Sophie7713

Ha Ha. No more BIG SUE here. And, I bet you've got a very cute cookie now. Congratulations on this amazing transformation! And, the fact you are still going strong almost 4 years out.

Happy New Year 2025! Perhaps, this is an ideal time to share, encourage and exchange our Non-Weight Scale Victories? Our past, current and long term success is not simply a mere number on the weight scale. Or the antiquated medical BMI charts. Do you agree? Just a few of my NWSV's... 1. Long fitness walks without achy knees or feet 2. No longer the need for an airplane seat belt extender 3. I can now see my feet 4. Lost ½ of myself 5. Wear belts and boots that never fit my obese body before 6. Dropped one entire shoe size 7. Winter layers without feeling extra huge & bulky anymore 8. I control food now, it does not control me! AND, so much more.

Oh Congratulations DaisyChainOZ! This is an exciting way to begin 2025 - A New Year to bring forth wonderful change and success toward your health goals. Keep us updated with your progress. And, there are several long term threads tracking here with invaluable information that maybe helpful to you along your journey. Soooo excited for you! Some virtual posies for a smooth recovery after surgery.

Three months out and launched first modeling gig for winter outer gear with new thinner arms and tummy. Hands still a bit swelled to me on unedited proofs - BUT company photographer seemed pleased with our shoot.

Day 4 after arm lifts and reverse mini abdominal, October 17, 2024. A bit sore right now in the elbows and hands, but pain is manageable. I do look forward to Fall leather jackets fitting better without arm bulk and layering issues. This will complete previous plastics + adventures after sleeve in December 2018. Yay!

Yay! Really felt the visual benefits of mid-October brachioplasty today with new winter vest, shirt and scarf ensemble. I begin physical therapy tomorrow to work out elbow knots + soreness, ensure overall range of motion and optimum healing results 13 weeks out. I am pleased with the continued process and results.

Happy New Year 2025 everyone!!! 12 weeks out sleeping comfortably on both sides with arms under my pillow. No more aches or soreness waking up. Our December holiday getaway was a wonderful diversion feeling it aided greatly to next stage of healing. The surgeon mentioned colder temperatures might exasperate nerve pain, but I had no issues. We loved the crisper + snowy days. Invigorating! And, samplings of Penn State ice cream was the best medicine indeed.

Ms. Arabesque - You inspired me to go RED! You look stunning, Lady in Red... Just a casual outfit (very loose after recent surgery) for the holidays and, appears to match our guest room at Hotel Greenbrier...Haha. Do you all like the new palazzo sweat style pants this year? I thought I'd give them a try - but hard to wear big clothes again after years of obesity. I think I prefer more fitted. Also, treated myself to these red spectators...

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and New Year 2025! I'm now on week 10 feeling so much better! The aches, stabs and discomfort have mostly subsided. A little swelling. This was a little Christmas sweater I purchased and loved three years ago - BUT the sleeves were far too tight to look nice wearing. Now WA-LA... mission accomplished!!! Sophie wore her little black velvet sweater with fur collar with room to drape in the arms at Christmas party past weekend. YAY! Happy Holidays my dear bari friends!

Looks yummy. I love chili. OMG, I cannot keep my hands off the Walker mini-short bread star cookies in the cupboard!!! You are so disciplined with two. I have been eating five at a time. 😕

I hear you, SSS! Mr. Smith thought I looked liked Mrs. Emma Peel/Diana Rigg from the Avengers after my first plastics in compression suit. Haha. I wore it for months - loving the cozy, comfy cocoon it provided. Seven weeks out now, and my first week wearing real clothes! Still some discomfort and swelling BUT making good progress. Yesterday surgeon said I can lift over ten pounds now. If the deep tissue pain and irritation continues after our return from Christmas holiday trip - He'll set up physical therapy for me. Elbows and abdominal still remain tender. Regardless, I am so happy with my new slimmer arms - especially in the winter sweaters. Do post here your favorite sweaters and/or winter outfits. I say, show off those beautiful arms ladies!!! I'll start a mini fashion show here with my chartreuse vest and pom-pom gloves. Getting ready for Pennsylvania winter trip... where I hear, Baby it's cold outside...

I struggle with a slight slump after carrying 290 pounds on a five foot frame for years - SO I gave myself some grace here - as I hope you will, too. Several exercises that have helped - standing erect and doing front and back swimming breast stroke in the air. It feels great. Also stretch every morning with your hands as high as they can go. Rolling of the shoulders forward and back. I learned all these and more in a great water aerobics class. Walking daily in good athletic shoes conscious of your posture position not to lean forward helps your body to realign. Walking is the best!

