am a mother of 2 boys and I finally decided to take some time and put some money into me. I broke the news to my close friends and family about my decision to do a tummy tuck, some lipo on my flanks, and a breast lift without implants. I was very surprised to hear of the negative feedback from those who I thought would be supportive (with the exception of my husband - he was all for it). I think one of the biggest insult I got was, "why are you wasting all that money on yourself." I kept tunnel vision and proceeded with my plans. Worked my butt off 7 days a week for months to come up with the payment in full. Well, the deed has been done and I am ecstatic with the results.
I have a small frame, but had a pouch. Upon discharge my doctor told me that my muscles were fully separated and needed to be repaired. The surgery lasted 6.5 hours.
What has been working for me postop: the raised toilet seat purchased at the Salvation Army for $4.99; the walker purchased from Craigslist $20 are my best friends. I have been taking percocet every 4 hours for the pain and it only took the edge off. My doctor told me to take percocet and 1/2 valium and that has worked wonders - the combination lasts 6 hours. I now day 2 and am going to try taking only tylenol because the constipation is real even though I have been taking miralax & milk of magnesia. I just had to do a fleet enema which did the job. I only have before pictures and will post after later on when I get it - I go back to my doctor Tuesday for my drain to be removed.
Updated on 6 Jun 2016:
Ok, so I am four days out and am feeling great - self esteem wise. I am still in pain, but it's manageable pain. My daily routine is take my antibiotics at 7 am (then again at 7pm), empty my drain (has been a consistent 25 cc every 5-6 hours), take my vitamins and drink lots of water in between. I also clean my stitches once daily with peroxide, apply polysporin and then change gauzes before binding again.
Another thing that has worked for me is the anti-itch cream. Wearing the compression stocking are the worst (I have to wear for 5-7 days), they itch like hell. so every day, after sponge bathing, my hubby rubs it all over my legs. Another thing I find work is apples. I have one every morning because it coats my stomach for me to take my pills and works great for bowels. My constipation is now gone, because I am now solely taking tylenol. One of the things that I didn't use is the Ambien, I find that I sleep a lot without it. Below, I included some before and after pictures of my tummy, I will post breast lift once I get those from my doctor tomorrow. Great experience, no regrets.
Updated on 8 Jun 2016:
So I had my post up 2 days ago and was hoping to get my drain out-well that didn't happen because my total drainage was 75cc. I go back tomorrow for it to be removed, my total for the day has been 30cc. I pray the drain gets taken out so I can get out of this dreaded binder & into a garment. I hate my binder. It gets soooo freakin hot, it presses on the drain and it's uncomfortable. Here are pix of my BL - which I love love love...
Updated on 9 Jun 2016:
I'm so ecstatic. I had my drain taken out,which felt weird. I also had the stitches removed from breasts, and belly button. I also got my first hour of massage with electrodes. It truly made a difference, my stomach no longer felt stiff. I'm deliriously happy with the work Dr Matas did.