Tummy tuck: Removing excess skin

Kenneth Howard5 said:Beslin thinks it takes two years, though... :-(.

Precisely... you spend a full year losing weight, and then you wait another full year after the weight loss has plateaued. He explains it by saying there might still be more weight to drop during that second year, and why bother with plastic surgery if you're just going to end up looking gaunt again. I took that exact same approach myself; once I finished my year of dieting, I waited another twelve months for everything to truly stabilize before finally undergoing surgery to remove the excess skin on my upper arms. These days, I am making the decision, quite privately within my own mind, to move forward this coming fall. I'll just pick up the phone, dial the number for the Jurist at Rijeka University Hospital, and tell him I'm on my way... Kitty hehehe

I had my gastric band put in on February 15, 2008. I dropped the most weight in those first six months—about 30 pounds—and then lost another 13 pounds over the next six months despite various setbacks. The band had to come out because it had fused too tightly to my stomach, causing blockages where even liquids wouldn't pass, let alone food. At the time, I weighed 140 lbs. So, in 11 months, I lost about 95 lbs. My first visit to the plastic surgeon, Dr. Jurist in Cleveland, happened around month 4 or 5 of 2009, thanks to our Jelica paving the way. By early month 6 of 2009, I was getting excess skin removed from my abdomen, muscle repair, and liposuction, plus getting a new belly button (didn't wait for summer to arrive). In early month 9, I did skin tightening and lipo on my arms, and by month 12, it was lipo and tightening for my thighs. Basically, in less than two years from the start of my weight loss journey, I pretty much fixed everything. And nobody—not even Dr. Jurist—mentioned that I needed to wait a year or two after reaching my goal weight before doing these procedures. It’s been a year since my tummy tuck; some areas are still a bit numb to the touch, and my belly button is in an unusual spot because it used to be almost at my knee level before the surgery, so I'm still adjusting to it being much higher up. When I lie down or lift things, I can still feel the abdominal muscles where they were repaired, though there's much less tension than at the start. Everything is settling into place. So, girls, if I had to do it all over again—I would, without a second thought. I'm 48, and quietgull62, I was actually surprised to see someone else my age here; I somehow missed that while reading, and only Annika stuck in my mind regarding age. The best part of this whole "weight loss and skin" ordeal was the friendships I made with such wonderful women, and of course, one little boy.
I have photos of my current stomach and arms, so I hope I'll be able to share them with you all, along with some old versus new shots. Kitty hehehe

http://img685.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=p6190881.jpg

Alright, girl greetings, finally my photos are up. But honestly, Jelica was right—for some reason, the scars look terrible in the picture, but on me, they don't look bad at all. They're barely even noticeable.

Man, awesome, thanks Free 🙂.

Your scars on your hands actually look better than Jelica's. My stomach looks great, too 😍. But regarding my arms—I honestly don't get why they couldn't have been tightened up just a little bit more?

I had a chat with the Jurist about whether I'm happy with the results. I told him I’d like to tighten things up a bit more, but he mentioned it would mean less arm mobility. He said if I really want to go through with it, he could do a little more, maybe even under local anesthesia. On top of that, he fixed my "dog ears" on my stomach using local anesthesia too. It left a scar about 12 cm long on each side—honestly, a pretty unpleasant procedure. You're wide awake watching an electric scalpel cut through your own skin; it doesn't hurt, but the smell of burning meat is intense. That scar is almost invisible now, just a thin line, though the middle part is still somewhat noticeable. But hey, any tiny bikini covers it up. And when you wrap it all together in a cute little dress with some nice high-heeled sandals, you can hide quite a few years—provided there aren't any kids around you. I'm talking about my kids, since they're already huge!

Sell them off to your brothers and sisters 😬

I don't get the whole thing with the dog ears—what actually happened, and why was cutting necessary? 😳 Are you planning on having your hands corrected again?

