Had my ps

Morning all.  So, my extended abdominoplasty went very good on Thursday.  It has been much more difficult than I thought it would be, but each day gets a little better.  In my opinion, it is much more painful than my RNY.  Dr. Topol took 2.5lbs of skin off.  I saw the pic. on Mon. and it is quite surreal.  Dr. Topol is very nice.  I had my 1 drain taken out Mon. and will go back on Fri. to have the stitches on my new belly button removed.  All the other stitches will disolve on their own.  I have been taking pics and I am looking forward to seeing slow improvement in them.  Although I can't stand straight (yet), I do see a very flat stomach!  I'm slowly weaning off the pain meds (haven't taken any since 11:00pm last night.)  My lower back is kind of sore and the compression thing I'm wearing is quite irritating, but I will have to live with that.  I have met a few milestones:  coughing (ouch), sneezing (ouch) and TMI................having a BM (not that painful.)  I haven't gone upstairs yet (been sleeping on the recliner in the living room.)  I may venture up there tomorrow to take a shower.  My husband has been very helpful.  Today he had to go to work, so my mother is here (sleeping on the couch right now...lol) to help me out.  

So anyway, that's my story.  Looking forward to a full recovery and resuming a "normal" life.

Lisa 

Hi Lisa,
It sounds like things are progressing normally for you.  I had SEVEN drains, so you are so lucky that you only had one.  I had also forgotten about the compression bandage.  That did suck (or suck it in, however you want to look at it - LOL).  Before you know it, you'll be standing up straight and hitting yourself in the forehead in the shower!
Take care and don't forget - call if you need anything at all.
Kathy

Hi Kathy!

You should know better than to make me laugh with your "hitting yourself in the head" comment.  Actually, I can't wait for that to happen!

Oh my....12 drains?!  Yikes.  1 was plenty for me.

I just had a semi-coughing fit and now my abs are throbbing....fun!

Thanks for your support Kathy!  Lisa

Hi Lisa

I am so glad everything went well.  I keep forgetting to text you, but also, not wanting to bother you either!  I remember Kathy saying the same thing, that it was worse than her surgery, but so worth it in the long run! 

Can't wait to see the new you!

Hi Martha,

Just got back from the Dr. and he says things are looking good.  He took the stitches out of my belly button.  Everyone keeps telling me it is worth all the pain and frustration so I'm holding on to their every word!

How are you?  Have you gone back to Jazz?  

Lisa 

I am doing good.  I had a fill this week, which has really seemed to help.  I think I got my flu shot a bit too late, as I came down with what Gary had and feeling kind of miserable.

I have not been to Jazz, only because I am having the injections in my knee, and I am not to do any strenous exercise for 24 to 48 hours.

Keep me informed on how you are doing!!

Lisa, if you don't mind I have a few questions. How long do they think you will be out of work? Did your insurance over the surgery for you? What exactly is the 'extended' surgery? Does it cover more than your tummy? 

The Dr. said I will prob. be out of work (I am a Jazzercise instructor) 8-12 weeks.  Of course it all depends on your work.  If you are in an office, you could prob. go back earlier.  I'm not going to risk popping a stitch (internally) while hopping around.

My ins. did not cover any of it.  I didn't even submit it because I knew they wouldn't. 

Extended surgery is both the panni and upper abs.  So, they cut a triangle from the middle of your breast bone then remove that skin as well as the bottom part.  So, my scar looks like an inverted T.  I also had the ab muscles tightened.

Hope this helps.  Lisa