4 weeks till LBL - help me

I'm starting to get a little nervous.  My husband has to leave on business 7 days after my surgery.  Will I be okay by then?  I have a 10 year old that can help around the house.  Will I be able to drive him to school after those 7 days?  I am going to try and line up some back up  help just in case but hate having to ask people.

I've been reading on here everyday and becoming a little worried that I'm still "too fat" to be having this surgery.  The Dr. didn't say anything about it and I didn't ask but I had heard through the grapevine that he would tell you if he thought you still needed to lose weight.  I bounce between 161 and 168 (I can gain 10lbs of water easy).  I really want to end up at 145 and was hoping to hit the 150s in the next 4 weeks.  I was told my "stuff" could way 12-15 lbs but after reading some of the posts on here it seems more realistic that it might only be 8 lbs.

So, if worst case scenerio I show up for surgery weighing 160 and they only take 8 lbs off then after swelling, etc. eventually I end up at 152 and will still be trying to lose 7 more lbs.  Once I lose the 7 lbs will it make all my skin sag?

Do I just need to chill?  Please help me.  I'm really not a drama person but this is bringing out some crazy emotions in me!

Relax.

Our stats are similar.  After the first surgery I got down to 158.  After the second surgery, I've been holding steady at 160. At this point my swelling is only in my thighs and it's minimal.  My implants however added about 4-5 lbs.  I'm fine with the number on the scale. 

There's a HUGE difference in how my clothes fit.  I did have to buy a bunch of smaller clothes but some of my 10s and 12s still fit, they just look better (as in, I don't look like a professionaly dressed barrel).  :)

After 7 days, you should be safe to be home alone provided you don't lift too much or bend too much.  Make sure everything is within reach and that your 10 year old understands that you have limitations.  The holidays are approaching so use that to your advantage if you must.  :)

However, do not be afraid to ask for help.  It's important to get past not wanting to ask.  People wouldn't think twice about asking you for help. So for this time, you shouldn't worry about either.

Good luck!

Okay, trying to relax now.  I am going to let a few people know that I might need to call on them during that week.  I am also checking out the bus option for getting my son to school.

Aside from being able to move and react while driving, the other thing to keep in mind is that if you are still on pain meds after your husband leaves on his trip, you cannot drive.  General rule is you have to be off pain meds 24 hours before you can drive.

I agree--chill!

I'm right about where you will be when hubby leaves. Wanna peak into "Rhonda Roo World, lbl-style"?

I am sleeping through the night, in my own bed. I can shower without assistance. I come down stairs, get self breakfast, and get kids lunches packed (I have 8 year old and 6 year old). Then I sit on the couch. I get up several times each day. Boredom, plus walking is good. I'm not completely straight standing, but not far. I do walk, not fast, but still. I'm on tylenol only--so that's not a problem. I pre-made several meals up, so in the am, I pop one out of the freezer into the oven at slow cook, and it's ready by dinner time. I can rinse dishes and put in dishwasher.

All that being said, I have had neighbors, church family, friends offer help--and I have taken them up on it. They seem happy to come and help run vacuum, bring meals, etc.

Driving---not me, not yet. I want to be upright and able to turn freely before getting in a car. This area may be a good idea to line up a car pool friend; maybe someone who gets your son this week, you get hers the next. I do think that I'll be driving by the end of this week.

Feel free to ask any other questions. I'm happy to share my experience.

Rhonda you are so organized!!  I don't know that I can get meals and things ready like you did.  By the time I get home from work in the evening, straighten up, cook, etc...there just doesn't seem to be much time left over.  BUT, you gave me an idea that I could get some smart ones and things like that.  Thank you so much for all your information, it really does help me.  I am going to see about my son riding the bus so I don't have to drive anywhere.

At seven days post op, you should be able to handle most things for yourself, just at a slower pace. You can have your 10 year old help each evening to get things organized for you the next day.

About the driving, I would add that I, too, was a little nervous to drive at seven days out just because of the twisting to look behind you and things like that. My surgeon told me that when I did drive, not to get out of the car more than once per trip and to limit my trips per day. I have an SUV and climbing in and out of it puts some strain on the incisions. I'm sure your dr. will let you know what he/ she wants for you.

I wouldn't worry at all about your weight- your dr. would have said something to you if he thought it unwise to proceed. I think you saw my ps pics- he took seven pounds off of me- five in the front and two in the back, and I thought it would be closer to ten or twelve pounds.

And yes, just chill! Enjoy each day to the fullest and don't get stressed. It will come, and then before you know it, it will be over. All the best to you!

I feel better now and your pictures really give me hope.  I just all of the sudden got nervous that I was still "fat" and shouldn't be moving ahead or something.  I am checking in to where the bus stop is so that my son can ride the bus the school and I won't even have to worry about driving.

Thank you so much for all the information. I didn't think about my retaining water/swelling issue being something I should mention but I sure will.  In fact, I busted my C Section open because of swelling issues back when I had my son.  So yes - I will be talking to him about that now.

I wear a size 10 and some 8s now so if I end up a size 6/8 I would be thrilled!!!  The other two PS all gave me a range of 10-15 lbs.