EugeniaM

I am scheduled for LBL on June 19th and I am currently waiting on insurance approval. I went in expecting to pay out of pocket but the PS convinced me to at least try to get insurance to cover some of it. I had brachioplasty in February and was not happy with the reulsts so I switched to a different PS that specializes in massive weight loss patients and I know it's the best decision I ever made. Thanks for starting this thread, I will be sure to keep you all updated on my progress. Thanks Eugenia

Are all of these terms the same procedure? The way the surgeon explained it is that he would do the incision all the way around (belt), which would enable him of course to do the TT and to also lift the outer thighs and lift the butt. It will also help eliminate some of the lower back fat. He called this a belt lipectomy. I haven't heard it used in those terms before, but is this the same as a lower body lift that I read about on here sometimes? Thanks for any replies.

Yes he did say the incision would go all the way around versus hip to hip. I have a lot of back fat so that is why. Thanks so much for your reply it does help a lot. I am going to google it now!

Dr J Lo, Thanks for answering my prior question on Brachioplasty and dog ears. I had my srugery on 2/14/08 and looks like I did not get them, however I am not 100% happy with my resluts. I have no loose skin at all, which I am very happy about, but I still have fat, flabby arms. I am really bordering on asking myself why did I sacrifice having these long scars and still have big arms? My PS felt he really didn't need to combine lipo with the procedure, so now I am wondering if this is why my arms are still so big and flabby. Did I walk into this with unrealistic expectations? I guess I trusted his opionion at the consult, and now I am second guessing myself. I am scheduled to have my TT with the same surgeon in June, and now I am having second thoughts. Will I come out of that surgery disaapointed too (he will not lipo my stomach - but he will do my back fat)? I did asked him if this is as small as he could get my arms and he said that he couldn't take too much off at once, or else I could end up with a condition that would leave me very very swollen. I want to schedule another consult with a different surgeon for my TT, and maybe to discuss a revision on my brachioplasty (which I know is too soon, just wanted a second set of eyes). I did ask my PS if it would be possible to get a revision by getting lipo on my arms, and he said no that would leave me with loose skin. It makes me feel like I am stuck with what he gave me. Sorry so long, please any advice would be appreciated. I really like my PS, but now I am scared that I will not be happy again. PS Do some Plastic Surgeons not like doing lipo? Is it really a bigger risk to blood flow during surgery as my surgeon has mentioned? Sorry I forgot to add that he removed 5 inches from each arm (almost 2 pounds) Thanks Eugenia

Karey, I feel like I am so late looking at your posts on your surgery. Congrats on having such a succesful outcome. I must say that you look AMAZING!!! Your body looks so young and healthy. Best wishes. I will be having my TT in June and I can't wait to join you in the "flatlands". Take Care and Happy Easter! Eugenia

Hi Ellen, I so wish I had more patience when it comes to arms. I guess I was expecting them to be perfect when I took the wraps off. I really am happier as every day passes. I am glad that I did go for 2 second opinions. Even though my family thought they looked wonderful, I really wanted to get another PS opinion, and now I am glald I did. I went out yesterday and bought a few new short sleeve and sleeveless shirts, I tried them on and was absolutely thrilled. Best wishes and I am sure you will be happy with your results too. Just remember the swelling lasts for some time, but when it does go down it looks great. Eugenia

Karey, Thanks so much for responding. Yes you are right, a lot of swelling has gone down since I wrote that past. As a matter of fact they are really starting to look a lot better (still not 100% though). I still have some swelling, but that should go away within the next month or two. If I had to do it all over again I would. I had 2 consults so far for my tummy tuck and to be honest I am not nearly as comfortable with them as I am with my PS that did my arms. So I think I am staying with him. The other two PS I had consults with were amazed at how much he took off my arms (I showed them my before pix). They both commented on how good of a job he did and how nice my scars were. I think that sealed it for me. As far as pain, there was no pain at all with this surgery. the drains were the worst part of the entire process. I had them in for 4 days. I stayed on pain meds for about 4 days as well. I was back to work on day 6. I am sure the TT won't be as easy, but I am prepared. I took 2 weeks off from work, hope that was enough. How did your TT go? Are you pleased with the results? I am looking forward to having a flat tummy. Eugenia

