I just underwent a Tummy Tuck and Arm lift

I remember the days when I was on here ALL THE TIME, leading up to my surgery and being so anxious, worried, and hopeful, back in 2017. So much has changed in that time. I followed all the rules that I was supposed to, pre surgery and the diet I had to be on for insurance approval. I lost 43 pounds before surgery in just 3 months but it was difficult. I was used to eating everything and anything I wanted to... and relearning to eat healthy was hard. But I did it, and I continue eating healthy and smaller portions, today. Do I ever eat a cookie or a slice of pizza now? You bet. But I know HOW much to eat and when to STOP!

I lost 130 pounds, 100 of it in 8 months time (including the 3 months pre-op dieting) and continued to drop excess weight. And with that excess weight, I had excess skin... stomach and arms. (Nothing like dancing around in Zumba with bingo arms going wild). I made the decision to have a tummy tuck and arms lift, this past summer. At the end of October 2020 I underwent the abdominoplasty and it was a hard recovery. Maybe my age (63) had something to do with that? I'm not sure. But it was painful and rough only in the beginning. Being sliced 24" across your pubic area into either side of your hips was not a pleasant feeling. I couldn't stand straight for weeks, and I had a hard time getting used to the total numbness of my new flattened stomach (which is STILL numb, but I am OK with that). But within 4 weeks I started feeling great and I could actually LOOK in the mirror without cringing at the incision. And I gotta say, my surgeon is a miracle worked! My Gosh the difference. It's unbelievable to me. Flat stomach, tight abs, at my thin high school weight I NEVER had this stomach.

6 weeks after that, on December 7, I underwent the brachioplasty. This surgery, for me, has been 100x more painful during recovery, but once again, another miracle worker outcome from my surgeon. My arms are SO much smaller. No more bulk. My tops fit so much better, arms are leaner (I had worked out with weights for the last 4 years so they were very toned, and it helped a lot), and the scars ARE long, but they will fade in time. Again, I'm OK with that.

I never thought I would undergo these two surgeries, in fact I recall telling myself 4 years ago "I'd be happy just to lose the weight, I won't care if I have a hanging gut", but being active and wearing tanks in the summer and camouflaging my stomach area, it annoyed me...So, I went for it.

Having the VSG was the best thing I ever did for myself.
If I can remember HOW, I will create some pictures to an album.Attachment 28603

Well done you. It sounds as though you are really making the most of your surgery.

Yes! I have to admit, I AM proud of myself. I know of a gal who had hers a few months before me, someone I met after I had mine, and she gained SO MUCH BACK! She ate what she wanted and all that hard work went down the tubes in one year's time. I know I worked SO HARD to get where I am now, and I can't even imagine doing it for nothing.
I was determined, and I AM a determined person so that was an added plus!

Congratulations! You look awesome!!!

Thank You! I feel pretty darn good.

Thank You!

You are cool. It sounds as though you are really making the most of your surgery.