my 500th blog post

Today I'm making my 500th blog post.  I can't believe it's been 500 posts and two and half years since I've started this blog. It's been a way for me to vent, possibly help someone else who is in the same boat, and just do what I like to do--write.

I wasn't really sure what to write about, since I don't really have anything "deep and meaningful" to say at the moment.  Maybe I'll save "deep and meaningful" for the 1,000th post.

Instead, I'll just say that I've finally made an appointment for a consultation to have my excess skin removed. I'll be going on August 3 to see the plastic surgeon.

Before the weight loss surgery, and even afterwards, I said that I didn't think I'd want to have the skin removed, as I'd be happy just to lose X pounds. However, I've changed my mind.  And it's not about appearance; it's about comfort, really.  I'm starting to experience discomfort when sleeping, since all that extra skin hangs to the side and I'm a side-sleeper.  It prevents me from doing certain exercises because it limits my range of movement.  Also, it's a real pain in the ass to shop for pants.  If I buy pants to fit my waist and all the skin, the legs and hips are huge.  If I buy them to fit my legs and hips, the waist is tight.

The procedure is called "panniculectomy" and is performed to remove the panniculus, which is the "apron" of excess skin and fat hanging from the lower abdomen.  Basically, it's what's left over after losing a ton of weight and having done all you can do in the exercise department. I've been reading a lot about it, and this is different from a abdominoplasty ("tummy tuck").  A tummy tuck is done more for cosmetic reasons--tighten the underlying muscles, remove excess fat and hanging skin--whereas the panniculectomy is more about medical necessity due to health and hygiene issues caused by a large and hanging panniculus.  What that means for me is that a tummy tuck likely wouldn't be covered by insurance; however, a panniculectomy might be covered.  If insurance will cover it, I'd much rather have the tummy tuck, as the panniculectomy wouldn't tighten the muscles, which means I might have to have a tummy tuck later if I want it look better.

Anyway, I had planned on waiting until I lost my weight regain (29 pounds...I've since lost 14 of those pounds!); however, both my bariatric surgeon and my trainer both say I should get a consultation now. That way, I know what I have to do to prepare, which procedure is right for me, how much it will cost (that scares me!), etc.

I'll be sure to report back after my appointment and let you know how it went. Bob will be going with me, as he wants to hear about the procedure, recovery time, etc..  He'll also be there to lend support, which I appreciate.

I'll leave you with a few pictures and posts that I've enjoyed throughout the last two and half years.

six months and 100 pounds lost
happy one year surgiversary to me!
my little black dress
on my own, but not all on my own

Bailey, Max and Leia.

Max as a kitten. :)

Before surgery.  Bermuda, September 2013.

 After surgery. 2015, I believe.