Floppy Arms? - Page 3 - ThinnerTimes

momof2 · 05-06-2005, 02:53 PM

Hope this works...trying to upload a pic of my arm.

I prefer the scar to bat wings.

brutherford · 05-06-2005, 08:33 PM

I have a consult on Monday with the surgeon who's going to remove my hernia and potentially do a TT. I've been on the fence about further surgery - my bat wings are probably the thing I'm most self-concious about because I can hide the pannus in my clothes. The skin on my arms hangs about 6 inches below the muscle, and it's just plain GROSS. I've gotten bold enough to wear short sleeved shirts, but nothing that goes more than an inch or so above the elbow.

So, of course I'd love to have a doctor whisk all of the skin away, but I've had this gnawing feeling that I would hate the scars worse than the extra skin. I've looked at quite a few pictures on the web, and they don't make me feel any better. Seeing Momof2's picture finalized it for me - I wouldn't be able to do that. It's not a critique or judgement over someone else's choice, I just know that the scar would bother me more than the extra skin.

The good news - I bought my first 2-piece bathing suit in 20 years about a month ago. My boyfriend and I went to Hollywood for the weekend last month and I wore it out to the pool. It's a tankini, so my hernia and belly aren't exposed, but it's a halter top that certainly lets all the arm and armpit skin just hang out. Nobody stared at the pool, a couple of guys tried to pick up on me, and it didn't seem to affect anyone but me. The next day, I mentioned to my boyfriend about how it had been so long since I'd worn a 2-piece. He beamed at me and said, "You look so freaking hot in that bathing suit." He knows that I'm self conscious and makes a special effort to let me know how sees me. When I try to argue with him (i.e, when he tells me I'm beautiful and I respond with, "that's because you love me") he just shakes his head and says that he's going to continue to tell me until I start to understand... I don't know whether the skin is bouncing back, whether the tanning salon is making things look better, whether it's my unconditionally loving boyfriend, or maybe I'm actually starting to like myself better... but the skin doesn't look near as bad as I used to think it looked.

momof2 · 05-07-2005, 07:38 AM

I absolutely love the honesty of the people on this site.

Yes the bat wings are a personal choice and for some people, it's a financial choice. I chose my scar over the skin because I felt really uncomfortable having the ability to "fly" on a windy day. I take great personal pride in my scars because they remind me of where I was and that I don't want to be there again. At the same time, they are a testament to the struggles that I had gone through to get here and the pride that I feel in myself because I had the guts to take the steps to get here. Scars fade, bat wings come and go but Pride in yourself lasts forever. Bring on the tank tops, spaghetti strings and strapless things. I'm oh so ready.

So all of you out there contemplating the bat wing issue, it's your choice either way but no matter what, just remember that you are already beautiful because of the courage that it took for you make the WLS leap.

Blueyz · 05-07-2005, 08:10 AM

Mom of 2,

I am soooo happy for you and I like you, do not mind the scars. My open scar reminds me every day of where I came from...I don't ever want to go back there.

Thanks for sharing your photo...it gives me an idea of how the surgery looks afterward. Tank tops and sleeveless..awe what an accomplishment!!

HAMPTON5555 · 05-07-2005, 09:39 AM

Barbara,

I love how your boyfriend makes you feel beautiful. That is the kind of love we all want and need and yet we never seem to believe!!!

Sounds like you have a wonderful man!!

My hubby is the same. He has to spend time convincing me that he really does think I'm beautiful, at any weight!!!

We are lucky, but that is really what true love is about...it is more than skin deep!!!

I am really self consience of the 7 inch scar down my belly. I feel like it is a mark of my failure. That is why I had to have WLS. But dispite my warped mental ideas, my husband loves me and all the battles wounds. I know I will come to a place when my insicurities fade like the scar will and I will finally believe him, but I love him all the more for his support!!

Rain

twokids · 05-07-2005, 06:53 PM

Momof 2 -
Thanks for sharing your picture. How was the pain? Staples or stitches?

Barbara - WOW two piece suit! I could only dream!! My motto has always been "everything looks smaller tan"!!

But now I am paying for the surgery and don't have the cash to get it tan.

Isn't life fun!

momof2 · 05-07-2005, 09:55 PM

Pain was not bad at all....had to have drainage tubes in both arms for a couple of weeks. I had internal stitches and some wicked skin glue for the surface. Also had the surgical tape on top of skin glue until they fell off.

JennaM · 05-07-2005, 11:18 PM

momof2, how long ago did you have the brachiiplasty? My arms are pretty bad. My 3 year old likes to play with them, and he likes to wiggle my belly skin too. He thinks it's hilarious.
When I was complaining about them to my best friend and called them bat wings, she said that they weren't bat wings, but angel wings. I like they way that sounds better. I don't like the extra skin and I don't see em getting any better on their own. I still have a ways to go before i hit goal, but I am open to reconstuction. I still have fat, so I'll see what its like when its just skin, but for now, it's painful at times when the skin and fat swing hard. I know I definately want a TT eventually. My thighs are starting to look like a melting candle, they hurt too when I run or walk fast. My pannus is what I believe is causing me back pain alot. So far my back is doing pretty good, butt is another story. Breasts... I want new ones, I am the owner of the incredible shrinking left tit. they are about a cup and a half different. Can't find a good fitting bra for the life of me, either one is overflowing, or there are wrinkles in the other cup. But I would much rather have these issues than be 310#s again. My friends mom is cute, she's always saying she needs a face lift from the knees up. Me too

momof2 · 05-08-2005, 10:54 PM

I had my arms done a year ago April. As far as scars are concerned, mine are still pretty fresh and have not yet faded. I too was not at goal when I had it done but I couldn't go any longer due to the incredible hygiene problem all that skin became. I also had my breasts lifted at the same time as my arms. The pannus will give you the most trouble because it is hanging directly in front of you so naturally it pulls on your lower back. TT and Thighs wait until closer to goal. Everything else, if you can, do it.