When Diet and Exercise Just Don't Cut It - Cary, NC

This morning is the first day I woke up feeling almost normal, with the exception of the outrageous swelling. I hope this is the start of getting back to me.

And I've hit an emotional roller coaster. I thought I was prepared for what to expect after reading so many other experiences a lot of you have shared. I was fine days after the surgery. I stayed on top of my meds so the pain was manageable. The expected itching lasted just a couple of days and I really thought I was going to have a good recovery.

Maybe it was the vicodin that was keeping me in a good mood. I stopped taking it after 6 days and switched to Tylenol. The swelling started a couple of days ago and I was not prepared for that. Basically my abdomen is fine, some swelling and not much pain at all. My thighs feel like cement bricks and they're sore walking, sitting and lying down. I'm used to working out and doing stuff for myself and now I feel so tired and helpless.

I know it'll get better but man this part of the recovery SUCKS!

Had my procedure on Friday and I promised myself I would be patient. I didn't get to see myself before the compression garment was put on, however I see some differences.

I'm very swollen and I look like I've been in a gun battle with all the liquid coming out. I'm dying to take a shower and I may do that tonight. Dr Stoeckel and his staff are top notch, you can't ask for a better team. 4800cc's were taken out, but he expected to take more, so I'm happy about that.

On a scale of 1 being no pain to 10 being the worst ever, right now I'm at about a 3. Dr Stoeckel followed up and said right now I would be going through the worst, so he was pleased that I am not in a lot of pain. The pain feels like a hard leg workout. I don't feel anything in my stomach. My only complaint about the compression garment is that it's so dirty now, however, it's not very uncomfortable.