OT: Plastic Surgery

[Erin13178]

Since there are a lot of members on this board, I was just wondering if anyone here has had plastic surgery?

If you've had it, what procedure did you have and what was your experience?

The reason I'm asking is because I'm toying with the idea of having a tummy tuck in a year and a half. Granted I only have one child, and I'm young enough to have another, but I am single and I just don't see me getting married and having more babies honestly. And the reason I want this is I've lost a lot of weight (see ticker) and I have what they call an apron (yes gross). This skin will NEVER tighten up or go away. If there were exercises I could do to help this problem I would, but there isn't, it's just skin. I want this to make me feel better about my lower tummy. I've worked so hard to get what I have, and that part of me just makes me not happy. Yes overall I'm a happy person, but that part just bugs me, kwim?

Any thoughts or opinions on this?

 

[Nanu57v]

107 pounds!!! Oh my gosh that is amazing! How did you do it?

I've never had plastic surgery, but DH asked me the other day if I wanted it for my baby pouch after I was done having kids. With any surgery, there is a risk...and for that I'd say no. But I am sort of a hypochondriac. My first instinct would be for losing 107 you deserve the surgery...but then I think, there's still a risk.

 

[DawnM]

My son has had 3 surgeries by plastic surgeons for some hand deformities he was born with.

As long as you are confident in the doctor, I don't see why you shouldn't have it done!



Also wondering how you lost the weight.

Dawn

 

[toystorymom]

I just wanted to say congratulations on your amazing weight loss!

Once you have lost all the weight you want, surgery may be a good option for you. As PP said, with any surgery there are risks. Make sure you go to a reputable, board certified plastic surgeon in addition to one with good word of mouth recommendations. Also, plastic surgery can be very expensive, rarely covered in any way by insurance so would that also be a factor? It isn't something I would go into debt over but that's something only you can determine.

It sounds like you want to do it for the right reason - yourself! Start gathering info so that you can make an informed decision.

Good luck and congratulations again, that is inspiring!

 

[thegrimdwarf]

My husband works with a woman who lost 150+ pounds and recently underwent head-to-toe "tightening". None of it was covered by insurance. She developed a post-op clot in her leg, but it resolved with blood thinners. She was out of work for 6 weeks. She looks amazing!

Like a PP said - research your doctor, check with the medical board in your state for malpractice suits, check word of mouth if you can.

Good luck with whatever you decide! And congrats on your weight loss!

 

[arielchica]

Since having my two babies my chest is not how they used to be which makes me so sad. I had nice big and perky breasts. So, in a couple of years I am getting either a breast lift or implants, whichever the plastic surgeon says is better for me. I miss my nice chest! We are going to use our tax refund for it since i don't want to go into debt.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

I had a breast reduction when I was 17 or 18. I had A-simetrical (SP?) breasts - that means one was a DD and one was a B. Yeah, highschool SUCKED!! I don't like the scars I now have, but theres nothing that could have been done about that, other than maybe trying some scar cream, which I never did. I never had any complications from it, or any pain after (DM made sure to keep me well medicated!), but I do know someone who had the reduction, and months later they opened back up!!!
Anyway, I say GO FOR IT! I'm 27, and so far I've lost almost 50 pounds, and hoping to lose another 50 or so. I don't know how my belly is going to look when I'm done either (though I'm already seeing the "belly brain"), since I've had 2 babies, but I will 100% get a tummy tuck if I feel I need it. Just curious, have you been to a Dr yet? Has he/she talked to you about prices or possibly doing anything else? I'd just be worried about the Dr trying to talk me into doing more than I want!

Any questions PM me!
Sarah

 

[DisTeach1]

I had a breast lift and reduction last year. My friends used to call me a "freak of nature". I am naturally tall and thin, I'm 5'7" and weigh 130, used to weigh 120 in college, but I've always had really big breasts-38DD. Well, even though I exercise regularly, etc. they just never were going to be where I wanted them to be.

What I've read...get to your ideal weight first, then stay there at least 9 months following a regular exercise program, after that is the best you are probably going to get-know what I mean?

I regret it a little, only because now that the economy is so slow, I wish I hadn't foolishly gotten us in a little more debt over them.

 

[kldmom2000]

No advice from me.... congrats to you!!! That's awesome! I completely hear you on the "apron"

I lost 120 lbs 7 yrs ago and I know all too well about that extra skin I've just not been brave enough to have the consult esp. after having 2 c-sections and then another major abdominal surgery in which a lot of abdominal muscle was removed due to severe endometriosis (I had hoped the surgeon could pull it back together a bit tighter when he was done, but alas, he didn't) My former GYN was urging me to have something done about it because she said it was such a shame that I'd lost all that weight and I still have "that unsightly belly" as she put it (see why she's my FORMER GYN!

