The last year has been eye opening for me. I have struggled with weight loss for years between kids. I was doing it for all the wrong reasons, and just wasn’t very motivated. This last year, it’s been more about me, my husband and my kids. I’ve realized I have been wearing myself out trying to make everyone else happy. My parents, my husband’s mom, work, and other people have controlled so much. Last January we just stopped being dictated. We took control, and that’s helped to make my weight loss journey successful. So a year later, I am going to fix somethings that just didn’t weather the storm very well. My stomach has been through so much. I have actually been to two consultations. I liked both doctors a lot, but after much debate settled on Dr. Swetnam. I have my pre-op set for March 5, and the procedure set for March 14. I am a ball of emotions.
I’ve decided to go ahead and fix the ladies as well. So when the doctor was talking implants, he recommended the trans abdominal breast augmentation. Initially I was excited about this because there would be less scars. He also told me that I would have to put the implants above the muscle to avoid a snoopy effect. I was a little disappointed with this because I have read that below the muscle would be better. The doctor from my other consultation said that she would only partially be able to go under the muscle.
So now I’m trying to research the procedure, and I’m having a hard time finding anything. This site was suggested by a friend, so here I am. I decided that this would be a great way to document everything.
Going to add some not very attractive pictures.
Updated on 5 Mar 2019:
Well, I’ve made it to pre op day. I’m nervous, and didn’t sleep well. I have a thousand questions, and I hope I ask everything. I have them written down, but I tend to get caught up in the moment and don’t ask. I am excited too. It’s hard to imagine that in less than two weeks this extra skin on my stomach will my gone and my boobs will be filled back out. My amazing friend that is taking me in for a week after my surgery is going with me. So here’s to a good day!
Updated on 15 Mar 2019:
Everything seems to have gone great. Doctor said he was really happy of the results. Of course he told this to my husband. I was awake yet. Staying on top of my pain meds. Still uncomfortable, tight, and sore but it’s manageable. I drop in today to see him before I head home. I live 2 hours away, and he wanted to see me the next day before I headed home. I had 450cc put in. He liposuctioned 500ccs out, but only about 200 was fat. He cut off 2.5 pounds. My husband got to see the picture. I think he wished he hadn’t. I’m trying to drink as much fluid as possible. I’m in good spirits. Will post more after pictures when I’m up to it. Here’s my mark up picture and a picture of me about 5 hours later.
Updated on 16 Mar 2019:
Still tolerable. Keeping to the medicine schedule. I think the exparel
Is still doing it’s magic. Sleeping like a baby when needed. My back does kill me, but I can handle it. I’m happy. I can’t get my picture to rotate. I’m standing up in it.
Updated on 19 Mar 2019:
I feel like I’m done with the oxys. I still
Use a Valium when I can feel things getting tight, but they are pushed further away. I’ll update more when I can get a bit of a break. Here’s some pics.
Updated on 21 Mar 2019:
So aside from the occasional burning, everything seems to be good. I had my one week post op. He said everything looks great. Checked my drain. Said I can probably take it out on Monday. He uncovered my belly button. I think I’ll be super happy once it dries out and finishes healing. He decided I needed a band to help the ladies move down. He also showed me how to massage them. Thank goodness my friend was with me because I don’t remember half of it. He’s thrilled with the results. I told him that I’m very interested in labiaplasty. 4 kids have not done good things for down there. Something else to look forward to. I was told when I was home, no bra at all. Just the band. Curious if anyone ha been told this. Not complaining though. I hated the surgical bra. I’ll post update pictures later. Hope everyone else is doing well!
Updated on 25 Mar 2019:
So...I finally moved home from my friend’s house last Friday. She was an angel for taking care of me, and I can’t tell her enough how thankful I am that she moved me in and took care of me the first 8 days. With that said, coming home to my 4 monkeys (I mean kids) was very overwhelming. It was great to be with them, but by the end of each day this weekend I was exhausted. And I really didn’t have to do a whole lot.
I had hopes of having my drain removed, but all of a sudden yesterday I had around 50cc in the drain. I’m supposed to call this afternoon to let them know, but I don’t think they will like that. I’m ok with it. I don’t want it removed before necessary. From what I can tell, things are going as they should. I’m doing the massages the doctor told me to do, but using the word “massage” is a joke. It doesn’t feel good. My belly button is healing more everyday. I’m just ready for some more energy to return.
Also, (maybe TMI) but one bowel movement does NOT mean you are in the clear for constipation. Saturday night I was up until 3:30 in the worst kind of pain. So keep up with the Miralax or stool softener!! Hope all are healing well!!
Updated on 1 Apr 2019:
Things were going great, then on day 14 I started getting clots in my drain. Big, long clots that had to be really worked with to move through the tube. This constant working on my tube has caused a lot of irritation at the drain site, and now it looks a little infected. I am so ready to get this drain taken out. I know that taking it out before it’s ready is not a good thing...but I’m going crazy. I’m averaging around 35cc a day. My doctor wants it down to 25cc.
Other than that, everything else seems to be fine. I still get tired really fast, and that isn’t good because my girls start their softball games today. I’m ready to be at the end of this journey, but I feel like I have so far to go.
The tape and glue are still holding strong, so I guess it’ll be a while before I actually see my incision. No new pictures to post right now. Hope all is well.