Recent Posts
on 4/23/18 10:19 am
Thanks, Sharon! I did get an electric recliner that stands you up. I'm not a fan of the recliner look, but figured comfort was more important than my family room design aesthetic. I'm keep it for both of my surgeries and then I'll donate it.
on 4/23/18 10:13 am
A plastic surgeon who doesn't believe in belly buttons is like hiring an interior designer who doesn't believe in throw pillows. No you don't need one, but it would look weird without it!
Honestly, I regret NOT getting a FDL. I have a lot of loose skin above my navel which was not addressed because my surgeon didn't recommend a vertical incision.
Now, if I want it fixed, that's another surgery and $7000. Gee, thanks.
VSG Mar 26, 2015 Dr. Sharadh Sampath -- 5'3" -- 47YO -- HW: 294 - SW: 261 - CW: 192 - GW: 175
Bi-lateral Brachioplasty May 8, 2017 Dr. Owen Reid
Lower Body Lift Oct 2, 2017 Dr. Owen Reid
"Weight is lost in kitchens, health is gained in gyms." - Dr. Yoni Freedhoff
thanks - I think I should do a few more consults, too. Or at least a couple more, anyway. It might make things clearer for me. And yes, that is weird that your second surgery was worse - I would think that would have been an easier one for sure!
RNY 06/03/15 by Michael Garren (Madison, WI)
HW: 373 SW: 316 GW: 150 LW: 138 CW: 163
I don't care about the scar - but oddly, I think I'd care about not having a belly button!!! I also think having another consult or two might be helpful...
RNY 06/03/15 by Michael Garren (Madison, WI)
HW: 373 SW: 316 GW: 150 LW: 138 CW: 163
I had an FDL last summer and the vertical line is barely noticeable now. My abdomen is super flat plus my belly button is cute (looks just like when I was young). Recently (March 2nd) had a breast reduction/lift along with a monsplasty. Now everything looks GREAT!!!! (The second operation was hell during the initial healing, as compare to the FDL . . . and that made no sense). Anyway, you'll know what's best for you once you entertain a few more consults.
Jo
Age: 60 | Height: 5'3.5 | Surgery Date: 07/24/15 | Starting Weight: 292 | Surgery Weight: 267 | Goal Weight:150 | Current Weight: 149 | WL so far: 143 lbs
Hmmm... it was probably about a week before I could walk upright completely. I don't think I started taking any walks outside until the drains were out (at 6 days).
I believe the compression was for about 2 weeks (I thought it was going to be longer so I remember being surprised when he said I didn't need it any more). I had bought a softer compression over the counter garment to wear at that point but my surgeon said it wasn't necessary so I never used it.
I do remember that I felt pretty close to 100% in about 4 weeks. At that point, I drove all the way to Florida in 3 days and was swimming in the pool there.
I had abdominal surgery (laparotomy not laparoscopic) years ago and it was similar - slightly less painful which might be because I already knew how to change positions? Since you had an open hysterectomy I would guess it would be pretty much the same for you too in terms of getting around.
Liz 5'3" HW: 219 SW: 185 GW: 125 LW: 113 Desired maintenance range: 120-125 CW: 119ish
I had the same question. One surgeon said that I needed a FDL and the other said it was totally unnecessary, he could tighten above my belly button without the vertical incision. I have a 4 inch scar from my RNY that wasn't done very pretty so having a PS make a nice incision would certainly be ok. In any case my upper belly swells out and I'd really like to have it fixed. That's the tightening that I've been told is most painful, but I think the end result will be worth it.
I ended up choosing to have surgery with the non-FDL doc for other reasons, including that the other doc didn't believe in putting in belly buttons because they are "unnecessary". Yes, but totally weird! I'd feel like an alien!
I encourage you to have at least one more consult for perspective. I think it will help to clarify things for you.
I'm excited for you!
Thanks Liz! As for getting and keeping things moving, I've got a good selection of options 
plus prunes! Between WLS, dental surgery, my hysterectomy and now PS, I have lots of experience with preventative measures.
I still have a wedge in bed from WLS but I did order a recliner with power lift since my wife has back problems and may not be able to help me get up and down. Not thrilled about having it in my living room so it may get donated after I'm done with it.
I've started adding a second protein shake in to boost my total protein. How much did you aim for with surgery?
Also just ordered a couple more dark colored camis to wear with the binder. How long did you wear a binder and did you wear some other compression gear after that?
When were you up to walking after your TT? I will really miss my swimming and other vigorous exercise for a few weeks!
Thanks!
I did not have the full thigh lift, just enough lipo harvested to complete a breast reconstuction. There was no way in hell that I could have have sat/stood for those hours without having legs elevated. My drains were in for 10 days.
Heat, sweating, and Swelling are your enemies - sweating is bad because it is easier for the fluid to migrate to your damaged tissue (creating swelling) that to work its way to the surface of your skin. Reducing swelling is you #1 post-op goal. Also, more swelling is more stress on you insiscions and gives worse long term scar appearance.
Plastic surgeries are much longer 6/8 hours vs 1/3 hours for WLS, and the recoveries are much longer. You may be ready for dancing, but I would not bet much money one it.
If you do not have one, I would look for an elec recliner on craigs list. I was lucky to get one for $40, but they go for less than $150 - I steam cleaned it and kept a pad and sheet on it. Best investment ever.
Sharon 
donnaloza · 1 replies · 74 views
