Question:
I will be having brachioplasty, abdominoplasty, and buttocks lift in August.

I am one year status post the gbp, and have lost 120 pounds. Would love to hear about experiences with the reconstructive surgery to help me know what to expect (although I do realize everyone has a different experience). How long was recuperation time? Are you happy that you had the reconstruction, or do you regret it? Thanks for the input! Ginnie    — Ginnie P. (posted on July 2, 2002)

July 1, 2002
3 weeks tomorrow since my full tummy tuck. this surgery was so easy compared to others i have had.stayed overnight in the hospital the pain was never bad just uncomfortable i feel great and my tummy is flat something i never thought i'd have!
   — SHELLEY C.

July 2, 2002
I had a panniculectomy and brachioplasty in November and couldn't be more pleased with the results. Although I was in the hospital for several days due to medication-related complications, the original plan was for an overnight stay and I could easily have gone home the next morning with no problem if everything had gone as planned. This was by far the most "comfortable" surgery I have ever had....no more pain than a bad paper-cut....up and walking the same evening. My surgery did not include a buttock lift, and the operative time was 5.5 hours. My tummy is totally flat and tight, and my arms are just wonderful. It would have been nice not to have an elbow to armpit scar, but it is strategically located on the inner aspect of the arms and can't be seen at all unless I raise my arms above my head. I had four drains in my lower abdomen...two were removed one week post-op, the second was removed on the third week, and the last wasn't removed until seven weeks post-op. They were totally pain-free (even during removal) and were just aggravating to try to disguise under my clothing at work. I returned to work one week post-op, even though my surgeon was advising a minimum of three weeks. However, I have an office job with the flexibility to work shorter hours during the day if needed, so I had no problems at all. Please feel free to write me privately if you have additional questions or concerns. Good luck!
   — Diana T.