Wow. Eye opener for me.

[L Sass]

So I asked questions about liposuction a few weeks back and ended by saying I had booked a consultation - which I had this morning. Haven't even gotten the $$$ quote yet, but here's the "skinny".

My weight fluctuates between 128 and 133 - with big leg muscles. I'm running a mini-marathon in May, and as a SAHM my 2 and 4 year olds are home with me all day.

Doc says to do the surgery now would kick about 4-6 weeks recoup time into the mini-marathon training. It would also be very difficult for me to care for my "monsters" post-op. If I wait until after the run, it would put me having the recoup time in summer - not a great plan. So perhaps put it off until September when the run is over and the kids are a bit older.

IN THE MEANTIME - I should focus on losing 15 - 20 pounds (I am NOT a small framed person) and letting the leg muscles atrophy. UGH! That was like driving a knife through my heart. He said my leg muscles are very well defined but I do have that genetic fat covering them (ie the dreaded saddlebags) so the lipo would help. But to get the shape that would best suit my body, I should back off of the heavy weights and atrohy the muscle somewhat. (Note - I tried freestyling and as poor Carole will attest to from my relentless questions and moanings, it did not work for me.)

So now I examine my physical and philosophical dilemma, and make my decisions accordingly. Just thought I'd post an update. Thanks to all of you who shared your experiences with me.

Lorrie

 

[gidget1978]

Really? You think you need to lose that much weight? How tall are you? I am 5'3" and am 128 and I would have to cut a limb off in order to lose 15 lbs and I am med frame.
Either way, I hope everything works out for you.I just hope you are not being to hard on yourself or looking for the impossible.

Lori

 

[kelley111]

I have a lot of lower body fat also. I'm only 5'. I was at 128 lbs, but have gotten down to 122 so far with excellent results in the outer leg area by doing Low Max, Kick Max, and Gym Style Legs weekly along with leisurely walks in the afternoon. My legs are still big, so I'm not finished losing yet. I'm looking to get down to 115 and then reevaluate going any lower once/if I ever get there. My husband says my outer thighs/glutes are really looking better since I lost the 6 lbs. And I have to admit, it has been fairly easy to lose the weight so far which surprises me. I've been having trouble with my weight for the last 5 years and all of a sudden the weight just started falling off. My eating habits are still bad, so it has to be the longer cardio workouts plus the extra walking in the evening.

 

[Pellmel]

Lorrie,
I would get a 2nd opinion. I'm not saying what your PS said is wrong, but you might want to get someone else's opinion. Unless you are under about 5' 4" that seems like and awful amount of weight to lose at 128/133.

I have not heard that leg muscle thing and I have a lot of friends who have had it done. But, none of them are real runners like you. Also, believe the 6 weeks. That is how long it takes soft tissue to heal - even if you are superwoman and heal fast, the soft tissue will not be ready for you.

If you would like to email me about recovery, etc, please feel free. I also had 2 little kids during my recovery and a breast reduction on top of it. I can tell you what it was like for me - and it really wasn't bad. Depends on how agressive your doc is to begin with.

Hope this helps.
Melissa

Keep your head in line. Your butt will follow.

http://www.picturetrail.com/pellmel

 

[40something]

I so agree with Melissa...please get a second opinion before you proceed.

You know yourself if you need to lose weight. We can't judge that from the computer. But 15-20 pounds of weight loss does seem like alot. Also, if you are genetically prone to be 'hippy', you may just be better off excepting it and moving on. Look at Rachel Ray on the FoodNetwork. She looks great and she carries more weight in her hips but because she isn't overweight, she is just curvier, more feminine, than those who are more of the boy-type bodies like myself. No curves to be found anywhere you look!

We need to love the body we have and take care of it.

 

[rjroubi]

I guess he is just lazy...my SIL had a full body lipo from the neck down when all she needed was to drop a few pounds. Her doctor had no problem doing the surgery. Heck, I would never be brave enough to do it but she looks absolutely wonderful now.

Robin

 

[candi]

Gosh, Lorrie. My cosmetic surgeon put no pre-op requirements on me whatsoever. As far as a marathon, I would agree, at least in my case that 4-6 weeks would not be an unreasonable recovery. I was able to do MIC four weeks after my lipo, but I had to wear my garmet during all cardio up to about three months. The garment helped stop the jiggle, therefore helping with feeling achy during exercise. I would suspect a marathon would be tough during healing.

Remember, you probably will not lose much weight if any during your cardio. Did your PS say how many liters or cc's he was planning on suctioning out?

BTW-you should get at least one to two more opinions.

 

[L Sass]

Thanks to all of you. I didn't even go into what he said about diet. I had mentioned that at one point a few months back I took my calories very low (about 1000) and had been advised that I probably messed up my metabolism. He said probably not. That it really is all about calories in, calories out, so the way to drop those 15-20 pounds is through pretty low calorie restriction - 1000 would be fine. When he said that, I already knew I was going to seek another opinion.

BTW I don't have a digital camera so I can't post pictures of me, but I am in the group photo from the road trip. I'm wearing the black shirt, with short dark hair, sitting right behind Cedie. I know you can't get a complete idea of how big I am, but it's some reference. Thanks again all.

Lorrie

 

[Imafitnessfreak]

#1. With your stats, you are not "big". Don't be so hard on yourself.

#2. A PS is not qualified to pass out nutrional advice. I think 1000 calories is crazy low. If you want sound, professional diet advice to help take some pounds off, listen to a diet nutrionalist versus a PS...sounds like you already know better than to take his advice.

#3. While I do not agree with his diet advice, I am actually happy to hear that he is encouraging you to take some weight off by yourself instead of relying on him to do the "dirty work". Granted, 15 pounds may be more than you need to lose (I can't say for sure because I don't know what your lean mass versus body fat mass is) but he is at least encouraging a healthy approach...except for the super low calorie restrictions!

Regardless of how much you agree or disagree, like/dislike the PS, always get several opinions from several PS's.