Day 17 post-op and discouraged

Hi folks,

I had an extended abdominoplasty and extended mastopexy on May 18 and overall I am healing well. My incisions look great, except my belly button is still a bit crusty and the bottom of the abdominal incision is somewhat scabby. Other than that everything is beautiful! My RNY was an open incision and it didn't heal very well. The PS had to cut the whole incision out and restitch to put in my belly button. I am impressed with how much better it looks!

I am very happy to have the sagging skin gone from my belly and to have perky smaller breasts. My upper abdomen is definitely flatter but my lower belly swells as the day goes on and sometimes aches. My PS is very pleased with the results and my progress, but my final drain (left side of abdomen) is still putting out about 5-7.5 cc overnight and 10-15 cc during the day. He wants to leave the drain in a few more days until it isn't putting out as much. I am feeling frustrated that it has to stay in. It is really uncomfortable and on the side that I like to sleep on so I'd love to have it out. He says not to worry, but I'm feeling frustrated.

Also I had hoped to go back to work next week but I'll have to see whether the drain comes out by then. In the meantime, I am doing some telework and resting every couple of hours.

Here are three pics from this morning for reference:

If anyone has ideas of what else I can do to reduce the drainage, I would appreciate it. In the meantime I just try to put my feet up regularly.

I had my final drain in for 6 weeks and even fudged a bit to get it removed. I went back to work w/ the drain. Just wrapped up the cord and pinned it under my shirt. Is it the most comfortable, no but you do what you have to do. 17 days isn't that bad in the grand scheme of things.

Thanks for your perspective. I'm just so ready to have it out and to be allowed to do more things that I am getting impatient.

You are looking great! I know it's frustrating with the drain but it's doing the job it needs to. I like that you kitty has joined in on the photo op!

I noticed that kitty, too!

Janet you look GREAT! but I think your cat is stealing your thunder!!!

Yes, Holmes has to be in the center of everything! I didn't notice that he got in the picture until I was uploading it! He loves to stretch himself out on my belly like a ho****er bottle keeping me warm and comfy!

Awww, Holmes! He looks a lot like our Bubs He sleeps on my belly too, I love it!

After both recent surgeries, he would spend hours stretched out on my belly with his nose next to mine. If I moaned, he would lick my face a few times to remind me that he was there.

He is a rescue cat that we've had for about 2 years. He'd had 5 or 6 homes before ours and was returned or dumped because he can be a difficult and moody cat. He still has his troubles, but he can also be such a sweet heart and we love him dearly.

I love his name! Our Ruthie always stretches out on my chest or belly. I was wondering how this would be post-surgery...I mean, I'm sure she'll still be on top of me, but I was wondering how I'd feel about it!