Today was the first day back in the office preparing for the semester and it was GREAT! I know that sounds funny, I mean who WANTS to go back to work? But I’m welcoming the return to “normalcy”. I ate a good breakfast, packed up snacks for the day, came home, prepared a healthy dinner, and then hit the gym! What a routine, right? Let’s just see if I can keep that up. ;~)
Now on to the procedure, I got a call from the plastic surgeons office who did my tummy tuck. They were wondering if I was going to proceed with the flank lift the doctor recommended at my last visit. A flank lift is removal of the excess skin on the sides and towards the back of your midsection. Basically I have no fat there but the skin lost all elasticity to snap back. You can see what I’m talking about on my tummy tuck pictures, there is just extra skin there that hangs a bit over my hip bone. It gives kind of a lumpy silhouette.
I have to admit I’m on the fence. I’m super happy with the Abdomnioplasty . I mean my belly was in pretty bad shape after losing the weight and having the baby. I’m really torn about this decision. As I said before, part of me really wants to do it. I mean it’s just a little skin removal. I am just not a woman blessed with elastic skin (then again I lost a bit of weight, I guess it’s to be expected)! But at the same time I don’t want to become a plastic surgery addict. I know I won’t but I’m that thought crosses my mind. There has to be a point where you say “I’m happy being me”. Then again, you only live once. But how do I justify spending more money on ‘me’ (literally ON me). See, this is the kind of stuff that goes through my mind. I can come on with a million reasons to do it and million reasons not to. Welcome to the scatterbrained head of Roni.
I know I may get some comments on this one. Please go easy on me and don’t tell me I’m crazy for even considering it. I know I am, I realize this but the older I get the more I have the ‘F-it’ attitude, you only live once, right? AAACK! I just don’t know!
| Morning Scale Reading:143 | |
| Food | Points |
|---|---|
| Bran Flakes with blueberries and 4 oz skim milk | 3 |
| 6 oz light yogurt | 1 |
| leftover Make Ahead Mexican Pie | 4 |
| carrots | 1 |
| 3 tacos made with 1 point tortillas (3), 2 oz lean beef (2), 1/2 cup of beans (2), spinach leaves, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, .5 oz of cheese (1) and salsa with a side of Jicama | 8 |
| McDonalds Cone in a cup without the cone (or as my husband says hot fudge sundae no fudge please) | 3 |
| can of progresso vegetable soup (strange I know but my throat has been killing me and I knew it would feel good) | 4 |
| tea with some honey (again the throat, my allergies are pretty bad right now) | 1 |
| Totals | 25 |
| Daily Activity Log | |
| Did the circuit again! Check out my Workout Progress page. | |
27 Responses to Routines and a Procedure?
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About Roni
Roni started this blog in '05 to journal her weight loss. 70lbs later, she's committed to living a conscious, healthy life and hopes to inspire others along the way. Read more on the about page.
Hello Roni ~ don’t be so hard on yourself, if the flank area is an area that bothers you everytime you look in the mirror and this would make a big difference in how you feel about your body, then go for it. You know you will find support from the majority of us. I’m thinking about the lipo disolve procedure, have you heard anything about this?
Good Luck with whatever your decision is, you have my support and listening ear.
You have every right to consider doing this surgery. I know how you feel about having a million reasons to do it and a million reasons not to…that is how I drive myself crazy too with decisions. Life! Go with what feels right. No matter what you do, it will be the right thing for you. By the way, good job on maintaining your workout!
I say do it! Just know your limits on plastic surgery. But if it is what makes you happy, then that is really all that matters! If I had worked so hard at losing so much weight and keeping it off, I too would really consider the surgery. I think when you start your weight loss journey you envision having a “perfect” body (does this even exist??), but then if there are still some “problem” spots after you have worked so hard, then that has got to be diappointing – everytime you look in the mirror, put on your clothes, feel the extra skin/squishiness when you sit down. You have worked so hard and if it makes you happier and more comfortable in your skin (maybe soon to be less of it), then do it. Good luck!
You are the best! Is there a reason you have to decide now? If you really don’t know, take some time. You’ll know what you really want/need.
Howdy Roni!
In my opinion you shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. If you feel that that flank area is really bothering you then you should get it done because then it will make you feel better about you and your body. I don’t think you would become an addict because of that :)
No matter what you decide to do, it’ll be the right thing!
