Question:
Im set to start my consulatation for a full body lift.

I was wondering if any body has had the full body lift with breast implants. I would like know how bad is it and is the pain worse than it was with the Gastric Bypass? How long will I be out of work?    — IzzyW (posted on July 31, 2007)

July 31, 2007
Izzy, I had a body lift without implants - just a breast lift. it was the most painful thing i have ever gone through. doing all the surgery at once - Arms, abdomen, thighs, breasts- is a lot of surgery to do at once... i wanted only one recovery - but boy it was a hell of a recovery... i would take 4-6 weeks off work if you can. i only did 2 and i regretted that. i ended up working from home for another 4-6 weeks after starting back to work. then i had complications where 2 holes opened up in my abdomen which set by recovery back another 1 month.. i had that done last september and wasn't really totally recovered till about christmas time... make sure you have someone ot take you home and stay with you for at least 3-4 days - you will not be able to sit,stand, go to the bathroom by yourself. especially if you have abdomen and arms done at the same time. its a very hard surgery - but i'm almost a year out from it and am thrilled with the results. they took 14lbs of skin off... doc said it was a 6hr surgery. it took over 9 hours in reality. the gastric bypass had little to no pain with it - it was lapro - so no big pains... good luck with this! its a very tough surgery...
   — akirsch

July 31, 2007
Thank you, Anne, for your very informative answer. I am considering a full body lift too. What state do you live in? Did your insurance cover any of the cost? If so, how long did it take to get approval? If not, may I ask how much it cost you? How did you choose your surgeon? What kind of follow-up care did you have? Do you think you are finished with surgery? How long were you in hospital? Thanks for answering, -@li
   — cherub13

July 31, 2007
I had a brest lift with implants under the muscle. I also had a RNY lap. I would say the brest lift was worst It felt like I was hit by a truck Sorry...
   — leslieanne729

July 31, 2007
OMG! There is no comparrison to the gastric bypass and a full body lift! The gastric bypass is like a walk in the park. I had a belt lipectomy (all the way around my stomach), thigh lift, butt & back lift in 1 surgery.... Then 3 months later I had an additional stomach tightening, breast implants, work in the pubic area, arm lift and a few light touch ups. So I basically had 2 body lifts (cause it was total body both surgeries). And there is no worse pain than when you have been worked on in several areas at once! Gosh, you can't hardly move! After watching me, my husband said he would never do it, he would live with the skin! And another bad thing, I am constantly anemic because of all the blood lost in my 2nd round of surgeries--so it is a rough recovery (even years later).. I am not trying to discourage you, just wanting you to be prepared! GOOD LUCK
   — GAYLE CARMACK-LYONS

August 1, 2007
Wow!! I am impressed,amazed, and little shocked about those of you that had "the works" done. Trust me that I mean no disrespect to you all, it's just I don't I could handle that degree of pain! I will be having my tummy and my mid thorax done this fall (I think they call it anchor incision). My insurance is paying for the hip-to-hip and I am paying $1000 extra for the other. As for those reading this and have a consult set up, if you are shy you better get past it. I think the before pics they take that are sent to your insurance are the most embarrassing part of life! I sure wouldn't want a job looking at those pics all day LOL Sorry just have to share that lol. Best wishes to all!
   — tazthewiz23