Swell Hell

I had my FTT and BL/BA on 12/29.  So, I am about a week out.  I jus started swelling really bad today.  I'd say that I'm 2 sizes bigger than I was before surgery.  Even my entire back and butt are severely swollen.  I didn't sign up to be fat again.  I am crying and I am not going to be able to go out of the house again.  When does this get better and what can I do???  Need Help!!!!!!!!!!

 I'm so sorry you're swelling.  Please remember that we all heal differently.  You're still a very new post op.  I'm four weeks out today and promise it all gets better.

Are you wearing compression garments?  Do you still have drains in?  How is your hydration going?

Pare you walking around?  I ate a lot of watermelon the first week because it acts as a diuretic.

Ive read that some doctors prescribe a "water pill" to help alleviate the swelling.  Have you talked to your surgeon?

If you can give us a bit more information, maybe we can brainstorm with you.

It will improve!!

Hi Jane, At 1-2 weeks I was ATLEAST 4" larger following LBL. I went from my clothes being loose to so tight that they couldn't be worn. My swelling is right above the incision. At 4 weeks my swelling is much less. I look like I have lost a significant amount of weight. At pre op. I was between 7 & 8% body fat. The tissue swelling will mess with your head, be as patient as you can because it is only temporary, your tissue loss is permanent.

Steve

Steve - Do you think it too****il about 4 weeks for the swelling to go down?

Thanks for replying!  I am wearing a spanx like knee to breast garment and a binder on top of that.  I had a no drain procedure.  So, I don't have any drains.  I am trying to drink as much water and prune juice as possible.  I'm walking around the house but that is about it now. 

No problems with going to the bathroom...I've tried to stay on top of that. 

I haven't heard abou****ermelon...I will get some this weekend.  I see my PS again on Monday morning.  I have a ton of questions for him.

I promise you my butt is sooo big right now...It feels like I am sitting on a pillow.  I am huge!!!!!!!

i HOPE HE GIVES A WATER PIll!

 I hope this works for you, I know it will.  I'm not sure why I didn't have swelling.  Maybe it was all the arnica I took and watermelon and papaya that I ate.  Two weeks post op I wore the same pants and blouse home on the plane.  At three weeks my waist was two inches smaller.  I don't know why some of us, like you and Steve, swell a lot, and I didn't.  You are doing everything right so just hang in there.

What is arnica?

Jane, I think @ 3 weeks I noticed I was heading in the right direction. I don't think mine was edema but just inflamed angry tissue. My PS tried to aspirate numerous areas and never got 1 drop. It was hilarious when I tried on several Spanx "ASSETS" garments. I think I left them talking!!! LOL. Our compression methods sound the same. Hang in there, you will be noticing change soon.

Jane - everyone has a different experience and some start swelling sooner than others, etc.  I can honestly say that my rear end swelled to the point it hurt to lay down?  But hopefully soon you will see the swelling decrease a little each day.  Write down every question you have for your PS appt. on Monday.  No question is too silly!
Good luck,
Gracie150

I'm nearly 5 months out and still get swelling. It takes time. I was told anywhere from 6 months to a year for the swelling to subside. Best of luck to you.