In the DawgHouse

Well, I'm home. It was so great of Reenie to call but because of the late hour I got out of surgery and up to my room I didn't have that much info to share with her. The surgery went better then expected. He took off ten pounds of excess skin and as Reenie stated he did tighten my abs because he did feel the need to. The results are unbelieveable and I can't wait to show some before and afters. My wife is shocked to say the least. In anycase, I just taking it easy as I still have four drains in and my corset. My PS told me I amazing as I didn't even look like I had six hours of surgery. I am telling all of you it is directly related to hitting the gym before. An example is the little sucky thing they make you use, I rang the bell on that and the RT said she has never had anybody just out of surgery go that high. Working out is the ticket, it makes it all go so much better. I had better go for now, not supposed to sit upright too much. Thanks for all of your positive thoughts, I know that helped too. More from me later. Dawg Out!

Hey Dawg, Glad to hear all went well for you & your are back home so soon. Yup, we sure want those pic's of you & Reenie too, they will be an inspiration for the rest of us, for sure. Marilyn, the Bearlady

Got a bit more time to write now. The pain is ok with the help of meds. Even then, not too bad but I just get into a weird sleep pattern now. Anyway, I had a belt lipectomy, which is similar to a LBL, but I didn't have to have anything done to my legs or butt. I still have a small chest issue, but I think I can take care of most of that through adding muscle. Although I can't work out for six weeks, lifting that is. I walked like crazy as soon as they let me yesterday and today. We had a terrible storm here, so my PS does not want me walking outside and blowing all of his work by slipping and falling. So, I do laps around the house. I had better go again, betting sitting upright for about long enough. Thanks so much for you thoughts. It was wonderful to actually hear Reenie's voice. Just how I thought it would be. It would be very wonderful if we could all meet someplace, sometime. Gotta run, The Dawg is 10-37 ( doing fine) and 10-42 ( at residence)

Hey, Ken guess, what??? My nurse told me the same thing about that little sucky thing!!! She said I had incredible lungs and I said, no, it's just that I work out a lot. I'll tell you what, my friend, I sure miss my work outs. Just like anything worth while, you don't know how much you love something -- or someone -- until it (or they) are taken away. I'm glad you're home and doing so well. I'm having a complication from the brachioplasty that is really getting me down in the dumps. I've developed a very large seroma at the base of my elbow on my left arm. Had to go back to the surgeon and he aspirated the thing, then had to open up some of the stitching so that it could continue to drain. Unfortunately, it keeps filling up with fluid but won't drain on its own -- I have to keep squeezing it to get the stuff out. My point, folks, is this -- please, please know what you're getting into when you start opting for reconstructive surgery. I'll post later on the arm lift because there's stuff we need to know. For now, Ken, take good care, listen to your body and get lots and lots of rest. Love to all, Maureenie

That sucks about the arms, I wish you well, But you make a huge point that it is so important to ask so many questions of your PS. And I also think that is going to be my biggest concern is not being able to work out for six weeks, other then walking. I do think if the weather does not improve after I get my drains out I will go to my gym and walk on the treadmill. And I do feel so good that I will need to avoid the temptation of doing too much and ruining everything. Take care, and thanks again for calling, it was great to hear your voice.

Ken - I am so happy to hear everything went so well for you! You certainly did get a nice chunk of skin lopped off! Can't wait until you feel comfortable sharing the before and afters! It sounds like your pain management is good as well. That is a bonus good news! I know though that I couldn't ring the bell on the "little sucky thing" myself...but I have once again gotten sick, so I have at least a temporary excuse. Take care of yourself - it's good to hear you are up and amongst the living! Dina

So glad to hear your great report! Can't wait for the before/after pictures. You really should share your story (and pictures) to Hollywood! Joy