I think it would be hard to sell that news to my own brothers and sister, but I could probably hawk it to the neighbor's kids. Honestly, though, it's not worth it. But when some outsider asks, "Does V. have a new wife?" or "Who is that woman with him?"—now *that* is something worth talking about! I really ought to pester them, specifically the kids, and tell them they need to post before-and-after photos immediately!!! And you tell me, is it actually a rule that after our surgeries—like how Jelica says—WE ARE NEW PEOPLE?!

Dog ears? That’s just where the incision ends or begins; the skin looks a bit bunched up, but that gets smoothed out nicely later on. It's nothing special.

Well, if anyone were actually asking me—which they aren't—I’d probably go for a few more things. Maybe touch up the hands, then the feet, then a little tummy liposuction, maybe something in the back... but... that gets complicated. There's truth to the idea that once you start with plastic surgery, it's hard to stop. You always feel like there's something else to fix, especially if you don't have to spend a fortune on it! Personally, I didn't have any issues at the hospital in Cleveland, except for my main sister telling me that if I ever come back, she's setting me up with a GPS. I don't know how to explain it, but the post-op pain wasn't anything special. I was mobile—too mobile, actually. Such a lovely group, Lelica, Alni, Dee-Dee, and Jelica. Every time I stayed at the hospital in Cleveland, it felt like a vacation, especially Friday through Sunday. The main thing was making sure I made it back for the discharge on Sunday evening. Sure, Tuesday and Wednesday were a bit rough, but who can keep track of that kind of stuff? Honestly, with my friends in Cleveland, I can only visit during my vacation, and I try my best to avoid the Cleveland University Hospital whenever possible!

Listen, everyone,
have you been applying anything to your scars (like Contrakel or Dermatix...)? It seems like some of you might be dealing with keloids, so I figured I’d ask... Mine look pretty good so far, though I'm just praying that keloids don't start showing up. I'm applying the stuff like crazy.
As for the rest of the plastic surgery stuff, I'm getting ready for more too. At my next check-up, I'm going to bring up my arms and 🙂...
Anyway, Holy Spirit Mayor Gveric doesn't even bother asking when the bariatric surgery was performed. He's only interested in how many pounds have been lost and whether the weight loss process has actually finished.
And regarding the photos... I think it's a bit premature. You really need to wait until the six-month mark to see them. Right now, they honestly just look like little lines...

The scars haven't spread at all; they're actually fading. There aren't any keloids here—just some lines with slightly pigmented skin around them, but even that is clearing up. Honestly, I'd be thrilled if I could just wash it all off with water. But hey, whatever gets covered looks amazing, so listen up everyone: what stays visible still looks like a great result!!!!

Does Medicare cover the cost of skin removal surgery after a bypass or other procedures, and if so, under what specific circumstances? Thanks!😕

graniteviper19 said:Does Medicare cover the cost of skin removal surgery after a bypass or other procedures, and if so, under what specific circumstances? Thanks!😕

Everything related to that extra weight you lose—all those physical changes resulting from slimming down—is completely covered by Medicare.

Lisa Ross43 said:Everything related to that extra weight you lose—all those physical changes resulting from slimming down—is completely covered by Medicare.

But what about breasts? If they start sagging and deflate like balloons... does that count too? Does Medicare cover that, or am I stuck paying out of pocket?😲

graniteviper19 said:But what about breasts? If they start sagging and deflate like balloons... does that count too? Does Medicare cover that, or am I stuck paying out of pocket?😲

I see you’re just starting out on this journey. Honestly, I think it might be a bit premature to be worrying about all that right now. You have the surgery first, then there's at least a full year of weight loss ahead of you... and until then—who knows if Medicare will even have the budget for any of this stuff! I guess I'm joking, obviously, but you really have plenty of time to stress over those things later.
Regarding breast surgery—honestly, I’m just not sure if Medicare would even cover something like that. I don't personally know anyone who has managed to get a breast augmentation covered through Medicare. I mean, I know reduction surgery is a possibility since there’s an actual medical indication for it, but a lift? I really don't know. In any case, I think you should probably focus on that final victory over the scale first, and then we can worry about the aesthetics once the time is right. Good luck!

