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*Treatment results may vary
One month and swelling
So...I'm a month post op. It has gone by pretty fast. I feel good, but I do experience some tugging and tightness. I've been back to the gym for a week and a half. Started out easy - just doing the Elliptical and walking on the treadmill on 12% incline. I've also lifted light weights for upper body. I did do a Cycle class two days ago, but I took it really easy. It wasn't bad at all. My scar is low, but kind of raised in some places - I'm not too concerned since it is low and won't show. My PS took out my C-section scar during the surgery, so this scar is a bit lower than where that was placed. She also told me to wear a silicone or foam ear plug in my belly button to keep it from closing in. I just cover it with paper tape so it stays put. I have to do this 24/7 for 2 months! We went away this pat weekend to visit friends in northern VA. We went to a winery, and it was probably the most I've had to drink in a long time! Ha! And it was just a tasting! I felt pretty good, but was definitely tired that night. Now, onto the dreaded swelling....it sucks! I feel so bloated and puffy. I know it will get better - it just takes a LONG time. I still wear my CG - especially at night. I wear a Maidenform Self Expressions with boy shorts when I workout, but the shorts do ride up... I also have a brief CG that works well when I exercise. I will wear Spanx with certain outfits. I'm not ready to go without any support! Now, am I glad I did this??? Yes, I am. However, when I see myself in the mirror, I hate all the swelling - my PS warned me so I knew to expect it. I have finally posted some pics...all of you have been amazing and so helpful in this process. I know I don't post a lot, but I appreciate all of the advice, comments, etc. THANK YOU!
8 days post
Well....can't believe that I'm 8 days! I feel great, except I'm not sleeping well. I just can't get comfortable. My lower back is so sore, and is still very bruised from the lipo. I feel that I'm almost upright. I haven't had any Tylenol in 48 hours. I had an appointment today, and she removed my stitches around my BB. They are dissolvable, but they were irritating my skin, so they came out! She told me to use Aquaphor to put around the tender area. Not much to report other than that! How long do you wear your CG? 1 month? More? Less?
Oh so tight
I've been up twice so far, and I'm so hunched over. I have so much tightness - especially on the top of my CG. I do not have a binder. It almost hurts to breathe - is that normal? I feel so puffy! I've been in the recliner all day - has anyone slept flat on their back or more upright? I'm also taking pain meds every 4-5 hours. I feel a little nauseous, but that's mostly when I stand up and am walking around. My cat won't leave my side! Not much of an appetite - just saltines, chicken noodle soup, pineapple and lots of lemon water.
So, I don't have any drains - my PS uses Progressive Tension Sutures - you can Google it to learn more! You can read a little bit about it here...
Following the appropriate management of the deeper tissues of the abdomen including muscle repair, the skin redraping and tightening is accomplished by the use of PTS. These are sutures that advance and anchor the skin to the underlying tissues. This is a very simple, yet effective technique that has the advantage of:
•The distribution of pull over the entire skin surface (instead of only at the skin closure!) improving the skin redraping
•No tension on the skin closure -- resulting in less obtrusive scarring
•Direct suture of the bellybutton from the underneath surface of the flap -- enhancing the appearance of the bellybutton
•Elimination of the space under the skin flap and secure anchoring of the skin flap to the underlying tissues -- eliminates the most common complication of the procedure seroma formation (fluid collection)
•Secure anchoring of the flap permits early return to the upright posture and improves and speeds the convalescence
•No drains or pressure dressings are necessary
Maybe that's why my lower abs don't feel so tight. Thanks for all the comments and prayers! Can't believe I actually did this!
So, I don't have any drains - my PS uses Progressive Tension Sutures - you can Google it to learn more! You can read a little bit about it here...
Following the appropriate management of the deeper tissues of the abdomen including muscle repair, the skin redraping and tightening is accomplished by the use of PTS. These are sutures that advance and anchor the skin to the underlying tissues. This is a very simple, yet effective technique that has the advantage of:
•The distribution of pull over the entire skin surface (instead of only at the skin closure!) improving the skin redraping
•No tension on the skin closure -- resulting in less obtrusive scarring
•Direct suture of the bellybutton from the underneath surface of the flap -- enhancing the appearance of the bellybutton
•Elimination of the space under the skin flap and secure anchoring of the skin flap to the underlying tissues -- eliminates the most common complication of the procedure seroma formation (fluid collection)
•Secure anchoring of the flap permits early return to the upright posture and improves and speeds the convalescence
•No drains or pressure dressings are necessary
Maybe that's why my lower abs don't feel so tight. Thanks for all the comments and prayers! Can't believe I actually did this!