kareyquilts

Lauriegee: Isn't that just earth life!? Nothing is constant my friend!

Laurigee: As a matter of fact, I have thought about getting counseling about this and other body issues. I think that it is hard to know when to call it good. One way to tell is when it takes a super effort to lose anymore. That could be your body letting you know that it likes where it is. Another way to know, is to get feedback from your loved ones and doctor. Now, my band doctor and husband said that I was good 10 pounds ago, even though my BMI is 24.5. I didn't want to be on the cusp of having an overweight BMI, but as was explained to me, I am physically in excellant shape, my heart problems are a thing of the past and I look good. That being said, I have my own goal, which is 10 pounds less. As I said in the last post, I'm going for it. My reasoning, I had my fat, muscle and water tested and that showed that I could lose another 10 pounds. I'm on the verge of a size 6, sometimes I can fit that and sometimes I can't. It would personally mean a lot to me to make that goal. It would also give me a little leeway as I go into maintance. Are you burned out on dieting? If so, quit for a while and re-evaluate. You can always try for more. Sometime, I think that breaks (without weight gain) are good for you physically and mentally. I was looking around at church on Sunday and it occured to me that I am definetly in the normal realm for my size and peers. That is probably another measuring stick, so to speak. Are you comfortable in your own skin? Do you like MOST of what you see? I guess that these are other indications. I'm just ready to begin the next big adventure in life, along with maintaining my weight. It might help to think about new goals and things that you want to accomplish because there is a void when the big push is over. Just some thoughts. What do you think?

Lori: Thanks for the encouraging words. Have lost the weight I put on (10 lbs) after 4 weeks in bed for lower body work and 2 weeks of immobility for the ole knee (oh and eating a lot of candy at Christmas). Would like to lose 10 more and than I will call it quits. This has been some ride. There is so many adjustments that you don't think about when you have body work done. It's good, but I guess I'm so use to working on a goal that I've become uncomfortable with thinkiing that how I am is the final product. I do have many areas to improve, but there's comes a point where it's time to think about other things in life. I've decided to try and write a book about my life as a veterinarians wife and do some volunteer work. It's time to start giving back.

Kimaly: Congratulations! I'm sure you'll be happy when you're all healed!

Dr. Schulman: Do you feel that lipo lite isn't appropriate for post-bariatric patients, even if they are at goal weight, have had traditional lipo and weight loss surgeries and just want a few problem areas touched up (like bra fat under the arms, for instance). Or is the skin of bariatric patients too stretched for this application?

Dr. Schulman: I was surprised to see in your newsletter this month that your practice is highlighting lipo-lite. Is that different than "smart lipo?" I thought that you didn't like smart lipo? With the lipo lite, is the fat suctioned? Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the support. It's hard to put pictures out there in webland.

Glad things are working out. Good luck with the lipo. Looking forward to the new pics!

Renewed: I had a similar experience. Between having to be in bed for 3 weeks with my lower body work, knee surgery where I was on a machine for 10 days and Christmas goodies, I also crept up on my weight 9 pounds. I started at a diet center last week, something I never wanted to do again, but I would rather nip it in the bud, than allow myself to gain another pound. I have already lost 7 pounds, but tonight I had a sugar attack and ate some left over Christmas candy. I have come to realize that I am always going to have to watch it. However, my thin, beautiful 27 year old daughter reminds me that thin women have to watch what they eat too. That's how they stay thin! I've started back to exercise, but I'm very limited right now because of the knee. So enjoy your legs that work and your wonderful body. Life can be a struggle, GRRR, but it's worth it! Can't wait to see your pictures!

Kimaly: Enjoy your new breasts! Keep us posted on how you like them.

Karen: I just posted before and after's of my arms on my thread. Here is the link if you want to see what the scars on the arms look like! Keep us posted on your decision! http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f12/kareyquilts-arms-butt-thighs-oh-my-77529/index11.html#post1114452

Ran across an old pair of jeans from my previous life and took these shots in an attempt to make myself feel better. Please indulge me here! Have a nice day, everyone!

Here are the before and afters of my arms. I tried to get some shots of the scars for those of you considering this procedure. I'm told that the scars will lighten a lot and I believe it based on my scars from my first round of ps. You'll notice a small dip at the end of my incision (near the elbow). My doc is going to do some lipo there to get rid of the dip. He said it will take about 5 minutes. I have mixed feelings about my arms. My arms look much much better in sleeves, but I'm not ready to wear anything sleeveless. I hope that when I can get back to weight lifting that I can tone them up, etc. The bandages on my arm are some lipomas I had removed. One of my arms has a very raised scar. I'm told that will also get better with time (or he will do some revision- oh goody!) Anyway, here are the pictures. I will try and get the thigh lift and butt lift pictures soon!

