Two Weeks Out Today

 I have not posted yet about my PS treatment, but I would like to share my experiences and learnings.  I had the DS surgery about four years ago in NY.  I went from around 400 lbs to 195ish (BMI of 23), where I have been for the last few years.  I finally saved up the money, and on 9/26 had an extended abdomoplasty, lipo in the back and chest area and hernia correction here in London (where I am on assignment).  For the past few years, I have worked out five-seven times a week.  I was pretty fit going into the surgery.  However, this surgery kicked my butt!  My only previous surgical experience was with the DS, which was orthoscopic.  Having an incision around 90% of your body circumference is a whole different creature!  I am very happy about the pull ups, squats and dips I did, as my arms and legs were critical to my mobility.  I was in the hospital for three days (here in London they tend to hospitalize longer), and I can't imagine going home after a day with drains.  Frightening to think about!  The pain itself was not so bad, but even after two weeks I am still quite tired.  I have gone back to work in the last few days.  I wear a suit to work, and it is hilarious the jerryrigged way I have put together an outfit over all of my binders.  My pants don't fit because of the swelling and my main fear is that my slacks will fall down in the subway/tube!  I am hoping the swelling starts to subside, and in theory I only need to wear the binders two more weeks.  My tummy is indeed flat, but one side is much more swollen than the other, so as a result, my new belly button is a bit to the left.  The doctor says everything will even out as the swelling decreases, and the pleating around where the stitches were will even out as well.  He wants to speak to me about phase two, which will be removal of extra breast/chest skin and fine tuning to the abs.  I think I need a bit more time to contemplate another round.

All in all, happy that I have done it, and happy it is over.  Looking forward to the ultimate outcome.  I am not looking for perfection, and it is already more presentable than the pre- surgery excess skin situation.  I am happy to answer any questions anyone has.  If there are any vets out there, how long before you could fit into your pre-surgery slacks again?  

Best of luck to all on this journey.

Mike