quietgull62 said:I see you’re just starting out on this journey. Honestly, I think it might be a bit premature to be worrying about all that right now. You have the surgery first, then there's at least a full year of weight loss ahead of you... and until then—who knows if Medicare will even have the budget for any of this stuff! I guess I'm joking, obviously, but you really have plenty of time to stress over those things later.
Regarding breast surgery—honestly, I’m just not sure if Medicare would even cover something like that. I don't personally know anyone who has managed to get a breast augmentation covered through Medicare. I mean, I know reduction surgery is a possibility since there’s an actual medical indication for it, but a lift? I really don't know. In any case, I think you should probably focus on that final victory over the scale first, and then we can worry about the aesthetics once the time is right. Good luck!

You're absolutely right. I've already started. I managed to drop 3 kg following the Dukanov diet—I need to lose 15 kg just to qualify for the surgery. My endocrinologist gave me the green light, so now I'm just waiting on the gastroenterologist and the psychologist. I truly hope this operation finally puts an end to all my struggles. Thanks for getting back to me!🙏🙂

quietgull62 said:I see you’re just starting out on this journey. Honestly, I think it might be a bit premature to be worrying about all that right now. You have the surgery first, then there's at least a full year of weight loss ahead of you... and until then—who knows if Medicare will even have the budget for any of this stuff! I guess I'm joking, obviously, but you really have plenty of time to stress over those things later.
Regarding breast surgery—honestly, I’m just not sure if Medicare would even cover something like that. I don't personally know anyone who has managed to get a breast augmentation covered through Medicare. I mean, I know reduction surgery is a possibility since there’s an actual medical indication for it, but a lift? I really don't know. In any case, I think you should probably focus on that final victory over the scale first, and then we can worry about the aesthetics once the time is right. Good luck!

Well, I can tell you for certain that breast corrections are definitely possible... and I'll be able to give you the full, exact details by the end of the year... Kitty hehehe

Lisa Ross43 said:Well, I can tell you for certain that breast corrections are definitely possible... and I'll be able to give you the full, exact details by the end of the year... Kitty hehehe

That sounds great... are you happy with the results? Did you have it done in Washington, D.C. or somewhere else? Also, were you able to get Medicare to cover it or did you pay out of pocket? If not, is the surgery expensive? Is it worth doing before having kids, considering how breastfeeding affects things later on? Sorry to bug you with all this, but my breasts already look pretty bad, and if they change even more after surgery and weight loss, I don't even want to think about it!🙄😕

So far, I’ve only ever undergone correction on my upper arms, and that was done over in Cleveland at the clinic with the Jurist. Back in May, I went in to discuss the next steps in my plan, but he informed me that because of the extensive scarring on my abdomen from previous procedures—combined with this recent sleeve surgery—there is a genuine risk of skin necrosis. Honestly, it made me pull back and reconsider everything, though I can't help feeling a bit resentful seeing how easily others seem to undergo the exact same thing without such warnings...
But, despite the hesitation, I am seriously considering picking this back up in the fall to continue with these corrections... even if plenty of people are trying to talk me out of it. I’ve always been a stubborn sort, and I suspect that hasn't changed one bit, so I’ll likely push forward regardless...
If you look at the very beginning of this thread, you'll find an earlier post of mine containing photos, but just to save you the scrolling, I’ve gone ahead and copied it here for you to review.

