Hi Jane, I had 3 drains, one in my backside for the thigh lift, and 2 for the tummy; I didn't have any for the arms. I also had a on-Q pain pump, you should inquire about that because they insert these little wires that inject pain killing medication at the incision, it lasted about 3-4 days, then you simply pull the wires out, well worth the money. I had to record the amount of drainage for each drain for a 24hr period and the drains were removed when they drained less than 25cc/24hr. Two drains came out after 8 days and the last one came out yesterday (14 days), the stitches in my arms were also removed yesterday. They will also show you how to "strip" the drains as sometime blood cloths get lodged in the drain tube. What I did to shower and such is have one of those little nylon pouches tied around my waste and I'd put the drains inside so they wouldn't dangle. Other times they were pinned on the girdle. I also did something that I whish I had done for the gastric bypass, I rented an electric hospital bed for the month (cost around 200/month, including delivery and pickup). Because you have to sleep on your back, I put a pillow under my knees and one on each side of me so my arms could be elevated when I slept. You will have a very tight girdle and binders for your arms, make sure you have help to put them on, as you won't be able to strain with your arms or tummy when you have to change and clean your dressings everyday. Only this week have I been able to manage this by myself. It is not as serious as the gastric bypass but it is way more difficult to get around at the beginning, so I also bought one of those little retrieving arms in case you drop something on the floor, silly little things like that can be very frustrating. I'm starting my third week of recovery and feel much better, I started sleeping on my side (only a few hours) and I'm using a lot less pain killers, the swelling is much less but still there, so I can't really tell the results, though the arms look really good (that's if you don't look at the stitches... looks like a shark bite ). Please don't hesitate to e-mail if you have any questions, everybody is different, but hopefully I can help. TTFN (ta ta for now) Lucie

Hi honey I'm sorry that I haven't responded before now, but I haven't been here in a long time. Your Ex-psycho will get his in the end, so try not to focus on what he's doing. It sounds like your little girl may need counseling to help her get through this, no matter what the outcome. Make sure her counselor documents her visits and why she is being counseled. He needs to realize what he's doing to his daughter and stop being so self-centered. Most importantly, take care of yourself! If you lose it, she doesn't have a prayer. She needs one parent to stay sane. Keep me updated. Love, Jane

Lucie, I have been thinking about you and wondering how you are doing. I am glad to hear that you are doing well. I look foward to seeing your results at the next support group that we meet up at!! Tanya

Hello gang! Sounds like everyone is doing so well! I have gone from 320 to 198, so a total of 122 lbs. My weight loss seems to have stopped, but I know I am snacking too much and exercising too little. I am going to start working at it again because I really would like to get below 170. I am happy though, and feel great! Best thing I ever did for myself! Janice

hey Lucie: Were you self-pay or did you get some of it covered by insurance? Thanks!! Amy