Day 5 Post Op LBL

 Hi everyone - just thought I'd update since my LBL surgery on Tuesday.  Background info:  54 years old, lost -97 lbs., at goal for 5 years.  Had gained/lost most of my weight between my waist/knees.  Surgery wouldn't be covered by insurance so that's why I was saving for the past few years.  Had all my blood panels and EKG stuff done beforehand.  I am in good physical shape, exercising 6 days a week.  

Surgery was scheduled for Tuesday morning at a hospital with a 2 night stay planned.  I was surprised that I wasn't nervous at all, just ready to finally get rid of the excess skin.  After getting checked in and all the preliminary stuff done my ps came in and had me stand up and started marking me for surgery.  After that I don't remember anything until after recovery and back in my hospital room.

I am very glad that it was planned to stay in the hospital as it was the best place for me to be.  My blood pressure kept going down and they needed to keep a close eye on me.  Pain wasn't bad at all and I only took one Percocet the entire time I was there.  I have four drains at least until Monday.

Each day is getting a tiny bit better - just like I had read from others who have been through this.  I was told by my ps to up my protein two weeks before surgery until two weeks post-surgery.   I get up and move around but am not up to tackling anything big yet.  I have only looked at my incision once and that's when I showered for the first time yesterday.  I'm not really concerned about what it looks like right now.  I do have a new belly button and it is still covered in gauze and tape.

Thank you for all your healing thoughts and prayers.  It hasn't been the easiest recovery  but I know it will be well worth it!  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask  

Gracie150

It sounds like you're doing well!  Keep it up!  :)

SOunds like you are doing great. No pain??

Keep us posted.

In the hospital they were just amazed that I wasn't using the button for pain medication.  The nurses started giving me nicknames about how tough I was  .  I did finally take a percecet the second night just to get some sleep as they kept checking on me every hour due to low blood pressure.

Since I've been home (Thursday afternoon) I haven't taken anything for pain.  I still have my prescription meds and Tylenol if I need them.  Since I have a car ride tomorrow back and forth to the ps for my first follow-up appt. I plan on taking some Tylenol so I'm not uncomfortable.

I'll be posting my update tomorrow afternoon!!