Reconstructive Surgery: My thoughts so far (1 week out)

Thanks for all the supportive comments -- I have been SO active lately, including working out with the Personal Torturer to get into shape for this surgery.  Now I am a vegetable and I can't move around and I am antsy and feel so vulnerable and weak.  There's a big psychological component to this that I had not anticipated.

I will slog through this somehow.

Diana,

And remember... the pain medications interfere with out thinking... it is the lack of control. As if the weight-loss wasn't hard enough... right?

You'll be fine...

Kim

Slowing down is probably very hard when you are used to a daily fast paced lifestyle.  I have also been beefing up my cardio and weights in preparation for PS.  Your post made me realize that my body will miss all those "feel good" endorphins that working out builds up.   That and I know pain meds cause me to have a pitty party for myself after about a week.

Hang in there Diana, you will get through this and enjoy the results!!!!   Also keep us posted.   I know some people have VERY easy recoveries, but that isn't realistic that everyone will.  It is good for all of the pre-ops (myself included) to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

With having previous surgeries I thought I was well prepared for the plastics. I too was surprised by the difference. It's not easy and recovery seems longer and harder for many of us. The other thing for me is the pain meds. They help me tremendously but they make me feel like I'm on an emotional rollercoaster. One minute happy and the next crying and feeling sorry for myself.

It gets better, I can assure you. I had the tummy tuck and breasts at the end of June and still had a little numbness going into the brachiplasty and thigh lift four months later. The tummy tuck scars were revised so I'm back to more numbness. It just takes time to figure out if all of the feeling comes back or not.

Just stay medicated and keep as relaxed as you can. Push the protein to speed the healing. I think you'll see a big change in how you feel in the coming weeks. I'm sending good thoughts your way for fast healing!

Diana,
Sorry you are hurting.
I understanding what you mean about the arms.  My armpits HURT too when I had them done.  It's uncomfortable for a few weeks and the numbness takes a long time to end.  Of course everyone heals differently but I think it took me 6 weeks before I could reach things on the top shelf in the kitchen easily and pain free.  The swelling went down a lot but it was at least 3 or 4 months before most of the numbness was gone.

I had a tummy tuck 2 months ago.  I'm still numb.  You have to be so careful not to undo all the muscle tightening....moving slowly, a little bend over for at least 10-14 days if not longer.  For me the pain on the tummy was not so bad.

I am going in on Dec 2nd for the rest of the lbl....the butt lift w/aug and outer thighs.  I'm a little worried about how uncomfortable it will be sitting after the butt lift/augmentation.  I hear it a "bear".  
BUT what I'm really not looking forward to is having the Inner Thighs done.  That will be my last procedure in Feb.....everyone tells me the pain in the groin and going down the inner thigh is the worst!  

When I read your post one of the first things I thought of is maybe you are too much too fast.  As "Big City Girl" always says...Plastic Surgery is not a race.  I'm glad I'm taking it slow.  It is allowing my body time to heal before subjecting it to more invasive procedures.  One thing to remember is the effects of anesthesia stay with us long after surgery and it is compounded with each additional procedure so while you are tired after this one, you will tire even faster after the next one.  Something I did not realize at first but experienced it first hand when I had my brachioplasty done 3 months after my 1st procedure.

In my opinion (only my opinion) your arms will not be healed enough by the time you have your LBL and you'll need your arms to get up and down because you cannot use your stomach muscles at all.  Perhaps you could push out your LBL a month....?? at least your arms will be stronger.  Just a suggestion.

Hang in there...it does get better.....but it does take time for the body to heal and repair.
Feel free to PM me if you questions about any of the procedures I've had.
TTFN
Ruth

I haven't had any plastic surgery yet but wanted to say you are not a wuss!
Of course you feel pain and discomfort after what you've just been through :o).
I'm very impatient about time being the healer factor too. I think we all just want it done and over with as quickly as possible. Focus on how far you've come so far and be proud of your accomplishments ! Try and take it one day at a time. Since you can't exercise to get out of your depression, try listening to music around the house or read a book you just can't put down. In other words, keep your mind so busy you don't spend all day focusing on your aches and pains.
I have fibromyalgia and when I am in severe pain I try to keep my mind as busy as possible.
It really helps. Pain meds just make you sleepy and more depressed.
Hang in there, you can get through this!
hugs,
TerSue

Plastic surgery isn't easy, that's for sure! My most recent round of procedures kicked my butt, literally and I am in month two of my recovery. It just takes time and when you are able to see your results, you will feel better!

Hang in there Diana, you are not a wuss. You are very brave and had a lot of surgery. It does and will get better!!

Jillian

Before and after (1 week pix)








Nothing to get too excited about yet, and still pretty swollen, but it's a start!  And I can't smile normally yet ...

I think there is plenty to be excited about!  look at the difference in your neck!  WAHOOOO!!!! Your whole face looks brighter, younger and lifted.
Congrats!

I think you look great!  Your jawline/neck is going to be amazing!