plastic surgery update

[Guest guest]

Hi PAt,

You are truely to be admired. I am glad to hear that you are doing well considering all that you have been through.

Happy holidays

Ramona

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone:

Just an update: yesterday I had an initial consultation with a

plastic surgeon. Wow, it went really well, and I'm so excited. I

think that I will get good results as he and my PCP think I am a good

candidate for the abdominoplasty and male breast reduction surgery.

The only down side to this particular surgeon is the distance from

where I live and the scheduling (I've already scheduled a surgery

date) which conflicts with busy time at work.

Later today, I have another consultation with another plastic surgeon

who is closer to where I live. I'll let you all know how that goes.

Decisions, decisions!

Last night I woke up at 3 AM thinking about my upcoming plastic

surgery. I'm getting those old pre-op feelings. Am I doing the

right thing? Am I putting my family through too much? Will I be

OK? How will I fit this into work? Am I being too self-centered by

wanting surgery? Am I going too far into debt for " elective "

surgery? Who do I think I am? A Hollywood Star?

Oh well, just had to vent… Thanks for listening.

Gemello

-128 lbs

[Guest guest]

Ramona:

Thanks for making me feel better.

Gemello

-128lbs

> Hi Gemello,

> Congratulations on you next step in the journey of the new you. So

many times

> we have put ourselves on the back burner so to speak and denied

ourselves

> that little extra bit of happiness.

> I don't think you are being too selfish. All you are doing is

making up for

> so many things that have been left way too long in the things to do

list. Don't

> lose sight that you are a wonderful person who also deserves to be

what ever

> it is that your heart desires. my best wishes to you

> Ramona

[Guest guest]

Kay:

You are such an asset to this group. Thanks for helping me see this

the right way.

I have decided to go ahead with the plastic surgery, and I have

chosen a plastic surgeon.

I know that my family will suffer during the 7.5 - 8 hours that I am

being worked on, but it's something that I have to do for me.

When I was describing what they would do to my body, my partner

looked kind of freaked out. I was explaining how my nipples would be

repositioned on my chest after the extra skin and tissues were

removed. Then I explained where my bypass scar would be after the

doctor repositions my belly button (the remnant of my scar will end

up below my belly button after they pull all the skin tight). Poor

Zack said, " Please no more details. I can't handle it.. " when I told

him about the drains (to remove the buildup of excess liquid between

the skin and muscle).

He said, " You are really brave. I could never let anyone do that to

me. " I said, " I don't know. If it were someone else close to me,

I'd cringe. But somehow, this feels right. Yeah, I'm scared, but

it's something I have to do. " He told me that he admires my courage,

and that I've inspired him to reach for his goals too.

He's just started his own business (since my bypass). We talk about

the fears and hopes when one reaches out, takes a risk and grasps at

a dream.

Everything might not turn out exactly as you plan, but reaching out

for a goal is so rewarding because at least you know you tried. I

don't want to end up thinking, " What if...? "

Thanks to everyone for such wonderful support. As soon as I have my

surgery date, I'll let you all know.

Gemello

-128 lbs

> Hi Gemello,

>

> In my opinion, reconstructive surgery has nothing to do with

> vanity. It is part of a healing process. You've worked

> hard to get to this point. I see excess skin as a remnant

> of obesity that we would do well to be rid of.

>

> We don't need to be Hollywood stars to want to have bodies

> that reflect all our efforts.

>

> You are a wise and thoughtful person and I am sure that you

> will make the best decision for yourself.

>

> All the best,

>

> Kay

> open RNY 12/1/03