THOUGHTS OF YOU SUSTAINED ME!

Hi everyone! I missed you! Connie, you Super Slueth, thanks for tracking me down! It was great to get your call. Wow, what an adventure! Everything went extremely well, both my WLS, Dr. Aranow (he repaired my multiple hernias) and the PS, Dr. Borkowski, are extremely pleased. Dr. Borkowski removed approximately 8 lbs. worth of skin and fat and he tells me not an ounce of fat remains in my abdomen! He was able to get rid of the old scars completely -- gall bladder and 2 c-sections -- which had him worried about dead skin tissue issues. As for my reaction, I am swimming in a sea of emotions. Firstly, it was incredibly painful, I cannot diminish this fact. Could be my pain was elevated by the hernia repairs so may not be so painful for others who are just having the TT. But, as with our WLS, every day is better. And how can I describe the feelings associated with having a washboard-flat tummy? When I first saw it (Dr. Borkowski was cleaning everything up the day after my surgery) I couldn't speak. Tears just streamed down my face, and this doctor held my hand. He just stopped what he was doing and held my hand for a few moments and smiled; he absolutely understood what I was feeling. He went as far around the hips as he could and pulled everything tighter than a drum - the most extraordinary aspect of the "new" me is having my privates positioned where they are supposed to be! And I have a waist! A real, genuine waist with curves on which babies delight in traveling and loving hands take pleasure in caressing. Well, here I go again...tears of absolute wonderment and joy. And through the worst of my pain, thoughts of you all sustained me. I knew that I would be home soon and the healing would be aided by our support of one another. I need you all so much. This will never change. I did manage to speak with 2 of the other postops who had just had their gastric bypass surgeries and they were so hungry for advice and so eager to do well. Whenever possible, let's commit to helping each other in this growing community of some of the bravest people in the world. I love you all very much and am going to take my new naval back to bed now! Thanks for being there. Love to you, Reenie P.S. Dina, I stayed as doped up as possible and that really helped!

passing the tissues to you!!!! i had hernia repair about 5 years ago and it WAS painful.... so glad that you are home- we missed you! rest and let us know how you are feeling!

Glad to hear you are home & on the road to recovery. I am sure we will hear more as you get stronger. Marilyn, the Bearlady

I'm so glad you're home and doing as well as can be expected after major surgery. I will keep you in my prayers !! Love, Judy

Howdy Pardner.... Its great to hear that you're back and that everything went well. I'm looking forward to seeing the new you at a S.G. Meeting. Mike

You are just amazing....I'm so happy for you....and jealous! I knew you'd be just fine and the transformation is amazing. Here's to getting better and better each day! Keep us posted!!!! Joanie

I was nearly in tears reading your account Maureen! I am so happy you are back and I am happy you stayed doped up!!! Now, when you are all healed, I want to see evidence of that super flat tummy!!! LOL! Dina