First I want to say congratulations on maintaining. That's the most challenging part of the journey.

I just finished with my plastics procedures. 17 months ago I had my arms and breasts done. 7 months ago I had a total body lift and tummy tuck. And 5 weeks ago I had thigh lifts done.

My one piece of advise foe the tummy tuck is to ask your surgeon for a pain ball. I think that's what kept me comfortable. It continuously drips a novocaine type pain medication in the abdomen.

Best of luck to you!
Shelley

Hi! Bravo for shedding the excess weight and maintaining!

Like Shelley, I've also had plastic surgery. It sounds like you are going to "stage" your plastics - which I highly recommend!! I also started with a TT and breast lift (with augmentation). About a year later, I had the backside done. I also had brachioplasty and my legs done.

There is a difference between the panniectomy and a tummy tuck - make sure you chose the one that is right for you. I considered a panni until I learned a high percentage of people who had one weren't happy with the results. The panni just removes the excess skin. With a TT, the surgeon repairs the linea alba (the tissue that connects the two sides of the rectus abdominus)...the linea alba separates during pregnancy and with obesity. I'm very glad I chose the tummy tuck!

JJ

Wow! It's great to know that those of you who have had reconstructive surgery report with positive comments. It's scary just thinking about it. Your positive comments have made me feel more positive as I approach these decisions. Thanks!

Good info, however, I was told by my surgeon he could get me the panniectomy (sp?) as a medical necessary procedure, and a tummy tuck would be completely out of pocket. Something to consider down the road. I think everything else is elective/cosmetic surgery and out of pocket.

I just had a tummy tuck 5 weeks ago. The panni part was covered by OhIP in Ontario. I thought, since I'm being cut anyways, I would go for the whole tummy tuck. I had it done in Winnipeg, MB as it is our closest city (I am in northwestern Ontario) and it only cost me $3100 extra. I was 255 when I had surgery 3 years ago and have been stable at 180. Lost 5 lbs with the tummy tuck, all skin and fat. The first week was painful for me. Was still on T3 s for the second week too, but was taking less. Weeks three and four much easier and now feeling great, just finished week 5. I had two large drain tubes for 10 days and all staples out by 12 days, so it was difficult to dress, or go out or drive for the first 14 days. They told me no driving for 2 weeks and no sitting upright for 2 weeks. I am now back to my walks, 5 k twice a week, but have to wait awhile longer for heavier exercise. They have you wear a compression waist belt for 6 weeks, 24/7, then for another 6 weeks, 12 hours a day. I am pleased with the results. Cut is ugly but it will fade in time and no one will see it anyways. I am 56 this year and have decided no more surgery. I can hide my arms, roll the girls up in a bra and hide my arms, but that stomach wasn't easy to hide!

weeno...thanks for posting your experience with plastic surgery. I know it's not an easy recovery but knowing the details makes it easier to make decisions concerning these procedures.
Jo