Surgery Consultation
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Coconut_Tim
Posts: 63 Member
Hey guys,
I have been on my weight loss journey for several years. When I was 25 I was 425lbs and felt horrible. It was the worst period of my life; mentally, physically, socially.. in every way. I am currently 32. I am 190lbs and have been maintaining for 7 months. It took a lot of work but I am in a happy place. I am in the best health of my life. I am active and social and happy. I enjoy where I am. However, I went to a routine doctors checkup and was informed that due to my dramatic weightloss and the irritations that my loose skin causes me that I have an opportunity to get skin removal surgery covered by my (low income) insurance. I have a consultation appointment with a plastic surgeon on the 30th. I am very nervous.
I am wondering if there is anyone who has been in this situation. Was skin removal worth it? Was it what you had hoped? Would you still go through with it if given another opportunity? Were the scars terrible? Did you turn surgery down and deal with your loose skin? How did that turn out for you?
Thank you for your time. I appreciate anyone taking the time to read and respond.
I have been on my weight loss journey for several years. When I was 25 I was 425lbs and felt horrible. It was the worst period of my life; mentally, physically, socially.. in every way. I am currently 32. I am 190lbs and have been maintaining for 7 months. It took a lot of work but I am in a happy place. I am in the best health of my life. I am active and social and happy. I enjoy where I am. However, I went to a routine doctors checkup and was informed that due to my dramatic weightloss and the irritations that my loose skin causes me that I have an opportunity to get skin removal surgery covered by my (low income) insurance. I have a consultation appointment with a plastic surgeon on the 30th. I am very nervous.
I am wondering if there is anyone who has been in this situation. Was skin removal worth it? Was it what you had hoped? Would you still go through with it if given another opportunity? Were the scars terrible? Did you turn surgery down and deal with your loose skin? How did that turn out for you?
Thank you for your time. I appreciate anyone taking the time to read and respond.
2
Replies
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Hi.. I'm 8 months post op from my tummy tuck and skin contour due to my 130 lb weight loss.
My case was a little different because one month out from my tt, I got the top half done and breast augmentation as well.
The only thing I would do differently, is wait on my second surgery.
I'm very happy with my results, and all the feeling from the nerve damage etc.. is coming back now, so speaking for only the abdominoplasty, I'd say that was ok.
I lost my mind after the second surgery because I thought I was stronger than that, and I just got super depressed and started eating things I shouldn't etc..
The scars are awesome, only pencil thin, but I'm not sure if a state insured doctor will be as skilled.
My doc had me drinking bone broth a week before and a week after for healing effect.
I also took arcana and bromilin.. a homeopathic medicine that helps with healing and bruising.
I would totally do it again. As I said before.. I just think I had the second surgery too soon. Glad it's all done though!!!!4 -
I don't have any experience in this subject but wanted to say congrats on your loss and maintenance. Amazing job!2
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I've known a few people who had it done. All of them were really happy about the results after the surgery. The ones who have maintained the loss are still glad they went through it. One friend scars really bad and has some nasty scars, but the others the scar is low and it very thin.1
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Hi.. I'm 8 months post op from my tummy tuck and skin contour due to my 130 lb weight loss.
My case was a little different because one month out from my tt, I got the top half done and breast augmentation as well.
The only thing I would do differently, is wait on my second surgery.
I'm very happy with my results, and all the feeling from the nerve damage etc.. is coming back now, so speaking for only the abdominoplasty, I'd say that was ok.
I lost my mind after the second surgery because I thought I was stronger than that, and I just got super depressed and started eating things I shouldn't etc..
The scars are awesome, only pencil thin, but I'm not sure if a state insured doctor will be as skilled.
My doc had me drinking bone broth a week before and a week after for healing effect.
I also took arcana and bromilin.. a homeopathic medicine that helps with healing and bruising.
I would totally do it again. As I said before.. I just think I had the second surgery too soon. Glad it's all done though!!!!
Hey! Thanks for responding with some good information. I appreciate you sharing your experience. How long did the surgery take? Did the recovery stop you from working for a long period of time? I will most likely need surgery on my legs and arms as well as my abdomen. Do you happen to have any photos of the scars that remain?0 -
gamerbabe14 wrote: »I don't have any experience in this subject but wanted to say congrats on your loss and maintenance. Amazing job!
Thank you so much! It was a lot of work. I had to stop playing so many video games and drinking so much Dr Pepper but I think it was worth it :P0 -
suzannesimmons3 wrote: »I'm not finished with my losses yet but if i still get the irritation and infections still i'll be paying for skin removal
Is your loose skin pretty noticeable? What sort of irritations do you get?0 -
suzannesimmons3 wrote: »Coconut_Tim wrote: »suzannesimmons3 wrote: »I'm not finished with my losses yet but if i still get the irritation and infections still i'll be paying for skin removal
Is your loose skin pretty noticeable? What sort of irritations do you get?
