tummy tuck check-in

Hi Maysters, I have been continuing to stay off the computer during recovery, don't know why, except I still don't like to sit upright for long periods of time. It's now 4 1/2 weeks post tummy tuck, and recovery is progressing slowly. The second drain didn't come out until 5 days ago, and boy-oh-boy, was that ever a pain while it was in. My weight had dropped down to 153, but now as soon as the drain is out, it's gone up three pounds, all of that fluid. My abdomen is like my waterbed. I can literally push on one side of my tummy and watch the fluid move across to the other side. As a result, my stomach, abdomen, and thighs are all bigger (I measured with a tape measure). The day after my drain came out, I went shopping with my youngest daughter who came home from college for the weekend. This was her first time home since leaving in August, and the first time to see me since surgery. All she kept saying was, "you're so tiny." I haven't bought any clothes since June, so I had no idea what size I would be in. The last pants I bought were a 16, and they were getting pretty loose before the TT. Well, I tried on a pair of Liz Claiborne jeans in a size 10, and they were too big!!!! I wanted to cry, except I was too tired from trying on the clothes. I have been getting by, by wearing some size 12's my older daughter left behind this last year, but they are too big. All of my clothes, from underwear to shirts are too big. I want to wait until some of this swelling goes down before I buy anything, but I have to return to work and have to find something to wear. I am feeling good during the day, but by evening, am swollen and really tired. It is also harder to stand up straight at the end of the day, as the top of the incision and muscle repair area start talking to me. I am not trying to scare anyone before their plastics, I just want to let you know how it's been for me. I've come to the conclusion that maybe my pain tolerance isn't as high as I thought it was, lol. Plus with no kids left at home, I've probably been letting my hubby baby me more than I should. In spite of all of this, I still feel fat when I look in a mirror, and have come to realize that it may be years before I get used to this new body. When I was looking at the size 10's at the store, I kept waiting for someone to come along and ask me what did I think I was doing looking at that size. My eyes kept going over to the larger size clothes. It's good to read about all of you Maysters. Lori, sorry about the loss of your kitty and coworker. Laurie, I hope you get some results on your blood work questions. Debra M.

Debra - You are perfectly NORMAL as far as your recovery goes!!!!! The TT is a huge kick in the butt!! I couldn't believe how hard it was. What type of binder are you wearing???? You can expect the swelling to be there for up to four months or so (some people are even longer then that) I too had a hard time standing up straigt, and laying flat in bed just about did me in. Just keep resting and taking it easy!!! Hugs, Laurie

I'm still praying for your continued recovery, Deb! It's going to be so amazing for you when all is said and done. No, you haven't scared me one bit. I cannot wait to start my plastics! I just need to get off the last of my pre-plastics weight (about 10 -15 more pounds) and get my $$$ straight, the under the knife I go!!! Anyway, Keep taking it easy! Hugs, Tracy

Debra, Thanks for the condolences about my kitty and my friend. It has been very hard. I'm glad you are posting about the reality of plastic surgery. I, too, will get a tummy tuck when I can, but, I find it easier to deal with the realities of a situation if I'm prepared in advance for how hard it can be. Hopefully, I can get mine in a year from now. It will depend on money. Also, I want to give my body plenty of time to adjust and it is still adjusting all the time, even though the lbs aren't going down. Try and be patient with your recovery...good luck!!! We are pulling for you! Hugs, Lori

Thanks, Guys, you are all so sweet. I am off to the surgeon's office this afternoon to see if some of this fluid needs to be aspirated. I produced an excess of fluid after the gastric bypass, and needed to have my incision opened at two weeks post-op, so I'm not surprised that my body is reacting this way after the tt. Lori and Tracy, I was still 20 pounds from my goal when I had the tt, and now I am only 2 pounds from my goal of 150. I can't believe it. So remember, the surgery will drop your weight, and if you are at goal when you go into it, you will be well below your goal post-plastics. Part of it is just the weight that is surgically removed, 8 pounds in my case, and then you just don't feel like eating normally for awhile. In fact, at five weeks, my appetite is still not what it was pre-tt, and I can't consume very much food at a time, almost like just after the gastric bypass. I'm viewing this as a second honeymoon weight loss period. I am focusing on protien first, as always, for healing. I am making sure to get my vitamins in. I am hoping my weight drops a little below my goal, so that when I stabilize, I expect it to bounce back up a little. Once again, thanks again for the pep talk. Laurie, I have been following your journey since the beginning. Debra M. 351/152/150 2 pounds to go