Congrats on the workout routine, that’s great!!!
xxx
I say go with your initial gut instinct. You wrote about it way back which means you wanted to then. And from the tone of your post I think you still want to, just my guess. If it will make YOU feel better when you look in the mirror and you are willing to endure teh temporary pain and you can afford it then I say do it. You do only live once and it’s not like you are throwing the money away. You are spending it on you but it a way that will be with you forever and that will help you in the long run. It will give you a more positive self image which means you will feel better about yourself which will make you happier and if you are happier that will spill over into your daily life at home and work. It’s really something that will benefit everyone in the long run :).
Regardless of what you do you have the support of the community here.
Hi Roni,
I know everyone is telling you to go ahead and do it but I would say, take your time! Really, it’s just skin, and no one can tell, with your clothes on you look just fine, on your past blog you posted that picture of that skinny girl who sees herself as fat on the mirror, just be careful, we will alway find something in our body to make us unhappy, so when you are happy with the sides gone, will you be unhappy about something else? I believe that’s how women get addicted to surgery…only one more time to be “perfect” but perfection never comes to their critical eye.
I say go for it. If you look in the mirror and this area bothers you, then go for it. You look GREAT regardless. You’ve done so well and when you go to your goal and Barbie wasn’t there…you made her appear! :) If it was me, I would do it. I have every intention once–we are done having kids–of having a tummy tuck and a breast lift and anything else that needs to be done to make me happy and for me to like my body.
Relax! I would be thinking the same things. That’s what people do. No one says that you have to go in tomorrow. Give yourself some time to think it over, then make your decision. Don’t let your doctor pressure you with phone calls. They care about THEIR bottom line, not yours. You’ll make a decision based on what is right for you. Thanks for your motivational and inspirational blog!!
One of the reasons I come to read your blog every single day is becuase you are down to earth. The fact that you are weighing both sides is great, I completely agree with you on one thing “you only live once”. I say if you can manage the surgery, do it. You have come so far and inspired so many. Good luck with the decision, and remember you are beautiful either way!
Go with your gut on the flank lift. if you want it, get it done, your worth it!
As far as returning to normalcy and having a “schedule” I’m just a scheduled person and enjoy routine so much, so I can understand!
With all important decisions, I say to grab a sheet of paper (or your ‘puter) and write down the pros and cons of the operation. Then prioritize. It’s the only way I know to get a visual and make those important decisions. If you’re still on the fence, the only other person going to be affected by this is your husband, so share the list with him and ask him to discuss this in all seriousness with you.
Cheers,
If moneys no issue I would do it just to finish the job off and I’m conservative in my plastic surgery opinions. It would give you more confidence too.
I think you should do it, and here is why. I broke my nose multiple times (and it showed). I ended up having recurring sinus infections because of the damage that was caused. My ear/nose/throat doctor suggested a septo-rhinoplasty. He also suggested that since I was already getting that surgery done, I also get the cosmetic part done. I tossed it around for awhile (much like you are now) and decided that I would do it. My nose had always bothered me so this was my time to have it fixed. I haven’t ever regretted it. I knew it wouldn’t solve my self-image issues but it has made me more confident.
Roni — I LOVE your site, of course and have been a devoted fan for well over a year. I am always positive, so this is my first negative comment so I apologize in advance. I am questioning the banner ad to the left of this post for Hoodia. Aren’t we supposed to be advocating a lifestyle change to healthy eating/exercising and not a magic pill? Nevermind that that woman has a body that is likely not attainable for many…
Sorry to be a complainer, I just saw it and had to at least mention. I hope you don’t take it personally, I would never want to offend/insult you.
As for the plastic surgery — you are gorgeous and crazy :)
Jenn
blogs.weightwatchen.com/fitforfall
Hi Roni–This a tuff decision and a personal one. Take your time to decide. I am afraid that when you get this done you might find something else that bothers you too. We are never going to be perfect. If we are constantly working towards changing ‘little’ things we can’t really enjoy the present. I think you look absolutly wonderful! You should enjoy who you are now and all you have accomplished rather than focusing on the ‘little’ things.