Brachioplasty six weeks out now. Still putting silicon gel on incisions BUT started wearing these compression sleeves last week that really help sequester the pain especially in the daytime. The throbbing, burning and uncomfortableness are still there - but the compression helps numb the intensity. Many surgeons do not use them for this procedure since they can open up the sutures. I waited 4 ½ weeks for them to heal better before I sleeved. Keeping busy with light housework, cooking, holiday cards, planning for holidays and the 30th anniversary gala for Spring 2025! It will be fabulous, and really planning something special for hubby after his patience, loyal loving care in this 2019 - 2024 weight loss journey + saga now with the arms! Like SSS, by far the worst. I do not take any meds all day accept for Arnica, then a Tramadol at night to sleep. I definitely think I will be an 8 - 10 week heal time girl.

Brachioplasty girls just wanna have fun! Week four of recovery. Perfect little side pillows we devised to elevate arms for sleeping.

Thanks for the encouragement! There was little realistic information out there when I did my research on Brachioplasty. Or a bit over optimistic. BUT every body and procedure is different. I'd say mine was on the more complex end. I did not expect to be so dependent on hubby (who's deserving of a crown, at this point!) Yes, the reverse abdominoplasty is quite remarkable! After fleur de lis surgery in 2020 - a pouch can begin to develop and caused issues with so many of my new clothing, belts, jeans, waist enhancing outfits. While I am still very very swelled in that region seen in the picture - he flatten that pouch and realigned my belly button. Yay! The inclusion of that pull up procedure lies under the breasts. Gotta love those poppy fields! Haha. What did your surgeon prescribe?

Three weeks out from brachioplasty and reverse tummy tuck. Some swelling and bruising down. Not cleared to drive or be out and about quite yet. Remain on Tramadol 50mg and Arnica 30X to manage the burning, deep tissue and nerve pain in arms. Tylenol remains ineffective, but will keep trying to wean off narcotics. Doing some light cooking and housekeeping. No heavy lifting, but practice reaching to second kitchen shelving. Utilizing silicon cream, paper tape and wraps on sutures + arms daily. I suspect another two weeks for initial recovery. Personally, unless your arms were as heavy and problematic as mine, I would not recommend this surgery. The recovery and downtime has been arduous.

13 days out - Progressing nicely, but still a BRUTAL recovery. Surgeon removed an excess of 3 ¾ pounds along with hair + sweat glands, so no need for underarm shaving or deodorant. Continuing oral and ointment antibiotics for a bit longer, as my right arm has been extra red and sensitive. Swelling, soreness, stiffness remain as the skin heals from the trauma. Six feet of sutures. Very uncomfortable, but I continue to set my eyes on the prize. Wearing Mr. Sophie's big, loose shirts with button down fronts for ease. No desire to drive or venture out. Enjoy long walks (not power walking) at night in the neighborhood with hubby and puppy - quiet and refreshing. The Happy Halloween decorations are also entertaining!

Here you are, SSS?! Missed you! Remembering your arm surgery - Are you pleased with the long term results? Please send us some images to aspire to. Once I can get past this robotic YUCK + OUCH phase... For me, SSS - this was truly the hardest procedure performed. I'm not sure how you endured arms along with multi-procedures in one strike! You are definitely Super Woman for sure... Haha. xoxo Video.MOV

Images coming this weekend!

Thank you, Amber! Congratulations and best wishes on your loss of 133 pounds! Amazing. How do you feel? Roses in your honor before your California Rose Ball Parade! I so much want to see that parade in person someday... Maybe PENN STATE will play in the Rose Ball 2025?

Thank you. Congratulations Bypass on your life changing surgery this year. You have come so far, and will be at your goal in no time! Here's some pretty posies to cheer you on toward your goal.

Thank you, Arabesque. So great to reconnect. Missed you! A crazy past few years... YES, I do look forward to the ability to dance waving arms unencumbered by weight + jiggle! The boys say hello. Any fun new outfits to model for us? Once slim new arms are healed... I do look forward to wearing these favorite cotton toile dresses with fitted arms without jean jackets. Yay!

Thank you, Lily. Congratulations on your surgery early 2024... 95 pounds off! How exciting. How do you feel? It has been a game changer for so many. ;]

Thanks Tea... Happy weekend!

Hi Summerseeker - (BTW, lily of the valley is my favorite flower!) thank you for reaching out. Thursday's surgery went well, and now begun the healing process. Somewhat sore, but tolerable and sleeping well. Even with compression garments (also had a reverse mini abdominal lift) - I can tell my arms are so much slimmer. Yay! The big reveal will be next Wednesday at follow-up with surgeon. Pain + various medications are keeping me comfortable.