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Just like lots of others, I have tons of questions about plastic surgery. Specifically the Abdominoplasty and Brachioplasty. Some quarries are a bit more personal than others, but here goes... -Recovery time experiences for these procedures? I realize everyone is different, just trying to get a general idea of what to expect if things go forward. I've been reading through the forum and it seems people return to work in 4-8 weeks, with continued recovery for excessive swelling, etc. Someone mentioned 9 months to return to normal?!? -Did you go down in pant size quickly? Shirts can be worn loose forever, but for pants, how long before you saw a change. This isn't a vanity question--I've read that compression garments are recommended. Do you buy something that fits you at the time of the surgery? a size smaller? How do you know what smaller size? You'll have swelling, etc. -What are some good compression garments? How do you put them on (and off) without harming stitches and such? Plus, just pulling some of those things off and on to use the restroom, isn't that a lot of straining and pulling when your bits are tender? -Being a girl of a hefty size, my pubic area is pretty puffy. It's just soft and fluffy. I don't wish to end up with a pooch bigger there than my stomach. I'm not sure if I'm explaining this properly, but while the idea is to get rid of the stomach--I don't wish to look like I'm 'packing'. Is there anyone who has had the procedure who knows what I'm talking about and who can give me some insight? -How long before you can do normal things--bending, walking, grocery shopping, sleeping on your side, belly laughs without pain, sex? -Are these procedures really done on an outpatient basis? Seems like a lot of cutting/chopping going on for them to send you on your way. About me: Started at 361 lbs, currently at 213 lbs, pear shaped. Sleeved in 2012 converted to bypass in 2015. Not a glowing example of success, but thankful for what I've lost. Looking to have an upper abdomen incisional hernia repaired and surgeon has suggested this be done during an abdominoplasty. I'm to be photographed next week for submission to insurance. I've asked that they submit photos of my arms too, hoping insurance will consider those too. Would be great (timing) to get both done at once, but no idea if insurance or the surgeon would go for that. I have a large apron--large and squared-ish at the bottom. It doesn't cover my entire pubic area, but it is cumbersome. The surgeon said it would rate a #3 on the 'Pittsbrugh scale', so he believes it will be covered by insurance. I currently live in Europe, so language can be an issue with medical terms, even though I'm ok with normal conversations. I appreciate all the information here and any help you guys can give.

It's been a long while since I first posted these questions and received so many helpful answers. For my insurance to pay, I had to get to and remain at a bmi under 35 for a year. I was able to get there and remained for longer than a year (plus had to wait scheduling with two surgeons, etc.), but it's done now. HolyMotherOfPete was the pain bad. Not all the time and not the incision, seriously, all numb there, but the abdominal pressure and spasms. Coughing/sneezing are murderous for a few days. I had some complications with a few things, but also a big reaction to the bandages--blisters everywhere. Apparently, I'm allergic and didn't know it. Anyways, as so many great people have shared theirs, I'm sharing my results. Thanks again to everyone.

You look great. I hope you're continuing to heal. Your body type is much like mine, so the photos really help, thank you. I've been approved for an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and have been scheduled for next Monday. And I'm terrified. Again, thank you for sharing your experience and the photos.

Thank you, TheRealMeisHere, I may have misspoken. Please don't think I'm self-destructive, not at all. I just need to be more pro-active in reaching my goals instead of passive. Not just weight-wise, but in many things. It's crazy, really. Something for someone else and I'm all over it, above and beyond. Something for me and I procrastinate or let it slide til the cows come home.

Really appreciate everyone who has shared their experiences, advice and photos. If/when I have it done, I'll share mine also. It really does help. I started imagining what it might look like--what I might look like, how it would feel to not have so much stomach to carry around, to try and work into a pair of pants, etc. Again, thank you all!

It's entirely my own fault that I'm still so heavy. I'm definitely not a model patient. I feel foolish. It's been nearly 4 years to the day that I had VSG and more than a year since converting to bypass (started gaining). I'm down nearly 150 lbs from where I started, and I'm glad about that, truly, thrilled, just scared of the future (possible regain). I know it's done and I can't change the past, so I have to stop beating myself up about it. Still, it sits heavily on my heart that I've screwed it up. I hadn't planned to try and have this done, but angry at myself for missing this opportunity. Plus, good grief--why have I sabotaged myself so many times? (singing..l...let it go....let it gooooo) I talked to the surgeon's office. The nurse actually suggested that I change insurance companies with the new year and get to the good BMI then lie about how long I've been there. With other illnesses and emergency care, our insurance has been good to us, so I don't see us changing, but I found it interesting that they'd suggest it. As it stands, I'll continue to try losing and keeping it off. I can't guarantee that I'll stay at the same weight for a year, but I can and will get to below 35 BMI and go from there. Hopefully that guideline won't change and when it comes time, I'll meet any other criteria they have. I've told my husband--Guess that means by my 50th birthday (2018), I'll have a new tummy. (I know it isn't, but gosh, 2018 sounds so far away, but goodness, 50!?! Egads!!)

