Update
Hello:
I'm not a frequent visitor here, but on the eve of the next chapter in my bariactric journey I thought it appropriate for an update. On 5/12/2009 I will be getting a tummy 'nip and tuck' and a hernia repaired. My surgery date was 10/1/2007, and I consider it my rebirth date. My highest known weight was around 520lbs, and I'm now stuck in a rut around 320lbs. My goal at the time of WLS was 280lbs.
Since surgery I've been attending college, and have a 4.0 starting from sping/summer 2008. My GPA went from a 2.6 to a 3.28. It feels great to be able to get about and not hurt. I was leary at first under going a cosmetic procedure. I'm not an overly superficial person and try to take a practical approach to life. I was 22 when I underwent WLS, so I did not and still do not have the life experience time brings that the majority of the members here have. I did know one thing: I did not like where I was and wanted to change it.
Honestly, I'm still a little conflicted over this procedure, but I'd like to have a chance to experience something I haven't before, and gain self confidence. I now consider the procedures to remove the excess skin in my case as not mandatory (yet), but beneficial. A major factor driving me to get this surgery done is the loss of health insurance. I'm 24 and still in school, but I'm in the red zone where my mother's carrier is concerned.
My parents have also had WLS, and each are now fighting to keep the weight off. It's a struggle I'm not looking fondly towards, but I'm confident walking, talking, and the rest will help keep me on track. I'm constanly reminded that "I'm young." It's easy to stray, and I proclaim the combination of food + Holidays + family gatherings should be outlawed.
One week of JP drains yuck. Six weeks of no lifting less yuck. Being able to own and wear clothes that actually fit, Priceless.
Fight the good fight,
Kevin
I'm not a frequent visitor here, but on the eve of the next chapter in my bariactric journey I thought it appropriate for an update. On 5/12/2009 I will be getting a tummy 'nip and tuck' and a hernia repaired. My surgery date was 10/1/2007, and I consider it my rebirth date. My highest known weight was around 520lbs, and I'm now stuck in a rut around 320lbs. My goal at the time of WLS was 280lbs.
Since surgery I've been attending college, and have a 4.0 starting from sping/summer 2008. My GPA went from a 2.6 to a 3.28. It feels great to be able to get about and not hurt. I was leary at first under going a cosmetic procedure. I'm not an overly superficial person and try to take a practical approach to life. I was 22 when I underwent WLS, so I did not and still do not have the life experience time brings that the majority of the members here have. I did know one thing: I did not like where I was and wanted to change it.
Honestly, I'm still a little conflicted over this procedure, but I'd like to have a chance to experience something I haven't before, and gain self confidence. I now consider the procedures to remove the excess skin in my case as not mandatory (yet), but beneficial. A major factor driving me to get this surgery done is the loss of health insurance. I'm 24 and still in school, but I'm in the red zone where my mother's carrier is concerned.
My parents have also had WLS, and each are now fighting to keep the weight off. It's a struggle I'm not looking fondly towards, but I'm confident walking, talking, and the rest will help keep me on track. I'm constanly reminded that "I'm young." It's easy to stray, and I proclaim the combination of food + Holidays + family gatherings should be outlawed.
One week of JP drains yuck. Six weeks of no lifting less yuck. Being able to own and wear clothes that actually fit, Priceless.
Fight the good fight,
Kevin
Good luck with your procedure today.
Edie
Edie
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Inflammatory Breast Cancer
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Hey,
Good luck and take it easy!!!! Drains are interesting (couldn't think of a better word). I had one drain in for 8 weeks -- though i wasn't normal in the healing process, lol. I wish you a speedy recovery and while it may not seem like it will go quick and you'll love your results.
Good luck and may your pain be minimal and the drugs be effective:)
--Sax
Good luck and take it easy!!!! Drains are interesting (couldn't think of a better word). I had one drain in for 8 weeks -- though i wasn't normal in the healing process, lol. I wish you a speedy recovery and while it may not seem like it will go quick and you'll love your results.
Good luck and may your pain be minimal and the drugs be effective:)
--Sax
Hello all:
I made it home late on Thursday 5/14. I even had a late start on my surgery. I was amazed at how much progress I made after just the first day and a half. I've noticed a big difference in recovery speeed too. Obviously there is pain, but it isn't dibilitating. I'm home with three drains, but I've had them before, so not much of an issue there. The one oddity is that my #3 drain seems to be doing all the work, while the other two arn't doing a whole lot. I was informed that my surgeon removed 20+ lbs of material. I'm looking forward to getting the drains out and taking a shower asap. This comming Wednesday I should know more after my appt. with my surgeon.
Thanks for your prayers and well wishes.
Kevin
I made it home late on Thursday 5/14. I even had a late start on my surgery. I was amazed at how much progress I made after just the first day and a half. I've noticed a big difference in recovery speeed too. Obviously there is pain, but it isn't dibilitating. I'm home with three drains, but I've had them before, so not much of an issue there. The one oddity is that my #3 drain seems to be doing all the work, while the other two arn't doing a whole lot. I was informed that my surgeon removed 20+ lbs of material. I'm looking forward to getting the drains out and taking a shower asap. This comming Wednesday I should know more after my appt. with my surgeon.
Thanks for your prayers and well wishes.
Kevin
Hey Kevin,
We're a lot alike! I too had over 20 lbs. of junk taken off. My 3rd drain was always filling up while the other two, not so much.
Just remember to rest when you can. I would be feeling really good and then go out somewhere and all of the sudden I felt really tired and weak.
Glad to hear that you are home, and doing well. Make sure you take some "after" pictures!
We're a lot alike! I too had over 20 lbs. of junk taken off. My 3rd drain was always filling up while the other two, not so much.
Just remember to rest when you can. I would be feeling really good and then go out somewhere and all of the sudden I felt really tired and weak.
Glad to hear that you are home, and doing well. Make sure you take some "after" pictures!
I also had my hernia repaired. That's where the majority of my discomfort is comming from. The only pain I seem to be getting from the tummy tuck is from where the tape pulls. It's still mind blowing how quickly I'm progressing this time vs WLS. I'm looking forward to walking again, and signing up to a doctor approved lifting program to stregthen me up. I'm redoubling my efforts to keep the hernia from returning.
I'll have to get a picture or two up eventually.
Have a nice day,
Kevin
I'll have to get a picture or two up eventually.
Have a nice day,
Kevin