Drains no more!

I went for my 2.5 week check up yesterday.  Praise the lord, the doctor went ahead and pulled my drains out (all 4).  I really have a week stomach - I don't like needles and such.  It was an odd sensation when two of the drains came out.  I almost thought they were going to have to pick me up off the floor.  Luckily, after they removed the drains, I was able to lie down on the exam table for them to remove the last of my stitches.  I was able to get my composure back.  (Yes, I am a weakling)

I'm going to go back to work on Monday - just a little shy of 3 weeks having my tt.  I have a desk job and will be fine.  I am amazed at how well the healing process has been!

I am a little down, because I feel swollen.  I wanted to go back to work in something to show off my new curves.  However, I think I am still in the same size pants as before.  Which completely amazes me.  (My doctor had told me that swelling will usually last 2-3 months.  Why didn't I believe him...lol)

Well it was a good week for drains getting the heck out of there!!! So glad they are gone, but sorry you suffered a bit during it. You are not a weakling. It is physiological phenomena called a vasovagal reaction.  I was told that we tend to unknowingly hold our breath when we are worried or actually in pain so therefore the balance of inhalation and exhalation gets off kilter and BOOM! suddenly you aren't so sure whether you are going to puke or pass out. I used to get it ALL the time. I actually started being very conscious to breathe normally during shots and procedures and it helped reduce the frequency of it a lot. I actually tell the providers that I can't talk to them because I can't breathe rhythmically enough if I'm talking. In any event, glad you got to feeling better and got those drains out--lucky dog!!

I've heard of so many folks being in the same size or having to wear elastic waist bands for a while. Your curves will be there soon enough.

So glad you are coming along so well!! Good luck at work!! 

Denise

Thanks for the breathing information!  I am going to try that from now on.

Thanks for the encouragement too!  I enjoy reading your postings about your progression.  It let's me know what to look forward to.  I just wish you didn't have to have your drains in for so long.  But fortunately, that's behind you now.

Just like you, I thought for sure that after my 2 weeks off that I would go strolling into work with my new body and new clothes - NOT.  I had a HUGH panni and my pubic area was really extended - I had 20 pounds removed.  I was SO disappointed when my old pants fit (a little saggy in the hips).  It didnt make any good sense to me.  So off to work I went in my (still) size 18 jeans.  Very sad.  However, about 4 weeks later I was in size 16 and then size 14.  I had my procedure in April.  I went to Jamaica in June and then to the Outer Banks in August -- the diffenence in pictures from June to August is even astounding.  The swelling is NO JOKE and, just when you think you are "normal", you shrink and shift a little more. It can really take up to a year for everything to totally normalize.  I look at it as the gift that keeps on giving.   Continued good healing to you and enjoyy!

Thanks for the post.  That is very encouraging to know.  I guess part of my depression is that my friends and co-workers keep saying oh I bet you look so sexy.  I keep telling them not to get to excited because we have to wait for the swelling to go down.  I don't know what they are expecting to see when I go back to work.  Maybe I should go naked....and let them see the results with the swelling...just kidding...

Thanks for the encouraging words!

Holly,
Sounds like things are going really well for you. I'm looking into PS. Where and with who did you have it done.....Ardmore, DFW area or OKC? I'm in OKC.

I go to Bariatrics of Texas, Dr. Kenneth Warnock in Wichita Falls,Tx.  He does the gastric bypass and lap band procedures.  Then when you are ready, he does the tt. I was glad to be able to use the same surgeon for both procedures!

He has been in the business for 25+ years and specializes in it.  I cannot say enough positive things about him.  He is a true blessing from God!

I'm glad you're doing so well Holly.  It sounds like your recovery is right on track.  Good luck going back to work.  Very soon  you're going to be showing off a new wardrobe with all the curves that you're looking for.

Thank you!  I am so ready for the swelling to go away.  But I am happy with what results I already see.  I'm getting motivated to start working out again, but I plan on taking my time this go around.

Hopefully the swelling will soon be a distant memory!