I'm curious to see what responses you get because your post got my attention

Good luck to you and congrats!!!!

 

[Erin13178]

Thank you for all your responses. I really appreciate all the input thus far. I know there are complications that could result from any surgery, and that makes me scared, but for me I think the benefits would outweigh the risks.

So far I haven't talked to any doctors about it. I live in Southern Indiana, and I would likely be going to Louisville for the surgery. I have a friend who went and had a tummy tuck and breast implants and her surgeon was Dr. Fox, the same guy who does the hand transplants at U of L. So he is a very good doctor, and she looks amazing. But the cost of hers was $10K. From what I've been reading they cost anywhere from $3 to $6K depending on who you go to, how long it takes, etc.

Actually I talked to one of my friends yesterday was is a surgical tech and who's been present for numerous tummy tucks. She was giving me advice on who she would go to and who not to go to. So I very well may contact one of the doctors that she knows. She's seen it all, and told me about some surgeons who end up giving patients dog ears, which are flaps of skin on the side like by their hips, I do not want that. So yes I'm gonna do a lot of research.

I know the cost is a lot, but I think I would be using my tax check for part of it, and I would likely finance the other part. The payments aren't bad, I'm getting a raise at work this month, and in Nov, and my car will be paid off next year. Thus why I'm seriously considering all of this. My home is already paid for, so that is not an issue. Anyway, I'm rambling.

For those of you who asked how I lost so much, it was honestly a combo of diets and it took almost 3 years. I started with the South Beach Diet, I lost like 12 lbs the first week, and I stayed with it for a couple of months but I just couldn't stomach any more fish, lol. But it was a great jumpstart. I also started walking, I was just plain obese and it was hard. I went down to 220, then just cut portions and exercised, went down to 205. Then I went back up to 220, I had my doc put me on a med, went back down to 205, back up to 215. Then I started my new job and my feet hurt, so I had to lose weight. I did WW and walked a lot. The walks turned into runs. I then leveled out around 157, last winter went back up to almost 170, then I got my butt in gear and now I'm 153.

I now follow WW but don't attend meetings, I don't have time and don't want to spend the money when I can do it on my own. I talk to friends online and they keep me motivated, and I text a friend also. I have a short term goal and that really helps. My equation is move more, eat less. More calories burnt then eaten, and I then lose weight, sounds simple right? LOL I soooo love to eat, I'm a true food addict.

Some of my secrets are to boil eggs and eat the egg whites, they totally fill me up and are 0 pts. I don't eat the yellow part. I eat salads but fat free dressings make me gag, so I just count the points for regular dressings, don't beat myself up, and move on. Also when I eat salads I try to put some sort of oil on them, it really helps me to keep the plumbing moving. I do ball exercises for my stomach and tend to walk and run a lot. I try to exercise daily.

Sorry this turned into a book! This has just been a huge struggle for me, and always will be. So I feel everyone's pain that has ever dealt with weight issues.

 

[Erin13178]

No advice from me.... congrats to you!!! That's awesome! I completely hear you on the "apron"

I lost 120 lbs 7 yrs ago and I know all too well about that extra skin I've just not been brave enough to have the consult esp. after having 2 c-sections and then another major abdominal surgery in which a lot of abdominal muscle was removed due to severe endometriosis (I had hoped the surgeon could pull it back together a bit tighter when he was done, but alas, he didn't) My former GYN was urging me to have something done about it because she said it was such a shame that I'd lost all that weight and I still have "that unsightly belly" as she put it (see why she's my FORMER GYN!

I'm curious to see what responses you get because your post got my attention

Good luck to you and congrats!!!!

Oh my gosh good for you! That is totally awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! So you've kept the 120lbs off? You are now my idol!

 

[Carlyzmom]

Congrats on the weight loss!! My DH had lap band in Oct. and has lost 65 lbs. - so I KNOW how difficult it is to eat right and stick to it!

I had breast augmentation a year and a half ago. I am 5'7" and about 140 lbs - and I was FLAT as a pancake. I mean embarassingly so! It had bothered me all my life. I would not wear a bathing suit and was very self conscious. The surgery (recovery) was very painful and for a while I wished I had not done it. Now, I am very happy with the result - not huge, just normal. Nobody would look at me and say "hey, those are fake!". I just feel like a real woman now.

So, with that said, I am sure it will not be fun - but it will probably be worth it in the end. I LOVE these boards - BUT there are some awesome boards on plastic surgery where you could get a lot of support. I would not have made it through my recovery without the support from my board "buddies".

Sorry, so long. I just feel like it is so important to be comfortable in your own skin. Good luck!!