Ok, got a letter today from insurance. They say my BMI is too high for them to consider an abdominoplasty. BMI must be below 30 or 35 w/WLS surgery and must be maintained for 1 year. My BMI is 36.6, so that's not completely out of reach, but I still have to get there, plus remain steady for a year. I'm disappointed, even though I expected it. I'd kind of hoped it would come out differently. This is the first denial. I'll talk with the surgeon over the next few weeks (he's currently on vacation) and see if there's anything more to do.

No official word from insurance or the surgeon, but I spoke with someone else from my surgery group. She said she's applied twice for the abdominoplasty to be covered. While she and I started at different sizes and I've lost more (and had more to lose) weight, the criteria would be the same. It's not good news. Per her review the hanging skin must reach mid-thigh for them to consider it impeding or obstructive to daily life. Rashes and such don't make a difference. If/when denied, I'll appeal with a personal letter, but it's not looking good. Fingers and toes crossed whomever reviews my records/request is in a good mood or something.

I understand, LisaMergs. If insurance doesn't pick up the tab or most of it, then I can't see me being able to have any reconstruction done. Our vacations are expensive (flights to/from the US, etc.), so those trips are my perks. I'd have to skip visiting with family for a year or two and I just can't do that. My parents are getting older and I don't want to miss seeing them while I can.

bayougirlmrsc, I appreciate the links, thank you, and the offer. It sounds much like the original bypass/sleeve surgeries--the first little bit, you're wondering if you made the right decision, then when things heal up a bit and you're mobile and seeing some benefits, it gets so much better. If I have the procedures, I hope it turns out well for me too. Thanks so much to all of you! I'm really hoping insurance will approve the surgeries. Not knowing anyone here who has had it done, I don't really know the criteria or if it's even possible. I'm excited, apprehensive and nervous and that's without knowing anything...lol. Once I hear something, I'll post it here--good or bad.

I just checked the brand. It's 'heavenly shapewear' I have a set of 1x and 3x

Thank you, @TheRealMeIsHere! , for the links. That's part of why I was asking. In case there's something that I want to order and have someone send it to me over here beforehand. I actually have one of these (different brand) http://tinyurl.com/jzkyzjc and when I spoke about being able to get it off and on for the restroom, I thought the compression would be more along the lines of this (i bought them as a set a while back) http://tinyurl.com/gu6k28p I figured the underwear type because that's where the scar/sutures are, but I guess if they sew/tighten the muscles, they're all up and down there. Did you wear the compressions for 6 months 24/7 (sleeping too)? My FIL wears Rx compression stockings for circulation and they were explicit about him absolutely not wearing them at night/while laying down.

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I received some information from the hospital and it talks about a 'tubigrip' that they recommend be worn for 4-6 weeks after the abdominal surgery. That's a compression band. So at least the first one will be supplied at that hospital. So that's one answer. My husband isn't too keen on the whole thing. Major surgery and all scares him. Plus, after the hernia debacle from the previous surgeries, he just doesn't trust they'll get it right. More that I'm giving them yet another opportunity to jack things up. Photos are tomorrow and then waiting to see if insurance will pay. I just feel that if insurance is willing (big IF), that I'd be foolish to not take advantage of the possibility. This in addition to truly wanting the hernia issue fixed and to be rid of that pain. Again, thanks to you all.

Thanks for the replies, JamieLogical and Djmohr I'm not sure yet how they do things here with this. I don't know anyone here who has had any of these types of procedures. The surgeon said after the photos are submitted, that they should hear from insurance in about a month, so I guess 5-6 weeks to hear something. If approved, then I'll have a more detailed visit with the surgeon. I'll continue looking into things and have my list of questions ready. Truth is, if insurance doesn't give the ok, then it won't happen. The hernia repair, maybe, but the extra won't. I was surprised the surgeon suggested it. I figured they'd lecture me about not having lost more weight before any reconstruction attempts. Could be that's what insurance will say, so we'll see. I so wish I'd talked to them about my arms. They're just soooo large and flappy and while I'm not small at all, finding shirts that fit them is horrible. I was just so surprised by the suggestion of the abdominoplasty that I was a bit dumbstruck. I went hoping for some answers about the hernia. All my questions could be for naught, it's all just gotten me to thinking about what-if's. I've never seen compression garments like that over here, but I've never had reason to either..lol. Actually, I have seen compression stockings for circulation at a specialty shop. I don't recall them having anything for above the knee (shoes/insole/stockings), but who knows. Thanks especially for addressing the pubic area question. When the surgeon described the procedure, he said they'll pull up and pull down and meet in the middle, retain my own belly button and remove the excess skin and some fat. I can't imagine it coming together smoothly. Like trying to wrap a gift with excess wrapping paper. Even if you cut it off evenly, there's going to be more on the bottom than the top (from the square-ish part of my apron belly). So when I got home and tugged and pulled in front of the mirror, it just seemed to accentuate the puffy pubic area. That's when I got worried. Though again, I can't imagine being flat--there's just still too much of me. And well, I just can't see it. I've never had a flat belly. I'd quite settle for slightly rounded. Being off work isn't a problem as I'm a stay-at-homer. My husband could take off a few days, if necessary. I have no other family that lives close, so I'd be on my own when my husband is at work. We're planning on a trip home to the U.S. for vacation in the spring. So if the procedures are going to happen, I hope I'll have enough time to heal and be fit for travel. I've been looking at photos online and trying to find specifically those that resemble my current size/bulk. Many of the before/after photos are amazing. I plan to show them to the surgeon to have him tell me which could most resemble where I'd end up. I want to have a genuine idea of what to expect. Some of the photos look incredible, others are less so. I just want to have a realistic outlook. Actually, I'm hoping he'll have some photos to share of his work. Especially on someone of my size-ish. Thanks again for your replies.

