Well - I have 10 lbs to go and I had my first plastic surgery consult today. I have never had any cosmetic surgery and was a little hesistant. But, as my therapist says, working on the outside is cool as long as you are working on the inside as well. The whole thing is a process and honestly, I feel like seeing the plastic surgeon was a reward for working so hard in the last 11 months.
It was an interesting visit. To get completely naked and stand in front of someone who took pictures and then fondled all the droopy areas on your body, was, to say the least, something I had never imagined. But he was complementary and supportive and wasn't pushing a ton of random work. He said that having a tummy tuck was going to be life altering for me because of the pannus and the two large babies I had. He said that I had the ass of someone my age so he didn't think that doing a body lift was necessary (GO TO THE GYM GIRLS!!!). We went through the tummy tuck and we also discussed a thigh lift but he thought it was extremely premature for me to make that decision. He said the tuck would give me some lift and I needed to see how I felt a year after that surgery. On to the boobs ;) I am so excited that he said he could do a really nice lift without having an implant. That makes me REALLY happy. I had enough of a hard time accepting the band in my body, never mind two implants. He said my arms were not something that I should worry about. He said I had great skin tone on the rest of my body, arms, back and legs and that I would be really pleased with the tummy tuck and breast lift.
I kind of feel really good. It's a lot of money. And he doesn't do the surgery at the same time. Plus, I have to do 3 months of vitamin building because he says that lap band patients are often deficient in many of the vitamins that help us heal - so they boost that for awhile before surgery. He has operated with my bariatric surgeon so he knows how to bury the port (mine now protrudes when I stand up straight). He said that I had to make sure I was not too tight before surgery because I guess PBing after a tummy tuck hurts like hell. It was really cool to be with another doctor that understood everything we bandsters go through - and who also took the time to commend the decision and the success.
So now, on to figuring out how to pay for the damn thing. I need $9500 for the tummy tuck. My insurance would pay for the pannus removal but not the full tummy tuck and I know I really need that. The breast lift is $5600 but that would come next year. Is this crazy? I CANNOT STAND my pannus - it is really annoying and ruins how clothes fit me. He said the tummy tuck would result in 5-8 lbs lost - and at least a pants size. HOLY COW. This is a gift to myself right? How do you all feel about plastic surgery? Be honest. I want both sides ;)
Later, I will post a semi-naked pic - for a day at least ;)
I had a mini tummy tuck three years and it's a tough surgery but I needed it to complete my journey. Mine was $5k. Do your research and go in informed - that's my best advice.
ReplyDeleteI plan to have the same procedures, after I reach my goal and maintain. I hope to have my first consult next February and the first surgery next summer. Or, I may wait an extra year so I can do the surgeries on my sabbatical.
ReplyDeleteI admit, I used to be judgmental about plastic surgery. One big part of my research is on body image variables and so I've always thought of plastics as something that are pushed by the same societal complex that tells women that if they aren't perfect then they aren't worth anything. I still feel that way to some degree, but our situation is a bit different. I don't think plastics will make me perfect-- it's not like they can get rid of my stretch marks-- but they might be able to correct some of the abuse I've put my body through over the years.
I look forward to hearing how it goes for you!
I am completely for it. As Drazil said once, why would you train for a marathon and then run the whole damn thing to stop right before the finish line and turn around. If there is something on your body you are unhappy with, I say if you can afford to make the change then do it. I've said this before, my arms will definately be done (bat wings ugh!) after I am at least 12 - 18 mos at goal. I will use that time to tone the muscles etc and save the money but I will be getitng it done. Not sure about the tummy tuck at this time, I will not discount it, especially if I can get insurance to pay for that one. it's a possibility of the extra skin causing health problems. Good luck on whatever you decide Molly.
ReplyDeleteAlso /love love the new profile picture! You look absolutely AMAZING!
Good! As you said, it's a process. It works for you, both the inside and the outside. Plastic surgery seems like an unconventional option for some; nevertheless, it can be useful and satisfying when you're willing and ready to undergo it.
ReplyDeleteJack Sebastian
It seems you're really comfortable with your surgeon, eh? That's one of the good signs that you're going to have a successful surgery, and the outcome would go well in your favor as well. You shouldn't mind much about the price of the surgery, as long as it can make you feel beautiful and happy afterwards. :)
ReplyDeleteGeoffrey Lelia