spunkygirl

Healing up from FTT, MR and Hernia..May 10th Buffalo, NY

Many people tell me it looks like my belly button is a little mouth smiling...lol. I think it looks fine. It def has a scar that you can still see but it's not bad. I'll post a close up so you can see it.

Hi Mom90! I haven't gotten on this site much this summer. Just happened to hop on tonite and saw your post. I loved Dr. Giacobbe and his entire staff. They are a superb team. They explain everything in advance and answered my questions. The recovery was better than expected. I followed his instructions to a T, ate low sodium foods(which still make me swell if I eat to much salt) and drank lots of water. I love my new tummy!! Do I love my scar? Definitely not, but as scars go it really could not be any better-it is slim and symetrical. It is healing nicely and I have been using Mederma and Bio Oil religiously. I am being patient since they say you can't tell how it will look for a year or so. Is the scar worth it? In my opinion...HELL YES!! I have no skin bulge to fight with when I am wearing my favorite pants and I cannot get over how fitted shirts look!! Have you gone for the free consultation yet?

I am so sorry to hear you still have a drain!! That must be totally annoying. I am glad your drainage has decreased...I will keep my fingers crossed that it gets taken out soon!

So glad to read your feeling better emotionally! It does get tough. I am 5 weeks post op today and just last night I was pissy becauseI just want to be able to do everything 'normal'!! I still am not released to vacuum, mop, exercise, lift anything over 10 pounds-hell everything weighs over ten pounds!!!lol So after work my husband makes me sit and relax. He reminds me how important the whole recovery is. So I certainly understnad how you are feeling!! It's up/down of emotions. Funny part of the whole thing is I actually have a callous starting on my ass from sitting so much the last 5 weeks hahahaha!! That is soooo not right!! I was putting lotion on and was like, hmm what's that? So ready to be set free from sitting!! Hang in there ;) oh and btw you look grrrreat!

The first 7 days of recovery are the toughest. Take your pain meds on schedule is my biggest tip! They will help with pain obviously but you will also want to sleep. I was scared of the drains befoe surgery but they ended up not being anything other than a pain when dressing. Lots of maxi dresses!! Do nothing for 7 days except get up to pee, eat and get water. It allows your body to focus on healing. Drink lots of water it helps with swelling. Make ure to have lots of pillows for under your legs and back :)
I actually love my binder-yep I'm in the minority. I am 5 weeks post op today and I still wear it everyday and night. It makes me feel secure and helps keep the swelling down. My PS said I could move to the stage 2 garment but I am just not ready yet.
You are going to do great! Keep us posted and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.