I'm still draining about 75 to 80 cc's of fluid per drain per day. He said he doesn't like to pull them until it gets to about 30 cc's per day. Otherwise too much fluid can build up and increase the possibility of infection.

Saw the plastic surgeon for a total of about 2 minutes today. He says I am doing fine but still wants to leave the drains in for now. Guess I took those 2 vicodins before I left home for nothing. I go back to see him again this friday and he said he will probably pull them out then. Swelling and bruising have gone down a lot. So has a lot of the numbness, actually a little more pain at my incisions now than before but nothing that regular Tylenol can't handle. More updates to follow..... Tim

Hi Deb! Good to see your smiling face.. I also could be doing better in the Protein department. But I still think I'm doing okay.. I don't count it up I really never did. But It coudn't hurt to add a shake to the mix, if it was replacing a meal. I wouldn't do it in addition to the food I eat now. But, I have several people I know who continue to drink a shake a day at this stage. I think it's all what you have gotten used to over this time... take care sweetie.. peace Mo

Dave! Hello there! I am so jealous that you got to go to the VA event. I too would love to go to an OH convention one time. Congratulations on your retirement! Isn't it cool, you got that weight off , your health in order so you can enjoy this wonderful time in life? I am looking forward to it now where as once upon a time, the thought was a miserable one for me. You inspire us all! Debbie

Hey girl, you are such a sweetheart. I have been crazy busy at work (this is our busiest time of year) and normally I have lots of down time in the late evenings for my internet time. But now I have a few minutes a day and usually lurk in and check on everyone but have to get right off. I am doing well, keeping my weight off, but have absolutely stopped losing. I think my body likes where it is and this is very small for me just with the skin...... I love checking in on our plastics folks, cause I want to be there so bad, but my time will come. I am going to watch the Super Bowl tonight with friends. Anybody else here going to watch the game??? (hahaha) I have a question for us Julyer's here... Do you still get in your protein daily and count it like you did early out? Do you still do shakes if you did in the beginning? I have to confess that I have gotten away from the shakes and yesterday for grins, I added up my protein and it was really low (like 39 grams) and I know that's not good, but I still can't eat enough at each setting to get in the 60-70 grams of protein. just wondered if others are struggling with this too. Love you guys and to all our new surgery patients hope you are healing well, and Allecia, your the best!! Debbie