Plastic Surgery!!!!!!

Well I know its been a while.......but I have started back to school. There is just one thing that is always on my mind PLASTIC SURGERY, and getting these stupid legs into pants haha.

I went to The Ohio State University Plastic Surgery Center for a consultation. It was awesome to finally have a real discussion about REALLY REALLY fixing my skin. I took this time to talk to my doctor about all parts of my body legs first, arms second, and stomach/chest last. While she looked over my skin it was very interesting to hear what she said. I learned more about how skin works and stretches than I ever did before.

As many of you know I have been working hard this summer to get in better shape and start building muscle sooooooo........
One awesome part of the appointment was when she was looking at my stomach she said "Oh you have some nice abs under there!"
I said "HA I knew they were in there FUCK yea!" She and my husband looked at me like I was nuts! But, hey I was so excited I wanted to cut my stomach skin off right then just so I could see my abs 😁.

She came to the conclusion that my legs will both need two surgeries each. My legs will end up being one surgery on their own. I didn't know this but doctors can only be in surgery for a max of 5 hours. At least in this department. So the legs must be done alone. Here is what will happen I will need a inner thigh lift on both legs. This will result in scars from my knee to my groin and up from there by my underwear line. Next she will do a outer thigh lift with liposuction to my outer hips as well. I will then have scars on both hips right where my underwear line would be.

Next would be the arms. They are more simple she will just cut off the excess skin. The cool part is that she puts the scar on the back of the arm so that its not so visible.

Last would be my stomach and chest. My stomach would need two different types of surgeries. This will result in an anchor shaped scar. One from taking the skin flap off of my lower stomach, and the other from pulling together the upper stomach skin. Lastly would be the chest. This would just be a simple lift and skin removal.
Of course my last question to her was how much will this cost? My insurance will not pay for anything. She told me she would mail me the prices.
Mail me the prices?!? Oh Lord!
This was already a lot to take in and then I got
the letter in the mail.
Legs: 12,194
Arms: 6,565
Stomach/Chest: 9,672
Total: 28,431

Now since clearly I can't have them done at once the cost will be spread out a bit. However, who just has that kind of money sitting around? Not me!!!! It is just hard to fathom handing over 50% of that just to hold the date for the surgeries. Then hand over the other half before its even done. I know its worth it, I know its less than what I and others thought, and I know it will change my life for the better. It is still a daunting
number to have to look at. Hopefully I can have
my legs done by next summer. Everything else
will have to stay on hold.

SUMMER IS OVER? WAIT COME BACK!

Sooooooooo this summer being over thing is crap! I took on this summer with the attitude that I was going to take care of me this summer! I just yesterday went into my classroom for the first time. I locked it up in May and never looked back! That might have been the best thing for me. Part of being a teacher is coming back in August and asking each other what you did this summer. Usually people go on vacation, spend time with their kids, and go to the pool A LOT! When teaching buddies ask me what I did I have been saying "I took this summer to take care of my self!". To answer the question how did you do that? Well here is how it started.

1. COLORING - I started coloring the first day I was home! I have colored almost every day of this summer! I have colored so much I had to stop and get a compression glove to help with the pain. Coloring is relaxing, fun, and challenging. I started doing EXTREME color by number pages.  Coring has become a new healthy addiction.

2. STRING ART - I started doing string art all I have to say is well its awesome and I would love to do more!

3. GYM - I went to the gym almost every day! I made it a summer goal to try and go every day! I was annoyed at first that I wasn't loosing weight. I had melt downs and disappointments. I had to go to my doctor to get some extra help and mental support. 

4. BEHAVIOR THERAPY - I started seeing a therapist this summer. She is awesome she has blue hair and isn't treating me like a cookie cutter person. She is helping me with body image issues, depression, weight and eating, and self love. BEST THING EVER! All thanks goes to my Bariatric doctor who said lets get you some help. It was the best thing for me and I sure wasn't reaching out for help. Someone needed to push me. 

5. DOCTORS, DOCTORS, DOCTORS!!!!!! - I saw all of my doctors this summer to make sure I am healthy. It ended up costing me more money and new implant in my mouth! However, going to the doctor is good for everyone. If you don't see a doctor at least once a year you really should!

I ALSO FINALLY SAW A PLASTIC SURGON AND I AM JUST FREAKEN EXCITED TO SHARE THAT WITH ALL OF YOU IN ANOTHER POST. 

6. SUPPORT - Spending quality time with people that make you happy is very important. I spent a ton of time with my husband/best friend. Went shopping with friends. Got coffee a bunch of times with my mom and sherrie! Ate at new places! 

7. REST - YES JUST REST!

SO what did you do this summer? I took care of me and did things that made me happy!!!!!! Here are some of my favorite pictures of summer!