x-post: My AMAZING transformation thru RNY and Plastic Surgery, from size 24W to 4...

April 2013 before plastic surgery (10yrs after RNY); June 2013 3-mos post tummy tuck and October 2013 6-mos post tummy tuck; December 2013 2-mos post stage 2 plastic surgery (four procedures)

Last year transforming my entire physical self was such an unbelievable experience. I am 1-month post-operative for my facial plastics and 3-months post-operative for my body lift (no tummy tuck), inner thigh lift, arm lift with flankplasty, and breast lift (no implants). I am 9-mos post-operative from my tummy tuck, which is the surgery that started it all.

So now I have been transformed head-to-toe (well, to knee, really, LOL). I have to say that I am as shocked by the changes in my face as I am in the changes in my body. All of it is so unbelievably good!!! I selected two of the very best surgeons in the world - one is super talented in bodies (Dr. Joseph F. Capella) and the other is super talented in faces (Dr. Catherine Winslow). I look so gosh darn young now. THRILLED.

I posted about my journey, pix and the results of my body work here: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/plasticsurgery/4653714/Sur gery-yesterday-body-lift-thigh-lift-arm-lift-flankplasty/act ion,replies/topic_id,4653714/page,5/   All in all I have lost 36 pounds and 42.5 inches and I have gone down 5 sizes from plastic surgery. I feel like I hit the jackpot with these surgeries and these surgeons - truly each an artist in their field. Today I look like I am in my 30s, but I am turning 50 in March. And I am a size 4 and living life larger than ever!

I just want to let fellow WLS grads know what is possible through plastic surgery. I never imagined I could have a body like this! My total spend has been about $41k and I have one surgery to go (breast implants). The fact is that both US board-certified plastic surgeons gave me very good pricing, especially considering their levels of expertise. But $41k is a lot of money no matter how you look at it. Was it worth it? For these results, YES! But even if I had stopped at just the tummy tuck and mons lift it would have been life changing and by far the best $7k I ever spent!

I have blogged extensively about my plastic surgery journey. You may read a detailed step by step account of my tummy tuck, my total body lift, and an interview that I did with Dr. Capella that covers everything you need to know about plastic surgery after weight loss, by visiting my profile page and clicking through to the linked stories. You also may access my photo albums -- ladies only, please! My profile page: http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/mybariatriclife/

BTW  I have had general anesthesia for my body work. I had conscious sedation/twilight sedation for the facial plastics and I woke up during surgery!!! I would not recommend doing surgery under this type of anesthesia. I know that I will never do it again. Anyone considering plastic surgery outside the US should take special note of this. If cost is a concern, there are other options -- read my interview w/Dr. Capella where I cover affording plastic surgery.

I AM SO GLAD THAT I DID THIS! RNY gave me back my health. Plastic surgery gave me back joy unimagined!!!

Size 24 W Evan Picone skirt from before my RNY in 2003, it looks like two of me can fit inside!

Thanks for sharing!  

My pleasure! 

Thanks so much for sharing your progress and information about your surgery.  I am 9 years postop and have decided it's time to get serious about pulling together the money to have a tummy tuck and mons lift.  I have a question about the $7K you paid for your procedure - was that just the surgeon's fee or did that also include the hospital charges?

Thanks for any insight you can provide!

Mary Ellen

Wow, just great work! Thanks for being an inspiration- I just love hearing from those of you further out and doing well! Gives me hope I can do it, too!

So far 3 ½ years for me in a size 4. The best part for me also is living life so much larger.

No plastics here, though, given my age. I would like my turkey wattle disappeared...

Thanks for sharing, you look awesome.