The Next Chapter

I'm not sure what chapter we're on - between all the phases of pre-op and post-op and losing and stalling - we're well down the trail on this saga....HOWEVER...

I knew when I decided to have a RNY done, I'd eventually need a second surgery to 'deal' with excess skin.  I have a pretty significant (to me) amount of skin on my stomach and upper arms that will never shrink or go away no matter how much exercise I do.  My weight has been stable for more than a year.  I've been committed to my new lifestyle for nearly 4 years - being as I started before i actually had bariatric surgery.  I am committed to working out in a variety of ways - running, resistance training, yoga.  So it's time.

I met with four plastic surgeons before deciding on the one who will be doing my abdominalplasty and brachioplasty.  Basically a tummy tuck and arm lift.  I've researched the heck out of both procedures and it's very intimidating.  My gallbladder surgery and my RNY were both done laparoscopicly - meaning small (about 1") incisions.  This next surgery will include LARGE incisions.  The abdominalplasty will result in a scar from hip to hip following my pelvic bone.  Then a cone shape will be made up to my sternum and the skin will be stretched down to meet the pelvic area.  The result will (hopefully) be a flat stomach.  No more excess skin.  For the arms, I'll be opened from armpit to elbow.  A section of skin in the shape of a stretched out triangle will be taken out.  After surgery, I'll be left with scars but also lean and strong-looking arms.  I have nice muscles in there - but I also have significant skin that hangs below and I hate it.  So why not take care of it as long as I'm under??

So...I'm excited but also nervous.  Recovery from this surgery will be significant.  I will have drains for at least a week or longer.  I will be living in compression garments for probably 4 months or longer.  I will be grounded from exercise aside from walking for significant time. 

Financing is secured.  Yes, I'm financing this.  Hard decision but it's important enough for me to do NOW and if I attempt to save for it, it'll take forever.  There will always be something draining the funding.  My car is paid off.  Easton will be out of preschool and my kid-care bill will be reduced soon.  Now is the time. 

So there ya go.  I'll share photos when the time gets closer.