Having tons of second thoughts

First off allow me to introduce myself - my name is Evie and I'm scheduled for a FTT and MR on 8-11. Why I don't know. Sounded like a great idea at the time - now I'm wondering what the heck (insert a better expletive here) was I thinking? I had a hysterectomy in my twenties and when the surgeon asked if I would ever where a bikini again I said no. So, there went the stomach muscles sliced down the middle. Then I proceeded to gain weight throughout my thirties until I ballooned to over 260lbs. Good going what? For my 40th birthday I studied exactly what goes on with the body in exercise and food intake and starting shedding the weight. 13 years later here I am - not skinny but looking okay 85 lbs ligher- or so I'm told. Except for all that excess around by middle. I hide it with clothes - long shirts, skirts etc. Then after 30 years my husband and I separated and I starting dating. Not too bad. But now that the divorce is finalized being alone is not much fun and dating - well I'm not 16 anymore. So, I need confidence and ...... but what the heck am I trying to prove? That without a flat stomach I'm not going to meet the right guy? I'm rambling now but honestly at my age you would think I would have a higher opinion of myself than to go through the torture of this. Pain, cost, swelling, time off etc. If you've read this far I do have some legitimate questions. My PS is doing the procedure around my waist - not the anchor cut or whatever. He says it will be better for me since so much has to be removed. Also, I will not have drains - he doesn't use them. I am an outpatient and have 16 vicodin tablets to see me through - he feels there should be little pain. Anyone fit this surgical scenario? I went in to St V yesterday to take their pre-op stuff and honestly would have been fine if they said - sorry we can't do it. Help?

Who is your doctor? I would love to have that surgery, so if you are kidding yourself, I am too! I like the way your doctor thinks. tee

Dr Marcus Melvin, across from St V in Beaverton. It all went well - he took over 15 lbs of excess skin, fat, etc I'm not completely flat and it seems that my waist is thick but I haven't seen him to ask if this is it. My appointment is tomorrow AM. He has been great.

Dr Marcus Melvin did my breast reduction on May 19, 2006. I'm healing very well. He removed about 3 pounds of skin and breast tissue. I now am a 34C from a 34 DDD+. I am so pleased! There were no drains and little pain. I'm glad I did it. Lara

Wow........... Being someone that has had plastics i'm wondering what type of doctor would say there will be little pain. The TT and MR are painful. It's a major surgery, with swelling, incision site care, and any and all complications that could arise. I would expect pain, and discomfort. It's not the end of the world, but it's not a walk in the park either. I'm curious about the drains tho, where does he say the excess fluids go if they are not drained? Does he explain about the swelling and the pain associated with it? Binders? Any recommedations on post-op herbals that help with healing and swelling? Just things to think about. Plastics are VERY different from the WLS. There is a lot of post-op care afterwards, and the artistry of the surgeon is vital. Does this surgeon understand that the skin of a former morbidly obese person is quite different than a regular person. It affects the the way he would pull the skin, and stitch it back up. I had my LBL as an outpatient as well. I needed help for a month. Since it's a FTT I would imagine at least 2 weeks of needing help. I wish you the best recovery! Kimberly

Well it's done. Came home after the surgery and all went well. I was able to stand and get around almost immediately. Just took 6 pain pills then moved to Tylenol due to constipation. So, far it looks good - he took off over 15lbs (he called on Saturday) which is a lot to pack around and had an effect on my back - remember I had few stomach muscles - so this should help. The drains weren't needed I guess - went to the bathrom every hour and continue to go a lot but then he told me to drink tons of water. Yes, there's swelling and lots of tightness around my middle and where the muscles were repaired. Didn't need help after Sunday night although a friend stayed one more night just to make sure. I've been able to take my shower, cook and clean a bit and honestly my biggest complaint is my mind. It isn't as sharp and focused as I'm used to so I'm watching TV - what a joy.