I am an older gal that has tried for many years to get rid of the pooch of a tummy. I have always been taunted all my life for being very thin, never believing, that I would ever have any excess fat. I blamed the hysterectomy, my doctor said it's heredity. My wonderful husband loves me just the way I am, but I am doing this procedure for me, myself, and I. I am elated to have found this website and many TT sistas. I have learned a great deal through your preparations and experiences. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
Updated on 8 Aug 2013:
Slept most of the day when I arrived back home. Not in any pain, just had a headache that has finally gone away. I have a dining room chair by the bed to help me get in and out. Also, I have a sturdy step ladder by the toilet - that has helped getting up and down. ugggg .... I have the hiccups this morning .... need more coffee!
Updated on 9 Aug 2013:
Went to visit with my dr. she is a 1/2 hour ride away, wished I had taken a pill for nauseous. She said I was really swollen and bruised. Her assistant loosen the binder - that thing is so uncomfortable! I think it was ordered for XX Tall Men! Can only eat lightly - applesauce and soup.
Updated on 9 Aug 2013:
My back is killing me from walking humped over. The heating pad feels really good. Dr. said I could not have any protein shakes until I pass gas -- I can have a shake today! woohoo!
Updated on 10 Aug 2013:
I am feeling pretty good this morning, think I will try to get by with an extra-strength tylenol for pain. I am HUNGRY want some real food today! The dr. staff called yesterday to let me know, they are just a phone call away if I need something for the weekend.
Updated on 13 Aug 2013:
Saw the ps and received good news - removing the pain pump! The pain pump was different than what I had expected. It was like carrying around a 5# cannon ball, which had its own carrying case with a shoulder strap. The removal of the tube felt a little weird. Was told that since I had a bm, I could eat whatever I wanted. I get to take a shower the following day, and on Wednesday (week po), I can start walking upright. No longer taking any pain pills, just my antibiotic - dr. did say that any medication I had taken before the surgery, I can now get back on. The other 2 drains remain, she wants me to call into the office every morning with the amount of drainage, keeping my fingers crossed that I these come out this week.
Updated on 13 Aug 2013:
This morning I took a shower and washed my hair! Its the little things that make us happy!! I found in a drawer, Mardi Gras plastic beads to clip my drains to while showering. lol Called to give the ps my drainage count (15cc) and was told she did not want to remove them today, but maybe tomorrow if the number is low again. I though I had to keep these darn things in until Friday -- things are looking up, ladies!
Updated on 14 Aug 2013:
woohoo! I have a week under my belt! Hoping the ps will remove the drains today - she said if the number was low again. I awoke feeling tight and swollen this morning, usually that comes on in the afternoon. Just going to have to take it extra easy today. Uploading a pic of the new tummy & bb - I am very pleased. Sending out hugs to all my TT Sistas!
Updated on 15 Aug 2013:
Received a call from the ps office to come in yesterday afternoon for the removal of the drains! YEA! It was not as bad as I had anticipated, the nurse had me to take a deep breath and on the count of 3, to release the air as she pulled out the drain. Next 2 weeks will be healing until my next visit with the ps. Sending out continual healing thoughts to my TT Sistas & wishing the best to the upcoming TT's! hugs!
Updated on 21 Aug 2013:
I had a tummy tuck! I am still a little swollen and tight feeling, but improving every day. There have been a few days that I felt like someone had punched the heck out of my torso, and I am perhaps more bent over in the afternoons. The bruising around the suture is completely gone now. I can now sleep on my side and have been sleeping better. I am happy that I did this and elated with the results so far. Next week I am scheduled to have the sutures removed, fingers crossed that I can get rid of the binder, too! I cannot wait to go clothes shopping!
Updated on 30 Aug 2013:
Had the sutures removed a couple of days ago! Because I am still numb, there was no discomfort. There is still a little swelling and that should be going away in a couple more weeks. I asked how much longer I had to wear the uncomfortable cg and was told if I wanted, I could stop wearing it now. I am still on restrictions as to no lifting, pushing or pulling. I have been wearing the cg during the night when I am asleep, on the outside of my nightie. My skin is really drying out from the antibacterial soap, think I will take a shower today using my Body Works Shower gel. :)
Updated on 19 Sep 2013:
I have not been around much, because I have NOT been feeling well. Today, I saw my surgeon and she was happy with the healing and released me of all the restrictions. But, when she first walked into the room, she said, you are jaundice! She told me to go to report to the lab for blood work and she was on the phone with my primary doctor. I am to see him tomorrow. I have been having extreme itching, and problems with my stomach after I eat. The surgeon feels it may be my gall bladder acting up - I pray it is not my liver. Please keep me in your prayers.
Updated on 24 Sep 2013:
A quick update - Last Friday I was sent to the main medical campus for cat scan - all my organs looked good. Did more blood work for a gastroenterologist appointment the primary dr. had scheduled for me to see on Monday. Unfortunately, the blood work that I did on Friday, the report was not ready. But, the gastroenterologist believes I had picked up a virus in my liver from the place where I had the surgery done. I am to do more blood work next week so that a comparison can be made to see if the liver is healing itself. On a brighter note, I believe in my heart, that I am on the road to recovery, the skin does not look as yellow, but the doctor said I still have jaundice in the whites of my eyes.
Updated on 2 Oct 2013:
I wanted to post a new picture of my tummy! I just love it! I am still numb and at the end of the day, swollen. I wrap the cg around my waist, the outside of my nightie and that helps with the swelling when I get up in the morning. I have ordered silicon strips (NewGel+) for the scar that my ps had recommended. Still do not know anything regarding the medical scare, still doing blood work for my appointment with the gastro doctor on the 14th. Hugs to all my TT Sistas!
Updated on 2 Oct 2013:
Received a call from the gastroenterologist this afternoon. I do NOT have Hepatitis A, B, C, or D, what he had suspected! Nor do I have an autoimmune disease.
My liver enzymes is still high, but the liver is improving. Perhaps it was all the medication I was taking. The doctor is going to continue to monitor me - but now, I am just going to be happy about my new tummy!!! Hugs to you all & thank you for keeping me in your thoughts & prayers!