Wow 10 lbs is just around the corner! Sounds like you have a great PS plan. I wish you the best, and please keep me updated on yor progress, I will keep you updated on mine as well. Eugenia

You know Julie, I am feeling a relief already just knowing that I am on the search again for a new surgeon. Yes, I will be asking them both to take a look see at my arms. I know they are still fresh, but a second eye doesn't hurt. I will ask about future revisions on them as well. Eugenia

Thanks so much for clarification and pictures. That is a really good incision, I am so glad you are happy with your results. it's not nearly as bad of an incision as I thought. I will definately ask the other 2 PS about the extended. You have given me confidence. Thanks again. Eugenia

Thanks losingjusme, you are right. I have pretty much made up my mind that I won't be going back to this PS. BTW - I am very interested in the extended TT (which this surgeon is against), what is the biggest difference between and regular TT and extended? From my research it seems that with extended there is more take from the back area, am I correct? Thanks again for your advice. Eugenia

Thanks for the reply Julie. You know I can't sleep some nights thinking "what if" or did I make a big mistake going with this PS. I have already scheduled 2 additional consults for my TT. I just want to make sure I will get the best possible results this time. These 2 consults will be with surgeons that have experience with WLS patients. Maybe that's where I went wrong before Thanks again for your advice. Eugenia

Good Morning, I am scheduled for Brachioplasty next week. During my first consult the surgeon told me that I would not need drains, is this common or is it purely a judgement call by the surgeon? He also told me that since my loose skin goes all the way to my elbow I would probably end up with dog ears. I just can't seem to find any pictures of what dog ears look like. Is this common with patients that have a tremendous amount of loose skin? Thanks

I told my band doctor that I was having brachioplasty next week and he wants to remove some of my fill on Monday (he wasn't clear on how much). I am currently at 7.8 cc's in my VG band. Is this a common practice? SInce I only spoke to the nurse I really didn't have a chance to ask why. Did any of you have this experience? Thanks Eugenia

Hi everyone, Just wanted to let you all know that I am home from surgery, and feeling very well. The surgery went great, and I am not uncomfortable at all (thanks to the wonderful medication). I am all wrapped up with ACE bandages, I have to unwrap tomorrow so I will take pics then and post for you to see. My doctor says that I have lots of swelling so not sure how the pix will look, I am so anxious to see them. Thanks everyone for all of your support and well wishes. Eugenia

I would love to join the challenge Name... Start Weight. Goal.. Current...To go eugeniam.......200..... 185..... 200..... 15 Thanks Eugenia

Well I just got back from the doctor and he has decided not to unfill me. I have been at my current fill level for 2 1/2 months and don't have good restriction so he thinks I should be fine. Thanks everyone for your respones! Eugenia

I am the only brachioplasty here? Well I guess I have to represent :thumbdown: I was banded 3/15/2007 and I have lost 136 lbs so far. I have about 5 more to goal. I stumbled on this website and I really am starting to like it. The folks here have been so friendly. I will be setting up my profile and adding pictures in the next couple of days. Also, I will be posting before and afters of my plastics as soon as I am up and about. I look forward to being a part of such a wonderful group of Lap Banders!!!

Hi, I am Eugenia and fairly new to LBT, I would like to join in. I am having brachioplasty on Feb 14, yep Valentines day. This is my gift to myself. Eugenia

Thanks so much for your reply. I would love to join the Feb/March thread. I am heading over there now, and thanks for the invite. Eugenia

Great, thanks so much!!

Thanks so much for the link, I will take a look. Eugenia