4 weeks Post-Op Update

Tomorrow I am 4-weeks post op! Can you believe it!! FOUR WEEKS! I am suuuper excited! I had my doctor appointment this last Wednesday and learned that everything is looking amazing. I do not have any more fluid in my belly button area, and my scar is healing nicely. I do have a few scabs, from the tape removal the first week that my doctor wants to keep an eye on, so I have another appointment for tomorrow. I am currently wearing smaller jeans and regular t-shirts. I feel like a new woman! I actually look forward to getting dressed up and going out. For the first time I am excited for summer, bikini here I come!! I have lost 2 lbs. since my last post!! I love my body and have absolutely no complaints. I have begun religiously wearing my Veronique compression garment and will start wearing the gel strips as soon as they are shipped to my home. This week I took a side picture with myself bending over to show that I have absolutely no access fat or skin, ANYWHERE.  The swelling, aside for a few occasional times,(especially on my hip area), has almost completely subsided. I will keep posting pictures and updates as they come!!

Bending over

Tilted at a side angle.

A little swelling on the left hip side.

Weight

Since my tummy tuck I promised my husband I will try my hardest to eat extremely healthy and will refuse to eat any fast food. In three weeks I have dropped almost 15 lbs. of my own weight!!! In the last two weeks I dropped a whole 9 lbs. I have been drinking A LOT of water and eating salads and Greek food (kabobs and Greek salad). I am not starving myself, for once I am actually doing this the right way.  I have lost this much weight without even stepping a foot into my gym.  My doctor recommends that I refrain from working out for about 8 weeks or until my body tells me it's time. I love that my arms and legs have become smaller due to my weight loss, and, for the cherry on top, my swelling has pretty much subsided this past week. Anyway, just a quick update. :)

Post-Op #3 Update

Hellooo!! Sorry this post is super late.  My doctor rescheduled my third post-op appointment for a day later and it completely threw off my week.  This appointment went pretty well.  I am now allowed to rub Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and Cocoa Butter on my tummy and incision area!! My incision is doing really well, almost completely healed and looking clean.  Although I do have a few scabs where the tape was placed during my first post-op appointment.  Under my incision my thighs and legs have become extremely pink and dry from the rubbing of my compression garment, other than that, everything is well.  My doctor did say that I had less than 100cc of liquid near my belly button and recommended that I wear my Veronique compression garment and my post-op garment over, for extra tightness and protection.  He told me to keep watch on the swelling, and if it has yet to subside by my next appointment or ranges over 100cc of fluid he will have to stick a needle to extract it. Eeek. So here I sit with my compression garments wound tightly around my rib cage and tummy areas, miserable and hardly able to breathe.  All a part of the healing process, I suppose :/  .. I PROMISE to post more pictures as soon as possible. And I will update again on Wednesday.  I was also advised to purchase the gel scar strips, as soon as I do I will post information on those as well.  I am a tiny bit swollen, but nothing extreme, and I am finally standing straight. It has been exactly three weeks.  I went shopping to purchase a shirt for Easter (for the first time since surgery), its so nice to fit into smaller clothing and know that the clothes on the mannequin will look just as amazing on me. Happy Easter and until next time!!

Jeans and Cleanliness

Well, It has been two weeks and one day since my tummy tuck and liposuction.  I have decided to post in between my normal Wednesday updates.  Yesterday for the first time in exactly two weeks I completely showered; washed the hair, shaved and all :) it felt ooohh sooo good! I also put on make-up and I got my eyebrows waxed!!! They were wayyy over due. I feel so much better about myself this week, especially since I am able to groom myself.  It's funny the way we take small things for granted; such as showering and washing our hair.  I also put on the JEANS I wore at my smallest weight of 135 at 5'11, and guess what....THEY FIT!!! Now tell me that wouldn't make your day!! I couldn't believe it. I slid them over my legs and up around my waist. This was the first time I realized I didn't have to pull them over my belly button to hide my protruding pouch that always seemed to find its way into view.  With that said, I admit, I did not button my jeans, but that is only because I am still wearing my compression garment and my incision has obviously not healed in the two weeks post-op.  But still! If the garment was absent I could zip them up!! I felt so good about myself. I won't lie, it made my day!! Also, my incision is looking AMAZING!! Some scabs came off in a few small places around the incision and to be honest, the scar is so light, my husband can't believe it! My belly button is also back in action and 100% completely healed!! How nice not to have a giant crater of a belly button sitting center of my nice flat tummy. I LOVE it.  Today I have absolutely no complaints!! I will post some pictures soon, perhaps even before my next appointment on Wednesday :) 

Ps. I forgot to add, I have been less swollen these past two days!!

