{Plastic Surgery} “Look At You!”

Circumferential abdominoplasty performed by Dr. Feledy

“I come from a family of Rubenesque people,” says Mariane, 63. “I was always the fat kid on the block. That’s just the way it was.” But when Mariane became FOF, she says, she went from “chubby” to “obese.”

“I don’t like to talk numbers, but I was a good 100 pounds overweight by the time I was 50,” she admits. A new grandma, Mariane wanted to be able to get down on the floor and play with her granddaughter. “I also wanted to be around to see her grow up.” So, in 2000, she had gastric bypass surgery and lost over 120 pounds. She felt great, but she didn’t love the way she looked undressed. “The best way to understand it is to look at my ‘before’ pictures,” Mariane says. “There was a lot of excess skin and bad scarring all the way around.” She discussed corrective plastic surgery with her husband. “We talked about it off and on for 10 years. But you’re only ready when you’re ready. Last year, I thought, I have longevity in my family. If I fix this now, I could enjoy it for a good twenty years!”

Here, Mariane discusses exactly which procedure she had done, what surprised her most about the result and why she says her doctor is her “Michelangelo.”

How did you choose your doctor?

A friend of mine had a tummy tuck and she looked amazing. Actually, seeing her really motivated me. She took me along to her doctor–Dr. Jules Feledy–when she went for a follow-up appointment, and I ended up using him.

How was your first meeting with Dr. Feledy?

He and his staff are super. Dr. Feledy was professional and easy to talk to. I felt comfortable. He looked, he pushed and pulled a little… and he recommended a circumferential tummy tuck, which means a tuck all the way around. I asked for an estimate, and I went home and talked with my husband about it.

What was the price?

Around $13,000. We figured, it’s one dinner out a month for the next 10 years. Dr. Feledy also fixed a hernia and a knot in my intestines, so there was added value!

Circumferential abdominoplasty performed by Dr. Feledy

Once you decided to have the surgery, did you do anything to prepare?

I wanted to get into the best possible shape. I had put on about 10 pounds since my lowest weight, so I started getting on my stationary bike again in the mornings. I try to cycle between 6 and 7 am, and I play Words With Friends the whole time. I can be playing for an hour; and if I’m playing, I’m pumping.

How did the actual surgery go?

It was 8 hours, because there was a lot to do. But they kept my husband informed the whole time, which was great.

And recovery?

Well, it’s sort of like having a baby: Labor sucks, but after, when you’re holding the baby in your arms, you’re so happy. You think, what pain? It was uncomfortable, but it was doable. I’d compare it to the pain of a c-section, but it’s all the way around–not just in front.

Did you get support from the doctor?

Absolutely. The staff rocked. They treated me like I was their only patient. I would send emails at 3 am and have a response waiting for me in my inbox when I woke up in the morning. They always got right back to me and answered all my questions.

When did you start seeing results–when did the swelling subside?

Almost immediately. I saw some friends a few days after the surgery and I remember they said, “Jesus, look at you!” You could already see a huge difference.

What was the biggest change in your life?

My clothing size. Before I had the surgery I had bought a bunch of size 10 and 12 clothes, thinking that’s what I’d end up wearing. I had to give them all away. I became a size 6/8! I’m very pear shaped. My hips are smaller now but my thighs and legs are still a problem when buying clothes. When I buy pants now I just remind myself that the legs might be a little snug, but they’re a size six!

What would you tell another FOF who is considering surgery?

Do it!! Now is a great time. I haven’t felt this good in 30 years. Also, make sure you have support. You need someone to lean on, physically and emotionally. My husband was incredible. He didn’t care if I had the surgery or not, but once I had it, and the doctor took off the gauze that first time, my husband’s eyes welled up with tears. He was my pillar through everything.

Would you recommend Dr. Feledy?

Absolutely. I really think this type of surgery is like an art. After the surgery I told him, you have a gift. You don’t know how special your hands are and how they can really change a person’s life. I read that the piece of marble Michelangelo used to sculpt the statue of David was considered flawed. And look what he did with it! Dr. Feledy took me, with all my flaws, and look what he did!