I lost over 100 pounds with RnY Gastric Bypass two years ago. My weight has been stable for over a year. I had an arm lift on November 29 which is healing well, though still swollen. I am worried about recovering from the TT while my arms are still swollen and uncomfortable as well. The doctor has suggested that lose my belly button as the abdomen will be much stronger. I am still deciding.
Updated on 26 Dec 2013:
I was super swollen, up 5 pounds from my weight the morning of the surgery when I left the hospital. I stayed 2 nights. I will post photos later, as I am out of town for the holidays and have been dealing with some unrelated circumstances.
The incision goes from mid hip (around the side) to mid hip, and then up the middle of my abdomen all the way to just under my bra. I elected to lose the belly button in favor of a tighter, flatter, stronger result.
My first follow up on Monday the 23rd went well. The scars are scary looking, but are healing well. I am starting to walk more upright now and will transition from wearing 2 binders to a panty girdle on Monday (the 30th). Doctor says he would like to do a revision in the future to tighten up some relaxing of the skin that will occur, as I had a great deal of skin removed. (5.5 lbs) I am weaning myself off the percoset, but it has certainly been appreciated, as the pain (especially getting out of bed) has been considerable. I have been lucky to have had help, as my SO is a nurse. I could have never done this on my own, as I needed help dressing, etc...
Updated on 27 Dec 2013:
Updated on 2 Jan 2014:
swelling is going down slowly buy surely. my incisions are healing nicely. However, on the ends at my hips, I am still getting stabbing pain whenever I try to slide tight clothing (like compression garments) on. I am getting there is an unhappy nerve there. I will ask about this when I see the doctor for follow up on Tuesday.
It feels like my ribs/organs/ muscles are always re-arranging... like things just don't seem to be in the right place.
Updated on 18 Jan 2014:
I am healing well. I cannot sleep on my stomach yet.... but who cares? My scars have nearly lost all the scabs. My hips and thighs are still swollen. Here are some pictures. :)
Updated on 22 Jan 2014:
I am down roughly 10 lbs and lots of the swelling has gone down. I am still wearing a compression garment. (I really like the ones from Leonisa) I started in a L and just received a M and put it on today... here are some pictures. My scars are healing well and my ab muscles are getting stronger everyday. I am still holding off on lifting anything heavy or doing more than minimal impact exercise. (walking, really... nowhere near ready for yoga)
Updated on 26 Jan 2014:
I have gone up a couple of pounds since my last post. I am not sure why. I am having a great deal of swelling in my arms, I suppose still an effect from the arm lift in November. I am going to see a lymphedema specialist on Tuesday. My lower body looks terrible now compared to my tighter abdomen. I think I am going to look into a lower body lift/lipo in the future.
Updated on 7 Feb 2014:
I am surprised by how swollen my hips and thighs still are. I have been getting lymphatic drainage massages for my arms and they work on my abdomen as well... which feels bizarre, as I still do not have feeling near my scars.
Updated on 9 Feb 2014:
7 and a half weeks post op. Scars looking great. I don't really notice the missing belly button. Hips still sore/swollen.
Updated on 24 Nov 2014:
Here is a current picture from my tummy tuck almost a year ago.