Crystal
Roni – I actually chose NOT to do this procedure after my tummy tuck and I still go back and forth about my decision. If your financials aren’t the problem (mine were), then I would do it. I might even save up and do it some day. I’m only 28, so I have time :) Just consider this the second part of your abdominoplasty!
Hi Roni,
Kudos on the great site. And congrats on all your hard work…I think you look great regardless of the surgery and if you really feel you want the other one done then go for it. I only have one concern…what are the risks? Every surgery has its drawbacks…is it worth it?
Roni, I’ve been a lurker for the last 6 months or so. I applaude you on your weight loss. I became a lifetime member 7 years ago, losing 65 pounds. I’ve gained it all back after having baby #3. I’ve lost about 20 this year and when I am done, I want to have a tummy tuck, because after having 3 kids in 5 years, my tummy is gross. My view, is if it bothers you, DO IT! You have worked hard staying on maintenance for so long, I say YES! Best of luck, and thanks for a great site, I read it every day.
I hear you about getting back to a routine. I start back to school on Friday and can’t wait to pack lunch/snacks and get back on track. As far as the surgery you are going to have to decide what’s best for yourself. I think you have done a fantastic job losing weight and keeping it off and if you think this will just make you feel even better about it then go for it. After following your blog for a little while I don’t think you would be the type to be addicted to plastic surgery. You have also focused more on fixing areas due to weight loss not fixing things that are already okay like boobs, lips, eyes, etc. Do what you have to do to make yourself happy and screw what everybody else thinks!!
Mel
Hey, you do what you do to make yourself happy. If you think it’ll make a worthwhile difference then go for it! You’re right, you do only live once, and if your extra silouete bugs you, and you can afford to zap it, the by all means!!
I’m on the fence with my opinion… sorry I know that doesn’t help! One of the reasons I would say to at least wait is because you are now really starting to exercise. I wish so badly that I hadn’t lost the before pics of my stomach, but they really weren’t too far off from yours. I am amazed at how much my stomach had firmed up since starting boot camp! Yes, I do have a tiny amount of skin left & yes, everyone’s elasticity level is different. But, I had 3 kids in 4 1/2 years… the only person that can tell that now is my husband! Especially if your hubby is noticing you firm up… I would at least wait a few months to see what kind of a result you can get. Talk to someone at the gym- they can give you some exercises or show you the machines to target that area. If in X amount of months, you’re still not happy then go for it! I know I’ve definitely thought about it for that last tiny bit that I have left… but I can’t afford it at this point & boot camp has gotten me this far… we’ll see what another round will do! I also kind of like to think of my stomach as my “battle scars” from being a mom… (ever see theshapeofamother.com)? It’s put a different perspective on the remains of my baby belly for me. Anyway, either way, you know we still <3 you Roni!! :D
Hi Roni and all!
I tried jimica last night at Souper Salad and it was SOOOO YUMMY! It has a nice crunch and a mildly sweet flavor. I thought I’d go for it since you raved so much about it. And, do you know how much salad you can get for under seven dollars at Souper Salad?! I ate half last night and will eat the rest tonight and for almost zero points!
As far as the surgery goes, I say go for it! If it will make you happy, do it. :)
You’ve been through a lot to get to the point where you are at now. I’m sure no one else notices the flank area, as we are our worst critics. However, if it is going to be something that is going to consume you and always bother you, don’t feel guilty about doing it. Just make sure you aren’t doing it because you feel the need to change something, like transference. I know I get hung up on my weight loss because it is a huge control issue. It’s easy to do, and not always so easy to see our reasons for obsessing/worrying/thinking about certain parts of our lives/bodies.
Hey, Roni! I don’t think you should feel bad about getting the procedure if that’s what you really want. Just take your time, as it seems you are already doing, and it will work out. I am just curious, what is the ballpark range for the pricing of those types of procedures? Not trying to be nosy, I was just wondering!
I wouldn’t feel bad about it at all. I had a total body lift about 5 years ago and not a second goes by that I regret it. I did it all at once and lost a lot of blood but I would still do it again. I would just do it like you and break it up a little. Good luck with your decision, and remember you have to make yourself happy to make others happy :) If you have any questions just let me know my email is hardinnm22@aol.com. Nikki
As Dolly Parton says, as long as she can afford it, she’s gonna nip and tuck, and stitch everything that sags! If it makes you feel better about yourself, it’s worth every cent!
DBryan