Tami’s Story
Tami lost 100 pounds following her bariatric surgery, which led to loose skin. But, it was her family history that made her seek out a tummy tuck and arm lift. “Both my mother and my aunt were in nursing homes as they got older,” Tami said. “They were overweight and, once they were really unable to care for themselves, they both got yeast infections in the folds of their skin. It was so painful and very difficult to watch them go through it.
“I began to wonder, when I am older, who is going to take care of me? I didn’t want that to happen.” Tami had lost the weight and lived with the loose skin for years but after seeing her family members’ experience, she knew she had to do something for herself.
“I’m 57,” Tami said. “I’m not trying to be a hot grandma! I wanted to have a healthy shape so I would not have to worry about easily getting infections when I got older.”
Tami began extensive research on surgeons. She works in a hospital, which gave her a great perspective on surgeons and how to pick the right surgeon for her. Tami’s search brought her to Dr. Jack Peterson.
During
“I researched a lot of plastic surgeons,” Tami said. “And, I really liked Dr. Peterson. His office staff is amazing!” Dr. Peterson had a frank discussion with Tami about what was possible and what was not possible with a tummy tuck (also known as an abdominoplasty) and an arm lift (also known as a brachioplasty).
In the examination with Dr. Peterson, Tami really got a good look at her condition. “The doctor picking up handfuls of my skin and seeing myself from so many angles made me realize how much extra skin I had,” she said. “In the evaluation, I remember holding handfuls of skin and looking at it in the mirror.” Tami knew she was doing the right thing for her long term goals.
Tami proceeded with great confidence because, she noted, “Dr. Peterson really knows his stuff!” The procedure was more invasive than her laproscopic bariatric surgery, but Tami knew that the recovery period would be worth it. With the loose skin gone, she was on her way to reaching her long-term health goals but was about to experience the short-term benefits as well.
After
Following her tummy tuck and arm lift, Tami’s mind is more at ease about her future health. The worry over infections and sores in loose skin are gone and she likes the way she looks now. “My confidence is better and I feel better about myself,” Tami said. “I’ve always been kind of a shopaholic! So it’s great to be able to get some new clothes that fit so well,” she said. “This has changed what I can wear now and what is available to me. It’s great to be able to wear sleeveless dresses. And, it’s funny, I haven’t changed but it’s noticeable how people are treating me differently.”
Procedures Preformed
The surgery and recovery were not easy but Tami definitely feels like she made the right choice for many reasons. “I feel blessed,” she said. “Everything has fallen into place but I had to pay the price with the surgery and recovery. But it is definitely worth it!”
- Tummy Tuck
- Arm Lift