Plastics

Yes, he plans on tightening the Abdominal muscles.

Thanks

Well I know you'll do fine but it as a very big surgery and takes a couple of months to start feeling human again.  I mean you will be able to go back to work after 2 or 3 weeks but you will tire very easily.  But eventually you'll get back to normal...just takes a while.  Take a look at my pics, I added you as a friend. 

Laura

After the LBL, how soon were you able to return to the gym?

Your pics look GREAT!!

Thanks Gail!  I went back to the weights at 3 weeks post op and cardio about 2 weeks..slowly though.  But remember I did not have muscle repair and that makes a huge difference and age maybe (47 at the time).

Laura

I had a PS consult in May, and the surgeon said that the muscle tightening causes the most pain. He said that I wouldn't need lipo and very little, if any muscle tightening. I am 58, so my recovery might be longer. I have developed some abds under the loose skin and I am hoping that my physical activity will help me to get through the recovery, whenever I decide to proceed.

Gail

Well my Doc actually thought that he WAS going to have to repair the muscles and was pleasantly surprised that he didn't have to.  I don't think they really know until they actually see underneath.  I just want you to be prepared for all possibilities.  Hopefully he is right though.  Also I think where you carry your weight has something to do with it as I was a pear with a fairly flatish tummy all my life.  And I always exercised a lot even at my heaviest.  But I've had 2 children with 2 c-sections so *****ally knows!  I know that I sent a VSG friend to my Doc and she has had no kids and was expecting not to need repair and she did.  Go figure...

Laura

Thanks for the heads up. I only went to one consult and will have a couple more, before I decide. I'm not quite ready financially or mentally to do this, at the current time, since it will be a major procedure.

gail

Mikey, Wishing you a successful surgery and speedy recovery. This entire process is truly a journey.


Gail

Hey good for you M. We will be sending good vibes. Hubby is getting sleeved Tuesday. A good week for surgery. Keep us posted on your progress and glad you are going for it.  Diane

Hi Mike,
Congratulations to you for heading into Plastics!  I've been at goal for 8 months and I'm  8 days post-op from a full belt lipectomy, breast lift with augmentation, and fat transfer to the hiney.  My best advise is to stay hydrated (with protein drinks), take pain meds as recommended, as well as antibiotics with FOOD.  I threw up twice before I learned my lesson with the food and antibiotics and I wanted to DIE!  

Honestly, it has gone way better than I expected.  Yep, you hurt, but they are cutting you in half right?  It has been totally managable.  My best advise is:

1.   A toilet riser from CVS/Walgreens for $30.00.  It adds about 6 inches to the toilet so you don't have to go so far to sit.  Being a man you won't have that issue as much.  Still nice though.   

2.  Clean your system out before surgery.  The narcotics play a number on your system and I ended up drinking half a bottle of magnesium citrate to finally go yesterday.  Not fun...

3.  Take colase everyday after surgery to help with above.

4.  Use a recliner.  If you don't have one, rent one.  At day 3 I was able to get myself up and down on my own because of it.  Still sleeping in it.

5.  Milk the drains as often as you can stand it.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, you will.  This helps them come out quicker.  I've had 3 removed and I'm down to one.  You'll be ready for them to come out and this speeds the process.

6.  Set an alarm on your phone every 4 hours to take your pills...even in the middle of the night.  This pain has been so managable because I never let it get ahead of me.

7.  Let  your sweet wife do everything.  My husband has been amazing and I couldn't have done this without him.  Accept all the help.

Rest and relax and feel free to contact me with more questions.  We're all in this together.
Best Wishes!!!!!