Hi India928, I had some regain before my conversion, but comparing the two--from day-of-surgery weights..... at 4 weeks after the sleeve- | at 4 weeks after bypass conversion- I was down 21 lbs/9.7 kgs, | I'm down 17.6 lbs/8 kgs So I've lost my regained amount, but I expect it to go much slower than before. I stopped losing before the end of the first year with the sleeve. I'm hoping in the long run, this will be better overall. Good luck!

I was sleeved in Sept. 2012 and sleeve to bypass (plus some hernia repairs) on April 23, 2015. I feel sleepy a lot, but figure that's the boredom and pain meds. Another savory thing I've been eating is sundried tomato hummus. O and Peanut Butter. Just doing a lollypop lick with those on a spoon (not together! ) Erwtensoep (Dutch pea soup) is also a favorite. It's more of a thick stew instead of runny. What about cream Soups? Cream of chicken, asparagus or mushroom. I'd be all over some cream of chicken soup if they sold it here! If you feel it's still too thick, add some extra Water or some milk.

The pain is much better, thank you. Today's foods have been: 1 nectar Protein shake (w/200 ml 2%milk) 2 hb eggs w/mayo, 150 grams greek yogurt 150 ml chicken noodle Soup + 4 crackers, ~50 oz Water ...and it's nearly 7pm. I don't feel any restriction, but I'm not pressing it to try and feel the restriction. I think I'm still too numb and don't want to chance it. And you? How's it going for you?

I haven't weighed myself since I've come home. I'm holding out for a bit to let some swelling go down. With my Protein shakes (~150 cal) and bits, I'm getting at least 500, one day was more than 700. Still, should be low enough to lose. I'm really trying to get my protein in to try and avoid the hairloss that I had with the sleeve. Truth is, I still don't know that I made the right decision in having the bypass. I wanted the sleeve to be enough. No dumping fears, no real restrictions in what I could eat, just how much. I love spicy foods and with the bypass I worry I'll not be able to have those. Also, I know that losing now will be different. I can't expect a big rush of weightloss. I've had that already. It's my hope to lose 50 lbs by the end of the year. Even that may be too much to ask, but I'm hoping. I still have loads of excess weight, and though I don't expect to get to a tiny size, I'd love to be under 200 lbs someday.

Refried beans! Omgoodness what I wouldn't give to have a taco bell over here! Yep, I know, fast food is bad...lol I have to go to a special shop to get so many things and even then, they may or may not it that week or ever again. Refried Beans would be yummy with a little cheese and salsa mixed through. I have some laughing cow cheese that I'm wanting to put into some mashed cauliflower, but I'm weighing the yum satisfaction vs. cauli-gas. I'm not ready for that risk. Maybe in a few weeks. I followed the same plan when I was sleeved and I truly believe it's why my sleeve was less successful. After reading these stories of amazing losses in the first few months, I was a bit disheartened with my own. Makes sense, though, with the liquids usually being for 3-4+ weeks and us over here only doing 5 days worth. Anyways, yes, I plan to go much slower this time. I'm hoping to be able to travel in 7 weeks. So healing completely is top priority.

The post (and pre-) op plan with the clinic here is way different from in the U.S. While inpatient, clear liquids, 2-3 days after leaving the hospital, thicker liquids (shakes, milk, yogurt), then 2-3 days, soft foods--purees, puddings A week after surgery, they recommend normal foods. Very well chewed and smaller portions. I've been drinking 2-3 Protein shakes per day (24-32 g of protein each) and Soups. I did have about 2 tbs of chicken and mayo today that I'd chopped in the food processor. My abdomen is so distended and sore, I'll stick with this for as long as I can. I feel so bloated and swollen, I'll be so happy when it goes down. I didn't have a drain at all, so fluids are still in there, I'm sure. I thought I was going to bust a gut yesterday with my body forcing me to have a bowel movement. Yesterday was a baaaaaad day.