 

[twooley2]

Yes , I had a tummy tuck 2 years ago. Was it painful. Yes and yes. Was it worth it? yes and yes. Are there risk well you know there is. I was in so much pain for about a month. They said I could go back to work in a couple of weeks . Well depends on what your job is and how accomodating they are. I slept in a recliner in front of my TV for 2 weeks. Till I couldnt stand sleeping that way any longer and said I have to return to my bed Luckily I had no complications or infections and a very supportive husband and no little kids around as mine were pre teens and could help out too. I say sure go for it but be prepared that it is not a do today be better tomorrow procedure.

 

[kldmom2000]

Oh my gosh good for you! That is totally awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! So you've kept the 120lbs off? You are now my idol!

I've kept all of it but 7 lbs off..... it's been 7 yrs and your metabolism changes.... Although I still exercise every day and eat right (I too did the WW at home program-never attended a single meeting), I did gain back 7 lbs I know it doesn't seem like much but I'm trying to get it off because I can't let it go for fear of gaining more. It's so hard because I'm already doing so much... but by body has just gotten "used" to what I've been doing for 7 yrs

I have to change up my exercise routine (I do the treadmill usually & some abdominal exercises/small weight exercises). I need to do something else to jumpstart my metabolism again

Good luck to you and I hope you get the advice and help you need in your decision!!! You really should be so proud of your accomplishment!!!! WTG!

 

[jenseib]

I had breast augmentation too. Totally worth it. The right Dr is very imprtant. I have NO scar, and I have been told by many GYN's that they can't even tell I had them done. I would ove lipo, as I have always had a big butt and thighs, but DH won't go for it. If I ever win the lottery though, thats the first thing I'm doing. I would probably tighten up my tummy too, after having 3 kids, 2 as c-sections, it doesn't look so good.

I would say, be sure yo uare not going to have more children though. As I have heard it usually messes it up. Again heard others who's tummy was still great after.

 

[Erin13178]

Congrats on the weight loss!! My DH had lap band in Oct. and has lost 65 lbs. - so I KNOW how difficult it is to eat right and stick to it!

I had breast augmentation a year and a half ago. I am 5'7" and about 140 lbs - and I was FLAT as a pancake. I mean embarassingly so! It had bothered me all my life. I would not wear a bathing suit and was very self conscious. The surgery (recovery) was very painful and for a while I wished I had not done it. Now, I am very happy with the result - not huge, just normal. Nobody would look at me and say "hey, those are fake!". I just feel like a real woman now.

So, with that said, I am sure it will not be fun - but it will probably be worth it in the end. I LOVE these boards - BUT there are some awesome boards on plastic surgery where you could get a lot of support. I would not have made it through my recovery without the support from my board "buddies".

Sorry, so long. I just feel like it is so important to be comfortable in your own skin. Good luck!!

Do you have a link to any of those boards? I would love to read and maybe become a part of them. TIA!

 

[LisaInNc]

I had a tummy tuck a year after my DD was born. It was really painful. I am not a wimp either. It took a full 2 weeks to recover. They didn't really prepare me for that but it was 2 loooooong weeks. It's major surgery and it wasn't pleasant and it took months for the swelling to go away but when the dust settled I had a nice flat tummy with a big huge scar. That faded over time and it's been 6 years and the scar is barely visable. It is not anything close to a quick fix but I understand your wanting to do it.

I believe that if you want it for the right reasons, if you can afford it and that means without financing it and you have someone to care for you after it, then by all means do it just take a lot of vacation so you can properly recover.

 

[nessz79]

Wow- I've always toyed with the idea of a tummy tuck, after having 2 kids (and knowing I'm done). However, after seeing how painful and long the recovery is, I'm not so sure. I have that mommy belly, but it's not terrible. I just won't be wearing a bikini ever again.

 

[jenseib]

Is it worse than a c-section?

 

[nyyankeegirl]

I've kept all of it but 7 lbs off..... it's been 7 yrs and your metabolism changes.... Although I still exercise every day and eat right (I too did the WW at home program-never attended a single meeting), I did gain back 7 lbs I know it doesn't seem like much but I'm trying to get it off because I can't let it go for fear of gaining more. It's so hard because I'm already doing so much... but by body has just gotten "used" to what I've been doing for 7 yrs

I have to change up my exercise routine (I do the treadmill usually & some abdominal exercises/small weight exercises). I need to do something else to jumpstart my metabolism again

Good luck to you and I hope you get the advice and help you need in your decision!!! You really should be so proud of your accomplishment!!!! WTG!

You definately need to just change your routine. Your body just gets used to the same routine & you will hit a plateau (sp?) You can try some new excercises that will make your body work differently, using new muscles. That's easier said than done, since I've hit my plateau & my plan has been to change things up, but just never seem to do it!
Good luck!!