2 week follow up with LBL!

I posted in my profile my update and I really have nothing more to add so I am just going to copy and paste it.

Ok, so I went to the doc today and let my surgeon see my incisions for the first time since surgery.  The last time I was there, last week, the nurse took out my drains and he was sick but she said I looked great.

I had a lot of dried blood/scabs on my belly button and I was pretty sure this is all it was but wanted to make sure that there wasn't any necrosis (tissue death).  He wasn't concerned at all, said it looks good.  Tissue inside is fine.  Got the stitches out of there today.  Then he said that the incision above my mons area (pubic area) that he was a tiny bit concerned about intially postop - referred to as slightly "dusky" (red flag to a nurse!) said it looked great and the tissue bounced back beautifully.  So I am thankful.  So all sutures, steristrips, drains... ALL GONE!  Said I had some fluid on my abdomen but should go down eventually to keep wearing my garment and of course the silicone strips that decreases scaring.  Wants me to be faithful to both of these which I will do so of course.  I actually like my garment! Never thought I would say that, I feel vulnerable without it.

He also said I can expect to lose weight after this surgery.  I told him I was already down a few more pounds than what he took off.  He said don't be surprised if I go down even more.  Wow.. ok.  My brain has issues with going to low etc b/c I have had family tell me since I hit 190 lbs that I look anorexic.. sigh so I have to not worry about what others think of me.  I eat plenty, way more than the average postop.  

He then showed me how he could do breast work for me and fix the rest of my "rolls" - my side boob and what is left of the roll he couldn't flatten totally with LBL.  The incision would be at the side boob itself.. like a U shape sorta.. hard to explain.  I was amazed when he showed me.  Of course I wanna finish the process now.  Amazing how you get one thing done and you are ready to do the rest now.. sigh if only I was made of money.  I have brought it up to my husband and he acts supportive yet I know I need to not pu****  We need to look at adoption next.  I have time, I remind myself of this.  However this would not be covered by insurance by any means. A good bra will have to work for now.

He also zeroed in on my inner thighs.. they are a mess of course. I have a lot of extra skin there... i realize this now that the stomach is gone (UGH - why does that happen LOL).  Well, I am not interested in the incision that he would have to make.. he can sometimes do it along the inner upper aspect where the leg meets the torso but not mine... id have to have in inner crescent type of cut down the middle to the knee basically - YUCK.  I also don't want the scar on the arms either.  So anyways.. No wonder women get addicted to this stuff.  It can go on and on and on.... regardless I am so amazed by THESE results. Id like some boobs and call it done honestly.  Let's just pray i fit into pants when this is all said and done with my thighs the way they are.

I am still waiting to see if short term disability is going to cover my leave for this one since it is medically necessary (the skin removal - panni removal - of abdomen).  I should know something soon.

Ok thats all for now... I am stoked with my results so far.. simply and utterly amazed and STOKED!

I plan to take 2 week pics tomorrow.  I think the swelling may be more apparent, we will see.

IS THIS REALLY ME?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!  WOWWWWWW!!!!!!

Hey Melissa,

Just wanted to say thanks for the updates. I am mainly lurking as I go through the consult process for my LBL but the info sure helps. Sounds like you are healing nicely.

Bev

Thanks Bev - I am so glad I am helping u on your own journey towards plastic surgery.  That is my intent.  When someone tells me this it just makes my day.. so thank you very much! If you have any ?s please don't hesitate to ask me.. I love to pay it forward.  I am a support grp leader for WLS and I just adore helping where I can.. its my passion.  Good luck with everything!

Thanks for sharing! Your results, positive attitude and great recovery is such an inspiration! I so know what you mean about this becoming addictive. I never understood that until now. I'm having a panniculectomy and tt in 4 weeks and am already going to ask him how soon after can I have my thighs done...they sound exactly like yours! I also have the 'dog ears' on the sides of my boobs and I want to get fixed. 
Before, I couldn't even get far enough past the weight loss to even think about plastics, and now I have them all lined up! LOL  My internal reasoning says since my insurance is paying for my TT as well as the panni removal, I can afford the thigh surgery sooner. OH BOY...what have we become? 
At this point I cannot even imagine not dragging this panni around. I have never in my life had a flat tummy and it seems so foreign to be thinking in that direction. It's kind of weird to explain.
Can't wait to see your new pictures!

Thank you so much for your compliments!  I try to remain positive and honestly I have nothing to really complain about b/c knock on wood my recovery has just been really good.  My doctor is amazing and I had full trust in him going into this as I work with his pt's postop a lot.  I am a nurse at the same hospital as he is so we have a relationship on a professional level too.  

Congrats on your upcoming procedures! I bet you are getting very very excited!! I am excited for you!! I think this part of our journey really helps us come full circle.  It is just amazing.  I have to ask HOW you got your TT portion of your surgery paid for? did you have a hernia? or are you just lucky? b/c that is SO unheard of!!! I am ecstatic for you with that being covered.. YAY, yes that gives u more money to have other things done!! I would be saying the same thing!  

Having no pannus hanging, well its an incredible feeling, something I have never had in my lifetime.  It really feels surreal.  I am just in awe.  I am a runner and I cannot even imagine how FREE I will fee when I get out there and run again for the first time.  AHHHH I am so excited!!!

I will post 2 week photos tomorrow :)  Thanks for looking at them and not being offended.  I hope they help everyone, that is my intent.  It was a hard decision but I want to be as transparent as possible.

You let me know if I can help you in any way ok? I would be glad to if and when I can..

HUGS and CONGRATS!

Thanks for the update Melissa!  You give me hope, I'm only 6 days behind you but I've been in a bad spot mentally with this recovery.

Oh and speaking of fish line, why is it all over the place on me?  WTH?

Aw sweetie, I feel so bad for you b/c I know you have had a rough go with this whole thing.  Is the swelling getting better? How about that rash? Did you call the doc? Keep me posted, I have been praying for you and everyone else on here who has had some bumps in the road.  Know it is temporary and will get better.  What kind of garment did you get? is it bothering you or do you not mind it? I love mine actually.. I can't imagine life without it.

As for the fishing line.. its just the end of where they sutured.  I asked today and he didn't really say why he does that but it isn't uncommon the nurse said (after he left) she just snipped it.  No big deal.

Keep me posted on you... big ol hugs sweetie... gentle ones of course.

Btw.. I am support group leader in my town.. We do not have a DS surgeon in Iowa that I know of (i could be wrong) but I try to educate all my participants on procedures and I may have questions for you in the future about  the DS.  I do know quite a bit as I have lurked a lot on your alls board just to get educated.  I have had a few people ask me about it and I have directed them there.  You guys are a wealth of knowledge about your tools.. and I want them informed.  SO hopefully in the future if I do have ?'s you won't mind me running them by you.

Hang in there sweetie... much love and thoughs for a speedier recovery for you.

Hey girl!  Sure, hit me up for whatever information you need.  I've been on the RNY side and the DS side and now with plastics.  It's been a long journey for me over the last 10 years but in the end it has been worth it.

I'm gettiing my drains out tomorrow thank goodness but I must find a different binder for work purposes.  This thing is cutting me in half!  Argh!

Try this! This is what I have and I love it!

www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product.do

edited to add: You will wanna buy those thin men's wife beater t's in a size that fits.. not snug but not big at all either.. just fits right.  this makes this garment very comfortable to wear.

Sounds like your recovering nicely. I hope my surgery goes as smoothly as yours!