So I had a consultation with a Plastic Surgeon (through the NHS) and I've been offered a full body lift due to my excess skin.

Now Im super happy, but obviously as with any surgery, slightly nervous..

Just wondered if anyone else has been through this or something similar? or even if anybody else is due to get this done?

I would love it but cant afford it sorry. But i am have some other surgery soon, im a tad full of nerves (donating a kidney to my bro)

The NHS? I'm sorry I don't know what that is. Is it some sort of clinic that does free surgery or something. I think thats great congratulations. I know all the extra skin can cause a lot of problems. I hope you have a speedy recovery.

NHS is the British healthcare system (National Health Service). They pay for basic medical stuff, but I am totally baffled how anybody would get them to pay for a full body lift. Usually they won't even pay for stuff that is actually vital.

So I have to ask....how much weight did you lose, how bad was your skin afterwards, how in the world did you convince them to pay for it?? And in what area do you live? Any complications due to the excess skin?

Sorry about the questions, but I am already having problems due to excess skin, and I still have a lot to lose. So I want something done about it once I am done as well. So far anybody I asked told me there was no way the NHS would ever pay for something like that since it's cosmetic surgery.

Anyway, to answer your question, a friend of mine had excess skin removed from her stomach, arms and thighs. She said that the first couple of days were really painful, but they pumped her full of painkillers, so it was bearable. It looks really good now, they put the stitches in places where you can't really see them, and she says it was totally worth it.

Good for you...


Good luck with your surgery!! I hope you and your brother both have a speedy and healthy recovery

NHS = what San said

and thanks very much

Hey San,

Well to answer your questions..I went from 349lbs at my highest to 196 lbs at my lowest (hovering around 200lbs now) so I lost 149lbs..

My skin is very bad, I wouldnt even contemplate surgery unless I felt it was essential..and for my mental well being..it is!!

I didnt have to convince anybody...my GP recommened me, I had a consultation with the Plastic Surgeon and he agreed to put me on the waiting list for a fully body lift..

I live in Norfolk in East Anglia...

I think it helped that I am only 'young(ish)' but I wouldnt rule it out until your told its not possible...

Yeah..seems to be the general result..a couple of days of pain, followed by a few weeks of discomfort!!

Thanks for sharing...and I hope you have the same luck with the NHS when/if you decide to go for it too...

Thanks for the answers. I started at 368 and am at 275 now, hoping to make it down to 200, so it would be roughly the same stats....guess I will just have to be persistent and not just give up.

I'm 34, so I am not a spring chicken anymore, but certainly not old and wrinkly either...well, I'm kinda wrinkly and getting worse each day, but that's kinda good because it tells me I'm losing weight.

Anyway, yes, it seems to be like that....a few days pain, some weeks discomfort, but well worth it. I'm sure you'll look great!!!

Good luck with the surgery, i'm sure everything will go great!! Keep us posted how things went!

Definately dont give up on it...I know its a postcode lottery with the NHS but it goes to show they will do it, so fight the good fight!!!

My g/f's mum used to be an aux nurse for the NHS, and her friend from Theatre was in her mid 40's or something, she lost alot of weight and was approved for the surgery aswell...I think if you were 50+ then they prob wouldnt see it as necessary, but 34....thats young in my eyes

I dunno about great..i'll settle with normal

Thanks San, and I will do..I'll prob start a surgery post once I've found out about dates, and i'll update on how everything goes..

I love you!! *lol*

Seriously though, it's giving me a little hope to hear that people actually get that kind of surgery through the NHS. No way I could afford it privately!!

Anyway, thanks, and looking forward to the updates. Again, best of luck!

can ya do us a favour? post before/after pics?

Of course

Im also hoping that they might take some 'during' pics aswell

We'll see..but I will definately do before and afters..

*quick update*

Had my pre-op assessment yesterday, hoping to hear today on the actual date of Surgery..there hoping to get me in on the 21st of this month!!

Getting a bit nervous now, but excited more than anything!!

I'm so F'in jealous. BEst of luck. I know you plan on this but take some good pics. Also, consider keeping a journal through the process. I'd like to hear exactly everything you are going through.

Matt

Oh wow. Best of luck to you. I"m saving up for a tummy tuck and a boob lift once I lose all the weight I want to lose.

I've had a couple of friends (online buddies) who have had tucks/lifts and full body procedures. They have all said that the worst part of it was having to wear the compression girdle afterwards for something like 6 weeks. They said it wasn't painful, just uncomfortable.

I hope it goes well and I'd love to see photos if you're comfortable posting them.

Cheers buddy.

Yes, I will definetly take some before Pics, will upload them once I've got some (hopefully) half decent after pics

Yeah was toying with starting a journal, seperate to my current one..I feel a new journal after the surgery might be necessary, start of a new chapter and all!!

Will try and keep u updated the best I can.

Thanks Kara!

Always good to hear about how others have felt afterwards!!

Like I said above, there will be pics, of this I promise!!!

Thanks again to both of u!!

copied from journal:

Finally got confirmation that my Surgery is scheduled for Tuesday 21st July

So tomorrow will be my last day at work, as I have to check in at the Hospital Monday afternoon, so they can do what they need to do before Surgery first thing on Tuesday morning!!

Looks like Im going to have a busy weekend getting everything sorted!!

My mum has her own mobility store, supplies beds, wheelchairs etc..and she's ordered me one of those electric chairs that help you stand up, and the back lowers and feet raises up..so hopefully that should make my recovery a little more comfortable!!

Anyway, really busy at work, will update again hopefully tomorrow with more info!!

Aaaaaaaaaaaaargh!!!!