JulieNYC's Extended Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift

Julie: I'm sure that graduating from law school was a great accomplishment, but I'm sure, from the way you express yourself, that you have always been smart, but not atheletic. Way to go on the race! Wow! Great time! Congratulations on your surgery also. I'm thinking of doing the arm left as well. Does it restrict your movements as much as a TT, what is the aftercare like? Please keep us posted on how you are doing. Best wishes on your recovery.

I hope you got my package! Good luck with your PS!

Julie, I hate to be a pest, but I feel you are the most forthcoming person about this subject by far, what with all the notes, pictures, etc, so here is another question. It has been 6 weeks for me now since the tt, but I still get so tired, and by the end of the day my tummy is bloated, and my upper back aches. How long before you felt like you could go full throttle again? I really need to get back to the gym, but am just not 100% yet. Any advice...... MIZBOO

Mizboo,

I have to say, I felt full throttle right at 6 weeks with the TT. I remember it quite clearly. Even in week 5, I remember thinking how tired I still was, even though I was feeling better during the day and wasn't in any pain, the fatigue was there. Then sometime in weeks 6-7, I really started feeling 100%.

With the thigh surgery, it was much quicker. I feel 100% now and have for at least 2 weeks. I don't necessarily think it was an easier surgery -- more that I was in better shape going into it, plus knowing what I was getting into. I hope you feel 100% soon!

Karey,

I haven't gotten your package -- I haven't been to work this week though and I think that's the address I gave you. I'm in the office tomorrow, so I'll let you know. Thanks for sending it!

Julie,

I've followed your entries for a while now and first I want to tell you congratulation for all your success. I was banded in February 07 and have lost 65 pounds so far. I feel good about it but need to loose 50 more pounds. I am increasing my exercise program but wanted to know what a typical daily diet for you consist of. I sometimes find it hard to eat the healthier foods so I wanted to know which foods you have had success with. You are an inspiration to us all so please provide us with some daily diet tips.

I appreciate any advice you can offer.

Thank you.

A typical daily diet for me when I was in th weight loss phase was about 900-1000 calories with about 45-50 grams of protein. I usually ate 2 meals and 2 snacks. I might have some cottage cheese with cereal and raspberries for breakfast. Then some frozen yogurt for a snack. Then a "Healthy Choice" fish and veggie entre for lunch. Then maybe some tomato soup or lentil soup and veggie stir fry for dinner, sometimes with tofu, sometimes not. Sometimes I'd eat a pack of candy. I considered that a failure, but it really wasn't I guess. It just meant it would be a 1100 cal day instead of a 900 cal day.

I really credit my exercise routine with why I'm at goal. Even if I mess up the food from time to time, running 35 miles a week cuts you a lot of slack....I don't think everyone's exercise routine has to be that severe, but I do think it's part of the lifestyle change and that you simply have to make the time to move nearly every day.

Best of luck to you!