HOme from the Tummy Tuck
I got home two days ago from the hospital where I had my tummy tuck (plus a hernia repair and my right ovary removed). All went well. The issue with my ovary was resolved without complication. I am feeling surprisingly well except for this: Guess how much IV weight I gained? Anyone care to take a gander? Was it 5 lbs? 10? 15? No, friends, it was over 20 lbs of water weight and it's all sitting distal (below) the surgery line (bikini) on my hips, butt, and thighs. I look like a caricature of a woman small waisted and enormous hips, etc. I know it will come off eventually, but it's actually quite uncomfortable and I feel it in my breathing and effort to move around. I had to do a bowel prep prior to surgery and I guess they pumped 7 liters of IV fluid into me in the OR alone.
Anyway, I got the very best of care (Albany Med) from surgeons and nurses alike. I am glad to be home and can't wait to pee out this horrible "false weight." I lost 3lbs so far.
How are you all? What's the good word? Tell me your stories...
xox
Amy
301/170/goal 160? Abdominoplasty on 8/21/07 with Dr. Jerome Chao, Albany Medical Center
I to had lots of fluid weight but it does come off fast. I think within the first 2 weeks most was gone. I still swell, and may for months to come............ up to a year my DR said. Otherwise I feel like a million bucks!! The TT was so worth it.
Glad youre home and everything went well. Rest and do what the Dr says!!!
Kathy
@----}-------
345/195/165
Anchor cut Tummy Tuck
with muscle tightening 6/20/07
Hugs,
Amy
301/170/goal 160? Abdominoplasty on 8/21/07 with Dr. Jerome Chao, Albany Medical Center
Amy: HI there! I am finally back online after a few months of internet and computer troubles! Nice to hear you have had some reconstruction done. Glad the AMC experience went well also. Are you wearing a binder? Some PS do this after abdominal PS's? They can help decrease the swelling, I know the more I walked and was active the more swelling I had. It went down over first 2 wk, but ultimate results and swelling was not seen for 3-6 months! Did you hva a panniculectomy or abdominoplasty? (Usually insurance will only pay for panni removal of skin not the muscle tightening in a full abdominoplasty?) Sometimes w/ panni less swelling and more if muscles manipulated (and some more pain!)
It is exciting but frustrating after PS for many, self included....keep sipping and do protein for maxiumum healing, hugs!
Jamie Ellis RN MS NPP
100cm proximal Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh Albany, NY
320(preop)/163(lowest)/185(current) 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery)
Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King www.albanyplasticsurgeons.com
http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/jamiecatlady5/
"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"
Nice to hear from you. I ended up having an abdominoplasty, but I got charged for just the panni. I am wearig a binder and find it both reassuring and annoying. I understand and can see how much difference it makes with the swelling. It's good to be reminded that the full result will not be seen for quite some time. I'm glad to be home, eating protein, downing water, and playing with my respirex!
Whew!
Let me know what's going on in your life when you have time. I've missed my contact with you!
Hugs,
Amy
301/170/goal 160? Abdominoplasty on 8/21/07 with Dr. Jerome Chao, Albany Medical Center