Post-Op #2 Update

On Wednesday I had my second post-op appointment for my tummy tuck and liposuction surgery.  I am now 12 days post-op!!! I FINALLY got my one and only drain removed yesterday after long 11 days of worrying about it.  I was extremely paranoid it would hurt when removed and confided in quite a few Tummy Tuck Veterans, but as they said, it did not hurt!! I only felt a little jab inside my tummy. I think the anticipation and visual make it seem more scary and painful than it really is.  I also had one belly button stitch removed, and two stitches around the drain.  My doctor removed the surgical tape that was protectively covering my incision (note:see pictures below).  Unfortunately, I became allergic to the tape and it somewhat took off small pieces of my skin (this sounds worse than it felt), so in the picture that is provided, if the outlining skin of the incision appears pink or swollen, this is why.  My plastic surgeon said that I am healing beautifully, but to my dismay that I need to keep gauze on the side of my incision where my drain was located, mostly due to the fact that I can not have tape anywhere on my skin any longer.  I have noticed one significant difference between my this week and last weeks appointment; this week I am much more swollen.  This though, fortunately is normal, and will most likely become more swollen before the swelling subsides.  I am EXTREMELY happy with my Tummy Tuck and Liposuction results. I cant believe when I sit I have NO ROLLS!! Ah freedom! hehe :) I am currently wearing the compression garment that was provided by my doctor, but I was told I can now wear a new one, so tomorrow I am purchasing my new and improved compression garment from Design Veronique (note: link to the garment is provided a few posts below this one).  I have finally gotten on a regular diet, before I was eating half a can of soup and three yogurts a day (pain-pills make most foods extremely unappealing).  I am currently watching my weight and beginning my new healthy life-style. I love my results, I anticipated the swelling so to be honest, I couldn't ask for anything more.  Currently my only issue is standing.  I have become so used to hunching over that standing up straight (which is difficult with a compression garment) has become difficult, especially on my back. Also, my doctor advised that bending and lifting can cause swelling in my stomach, which would need to be removed with a needle, so I am doing everything in my power to avoid those, which in reality is extremely difficult and makes me feel helpless, thank-god for my husband.  All in all, I am having a great recovery process and can't wait to share my next Wednesday post-op appointment pictures with you :)

Both of these pictures were taken on my 11th day post-op

Just an update :)

Just a small update:  I have another post-op appointment on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m, yay I can't wait!! Hopefully that will be the day I get this obnoxious drain out of my side. Its constantly in my way and I am always worrying I am going to pull it out, paranoid a little? hehe. Also, I took my second shower yesterday. I finally got enough strength, took two pain-killers and hopped into the shower...Well, more like I sat down on the side of the tub and had my husband lather my arms and legs lol.  I still get a little faint when standing, and I am finally able to stand more than bend.  My first week I was unable to stand at all, so, leaning on my husband, I would walk bent and hunchbacked around the house, anticipating the comfort of my little couch nest.  Anyway, not only did I get a semi-shower, my husband took me to a local hair salon, and I FINALLY got my hair washed (my husband and I tried washing my hair on my 3rd day post op, and it was too uncomfortable), so I felt pretty fresh and clean yesterday :) which is a nice change.  However, I did get to see my bellybutton again yesterday and it is healing so well! Almost completely clear of blood!! And sure enough my bruises are veryyy slowly  lightening and disappearing!! I am only in pain when standing for too long, I think that is due to the compression garment, and after sleeping, probably because my body becomes too relaxed and lazy to rise in the early morning.  The WORST part about today is I am starting to itch, which is a good thing because that means my incision is healing!! yay!! The only two things I am afraid of happening at the doctors is: 1. Removal of the drain, and 2. Removal of my stitches.. I am unsure if they are the dissolvable kind or not. eek. Anyhow, there is my latest update, on Wednesday I will put up an ELEVEN DAY post-op picture for all to see :)

The Most Difficult

I believe the most difficult part about being overweight is revealing the weight in which you are, or in my case were.  I was asked on another blog what my 'before' weight was.  I never thought of posting it on this blog because I have always been extremely confidential when it came to that. Put it this way, my drivers license has a sticker over the weight portion!! But yesterday my husband made a really good point.  I took out the scale and told him how much I now weigh and he told me that it doesn't matter how much I weigh necessarily, its my measurements that are more important now, especially since I have gotten a tummy tuck and lipo suction. So, on that note, last Friday, the same day I took my BEFORE photos, I weighed approximately 206 lbs.  My doctor said that during the tummy tuck he cut off 8 to 10 lbs. In total I now weigh 12 lbs. less.  Keep in mind, I am not 5'3 either hehe. I am actually 5'11 with a medium to large build. After consulting with a doctor awhile back, my ideal weight for my height and build would be about 178 pounds.  So I am not there yet, but I promise, I'm on my way and even plan to way less than that.  :) I can't WAIT to get back to my gym to work on my new tummy :)

Note: I was going to post a picture of me in regular every day clothing to show you how well I 'hid' my stomach but I can't find any recent photos.  When one of my close friends saw my before pictures she told me she couldn't believe my tummy wasn't flat. So even though I was great at hiding it, and didn't look exactly 206 lbs. I was larger, and I am glad I have finally admitted it, so I can now move on to the new ideal me.

