Just wanted to mention that I ended up with hypertrophic scars behind my ears, so keep massaging there and make sure they flatten (if they aren't already). I just had my scars revised by my PS (almost two years post-op).

You look fantastic! Congratulations!

I went to a PS in Hyannis and was very happy. He does not specialize in WLS patients but has done surgery for quite a few.

You know I was thinking about the issues you have had with healing. Maybe having such extensive surgery at the same time was just too much for your body to handle? Maybe it would have been better to do the LBL alone and your thighs separately? I know most of us group as much PS together as possible to save $, but maybe it can be too much stress for the body. I wonder what surgeons would say about that... I will ask mine when I see him late this summer if I remember.

The not showering seems weird to me and I'm sure it isn't true but makes me wonder if that and the wound healing issues are related (just my cleanliness fanatic self thinking). I was able to shower after my TT right away and I don't recall seeing others complaining of not being allowed to shower.

But the point of this reply (by my 5 am self, up since 2:30 am), is that I had some hard bumps in my cheeks which you could see and feel after my facelift. I too had to massage them like crazy - I actually got face rollers on Amazon to make it easier. They did go away.

Here is the roller I like best: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M1UTH51/ref=oh_aui_sear ch_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Wow, you look fantastic already. Wait until you are cleared to swim again!

I wondered if you might be having second thoughts about him. Your friends are counseling wisely, you should wait until in a better frame of mind to decide. It could be his office staff causing the confusion rather than your surgeon. In the meantime I hope you get on a good path with this today.

That's cool!

I'm sure either will work. I used a foam wedge (purchased via Amazon) on the couch and later when transitioning to bed, with a pillow under my knees. I found that quite comfortable. I didn't have a recliner and didn't want to rent/borrow one. Pillows alone without something more substantial might not work as well as a wedge because they might slip.

This is the one I used: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009HHLBKK/ref=oh_aui_deta ilpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you! You are going to look wonderful and toned with all your swimming! It feels good not to have your tummy jiggling around when exercising and not have to stuff it into clothes.

I got zofran too - after the surgery because the painkillers in the hospital made me nauseous. I ended up not taking the opiate painkiller once I was home because even the zofran wouldn't keep the nausea away completely. I did take some NSAIDS instead for a bit in place of the opiates (at the ok of my WLS Doctor).

I didn't swell much with my TT - some very early on, but not much compared to what others report. So, maybe be prepared for the worst and hope for the best?

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.