Here is what things looked like before the operation, during the preparation phase when they were doing the markings (April 27th, 2009).
http://yfrog.com/6cjanacrtanaj

And this is right after the surgery, as I was heading home...
http://yfrog.com/4jjaposlijeoperacijej

AND HOW IT LOOKS TODAY

http://yfrog.com/g4rukedanas001j

http://yfrog.com/0yrukedanas003j

http://yfrog.com/j7rukedanas004j

To everyone doing whatever it takes for themselves, including getting an abdominoplasty: major props to your determination and courage..🙏🙏🙏
I see we have some Lap-band veterans here too (not in terms of age, but how long you've been banded/operated on). Honestly, I am so glad there are people here who have paved the way; seeing your stories makes things much easier for those of us just starting out like me..👍👍 👍

I am currently scheduled for my gastric band surgery this coming May, and I still have a long road ahead before any plastic surgery—as quietgull62 says, it's "too early for questions," but I have to disagree with her.. One of my biggest concerns regarding the band is the excess skin, and one of my main conditions for committing to all of this is knowing what the options are for fixing the skin issues afterward..
That is why I want all the information right now, just like most of the newcomers, I think..
Personally, five years ago, I lost 40 kg on my own through dieting and didn't end up with much loose skin back then. However, I hadn't gone through pregnancy yet, which is when my skin ended up stretched out like popcorn.. This time, I am starting my weight loss journey postpartum with 50 kg to lose, so I am fully aware there will be a mountain of excess skin this time around..😢

For now, I’m joining this thread and will be following along closely. I am truly happy to see this community gaining momentum...😍

And of course, the more photos, the better. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I am joining the other girls in requesting them..

Good luck to everyone!

Richard Doyle11 said:To everyone doing whatever it takes for themselves, including getting an abdominoplasty: major props to your determination and courage..🙏🙏🙏
I see we have some Lap-band veterans here too (not in terms of age, but how long you've been banded/operated on). Honestly, I am so glad there are people here who have paved the way; seeing your stories makes things much easier for those of us just starting out like me..👍👍 👍

I am currently scheduled for my gastric band surgery this coming May, and I still have a long road ahead before any plastic surgery—as quietgull62 says, it's "too early for questions," but I have to disagree with her.. One of my biggest concerns regarding the band is the excess skin, and one of my main conditions for committing to all of this is knowing what the options are for fixing the skin issues afterward..
That is why I want all the information right now, just like most of the newcomers, I think..
Personally, five years ago, I lost 40 kg on my own through dieting and didn't end up with much loose skin back then. However, I hadn't gone through pregnancy yet, which is when my skin ended up stretched out like popcorn.. This time, I am starting my weight loss journey postpartum with 50 kg to lose, so I am fully aware there will be a mountain of excess skin this time around..😢

For now, I’m joining this thread and will be following along closely. I am truly happy to see this community gaining momentum...😍

And of course, the more photos, the better. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I am joining the other girls in requesting them..

Good luck to everyone!

First off, welcome to all the threads; I honestly think you’ve made the best possible decision for yourself.
I didn't mean anything bad when I mentioned to someone before that asking about plastic surgery might be a bit premature, but... well, things change. For instance, I don't have a single visible scar on mine, whereas some people who had their procedures a year ago still have those classic, obvious scars... and I even hear there have been issues lately with insurance companies like Medicare approving surgeries, or hospitals... I've heard that bariatric surgery isn't even being done at Dubrava anymore, nor in Indianapolis... so, in that sense, I just thought that things which are true today might not be relevant in a year or two by the time you're up for your procedure. Anyway, I'd be happy to answer any questions regarding any part of the whole process—provided I know the answer, since I see you're looking at the strip method while I had a bypass, so it's a bit different..
As for the decision itself: you really have to commit to the second half of the journey too. In my case, there was zero chance my skin would just snap back on its own: 110 pounds down and 50 years old... Now, my stomach looks phenomenal. And the scar? It's great in my opinion, though the doctor mentioned it could look even better—since I'm prone to keloids, he recommended silicone sheets, and I can tell you... you see results after just two weeks of use. I recommend them to everyone, and right away. There's no need to waste time with Contrakel or those other creams.

Never heard of it 🤔 Could you give me a few more details, please? 😬 Mind you, it might be a bit too late for my scar, but it doesn't hurt to know 🥳