“14 days post op”

I'm 45, with a daughter in college. When I was in my "prime", I wore size 1 jeans! After my daughter was born, I have been fighting the effects for years! It seems my B cups just kept growing! I'm 32D according to Victoria's Secret. Im 4'11", so I think they are too big for me...And the pooch! I am ready to get rid of the saggy belly skin and stretch marks. Tomorrow is my day!

Updated on 17 Nov 2011:
This site has been the best! I have learned so much. I have been "nesting" and stocking up on all the items you ladies have recommended. I ordered Bromelain, Arnica, Palmers vitamin E oil and Arnica cream. I'ved spent a lot of time at Walmart buying other things like stool softener, MOM, wet wipes. I have my bed set up and am washing all the sheets now. I hope I have enough pillows! I have been practicing sleeping sitting up and, man, I dont' like it! I find myself half off the pillows when I wake up and the back pain...but I know what to expect from reading all your posts so I'm gonna handle it. For when I'm able to read, I have a new Kindle Fire arriving tomorrow or Saturday!!! That will keep me occupied! The only thing I am scared of is the nausea. I hope they can give me something to control it tomorrow.

Updated on 19 Nov 2011:
Had my surgery! My husband informs me it is Saturday evening. I have been sleeping so much since I woke up in the surgery center about 1:00 yesterday that I have lost track. I told the anesthesiologist that I was very prone to nausea so they made sure they did everything to prevent it. I was still feeling pretty sick but when I started dry heaving, the nurse said I would feel better if I went ahead and threw up. I told my husband not to worry about the bumps on the way home. Just get me home fast!! Once home, I have been so out of it. The pain meds help with the sleep for sure! One time when I woke up, my husband said my Kindle arrived!! Yay! Too out of it to look at it! Just been drinking protein drinks and munching on crackers so I really don't know if I'm constipated or not! Peeing is really hard. I bought a Marena garment to use and thought I would save the Spanx for later. Even with the big hole down there, I STILL peed all over myself! Being shaved must make the pee wick in different directions. I tried the dixie cup thing where you cut a hole on the bottom, but that didn't work. Next I tried using this plastic oval shaped container and it has worked perfectly! Getting up out of best is the hardest. My breasts don't hurt at all. I can kinda feel the bruising from the lipo on my hips. My TT is the worst. I'm sure there is lots more I can say, but am getting kinda nauseas from staring at the PC screen.

Updated on 20 Nov 2011:
Its day three. Been sleeping really well. I only have one drain and there is very little coming out. I hope they will remove it tomorrow. I am not excited about having a bm. I don't want to take off this garment to do it so I've been drinking protein drinks and just a few crackers with my pain medicine. This morning, my stomach felt really tight. It that normal? I am also very swollen. I can really tell in my hands. I can't even put my wedding ring back on. I'm taking Bromelain and Arnica pills, but so far can't tell a difference. It still hurts to scoot on and off the bed. My husband pulls me up by my hands and I kind of swing my legs over. Can't wait until I can do it myself.

Updated on 21 Nov 2011:
Had my first post op visit this morning. The 15 feet of ace bandage came off my breasts and was replaced with a sports bra. My doc said not to worry, that they are small B's like I wanted. They're just a little swollen right now. My stomach was really flat looking. Even though there was swelling, the pooch was gone! I still have to keep the drain in. He said if it completely stopped draining this week, I could call him and he would me at his office to take it out. Preferably not during Thanksgiving! Otherwise, I have it for another week. Been taking the Arnica and Bromelain along with motrin for pain now. Pain is not bad and is even getting better when I get in & out of bed. The lipo pain in my thighs is barely there. Of course I can feel it when I push on my legs. My back still aches, but I'm going to sleep a little flatter with my legs still raised on two pillows. I got the go ahead to take a shower so I plan on doing it today and washing my compression garment.

Updated on 22 Nov 2011:
Today I am just trying to deal with the agravation of the drain being in the way and the need to go to the bathroom! I've been taking stool softener, but nothing so far. My stomach feels hard and weird and it really hurts when I cough. The doc said my stomach muscles had an inch seperation so had to stitch it up. I'm not surprised and was expecting it. The areas where they did the lipo is hard and lumpy. The compression garment makes a deep indent in my thighs where it happens to lay. Is that normal? Should I start massaging it or something? Anyway, I guess I am more at the being "uncomfortable" stage than the pain stage. Can't wait to get rid of these drains!!! Arrgh!

Updated on 1 Dec 2011:
Got my drain removed! This was day 11. I told my ps I was so uncomfortable. I meant the drain, compression garment, hunching, sleeping upright, everything! He said he could at least remove the drain. I was still draining a bit, but he looked at my record and decided he could removed it. He also said he could always remove fluid if I had build up. Wait! A needle stuck in my stomach! Too late, it was out. Didn't hurt too much. I think my imagination made it hurt more!

This is day 14, and I can say, the drain being gone has made a difference. I was always afraid I would pull on it accidentally. Esp when I was showering or changing garments. The worst part the last few days has been the thigh lipo soreness. I just hurt to sit or get out of bed. I've been using Arnica Cream, taking Arnica supplements and Bromelain. I really don't know if they're helping, but I'm gonna keep on taking them just in case! I've been massaging the areas everytime I get a chance. I think that and very warm showers seem to help the pain.

I can stand up fairly straight, but I still look like I'm walking with bad posture. How long does it take to stand straight up? I'm afraid I'll pull stitches or mess something up. Also, when have you all started sleeping flat on the bed? I really want to sleep on my stomach. Tried it on my side last night, but it was uncomfortable and I felt like I was squishing my boobs!