Recent PS - ThinnerTimes

Karla56 · 09-18-2005, 06:53 PM

Hi, some of you know me from support groups and some of you don't. I had my RNY with Dr. Callery on 4-14-03. I started at 305 lbs and have maintained my weight at 155 lbs for over one year now. I had ps on 9-8-05, a 360 body lift and a breast lift. Wow, what a strange 10 days this has been. I had my PS with Dr. Nigro in Encinitas as Marie also did. It's pretty tough healing from an incision all the way around your midsection. I had what they call the "Decadron Dump'" on days 6&7. Decadron is a steroid that I was given for 3 days after my surgery. Apparently, some people have a reaction when the steroid is leaving their body somewhere around the 7th day. Buyer's remorse??? I have to admit, YES! I know that each day will get better, but in the meantime I am going crazy.

Thank God for my friends, both part of my support group and those that are not. What in the world would I have done without them. My niece, Juli, who had GPS with Dr. Callery one year before I did, was my support person thru my surgery and after for 5 days. I think she has now changed her mind about any plastic surgery. She came from Las Vegas and was my angel. Kathy Giles and Dale W were both there for me even though I don't remember them being there... thank you both! And thank you for the many prayers, calls and kind words. I know they all helped me get thru it. My very good High School friend, yes, we have been friends for 34 years, drove up yesterday from Lancaster and will stay with me until Wednesday. I have been very blessed in my life to have such wonderful friends. My daughter's step mother stayed with from Tuesday when Juli left until last night. Seems strange but we have a very close relationship. Believe me, after this type of surgery and recovery, I think I could go through anything. But all in all, I have a beautiful, shapely body and perky girls, something that I have NEVER had in my lifetime. I've waited 49 years for this and am so looking forward to the final results. I apologize for not being online for so long, my life has been pretty crazy and what they say about getting your life back after GPS is so true. I spend very little time on my computer anymore but I have vowed to be supportive again to all of those wonderful fellow GPS friends that have been there for me all along. Okay, now that I've written a novel, I'm going back to bed. Thanks for listening. I love you all! Karla

rilee's GM · 09-18-2005, 07:40 PM

Hi Karly, I think you were at the meeting on Sept 1 at Dr C's office. I really enjoyed your input. I have all my stuff done and I'm in dictation, not sure if my WLS will be done this year. I live in Murrieta and work in Canyon Lake not far from you. I hope you have a speedy recovery. By the way if that was you at the meeting you looked great then now you will knock them dead. Best wishe, Noel

katlover66 · 09-18-2005, 08:00 PM

Karla,
Glad to see you post. You will start to feel better soon. glad you have been doing so well and finally got the body lift. See you a meeting sometime.

Karla56 · 09-18-2005, 08:08 PM

I forgot to mention one very important bit of news.... "no muscle work had to be done in my abdomen"!!!!!!!!!! Dr. Nigro said he could have bounced a quarter on my muscles. Go figure, I've weighed between 250-275 for the last twenty years and have been obese since I was 5 years old. The lowest adult weight I ever got to was 195lbs. It must be genetics, cuz I sure as heck never worked out until one month prior to my plastic surgery. It will make for a much easier recovery, I'm sure! Have a great week everyone.

Bypassingme619 · 09-18-2005, 08:56 PM

Karla big big Congrats on the weight loss and as well maintaining your 155. I know the hard part is keeping the weight off. I am sure ps is hard as well. Keep your head up I am sure you will come out shining just as bright as you did when you hit 155. Pat your self on the back gilfiend you have come a long way.

HAMPTON5555 · 09-18-2005, 09:08 PM

Karla,
Thnaks for the info and update. I hope you don't mind me asking, but did your insurance pay or did you pay and how much was the procedure?

One more question, how are your arms and thighs? and will you need work there too?

Rain

Karla56 · 09-18-2005, 10:27 PM

Hi Rain, no I do not mind you asking. I did not go thru my insurance as I did not want any of the plastic surgeons in my network to operate on me. I'm sure I could have gotten approval for the tummy tuck as I have had constant back pain for the last 1-1/2 years and have been on high doses of pain meds for it but... I finally chose Dr. Nigro and was fortunate enough to be able to pay cash. I received a courtesy discount of $2,200, as a good friend of mine works as his surgical nurse so my total cost was $10,700 which included the anethiesiologist, the surgery center and the overnight stay. This did not include breast implants. My thighs and arms are a bit saggy but he did some pulling, and I've been told the back of my legs look "great". I don't think I will go under the knife again anytime soon for the thighs and arms. I will for implants if I need them at a later date but so far, so good.
***
BTW, though I have heard of complications had by others undergoing surgery with Dr. Nigro, he came very highly recommended to me with many other medical professionals I spoke with in my course that advised he had a fabulous reputation. He also charges a very fair price for San Diego area. We, as GBP patients, have a very different type of skin to operate on than the "ordinary" PS patient.

lealphachienne · 09-19-2005, 06:45 AM

Other than the decadron dump, did you have any other problems? How is it coming along with the swelling? I finally started feeling better and the swelling got under control about 2 weeks ago. For awhile there, I was at the doc's office daily.

wlcasper · 09-19-2005, 06:54 AM

Karla-

I am so happy you have come through this so well! It will be great to see you soon and good thoughts and prayers are coming your way from Karen and myself! PS is remarkable and the transformation can be awesome. It sounds as if you have had some great results. I am glad I had my TT but I am not going under the knife again for anything else unless it's a medical neccesity.

All our love Karla,

Bill and Karen

katlover66 · 09-19-2005, 07:16 AM

Bill,
That is how I feel. i am working my arms and legs real hard right now. I want to do as much as I can without going under again. It's too mentally stressful for me everytime I go under. I don't know how my poor husband deals with it.