Extra Skin After Weight Loss: Surgery Scheduled!

Yesterday I did a really big thing. It was not a tough decision because I’ve been contemplating it for years. Finally I scheduled surgery that will shed me of my extra skin from my 160-pound weight loss journey.

Over the past 10+ years I’ve been on a weight loss journey that has slowly but completely transformed my life. Through changing my diet and incorporating exercise, I’ve lost approximately half of my bodyweight and kept it off for more than 5 years. Through stressful jobs, and getting married, and having babies, and other major life-changes, I have stayed diligent in pursuing the healthiest possible version of me. I found what worked for me, changed my habits, and changed my life.

Today I can honestly say that I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been. I’m not the skinniest (because there was a time I was skinnier (still a size 10, but skinny for me) but had no muscle), but I’m definitely the healthiest. I really have adopted a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The mere fact that my kids made cupcakes that sat in our fridge for a few days and I wasn’t overtaken by temptation to indulge in them when they weren’t looking – well that’s the proof in he pudding if ya ask me.

It goes for inwardly as well. I’ve never had a better relationship with the scale, or a more positive self-image. I’ve never been more comfortable just being myself.

But still there’s this issue that has bugged me for years. Extra skin from weight loss.

What Is Extra Skin From Weight Loss?

If you’ve lost maybe 30-40 pounds, you may not deal with this issue. But for those of us who have lost a massive amount of weight, we’re left with loose skin that won’t come off no matter how much we exercise, or drink water, or eat right, or take vitamins. Not only is it a bummer to be left with such a thing after working so hard for so long, but it also causes a host of issues.

I’ve written about them in a previous post, so feel free to check it out!

After years of waiting for the right time, I’ve finally taken the plunge and scheduled the surgery.

Leading To Yesterday

I’ve known I’d eventually need to do this for a while now. I’ve been to several consultations with several different surgeons.

The first time I visited a surgeon was probably about five years ago. I remember being so scared – not of the surgery – but that the doctor would say I needed to lose more weight to have the surgery. I had already lost so much weight and my body didn’t seem to want to lose any more. By now my body has found a comfortable weight. I’m healthier than ever and I’m happy being thick and curvy and strong! As long as I’m healthy.

I was happy to hear that the bulk of what’s left (that stubborn part that won’t go away), is not weight I need to lose, but mostly extra skin from weight loss. (Of course there’s a little fluff in there too that won’t seem to go away)…

Still though, the timing hadn’t seemed right, even after meeting with different surgeons over a long span of time.

Then Came Yesterday

With butterflies in my tummy and Phillip sitting beside me, I waited for Dr. Kreithen to walk into the exam room. I was so nervous (which is funny considering how many consultations I’ve been to in the past). But the moment he walked into the room all the flutters flew away, and the excitement set in.

We chatted for a few moments, I told him about my weight loss journey, and then he took some time to examine the skin that would need to be removed. We talked through some options, and he gave me lots of information. Most of which I already knew because I had researched and read other people’s blogs.

Then, he smiled and looked me in the eye and said,  “Jennifer you’ve worked so hard, and done such a great job on your weight loss journey. I think you’re a great candidate for this surgery.

It will be absolutely life-changing for you.”

I cannot even describe the emotion that I felt hearing those words.

We finished up the appointment and then headed into the office to talk numbers and scheduling. Aaaaannnddddd, let’s just say we scheduled the surgery for a quick 3.5 weeks from now! Insert nervous laughter here.

For something so drastic, we normally wouldn’t be so quick to make a decision. But since we’ve discussed and planned this for years, we felt comfortable scheduling it sooner rather than later, especially since that timeframe worked for Phil to be able to work from home while I recover.

My Surgery Plan

After looking at all the options, we found that’s what’s best for me will be something called a 360 circumferential body lift. This means there will be an incision at the lower part of my abdomen, and It’ll travel all the way around my very lower back.

I’ll also need another surgery down the road, but this one is our starting point. It’s also the most difficult recovery, so I’d rather get this one over with first.

Speaking of Recovery… How’s THAT Gonna Work?

Recovery won’t be a walk in the park. It’s a pretty big deal. I’ll be having the surgery on a Thursday (at a hospital), and will go home on that Saturday morning. Then I’ll have my first post-opp appointment on the very next Monday.

I’ll be pretty out of commission for the first few days, so Phil will have his hands full with the kids, and with helping me to heal up. Someone send help!  😉

I suppose I’ll be doing lots of blogging during that time, so you’ll have plenty to read while I recover!  😉

How I Chose My Surgeon

Choosing the right surgeon is extremely important. I met with several over a long span of time, but was definitely the most comfortable with Dr. Kreithen in Sarasota, Florida. Meeting with him was a breeze and everything he said resonated well with me. I also had the opportunity to see before/after photos of hundreds of his previous patients who have had the same surgery, and every single person looked amazing.

All the incisions he does are very straight and even, and heal beautifully. He also felt comfortable with my request to keep my scar low on my abdomen so that it can be hidden easily. His office staff was great, and super (and I mean super) thorough and informative. There was no pressure, and rush getting through my appointment. In fact I was told that if I wanted to stay there for two-and-a-half hours asking questions, that was quite alright. I didn’t, of course. But it was very nice not to feel rushed on such a huge decision.

You want to make sure the surgeon you choose is Board Certified, has done a LOT of surgeries, and that you have seen his/her work and think it’s amazing. Don’t just look at price. Find the right doctor for such a major surgery!

The Downside of Skin Removal Surgery

Scars. There will be scars on my body that will never, ever go away. I suppose this would bother some people. But it honestly doesn’t bother me even a little tiny bit. One reason is because I’ve learned to love my imperfectly perfect body the way it is today – fat, wrinkles, cellulite, extra skin, all of it. Scars will be part of my story. And I’m so ok with that.

I’m absolutely not getting my extra skin removed for cosmetic reasons. You can read about the problems with extra skin in my previous post. So to me, scars are literally no concern of mine, as long as they’re neat and clean.

Downtime. Having this surgery means several weeks of no workouts. That’s probably the worst part to me because I typically workout 5-6 times a week. Believe it or not I’ve actually found the kind of exercise that I absolutely love, so missing it for a few weeks and then being weak when I start back again kinda stinks. But what’s great is that I have a huge support system at my gym and I know they’ll welcome me with open arms as I work toward regaining my strength over time.

Cost. As shocking as this will probably be to you, this type of surgery is not covered by insurance. Not even partially. Even though it causes back pain and other issues, extra skin after weight loss is not considered a medical issue. The truth of the matter is that if it wasn’t such a major necessity for me, I’d never spend that amount of money on myself.

How I’m Feeling Today

Honestly, even a day later it feels surreal. I can hardly believe it’s finally time to make that big leap into the next steps of my journey. I am a little nervous, mixed with excited, ready to get the hard part over-with, and super super grateful.

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