Arm flab and belly hang yes. Oh normal things, sweat rashes and it can get infected but I try and keep super clean but wearing man made fibres sets it back off.
I have experience with those things too. It's unfortunate. I have to shower twice daily or risk a rash. Thanks for sharing.0 -
First of all, congrats! I looked in to the skin removal surgery and decided against it. What turned me off was the months long recovery and the extensiveness of the surgery (the skin has to reattach to the flesh).
By comparison, bariatric surgery is a very minor incision and recovery.
However, the people I know who have had it done are uniformly pleased. Not a single regret story in the whole bunch.1 -
Coconut_Tim wrote: »Hi.. I'm 8 months post op from my tummy tuck and skin contour due to my 130 lb weight loss.
My case was a little different because one month out from my tt, I got the top half done and breast augmentation as well.
The only thing I would do differently, is wait on my second surgery.
I'm very happy with my results, and all the feeling from the nerve damage etc.. is coming back now, so speaking for only the abdominoplasty, I'd say that was ok.
I lost my mind after the second surgery because I thought I was stronger than that, and I just got super depressed and started eating things I shouldn't etc..
The scars are awesome, only pencil thin, but I'm not sure if a state insured doctor will be as skilled.
My doc had me drinking bone broth a week before and a week after for healing effect.
I also took arcana and bromilin.. a homeopathic medicine that helps with healing and bruising.
I would totally do it again. As I said before.. I just think I had the second surgery too soon. Glad it's all done though!!!!
Hey! Thanks for responding with some good information. I appreciate you sharing your experience. How long did the surgery take? Did the recovery stop you from working for a long period of time? I will most likely need surgery on my legs and arms as well as my abdomen. Do you happen to have any photos of the scars that remain?
I'm a stay at home mom, so I didn't take any time off, but my family was pretty much in charge of everything for like 6-8 weeks.
Again, I had 2 surgeries and I'm sure a big part of me didn't try as hard to bounce back because I knew there was another wave of down time coming up.
Right now, I'm killing it though.. I'm working out again.. aerobic dance and small weights.
The surgery took 4 hours.
I also need the surgery on my arms and before I had the surgery, I had said I wanted the thighs done, but now that I've gone through the tummy, I'm honestly thinking about leaving my thighs alone. Mostly because I'm worried about my range of motion.
I am very flexible and double jointed in my hips, I'm worried that I won't have enough skin left to maneuver the way I do naturally. I already feel very constricted from the tt..
As for my scars, they are still taped up. My doctors method is to keep them taped for at least 3 months.
Btw, the swelling and bloat is terrifying and real!!
I gained 20 lbs of inflammation and still carry about 7.
I only just this week started to fit into my pre surgery clothes and it's been 8 weeks!!!
I lost my damn mind! Another reason the thigh surgery scares me.
2 -
First of all, congrats! I looked in to the skin removal surgery and decided against it. What turned me off was the months long recovery and the extensiveness of the surgery (the skin has to reattach to the flesh).
By comparison, bariatric surgery is a very minor incision and recovery.
However, the people I know who have had it done are uniformly pleased. Not a single regret story in the whole bunch.
Thank you!
The recovery bothers me as well. I am sure after the consultation I will have a better idea of what to expect but I cannot take several months off from work and maintain my livelihood. The surgery itself does seem scary to me. I know they will most likely have to removal an extensive amount of skin from my body. I heard someone once said they would need to create a new bellybutton for me. That just seems silly!
Thanks for responding.0 -
Coconut_Tim wrote: »Hi.. I'm 8 months post op from my tummy tuck and skin contour due to my 130 lb weight loss.
My case was a little different because one month out from my tt, I got the top half done and breast augmentation as well.
The only thing I would do differently, is wait on my second surgery.
I'm very happy with my results, and all the feeling from the nerve damage etc.. is coming back now, so speaking for only the abdominoplasty, I'd say that was ok.
I lost my mind after the second surgery because I thought I was stronger than that, and I just got super depressed and started eating things I shouldn't etc..
The scars are awesome, only pencil thin, but I'm not sure if a state insured doctor will be as skilled.
My doc had me drinking bone broth a week before and a week after for healing effect.
I also took arcana and bromilin.. a homeopathic medicine that helps with healing and bruising.
I would totally do it again. As I said before.. I just think I had the second surgery too soon. Glad it's all done though!!!!
