This waiting is a pain in the butt.  

I was talking to my mom lastnight.  She told me that my sister is afraid that I will die from this surgey.  My sister said to my mom 1 out of 4 die from it.   Everyone that I know who had it survived it.  A couple gained some of their weight back, some didn't.  

I will be in good hands, my surgeons and the Lords.   

Time:  7:00 p.m.
Place:  Barix Clinics, Middletown Blvd. Langhorne, PA 19047

Topics as they relate to the pre-op

I've been back in PA for 6 days, and have spent 5 of those days in recovery mode after some plastics last week. I had a consult with Dr. Scott Gaynor in Harrisburg about a year ago, but was not able to go forward at that time. When it looked as if I would have a block of time to come north, Mike suggested I see if I could get the work done on this trip.

I know, most post ops talk about tummy tucks, lower body lifts, bat wings, etc. But for me, after 3 years I have remained pretty happy with how I look with clothes on. I am fairly well toned, depending on my faithfulness with exercise. In my 50's, I have no desire to wear short skirts or tiny shorts or spaghetti straps.

But what I saw in the mirror was this: a drooping neck that went beyond what some jokingly call "turkey neck." I was horribly self conscious of how I looked when I glanced downward...like all this skin and leftover tissue just sort of s-l-I-d into layers draping around my chin and jaw. And then there were my eyelids. I know, and don't we all, that obesity stretches skin all over our body. But the eyelids? Mine drooped downward at the corners, with an extra layer of skin that almost looked Asian. The folds of skin around my deep set eyes became irritated very easily. Its hard to explain - not wrinkles, exactly, but definitely detracting from my appearance. No. Thats not it. Changing my appearance.

So I opted for two facial procedures- a face lift and upper blepharoplasty. The doc removed extra skin from the eyelids, and did a face lift that basically takes care of things between mp the ears and the neck.

Outpatient surgery was done on Thursday, I came home with my head wrapped up until it was (I kid you not) the size of a pumpkin. A fairly large pumpkin at that. On Friday the bandages came off, but I was still very swollen. Believe me, there were moments of "What have I done?" over the weekend. I don't think I was prepared for the discomfort, difficulty sleeping, and overall recovery process. The face has so many nerves, muscles, and blood vessels - it hurt!

But today the swelling has moderated quite a bit. I can see my jaw. The staples come out tomorrow morning. My ears are still numb but that is normal.

Another experience to chalk up in this life. I think I will be very happy with the results over the long run. I do know this. I don't plan to sign up for anything further in the plastics realm. More power to ya to those who do, but this is enough for me!

I agree whole heartedly with Arlene, Jackie and Laureen.  Saturday's meeting was a great experience for me.  Sometimes when I go to support group I do not feel connected to what is being discussed.  This meeting was energizing for me and I want to thank everyone who was there.  We do learn from one another - no matter if we are pre-op, newbies or old timers.  I wish I could bottle the energy that was present in the room but that would be too easy.  I know that I have to continue to make healthy choices not only food wise but attitude wise.  Just for today this is what I choose.  You guys rock.  Take care.

Donna

Good morning PA...real cold here, turned the heater on this morning for the first time this year...brrrr...I pray this is not the start of a cold winter.

We just plan to read the paper, do laundry and hang out, not too much going on.

Wishing everyone a super day!!