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Post by maggiesara on Jan 27, 2014 19:09:25 GMT -5
Ah, well, you know those Others, always demanding to get in the water….
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mistercy
Full Member
Posts: 228
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 03/26/2013
Surgeon: Mitchell Roslin
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Post by mistercy on Jan 27, 2014 23:20:02 GMT -5
Work in progress, indeed, Sharyl! I've been working my DS, and the three hernias can be very frustrating. Seeing the folds of skin can also weigh me down. Knowing I nearly died in the ER after the DS did not take the first time around REALLY changed my perspective on things. I've had my moments, like all of us, where the scale is not moving, or the bowels are not moving, and I lament why the hell I played Frankenstein on myself. Then I remember the size 58 wide pants I used to wear, instead of the size 36 skinny jeans I now wear, the 4x shirts that were somewhat tight on me, versus the large shirts I fit easily into now. I remember the constant pain I had in my joints, the sleep apnea which has been eliminated, the high blood pressure and high cholesterol now gone, the humiliation I felt when I sat on the bus and no one would sit near me, even when it was standing room only. You know what, if I have to endure some plastics while the hernias get repaired, and other spots may never look completely svelte, it is a tradeoff I can handle. I'm proud of the consequences, good and bad, of my choice to do this surgery, and do so with (almost) no regrets, and definitely no looking back. And PS, Sharyl, you look amazing, and are an inspiration for so many of us by your words and actions! You've rocked your DS, and I can only hope to look like you after years of toning and honing.... well, not EXACTLY like you, Sharyl, but you know what I mean!  |
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Post by jpcello on Jan 28, 2014 9:59:05 GMT -5
Always remember that everyone's results with plastics are different. When I was originally researching plastics, I went to one very well known plastic surgeon. She took one look at me and said you will never look like you do in your mind and boy was she right. I ended up going to a different plastic surgeon who was very experienced in working with bariatric surgery patients. This is probably the most important advice I can give.
I was very fortunate that I was an "apple" shape so my arms and legs weren't too bad. Ended up with a breast lift (self pay) and a tummy tuck (covered by insurance). I was obese my whole adult life so the skin did not bounce back - elasticity was completely shot. Thighs still look like a shar-pei but the arms aren't bad at all. I definitely wear sleeveless and shorts, and honestly I couldn't care less what other people think.
I've known a number of people who have had arms and thighs done. Some are thrilled with results - others are not -- YMMV.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 28, 2014 13:43:37 GMT -5
Always remember that everyone's results with plastics are different. When I was originally researching plastics, I went to one very well known plastic surgeon. She took one look at me and said you will never look like you do in your mind and boy was she right. I ended up going to a different plastic surgeon who was very experienced in working with bariatric surgery patients. This is probably the most important advice I can give. I was very fortunate that I was an "apple" shape so my arms and legs weren't too bad. Ended up with a breast lift (self pay) and a tummy tuck (covered by insurance). I was obese my whole adult life so the skin did not bounce back - elasticity was completely shot. Thighs still look like a shar-pei but the arms aren't bad at all. I definitely wear sleeveless and shorts, and honestly I couldn't care less what other people think. I've known a number of people who have had arms and thighs done. Some are thrilled with results - others are not -- YMMV. AMEN SISTER!!! |
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katieahuf
Full Member
Adventure is out there!
Posts: 173
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 28, 2014 14:09:49 GMT -5
I just wanted to say I love this thread!
I know my loose skin is going to be bad because of various reasons, but it's so nice to be able to laugh about it a little and to stop worrying about it for a minute!
I'm probably going to end up looking like a flying squirrel, but hey... At least I'll be able to do all kinds of activities without buying extra equipment! Lets see here,
Parasailing...
Hang gliding...
Base jumping...
Sky diving.
And the person who sits next to me on a crashing plane will be ooone lucky booger! I'll be better to have on hand than one of those inflatable boats!