Hey! Thanks for responding with some good information. I appreciate you sharing your experience. How long did the surgery take? Did the recovery stop you from working for a long period of time? I will most likely need surgery on my legs and arms as well as my abdomen. Do you happen to have any photos of the scars that remain?
I'm a stay at home mom, so I didn't take any time off, but my family was pretty much in charge of everything for like 6-8 weeks.
Again, I had 2 surgeries and I'm sure a big part of me didn't try as hard to bounce back because I knew there was another wave of down time coming up.
Right now, I'm killing it though.. I'm working out again.. aerobic dance and small weights.
The surgery took 4 hours.
I also need the surgery on my arms and before I had the surgery, I had said I wanted the thighs done, but now that I've gone through the tummy, I'm honestly thinking about leaving my thighs alone. Mostly because I'm worried about my range of motion.
I am very flexible and double jointed in my hips, I'm worried that I won't have enough skin left to maneuver the way I do naturally. I already feel very constricted from the tt..
As for my scars, they are still taped up. My doctors method is to keep them taped for at least 3 months.
Btw, the swelling and bloat is terrifying and real!!
I gained 20 lbs of inflammation and still carry about 7.
I only just this week started to fit into my pre surgery clothes and it's been 8 weeks!!!
I lost my damn mind! Another reason the thigh surgery scares me.
Thanks so much for replying again. This is good stuff to know.
I never thought that tightening my skin would change the way I move my body. Interesting. Losing my flexibility might not be such a big deal because I don't do much that requires high amounts of flex. lol I could see how someone who enjoys dance or yoga would dislike that though.
Good job staying active and kicking butt
Edit: I am wondering how much did they remove? Do you know how much it weighed in total?0 -
Coconut_Tim wrote: »First of all, congrats! I looked in to the skin removal surgery and decided against it. What turned me off was the months long recovery and the extensiveness of the surgery (the skin has to reattach to the flesh).
By comparison, bariatric surgery is a very minor incision and recovery.
However, the people I know who have had it done are uniformly pleased. Not a single regret story in the whole bunch.
Thank you!
The recovery bothers me as well. I am sure after the consultation I will have a better idea of what to expect but I cannot take several months off from work and maintain my livelihood. The surgery itself does seem scary to me. I know they will most likely have to removal an extensive amount of skin from my body. I heard someone once said they would need to create a new bellybutton for me. That just seems silly!
Thanks for responding.
They have to give you a new belly button because they cut the skin around the old one and let all the skin drop and then recreate the belly button around the umbilicus. Make sense?
1 -
Coconut_Tim wrote: »First of all, congrats! I looked in to the skin removal surgery and decided against it. What turned me off was the months long recovery and the extensiveness of the surgery (the skin has to reattach to the flesh).
By comparison, bariatric surgery is a very minor incision and recovery.
However, the people I know who have had it done are uniformly pleased. Not a single regret story in the whole bunch.
Thank you!
The recovery bothers me as well. I am sure after the consultation I will have a better idea of what to expect but I cannot take several months off from work and maintain my livelihood. The surgery itself does seem scary to me. I know they will most likely have to removal an extensive amount of skin from my body. I heard someone once said they would need to create a new bellybutton for me. That just seems silly!
Thanks for responding.
They have to give you a new belly button because they cut the skin around the old one and let all the skin drop and then recreate the belly button around the umbilicus. Make sense?
Hahah yes it makes sense. It just seemed kind of weird, the thought of a new bellybutton. Is there a function for it?0 -
Coconut_Tim wrote: »Coconut_Tim wrote: »Hi.. I'm 8 months post op from my tummy tuck and skin contour due to my 130 lb weight loss.
My case was a little different because one month out from my tt, I got the top half done and breast augmentation as well.
The only thing I would do differently, is wait on my second surgery.
I'm very happy with my results, and all the feeling from the nerve damage etc.. is coming back now, so speaking for only the abdominoplasty, I'd say that was ok.
I lost my mind after the second surgery because I thought I was stronger than that, and I just got super depressed and started eating things I shouldn't etc..
The scars are awesome, only pencil thin, but I'm not sure if a state insured doctor will be as skilled.
My doc had me drinking bone broth a week before and a week after for healing effect.
I also took arcana and bromilin.. a homeopathic medicine that helps with healing and bruising.
I would totally do it again. As I said before.. I just think I had the second surgery too soon. Glad it's all done though!!!!
Hey! Thanks for responding with some good information. I appreciate you sharing your experience. How long did the surgery take? Did the recovery stop you from working for a long period of time? I will most likely need surgery on my legs and arms as well as my abdomen. Do you happen to have any photos of the scars that remain?
