Sunshine22

Thank you @@Scamp for your reply and pictures. If my scars turn out as beautiful as yours, I will be overjoyed! I think I am just dealing with the initial shock of the bandages being removed. I am still building up the courage to post some pictures of my own. I did know the brachioplasty posterior placement was a possibility, it is just hard to look at initially. I too have extensive scars, over 7 feet...and yes, I too measured...lol! The abdominoplasty with fleur de lis, I am totally okay with. It really is such a blessing to have all that skin removed! Regarding the massage...did your use any special creams or oils? Also, what type of tape did you use and how soon after surgery did you start? I still have my stitches in. And finally, your suggestion of: "Thanks for noticing. They are scars from a surgery that changed my life." Brought tears to my eyes. This really is so true. Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement.

To answer your question @@spiritedcowgirl63, my insurance did cover the panniculectomy portion of my surgery. I extended it to the abdominoplasty with fleur de lis and paid the difference. I had lots of documentation from my family doctor and my dermatologist regarding rashes and infections, over the counter treatments, etc...all submitted and approved for coverage. I chose to have the additional surgery done to repair the abdominal muscles and to remove the excess skin on the upper abdomen. But that was my choice. I could have had everything paid in full if I had just had the panniculectomy for skin removal only. The brachioplasty was not covered by insurance. My advise is have your medical team document, document, document! Good luck

Yes, @@sarsar this is such an emotional journey. I feel like you were in my head regarding hesitancy to even post this. Because I am so grateful for this opportunity! Oh my gosh, we can all relate to the psychological effects of excess skin! What a blessing to have that gone. I am just trying to adjust to the new me. Many thanks to all of you for the kind and encouraging words.

Thank you @@superbariatricbabe for the beautiful article on Padma Lakshmi. I had never seen her before. I love her quote "my body is a blueprint of my life." Wow, very powerful

Thank you @AvaFern. Yes, the scars are only visible directly from behind. I can't see them unless I hold a mirror up to look. Best of luck on your upcoming plastics!! Thank you too @RJ'S/beginning. You are always so kind. I know what you mean about just wanting the loose skin gone. It has made a tremendous difference in my body perception. I could tell the difference in my tummy even with all the tape and bandages on. It wasn't until today when the bandages came off my arms, that I could get a good idea of what they looked like. I guess it has just been a shock to me. When I was 300lbs. I would try everyday to camouflage myself. Yes, I thought a loose black shirt would disguise my weight...lol! I was just so hopeful that getting to goal and having plastics would end this particular struggle. But, I am realizing the battle will go on. Whether it be in the form of body image struggles, keeping the weight off in maintenance, etc...I am going to try to learn to embrace these scars. Yes, It is a hard won fight for all of us in one way or another.

Thank you for the encouragement @@Miss Mac. I appreciate it. Wishing good luck and health right back to you.

@VSGAnn2014...the plastics were a few weeks ago. Yes, I am sure the scars will fade in time. Thank you @finediva...I too am thankful for my arms and being able to carry and care for my children. Like I said, am I still blessed, yes. I am just having a moment that's all. Thank you both

Wow, wow, wow...you are awesome!!!!!

My quick Protein shake go to is Premier Protein ready mixed. It is 30g protein per shake and delish. When I was allowed to start yogurt, I used Fage 0% plain. It is 18g of protein. In the beginning, I added only a touch of honey. Both are quick and easy protein sources. Good luck!

No drain here and no problems.

Yay! Way to go!!!! Love the scale pic too:)

Yay! That is awesome

Dr Joseph Capella in Ramsey NJ was one of my choices. He deals with massive weight loss patients. Maybe check into him? Think Ramsey is only a couple hours from Philadelphia. Good luck!

Stay strong...you've got this. Good luck!

I am a fan of Fage 0% plain. I added a touch of honey in the beginning. Now, 14 mos out, I add walnuts and diced fresh fruit. Yum!

We are all works in progress...that is how it should be Personally, I weigh daily. In the past, I would not weigh for months at a time. Goodness, could I pack on the weight when I wasn't looking...lol! For me, daily weighing works, keeps me in check. But, it doesn't stress me. You too will find a balance that works for you! Good luck!

Thanks Rovobay. A year goes by so quickly. You will get to goal...you deserve it and your family does too!

So happy for you! Congratulations on the surgery approval and the new baby!!!

Yes, lot and lots of appointments pre-op! But soooo worth it. Hopefully, you are in the home stretch now. Good luck!

Yay! I do remember the excitement...took a picture of the scale!!! And believe me, I wished that I knew how to do cartwheels. Because I was that happy... Lol:) Good luck to you!

Wonderful!!! Having a supportive husband helped me sooo much. You are awesome to be on these boards. Best of luck to both of you!

Nicely done! Congratulations

Stay strong! I was afraid of failing too. After all, I had failed at every other weight loss attempt my entire adult life. But, I am telling you...you can do this! Take this time to retrain yourself. Follow the sleeve rules with Protein first. Learn mindful eating in moderation. Find some kind of exercise you enjoy too. Before you know it, you will be a year down the road! You have a whole new life ahead of you. Good luck!

Hang in there! I understand the anxiety. I used to scour these boards...looking at losses, similar stats, comparing myself to others. It drove me crazy! I would have good months and months where I found myself so disappointed. But, I am learning along the way about moderation with mindful eating and incorporating fitness into my daily routine. Things I never did before. This journey is so much more than just weight loss. It's about finding a good, healthily balance in your life. Like Oregondaisy said, follow the rules and you will be a success. Hang in there...you've got this

My vote is for Premier Protein also. Love the chocolate and vanilla. Have not tried the strawberry yet. Originally I would purchase at Sam's Club. But they are now carried in my local Walmart and Shoprite. Good luck.