Thought I would finally do a few before and after pictures. I've been in a bit of a funk, despite my best efforts. Having plastic surgery and then knee surgery shortly thereafter sucks! I know I'll be glad this spring when I'm finally back in shape. Physical therapy is going alright, not bending my knee as well as I should be, but it's not from lack of trying. I'm back into pilates (everything but foot and leg work) and this is helping my mental attitude. Patience never is easy, is it? Anyway, here are the pictures. The first picture is before my original tummy tuck. The second is before the revision of my tummy tuck. The third is my anchor revision. I guess I should have wore some nicer underwear, oh well. Sometimes I wonder if it was all worth it. I need a chill pill!

I've had juvaderm in my nasolabia folds and found it very satisfactory. It's not been quite a year yet and they still look good. If you decide to do it, make sure you go off of vitamin E, aspirin, fish oil etc for 10 days. I didn't do this and bruised quite badly. When I had my lips touched up, I did do this and the bruising was much lighter. If you go to someone who is experienced with this, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results!

Becky: What you have accomplished is truly amazing. If I can give you any advice, just ask and I'll give it my best shot. Congratulations!

YEAH! Hip Hip Horray! It's been a long time coming. So glad you're doing better!

Susan: You're results are looking wonderful! Swell hell will pass. Congratulations on your weight loss as well. You're doing fantastic. Keep us the good fight!

Thanks, I will talk to my PS. It helps to be able to ask more educated questions.

Karen: I had my arms and breast lifted. My arms were lifted about 10 weeks ago. I love the breasts and am very happy with them. The scars don't bother me at all. My arms are a little different story. On my right arm the scar healed nicely and will lighten and look fine. The other arm has a very raised scar. I don't like the scar and feel a little self-concious about it. I do like the size of my arms now and they actually look small in clothes. I'm going to try and post some pictures this week end and I'll send you a link. I think I would do it all over, but not sure.

Dr. Schulman: So glad you're around to ask questions of. You really do help a lot of people! When is the article coming out in the aging magazine? I'm wondering if you could give me some advice. I have a very raised scar on one of my arms from my brachioplasty (the other scar is nice and flat). I am about 10 weeks out. I have been massaging it and using silicone strips and have seen a little improvement. There is also a lot of suture reaction (I'm assuming that is what it is) so that under the skin is very solid and rough feeling. Someone told me that after 3 months if the scar tissue isn't broken down that it will just stay about the same. I was also told by another source (none of them doctors) that cortisone shots in the suture area will help. What's the real scoop? Thanks!

Sam: Thanks for the well wishes. Your day will come when the kiddies really appreciate you. The first year they move away from home for college or work, you suddenly become a goddess of wisdom, so hang in there! I started physical therapy and it is hard. I leave almost in tears, but I am making progress. My knee can bend to 90 degrees now. I have been so distracted with the knee and related pain, that I haven't been massaging my ps scars. I guess I will get back with the program. I have a very raised scar on my left arm. I can't see myself wearing even a short sleeved shirt with the way it looks. I will post pictures and get everyone's opinion. Happy New Year!

The ken doll stuff? Are you experiencing swollen labia? This happens with a LBL because the lymph system is comprised. It can last for several months but it will definetly get better. As far as the numbness goes, I am almost 3 months out and my numbness is much better but still have some. I have not numbness left from my first TT 9 months ago. It will ALL get better, never fear!

Thanks for the well wishes Cori! I'm absolutely planning on a surgery free 2009! Today my older children are cooking the Christmas meal and doing the clean up. I'm not suppose to set foot in the kitchen. I can't think of a better gift. The kids (29, 27 & 22) are planning on making stuffed cornish game hens, french onion soup, a fancy salad and creme brulee. They been planning the meal all week. You never know if what you've done and taught your kids has gotten through. Today is a nice pay-off day when I see that my children love me and have learned some compassion. It such a nice feeling. I feel very peaceful and happy. I'm sitting here with ice on my knee reflecting on a fun morning. My 15 month grandson was so cute this morning playing with his ride on toy and jumping in this little trampoline fort thing. None of my children (I have 5) complained or acted jealousy of the others. Very pleasant. I hope everyone has a great day and if you don't (because of children) remember that they do grow-up (finally). Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!