifer
You look fantastic! Can't believe it's only a week post-op! It's impossible to tell.
VSG: 06/24/15 // Age: 35 // Height: 5'10" // Lost so far: 190 lbs
HW: 348 (before 2 week pre-op diet) // SW: 326 // CW: 158
TT/Lipo & BL/BA: 07/21/17 with Dr. Reish (NYC) BL/BA Revision: 01/11/18 with Dr. Reish (NYC)
Unconventional Sleever & Low-Carb Lifer
I am in Houston and Dr. LoMonaco here is one of the best. He has extensive experience with bariatric patients. I would highly recommend you find someone with bariatric experience. We are just "different".
I did not just want to look better than I did before plastics. I wanted to look good. I got the results I wanted.
Laura in Texas
53 years old; 5'7" tall; HW: 339 (BMI=53); GW: 140 CW: 170 (BMI=27)
RNY: 09-17-08 Dr. Garth Davis
brachioplasty: 12-18-09 Dr. Wainwright; lbl/bl: 06-28-11 Dr. LoMonaco
"May your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears."
Today is Friday. I went to my follow up Wednesday and every other staple was removed down my legs. That area isn't too bad, but the pain closest to my lady parts is still horrible where those sutures are. I had hoped I would be feeling better by today. I am thankful I am sleeping well, but other than that it is bad.
Taking a shower is still exhausting. I hate hate hate using the restroom. I have a Go Girl and elevated toilet seat. I am hoping for relief soon. Still taking prescription pain meds. I should have known it would be horrible when the pain med prescription was written with refills. I' not expecting to feel 100%, just want to feel improvement.
The ones most often mentioned on the east coast are Dr. Capella in NY and Dr. Michaels in MD. I know there are some west coast ones too, but I don't know their names off the top of my head. It's important to find a surgeon who specializes in reconstruction after weight loss because our skin is different and requires different techniques.
I lucked out because Dr. Michaels is local to me.
This depends on the surgeon, but they tend to want patients to be maintaining their weight for at least 3-6 months prior to surgery.
When I did the math for my procedures it worked out to around $7-8000 per procedure, with the lower body lift counting as two. (That includes all surgeon fees and hospital fees.) There are additional expenses as well - for me these included a night in a hotel close to the hospital prior to each surgery in order to not risk getting stuck in traffic and random medical supplies which add up.
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
Gwen, congratulations on your wonderful progress. I am glad that things are healing well and that you are more mobile and independent again.
HW: 248+, SW (RNY: 2/28/17): 244, GW (10/17): 125; LW: 115; 45# regain (19-20); CW: 135.6; new goal: 135; Plastics: Ext mastopexy, Ext abdominoplasty-5/18/2018; diagnosed w/ gastroparesis 11/20.
Liz, you're looking great! I hope that you continue to heal quickly.
HW: 248+, SW (RNY: 2/28/17): 244, GW (10/17): 125; LW: 115; 45# regain (19-20); CW: 135.6; new goal: 135; Plastics: Ext mastopexy, Ext abdominoplasty-5/18/2018; diagnosed w/ gastroparesis 11/20.
hi everyone
i have a few questions about plastics.
Is there a list of great surgeons?
do a lot of you travel to find a great surgeon
how long do you need to be at your goal?
general costs? I need thighs arms boobs my abdomen and neck
thank you so much for any advice
kathy
