“Tummy Tuck 2/1/11 - New Orleans, LA ”

After a 90lb weight loss after gastric bypass 2 years ago I decided it was time to get rid of the excess skin I had in my lower abdomen.

After my surgery I experienced some pain, I did have a pain pump and kept on top of the pain meds so as to not let the pain become unbearable.

I am almost 3 weeks out and for the 1st time I am experiencing some extreme pain on the left side where the incision was closed with staples. I think it may be the start of an infection. I did call the PS office and was told to clean the area with Hibiclens and use Bacitacin ointment on the area until I can see the PS on Monday morning.

I have posted pics do know that once the swelling goes down I will be very happy with the final result.

Updated on 18 Feb 2011:


Updated on 19 Feb 2011:
Ok so I don't think I have an infection. The spot that was bothering me started to drain fluid last night. What a relief, pain is still there, but has subsided considerably. Will be seeing PS on Monday morning. Just hoping nothing serious is going on!

Updated on 21 Feb 2011:
Saw the PS today. He thinks that I am spitting a stich. Still have a great amount of swelling which may be some fluid build up. So I am continuing to up my intake of water. Going back in 1 week so we'll see.

Overall I am feeling good, but by the end of the day the swelling is worse & I feel like I've eaten a HUGE meal. Something I haven't done in a long time b/c of the gastric bypass. But this too shall pass.....just not quick enough for me LOL!!! Patience is not one of my better qualities!!!!

Updated on 22 Feb 2011:
1st day back at work today. Definitely more swollen than this morning. Side is still hurting. PS office said to to try warm compress to try to bring stich to surface. Hope it will come to the surface soon so the incision can heal.

Really glad it was a warm day here, was able to wear a really comfortable dress. Can't even think of putting on pants...unless they are PJ's or sweats LOL!!!

Updated on 1 Mar 2011:
Went back to PS yesterday & I have a stitch abscess. The stitch did not want to dissolve & did not want to come out either. Thought my recovery was seeming to go to easy LOL!!! Anyway, the PS numbed the area, cut into the incision & was able to get the stitch. Now on a round of antibiotics for 10 days & I have an open incision that is packed with gauze. Went this morning to have the gauze removed & replaced. Go again in the morning. Will post update after that appointment.

Updated on 3 Mar 2011:
Got the results back from the culture that the PS took from the stitch abscess and it was positive for strep. Already on the antibiotics, and am cleaning the incision & changing the packing daily. Hope this clears up soon.....

Also sick of the swelling at the end of the day, but I keep looking towards the final results so I will try to continue to be patient.

Going to post more current pics either this evening or tomorrow.