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Post by brooklyngirl on Jan 28, 2014 16:16:25 GMT -5
Work in progress, indeed, Sharyl! I've been working my DS, and the three hernias can be very frustrating. Seeing the folds of skin can also weigh me down. Knowing I nearly died in the ER after the DS did not take the first time around REALLY changed my perspective on things. I've had my moments, like all of us, where the scale is not moving, or the bowels are not moving, and I lament why the hell I played Frankenstein on myself. Then I remember the size 58 wide pants I used to wear, instead of the size 36 skinny jeans I now wear, the 4x shirts that were somewhat tight on me, versus the large shirts I fit easily into now. I remember the constant pain I had in my joints, the sleep apnea which has been eliminated, the high blood pressure and high cholesterol now gone, the humiliation I felt when I sat on the bus and no one would sit near me, even when it was standing room only. You know what, if I have to endure some plastics while the hernias get repaired, and other spots may never look completely svelte, it is a tradeoff I can handle. I'm proud of the consequences, good and bad, of my choice to do this surgery, and do so with (almost) no regrets, and definitely no looking back. And PS, Sharyl, you look amazing, and are an inspiration for so many of us by your words and actions! You've rocked your DS, and I can only hope to look like you after years of toning and honing.... well, not EXACTLY like you, Sharyl, but you know what I mean! Mistercy- I apologize ahead of time if you already shared and I don't remember, but what happened with your surgery that the DS didn't take? |
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mistercy
Full Member
Posts: 228
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 03/26/2013
Surgeon: Mitchell Roslin
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Post by mistercy on Jan 28, 2014 21:51:01 GMT -5
Lauren,
I guess I need to post my story up sometime. I had the DS with Dr. Roslin March 26th, 2013. In recovery, I was not doing well, coughing up blackness, and in major pain. The next day, when they did the Barium test at night, it was a no go - nothing could get through. Dr. Roslin came in at 11:30 that night to tell me he would have to open me up to see what was wrong. As a virgin DS, laproscopic, my biggest fear was being opened up. Both my wife and I later admitted we had premonitions something bad was going to happen, but didn't want to say anything for fear of scaring the other. I began hyperventilating all the way to the OR. He worked from 12:30 am - 4:30 am on Thursday morning, with my wife and brother anxiously waiting to hear the results. Mitch said it was one of the toughest cases he had ever seen. I had two liters of blood pooling around my liver, and leaking occurring everywhere. If they had waited a few more hours, I would have been a goner. Both of us conjecture that because I had been taking injectables for three years, such as Enbrel, Stelara, and similar inhibitors to deal with out of control psoriasis, my whole system was one giant sponge of leaks, and he definitely did not like the color of that liver when he got to see it in person. All I can say is I'm glad I went with Roslin for the surgery - a less experienced surgeon may not have been able to handle it. I was in the ICU for a week recovering before they released me, and it was pretty touch and go there as well. My brother, who is at 325 and suffering from type 2 diabetes, is still too freaked out from the events of those days to go through with a DS. I pulled through, and with the support of my wifey, am here to tell the tale, 180 pounds lighter 10 months later, and hopefully a little bit wiser - part of the reason I celebrate every small victory I experience down this crazy DS road, including the psoriasis, which is almost completely gone!
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Post by brooklyngirl on Jan 28, 2014 22:09:02 GMT -5
Wow, that is crazy, but so happy that you made it through to tell the tale!
I think it's super important for people to share these kinds of things (if they're comfortable) for newbies and lurkers to know what can happen and not to take surgery lightly (like I did before I ended up here).
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Post by maggiesara on Jan 28, 2014 22:15:53 GMT -5
Boy oh boy, that is some story! Very glad you're here to tell it.
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mistercy
Full Member
Posts: 228
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 03/26/2013
Surgeon: Mitchell Roslin
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Post by mistercy on Jan 28, 2014 22:42:28 GMT -5
And, a note, Maggie, I am a big fan of Mitch, very glad he did my surgery, even with the complications, I have no regrets (as for Lenox Hill, that is a different story - their care in the ICU was not stellar!) And yet, even being a Roslin fan, I did my research for my hernia surgery, and am now seeing Herron - a big change, but one I feel after research, is the right decision. One more reason I will agree with NYB that it should be worth your time to see if Herron can help you in your situation!
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Post by fullhousemom on Jan 29, 2014 7:23:42 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing your story mistercy. I am sorry for all you have gone through.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2014 14:30:17 GMT -5
I have also been contemplating plastics. I am under goal and I think my weight has finally stabilized. Do I wait a year? Do I wait for the bounce back? Can I will the bounce to bounce into my ass and boobage? Do I really want to go under the knife again? At 51 with a dedicated partner who is glad I am alive, do I need it ... for me? There are some great before and after images on this site. Not an endorsement. I do not know anything about the Dr. other then he is in the US and specializes in post bariatric patients. There are images of both sexes and how long after surgery shots were taken. So it can be done. www.capellaplasticsurgery.net/index.htmBest, Whit |
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Post by fullhousemom on Jan 30, 2014 20:59:39 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing Whit. I am a firm believer that its what on the inside that counts. But after seeing some of the pictures on the site (and seeing a lot of DS patients), I see why it is so important for some to choose plastic surgery. So, I will help myself to some humble pie.
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jan 30, 2014 21:00:27 GMT -5
Yes - wait a year. Things will continue to shift.
Doctors only put their most successful work on websites. Don't put any stock in them.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2014 0:01:48 GMT -5
Yes while they may be their most successful results they are actual results. So I understand outcomes may be different for each individual they are actual before and afters of post weight loss patients and there is no reason I can not be one of them. If I so chose.
Fulllhouse no humble pie eating look at the non weightless images. We are just as deserving.
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Post by Girlrocker on Jan 31, 2014 15:09:07 GMT -5
I always find it helpful to look at photos so I can try to identify body types/issues similar to mine to assess results. I have put a hold for awhile on PS, mostly because I know the procedures I really need won't be covered by insurance, like a lower body lift, side boobs, rest of arms, back fat - you ladies know what I mean, the 'bra' area. Now that I have a 3rd hernia it's possible I FINALLY can get the abdominoplasty approved, I had my panni removed in 2003. Part of me worries thought too, since I'm going to be 53, how much more surgery I want to have, even though I had a smooth time with my revision, compared to the nightmare I had with my RNY post-op. So we'll see. Nice to see the disucssion here.
