4 weeks out from Abdominalplasty

So I thought I would give you an update. I had 25 lbs removed just from the panni that hung down my leg. I told you it was huge. He did not do anything with the 2cd roll or panni that I had that hung just below my waist except sew it to where he cut me. He would not do lipo because he said it hindered blood flow and would affect my healing. I have to go back in 10 to 12 months for that so I am not one size smaller even though he removed 25 lbs from what hung down my legs. He could not save my belly button. It was so streched out and I had a hernia that grew through it. He repaired the hernia but couldnt get good blood flow for the belly button. He did do a mons lift. I love that. Now the bad news. I had an infection come up about 5 days post op. He was able to keep me out of the hospital but I had to take a bunch of antibiotics and go to his office everyday for a series of antibiotic shots. My incision ended up coming open about 12 inches so the infection could drain. I am still dealing with that and then another infection sprung up yesterday on my left hip and the incision site. So back to the Dr. everyday for injections and change of antibiotic. Even though this has been far from a perfect event I would gladly do it again for it feels so good to not have to push 25 lbs of flesh just to take a step. Thanks for the prayers and good wishes!!!

Ask your doctor about using Hibicleans on your open spots. I used it on a place on mine that came open to drain and I never got an infection. You can purchase it over the counter and it is a surgical grade cleanser. I used that and bacitracin when I changed my dressing, which was often and then give it time to air out with out the dressing some each day.

I had 27.1 pounds removed, so I know how you feel. It is a huge incision! Also, try taking vitamin C and Zinc they have wound healing properties.

I had to use the hibicleans pre-op. I found it cheapest at Walmart. It was $6 there and over $10 at target and rite aid. Pretty big difference.

Sorry to hear about the problems you've been having, but you have such a great attitude about it and that's a big part of the battle!

 

thanks for the heads up. I am using a lot of gauze because of the weeping. The Dr. says that he thinks the weeping is my fat turning to liquid from being open. but the weeping started 2 days after getting my last drain out. It was still producing 80 cc but had been in for over 3 weeks so he took it out anyway. But the gauze is 6.57 at Wal Mart and it is J&J 5 rolls in the box. CVS brand 4 rolls was 11.96. So there can be huge differences in price.

Overnights heavy flow Maxi Pads.  Cheaper for a LARGE pack and more absorbent, plus they have the adhesive on the back to stick on your clothes or garments.

Thanks I will. He has told me not to clean it with anything to just let it drain. Vit C and Zinc is great thanks. Wow 27.1 lbs you can truly relate to how hard it was to move around with such a huge flap of skin being in your way.

ask for a script for Medihoney.  It is medical grade honey that has been purified and cleansed and is the new "up & coming" miracle in wound care.  Its the only thing that has worked to begin closing the 11 areas that opened up on me postop.  It is amazing!  It IS very sticky, and will stain, so make sure you cover the areas you use it on.  i swear by it and will sing its praises till the day I die.  My amazing home health wound care nurse brought it with her and we started using it.  Helped clear and prevent infection and start the healing process.  You can Google it and see some results from diabetics and war victims.  Truly awesome stuff, but not well known yet.  Your pharmacy will have to order it, and your insurance may not cover it, but its like $19 a a tube and a little goes a LONG way.  Worth EVERY penny!

Thanks for the update. Man, I thought 17 lbs of skin was a lot. I have one open wound on my backside and one drain still in. It's making me crazy! This all proves that what we went through is NOT glamorous. This is not a little nip tuck. It's dangerous stuff and we're doing it to better our health. I just wanted to move more w/o all the skin and infections and irritation.

Keep us posted!!!

It's crazy. I now completely don't understand all these actresses and rich women that do it for their little baby pooch or whatever. I can't imagine going through this without having a major issue.

I think most of them just get fat removed/skin tightened. That is not the really painful part. It is the muscle tightening that is killer. OMG, I am still wearing a binder on my upper abdo because it is killing me. I thought I was going to pass out in Trader Joe's the other day when I went without wearing it.