LBL, Brach, Hernia repost from Plastic Surgery Forum

Post Date: 3/26/11 6:17 pm

Reposted from Plastic Surgery Forum

I had my LBL< hernia repair and brachoplasty on Monday 3/21/11.  The hospital room I had was very quiet and conducive to healing.   I went into the Or around 7 and was out around 12.  Spent Monday in a drug induced fog.  Tuesday I began getting better and each day I am better and better, however, by the evening I am feeling yucky.  Discharged Wednesday morning wt 3 drains.  Cannot lift anything over 10 lbs.  Pain was not unbearable.  I had been pretty nervous but so far things have gone well.   Still praying for continued healing.  Since I had skin under the arm removed also, the scar goes from just above the elbow up to my armpit and curved down around the lower breast crease. 

So far the scars look as good as scars can look.  My arms look better to me as they are toned and not creapy.  The scars show when the arms are raised.   

The scars from the LBL are naturally extensive.  Prior to surgery, the skin around my midriff was very loose and saggy.  It looks good now.  Still swollen so I don't know how tight ti will stay.   

I feel better after this surgery than I did after the lap RNY.

I plan to go back to work on  4/4/11.  I still have lots of swelling and I need to drink more water. 

My hernia repair was covered by insurance.  The LBL,  arm surgery, excising the skin under the armpit and buttock enhancement (just pushing around stuff to better shape the buttocks) was another $13K about half for the PS and rest for Hospital and Anesthesia.

I could have spent the money on a dozen different things, but I do not regret the cost, at least  I don't yet.

Vicodon does not agree wt me.  I was given delaudid (intravenously) in the hospital wt benydryl and was prescribed delaudid upon discharge.  Love it, am aware it can be addictive.  Will try to get back to answer any questions posted. 

 Awesome news ... I am so happy for you.... Wishing you a continued uneventful recovery and looking forward to pics down the road.... I found healing from my plastics procedures (panniculectomy and modified brachioplasty) were so much easier than post lap RNY maybe becuase of the complication and additional surgery I had to have ... but it all panned out for the best.... Wishing you nothing but the best!!!! 

Thanks for the best wishes.  My pattern is to second guess my decisions and I was aprehensive right up until the surgery.  I am very excited about the results.  WLS is the best thing that has happened to me, other than my children.  The PS is really the icing on the cake

Hi Granny!
Glad to hear you are doing well. The thought of this particular surgery scares me! I'm so happy to hear you are healing well. Please continue taking care of yourself and keep us posted. There are many of us that need to know about this surgery. Thank you for sharing the details with us and being willing to answer questions.          Connie

Thanks Connie.  I was scared of this surgery because a lot of it was elective.  Also, at 60 years old I wondered if the cost was worth the vanity, however, I am so happy with the results.  For the first time in my life I am buying sleeveless dresses.  I love it.

Congrats, and may you have a VERY speedy recovery!   I am amazed you have the fortitude to post so soon, and in as much detail. You must be a very strong woman!

You have done what I only can dream of.  I cannot afford to pay for PS, though i desperately need it after losing almost 250 pounds. The skin is almost unbearable, particularly on my upper arms and apron area.  For now,I just spank it all up and hope for the best. It's much easier in Winter than in Summer, of course. 

Nevertheless, I look forward to hearing more about your journey, and wish you the very best. After all your hard work, you are going to have a slamming bod!

Good health to you,
Pam

Thanks Pam,  I argued with myself about the price vs the results.  I will be working an extra year to pay for the PS and I will put off my retirement but I love my jog and I am totally loving the results.  When I see the smooth skin along my midriff I am so stoked!!

Yes, you have a good point there. I am so happy for you! I can imagine how freeing it will be for you. You worked long and hard for this.....I do htink it is worth all the effort and pain. How are you feeling today?

I am feeling good today.  I will be glad when the drains come out.  Also, my skin is tight and itchy but I didn't want to put any lotion on it without the drs go ahead.   Thanks for asking and good luck with your journey.

So glad to see your post.  I am 61 years old.  I will get the brachio for sure, but have so much hanging thighs (inner and outer) and butt cheeks.  I just didn't know if I would do anything about the lower half.

I want to wear sleeveless and short sleeves so no issue there.  I look OK in tighter jeans as it keeps the butt and thighs held in, but when I sit down or cross my legs - it all smooshes to the sides.  I just didn't know if it was vain - at my age- to get something done with the lower half.  Dear hubby (of 42 yrs) doesn't care one way or the other - he says to at least talk with a PS about it.

Then there are the girls.  I think a padded bra will do the trick there.  I don't want to lay down and have these perky orbs pointing to the ceiling.  So won't do anything about the hanging to my waist.  Just roll them up in a padded B cup (from a DD).

Again, thanks for posting.  And I agree about the Dilaudid - it is great!!