5/15/12 Surgery - Almost 8 Weeks PO - Chattanooga, TN

Hello!

So, I am now almost three months post op. I saw my PS last about two weeks ago and we discussed a few things that need to be taken care of in a possible revision... but he said we would look into it more seriously at my next visit, which I believe is towards the end of September. I know I have a major dog-ear on my right side that will need to be fixed, but he also mentioned taking a little more out right above the pubic area.

I addressed some concerns about how the skin to the sides of my belly button are still a little lumpy (like they might have too much fat still), and he said that although he did lipo in that area, he can't get too close to the surface because of how dangerous that is but that I could get that smoother by working out... but trust me, I have been working out like a madwoman! I am in the gym 4-5 days a week, cardio and strength both! I have yet to do any ab strength work just because I'm scared and worried that it might hurt or tear something vital.

BUT I am starting to feel good about the outcome.. I still think more lipo needs to be done in certain areas, and I am a little unhappy about the roll I get when I sit down (I mean, I did pay a lot of money, right?? It should be gone... right??), so I think when we get really deeply discussing the revision, I will put those things out on the table. It is a process, I know! And I know that I wasn't exactly 120 pounds when this all began... but after losing 130 pounds, I felt like it was time to get rid of that sack of skin hanging out there.

I still haven't been able to see my before pictures that the doctor showed, but hopefully those will make me see the difference.

I swell like CRAZY right after I work out and salty foods are still a big issue, but in the mornings I feel lovely. My clothes look better, but I have not lost any dress/pants sizes. This has a lot to do with my disappointment, too, but if you see my pictures, I don't look bad -- I just don't feel much smaller.

What do you guys think? Any advice?

While my belly itself has started to lose the swelling and there isn't as much of a "ledge" where my scar is, there are still some lumpy areas on it that make me think there are fat deposits where there shouldn't be. Also, I have a crazy huge dog ear on my right side, and my hips have these little pockets of pudge that I definitely don't think should be there! In fact, I made my hubby call the doctor's office and talk to the PS's official nurse and ask what his protocol was on revisions and what my concerns were. She said I'm welcome to come in before my next appointment (my 3-month PO appt. in August) if I was unhappy, and I plan to, but I'm trying to tell myself to wait until the 10-week mark. I've seen a lot of folks have a significant change at that point... so, we'll see. I honestly think maybe he can fix it with a local anesthetic and some lipo, both of the things I'm concerned about.

I'm getting a LITTLE lazy with the scar therapy, but that's just because it takes so much time and I want to up and about always doing something. I'm putting mederma on it and it seems to be lightening, but not much! Any recommendations? Should I still be wearing any compression garments of any kind? I can wear my six 16s, but not my 14s yet. I've started to do a tiny bit of exercise, but again, I'm being lazy. I know it will make a difference if I get that habit in gear and up my water intake. It's so hot down here in the south, y'all! 108 degrees!

How's everyone else doing? Any advice? Happy healing :)

Hey ladies...

Feeling down today. I feel puffy and huge even though I have been drinking my weight in water, eating well, and exercising. I'm at 6 weeks post-op and I feel like there is SO much more lipo needed, pretty much all over. My clothes still don't really fit (pants, that is), and I'm just feeling like Debbie Downer. Part of me wants to call and yell at my PS and be like "FIX ME!" and the other part of me is saying "Sigh, just be patient!". When do you think I should tell him my concerns and express my desire for him to fix some of these issues? Should I wait until the three month mark? I hate that there is so much unknown!