But can I digress and say...mistercy!!!!!! I had NO idea about your history! Thank you for sharing your story, I'm really glad you're with us. And I do hope you might consider posting a separate post about yourself on either the introduction board or DS board. Wow, you have an amazing attitude.
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Feb 2, 2014 14:47:49 GMT -5
I have loose skin everywhere but it is not enough for me to consider plastics. I hate it but I have to pick my battles lol. So I do my best to hide the bad and highlight the decent.
The only thing that was non-negotiable were the sad, saggy sweater kittens. I had tube socks with golf balls in them. NOT CUTE. This genius, magician of a man in a white lab coat filled those bad boys (girls) right back up!
With my saggy skin, I am the epitome of a walking false advertisement. Great when I'm in clothing...pretty tragic when they come off. Hahaaaa.
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Feb 2, 2014 14:50:25 GMT -5
Yes while they may be their most successful results they are actual results. So I understand outcomes may be different for each individual they are actual before and afters of post weight loss patients and there is no reason I can not be one of them. If I so chose. Fulllhouse no humble pie eating look at the non weightless images. We are just as deserving. WHIT!!! :tacklehugs:  |
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Post by tina9999 on Feb 2, 2014 19:51:00 GMT -5
I saw myself for the first time yesterday in a full length mirror & was shocked at how wrinkly & saggy my inner thighs were. I figured I'd have some issues with them but was surprised that it's happening so quickly.
I kind of knew what I'd wind up with but I guess I must have thought it would be at the finish line not during the marathon - which when I think about it logically makes no sense.
I guess the world will be saved from this 40-something wearing booty shorts & dammit I had them all picked out! Haha
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Feb 3, 2014 0:11:58 GMT -5
I saw myself for the first time yesterday in a full length mirror & was shocked at how wrinkly & saggy my inner thighs were. I figured I'd have some issues with them but was surprised that it's happening so quickly. I kind of knew what I'd wind up with but I guess I must have thought it would be at the finish line not during the marathon - which when I think about it logically makes no sense. I guess the world will be saved from this 40-something wearing booty shorts & dammit I had them all picked out! Haha Lmao...right!?! Hahaa Omg my inner thighs look like 70's horizontal shutter shades. |
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Post by maggiesara on Feb 3, 2014 0:20:36 GMT -5
Yeah, for me it's inner thighs and upper arms, both of which PISS ME OFF, because I never HAD particularly fat thighs or arms. In thinking about it, I'm kind of thinking that the skin there is very soft and non-elastic, so that ANY loss of fat just makes the skin puddle in piles. Oh, and the other bit that's driving me nuts? My neck. Again, soft, thin skin.
I have to say, though, even only about halfway to goal, and even with the damn saggy thighs, I am suddenly realizing, to my astonishment, that I can wear short skirts again. AMAZEballs!
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Post by tina9999 on Feb 3, 2014 16:31:31 GMT -5
Yeah, for me it's inner thighs and upper arms, both of which PISS ME OFF, because I never HAD particularly fat thighs or arms. In thinking about it, I'm kind of thinking that the skin there is very soft and non-elastic, so that ANY loss of fat just makes the skin puddle in piles. Oh, and the other bit that's driving me nuts? My neck. Again, soft, thin skin. I have to say, though, even only about halfway to goal, and even with the damn saggy thighs, I am suddenly realizing, to my astonishment, that I can wear short skirts again. AMAZEballs! I KNOW! Where the HELL did that turkey gobbler thing come from? I can only take some solace in the fact that others have said it goes away over time & the plastic surgeon at our support group said that area would be okay. I do not need an old lady turkey neck. |
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Post by newyorkbitch on Feb 3, 2014 16:39:52 GMT -5
My turkey gobbler only got worse and worse and worse until I finally had it fixed. And now, years later, it's starting to sag again. Time is not on our side.
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Post by Girlrocker on Feb 4, 2014 13:45:36 GMT -5
My turkey gobbler only got worse and worse and worse until I finally had it fixed. And now, years later, it's starting to sag again. Time is not on our side.  I'll say, heading toward 53 and going down, and I don't mean the scale...weight/strength training has helped me a lot though with the skin issues more responsive, and has helped my neck area. Won't change needing PS to resolve many areas, but it does help, and gives a nice skin tone. |
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Post by newyorkbitch on Feb 4, 2014 14:14:10 GMT -5
Age, time, genetics...I have a 48 year old friend who is a competitive athlete - her turkey gobble thing is bad. It is what it is...
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I'll say, heading toward 53 and going down, and I don't mean the scale...weight/strength training has helped me a lot though with the skin issues more responsive, and has helped my neck area. Won't change needing PS to resolve many areas, but it does help, and gives a nice skin tone.