I'm a stay at home mom, so I didn't take any time off, but my family was pretty much in charge of everything for like 6-8 weeks.
Again, I had 2 surgeries and I'm sure a big part of me didn't try as hard to bounce back because I knew there was another wave of down time coming up.
Right now, I'm killing it though.. I'm working out again.. aerobic dance and small weights.
The surgery took 4 hours.
I also need the surgery on my arms and before I had the surgery, I had said I wanted the thighs done, but now that I've gone through the tummy, I'm honestly thinking about leaving my thighs alone. Mostly because I'm worried about my range of motion.
I am very flexible and double jointed in my hips, I'm worried that I won't have enough skin left to maneuver the way I do naturally. I already feel very constricted from the tt..
As for my scars, they are still taped up. My doctors method is to keep them taped for at least 3 months.
Btw, the swelling and bloat is terrifying and real!!
I gained 20 lbs of inflammation and still carry about 7.
I only just this week started to fit into my pre surgery clothes and it's been 8 weeks!!!
I lost my damn mind! Another reason the thigh surgery scares me.
Thanks so much for replying again. This is good stuff to know.
I never thought that tightening my skin would change the way I move my body. Interesting. Losing my flexibility might not be such a big deal because I don't do much that requires high amounts of flex. lol I could see how someone who enjoys dance or yoga would dislike that though.
Good job staying active and kicking butt
Edit: I am wondering how much did they remove? Do you know how much it weighed in total?
Yes, dance and yoga has been a huge part of my life. So it's been a big thing trying to blow off any steam without that in my life.
Everything changes though.. even your girlie zone!2 -
...or as the case may be, the goalie zone....2
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Coconut_Tim wrote: »Coconut_Tim wrote: »Hi.. I'm 8 months post op from my tummy tuck and skin contour due to my 130 lb weight loss.
My case was a little different because one month out from my tt, I got the top half done and breast augmentation as well.
The only thing I would do differently, is wait on my second surgery.
I'm very happy with my results, and all the feeling from the nerve damage etc.. is coming back now, so speaking for only the abdominoplasty, I'd say that was ok.
I lost my mind after the second surgery because I thought I was stronger than that, and I just got super depressed and started eating things I shouldn't etc..
The scars are awesome, only pencil thin, but I'm not sure if a state insured doctor will be as skilled.
My doc had me drinking bone broth a week before and a week after for healing effect.
I also took arcana and bromilin.. a homeopathic medicine that helps with healing and bruising.
I would totally do it again. As I said before.. I just think I had the second surgery too soon. Glad it's all done though!!!!
Hey! Thanks for responding with some good information. I appreciate you sharing your experience. How long did the surgery take? Did the recovery stop you from working for a long period of time? I will most likely need surgery on my legs and arms as well as my abdomen. Do you happen to have any photos of the scars that remain?
I'm a stay at home mom, so I didn't take any time off, but my family was pretty much in charge of everything for like 6-8 weeks.
Again, I had 2 surgeries and I'm sure a big part of me didn't try as hard to bounce back because I knew there was another wave of down time coming up.
Right now, I'm killing it though.. I'm working out again.. aerobic dance and small weights.
The surgery took 4 hours.
I also need the surgery on my arms and before I had the surgery, I had said I wanted the thighs done, but now that I've gone through the tummy, I'm honestly thinking about leaving my thighs alone. Mostly because I'm worried about my range of motion.
I am very flexible and double jointed in my hips, I'm worried that I won't have enough skin left to maneuver the way I do naturally. I already feel very constricted from the tt..
As for my scars, they are still taped up. My doctors method is to keep them taped for at least 3 months.
Btw, the swelling and bloat is terrifying and real!!
I gained 20 lbs of inflammation and still carry about 7.
I only just this week started to fit into my pre surgery clothes and it's been 8 weeks!!!
I lost my damn mind! Another reason the thigh surgery scares me.
Thanks so much for replying again. This is good stuff to know.
I never thought that tightening my skin would change the way I move my body. Interesting. Losing my flexibility might not be such a big deal because I don't do much that requires high amounts of flex. lol I could see how someone who enjoys dance or yoga would dislike that though.
Good job staying active and kicking butt
Edit: I am wondering how much did they remove? Do you know how much it weighed in total?
Yes, dance and yoga has been a huge part of my life. So it's been a big thing trying to blow off any steam without that in my life.
Everything changes though.. even your girlie zone!
If you want to reply in a message I understand, I hope it isn't too personal to ask, I was wondering what you mean by everything changes, even girlie zone. I am a guy and I am sure it does have effects down there. But what kind of changes can I expect? What kind of changes happened?0 -
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....he scores!!!!!..... (I'm Canadian)4
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