I've been successful in losing a lot of weight (over 120 lbs) through careful eating and monitored exercising over the past five years. My lupus has been "cooperating" - probably because I'm retired and I can control all of my time and activities. Now that I have shed the pounds I have all these hanging skin folds. I don't like them at all. I want to reclaim my body. Am I being vain? You betcha!
Has any lupie out there had a tummy tuck? If so please share your experiences. Thank You!
I did two years ago prior to my disease. It was one of my best decisions. I have four kids, three c-sections, and one of my babies weighed 11lbs 11oz at birth. I had so much skin, exercised a ton, lost weight but you sure can’t lose skin! Easy recovery for me but I have no idea how it would be to have surgery and lupus or other autoimmune disease. What about other surgeries? Has anybody had major surgery with an autoimmune disease?
I've had 2 tummy tucks. No complications. Longer healing time than normal though.
Tell me how you lost the weight??? So proud of you!!!
The old fashioned way. Controlled intake, exercise and daily logging my food intake and activity. I found the web site myfitnesspal.com (free) extremely helpful. It kept me honest and on track. I had some backslides, everyone does, but when I began tracking again the weight came off. When I got down to 215 I joined a gym and added aqua aerobics, pilates on the reformer and a personal trainer to my team. It's been a long process, but so worth the results. I still feel like crap sometimes but I can move so much better and that has made a world of difference. You can do it too!!
Lisa: congratulations! I know that the weight is the one thing that has totally messed with my self esteem - and health. I can only rejoice for you and all of the shed weight.
Here is the advice of several internet doctors: http://www.realself.com/question/can-someone-with-lupus-undergo-tummy-tuck
I think you will need to talk with your own doctor about a tummy tuck to see what he or she has to say on the matter.
Thanks for the link. I have seen it and I'm following the advice.