Pre-Op Update

Well I DID IT!! I finally got what I've wanted for a lifetime, my new FLAT tummy.  I am 5 days post-op, I am using every last ounce of energy to write on my blog today and to post my first after picture.  I went in on Saturday, April 2nd at 11:00 am for my surgery.  My amazing doctor placed pen marks all over my stomach and back area, and in no time I was waking up from what I thought was just a moment of sleep, which in reality was more like 3 hours of intense surgery.  I don't remember anything about the day of my surgery because anesthesia makes me extremely nauseous and incoherent.  The first few days post-operation I was in some pain due to the drain that the doctor placed near my right hip.  The tube comes from my hip and extends into a drain that my husband empties about every 4 hours.  I clip the drain to the sheets on my couch, where I have placed my beloved nest that will keep me comfy for the next few weeks.  Surprisingly, unlike most women, I do not have any abdominal pain whatsoever and luckily my incision area does not hurt either.  I have some back pain, probably from laying so often, and bruising around the incision and drain areas.  The drain area is what gives me the most pain, but that is quickly washed away with a pain killer and a good nap.  To be completely honest, I want to say my breast augmentation hurt more than my tummy tuck and lipo suction, the only difference is that I was at the beach three days after my boob job, its been five and here I am, sitting in the same position I was the day of surgery.  If you want to know what it feels like, the only thing I can think of is; it feels like someone is standing on your stomach in a pair of stilettos. :/  ugh.  Do I regret the surgery? NEVER it was completely absolutely worth it, 100%.

Two days ago, on Wednesday, I went in for a post-op check-up.  My doctor removed my compression garment, padding and bandages and put tape over my stitches.  I couldn't believe how tiny I looked when I saw myself in the mirror. It was life-changing.  My belly button is still a little bloody, although the doctor did not have to remove it, thank god.  And my incision area is covered in iodine stains and aging bruises.  I am letting you know this because later in the blog I plan on posting a 4-day post-op picture of my tummy.  Keep in mind, my tummy will become even smaller once the swelling subsides. 

Everyone keeps telling me how exciting it will be for me to wear a bikini.  To be absolutely honest, all I care about is slipping my long legs into a nice pair of LOW-RISE jeans and buttoning them UNDER my belly button without the smallest bit of effort.  I have NEVER worn a pair of jeans below my belly button, I have always carefully and secretively tucked my pouch and belly button away, zipped my jeans in angst and went on with my day.  This is what I look forward to the most :)

My diet consists of light fat-free yogurt, soup and sugar free Popsicles.  I refuse to eat anything else because of the medicine I am taking.  Unfortunately, I am allergic to vicodin and codeine, so my doctor gave me Oxycontin, which works well for me if I eat only these things because otherwise I vomit.  I usually REFUSE to take pain-killers, just as I had refused to take them when I got my breasts done, but to be honest, its extremely hard to maneuver and do things like go to the restroom or rise from the couch without being on the pain-killers.

Anyway, sorry this post wasn't exactly exciting, I am still on my pain killers and today was a bad day, I am extremely sore for some reason, and not in the best of moods. I will keep you updated :) I have a doctors appointment next Wednesday so I should be posting more pictures then!! :)

This is my drain, its like a little grenade my husband empties for me. yuckie!!

This is my right hip,butt area where my drain is inserted under my skin,  Usually my compression garment covers the hole and tube, but I lifted it to snap this picture.

This is my 4-day post operation picture.  I have bruising and my belly button is still bloody but otherwise its looking pretty good! Big difference from the first few pictures I submitted!

Pre-Op Pictures

These are a few BEFORE pictures of me, as I promised.  This was extremely difficult for me to post, because no one, aside from my husband has EVER seen me completely naked.  I would always be covered at the beach, atleast my tummy, and during anything else, was sure to leave my shirt ON.  I am putting up these pictures with the knowledge ANYONE can comment on them, that means both negative and positive.  But you know what, I'm okay with that.  For the first time in my life, I am posting these pictures to the world to say hey, this is me, this is reality.  So here are my pre-tummy tuck and liposuction pictures.  In less than 13 hours this me will be a memory.

For the last time

Less than 24 hours until my tummy tuck and liposuction!! Ecstatic doesn't even begin to describe the way I feel.  Tonight we are going out, and it just hit me that this will be the LAST time I will "suck it in" to fit into my jeans, the last time clothes go flying this way and that due to the fact I look "fat" in EVERYTHING.  I can't believe that in less than 24 hours I will be an IDEAL me. FINALLY!! To be honest, I have always felt extremely more self-conscious around men than around women, especially while eating.  Everywhere I went, when a man would stare, I would think in my mind, "Is he thinking I shouldn't be eating this, due to my weight and largeness?"  Getting a tummy tuck and liposuction is a HUGE step for me, it's not one step closer or on the cusp of being ideal, it IS ideal. The counters and tables are full of Vitamin E-oil, Tylenol, Cocoa butter, magazines and pillows.  The jello is setting and hardening in the fridge, the ginger ale is cooling, as I am impatiently awaiting the day to be "an ideal me."