“Breast Lift & TT Done After Gastric Bypass and Pannus Removal - Pleased But Not 100%”

After Gastric Bypass 6 years ago and Pannus removal 4 years ago, I was ready for breast lift & full tummy tuck. I was/am still overweight but realized I wasn't going to lose anymore and I am content where I am (weight 172lbs). I just wanted the excess skin removed.

I really wanted a breast reduction but the Dr said I only needed a lift. I am not pleased cuz I still think they are too big for my petite frame (5'0"). I think I will still be a D and I wanted to be a C. So I am 2 weeks post op and I don't think my nipples are symmetrical. One is up higher than the other. They are firm and my Dr did remove some of my boobs on the side and cut higher than just the anchor cut. Because of this, I did have to have drains. Those came out on my 3 day post op visit along with my On-Q pain pump that was placed in my bikini line at TT incision.

I had 8lbs of skin removed from my stomach. Since I had a vertical scar from my Gastric Bypass, my Dr cut up, down, and across....(upside down T). My belly button was repositioned where it should be as it was left on my bikini line from my panniculectomy in 2006.

I also had an incisional hernia repair during this surgery. I had a total of 8 lbs removed from my stomach. At my one week post-op visit, the Dr says he didn't get all the fat from my upper belly and wants to do a revision. I'm still fat there and still have a noticeable roll when I sit. I am grateful that my Dr took notice that I still need more surgery and not settling.

At my one week post-op visit, I also had one drain removed from my mons area and now I think the one left is becoming infected. It's a little red at the site and has some crust and pus too. Since my Dr is one hour away from me, I went into urgent care and had the nurse look at it but she didn't think it was infected since it wasn't omitting any heat and not firm. She would not remove the drain even though I asked her to and it's really not draining much anymore. Having the drain in is really slowing down my healing process as this hurts the worst. I have an appointment Monday to get it removed. I re-started anti-biotics just in case and keeping the wound clean by using a saline solution.

I am no longer taking pain meds as they made me incredibly itchy.

I am 100% better but not 100% pleased and I don't expect perfection. I just want to be able to go without a bra and not have my nipples cockeyed.

Please feel free to ask any questions. It's my first time here and first time posting.

Updated on Jul 13, 2010:
*****UPDATE***** 3 Months post op....(July 13 2010) although I had many complications, things are finally getting better. I still get lots of sharp pains under my breasts at the incision site. For a while there, I was spitting out stitches regularly. I still have trouble sleeping on my sides. I still take Vicodin on occasion. I still have some buyers remorse but that is getting better too. I would like to get my legs done now. I hope this posting has helped someone.