I'm having a full Body lift (belt lipectomy) - tomorrow..eek! I've lost 28kg and maintained it over 6 years and am finally takIng the last step in my weight loss journey. I'm excited and anxious but I know I have prepped all that I can... wearing the binder/compression to prep has been interesting but I believe it will help after, knowing what it may feel like. I've taken lots of advice from other real self posts like button up knighties, arnica (post op), eye mask for hospital and headphones, I also purchased a wedge pillow and a side table for next to my recliner as I have a feeling that will be my resting place of choice. I've researched this solidly for over a year and am ready to get this done, my surgeon is great and my hospital is not too far from home, I'm ready and it's time to do this. Will post an update when I can.
Updated on 4 Aug 2017:
Okay, so this has been an experience! I will start off by saying that from what I can see I love my new figure - even with the swelling and bruises - however, the tightness is something I was not prepared for! Having researched so much information on real self I was as mentally prepared as I could be, but after waking up it was a strange sensation to feel like my butt was up by my waist (technially it was).
The first few days where a little rough, the nurses were amazing and it felt great to get out of bed the next day, I ended up with 4 drains , I was sent home yesterday - day 5 - but still have 1 drain in place, which isn't causing me any pain, just annoying.
I tried sleeping in my bed and that lasted all of 1hour, my mattress was too soft and it seemed to pull on my incision, but my couch with recliner and precisely placed cushions did the trick.
I'm still walking like an old lady but am able to move around at a slow pace, the small things can tire me out but my husband has been a god send. Having friends and family there to help is a must, it's a huge surgery and don't underestimate how much this will take out of you, but the results will be worth it. I can wait to see what it's like in a few weeks....
Updated on 12 Aug 2017:
Hi all, last week was a little rough, unfortunately I ended up getting an infection that started under the glue hiding my belly button, since I had a the fleur de lys incision (vertical) I completely forgot that my belly button was there and it seems some water managed to get in, just a little tip:- using a hair dryer after the shower is the way to go.
Anyway, after a second stronger lot of antibiotics I needed to have the fluid drained, this was not a fun process as it included some local anaesthetic and a small lipo machine - not fun!
Wanted I wanted those note was that this apparently normal and "can" happen, I did all the right things, followed every hygiene out there and it was not to be avoided, all I can say is go straight to your surgeon if your worried.
On a good note I'm able to stand up for longer periods at a time and can now sit and stand without too much grief. Today is my first day with no pain Med's, and my scar is healing nicely.
Updated on 1 Sep 2017:
Well it's been a while since I've posted an update and it's been a slow recovery, unfortunately my infections have taken a bit longer to heel but I'm finally on the mend, my surgeon and his nurses have been amazing and I'm so lucky to have their support. I still have a few open wounds on my vertical incision but my surgeon prefers to keep them clean and clear and allow them to heal from the inside out.
I returned to work this week, I ended up taking another week so in total 4weeks. I was meant to be on light duties but ended up having to teach for a lovely 8 hours, I was sore by the end but am lucky that my students were very considerate and looked after me. ????
I have to say that even with a slow recovery it has still been worth it, tonight I put on my favourite skinny black pants and the difference in my bottom is amazing, I was always paranoid about the "sag" but now I look little and am so happy with the results. I know I will never look perfect in swimmers but when I wear all my other clothes that are now loose or just look so much better it makes me happy with my decision to have this done and perfect timing ready for my Bday!