I learned about Dr Eckhaus through my husband, who was a childhood friend . Went for consultation, and was immediately put at ease. He is highly qualified and clearly not a "churn" doctor, running patients in and out as fast as possible.
After a vertical emergency c-sec many years ago, and a horizontal c-sec more recently, along with an 80 lb weight gain each pregnancy, my stomach is in rough shape. Tired of people attributing it to "fat" when the reality is it's jiggly blubbery skin that doesn't go away no matter how much weight I lose. Love my body, but tired of the tummy skin!
Updated on 2 Apr 2017:
Going in Wednesday morning, three more sleeps! Super excited, a little nervous/terrified, but all in all feeling good about this decision.
Here's a few before pictures. I don't like the bikini but it's the only one I could find with a bottom as low as I'd like. Polka dots and bows aren't typically my style! No offence to those who love them. ;)
I'm nearly at my goal weight of 150, was 152.8 this morning. Haven't seen that number for about 20 years! Been eating lots of egg whites, oatmeal, chicken, veggies, fruit, cottage cheese and berries. Easily lost this last 10 lbs once I wrapped my head around it.
I've always worn a bikini regardless, but I'm really looking forward to no longer getting the "OMG look at her stomach" looks.
I've picked up the post surgery meds, changed the sheets on our bed to an old set, got a foam wedge for sleeping, rearranged my bedside table, preparing to just sleep for 3-4 days to get through the worst of it.
Bring it on!
Updated on 4 Apr 2017:
Night before surgery. Just a little nervous, prepping food like a mad woman! Everything is ready to go, and the only thing I'm worried about is the pain meds. I don't like being doped up and not fully alert, but I also want to be comfortable. Anyway, trying to just reassure myself that everything will be fine.
Measurements:
Waist 30", Belly Button 34", Upper Hips 36"
Weight 151.6 lbs
Updated on 5 Apr 2017:
The procedure is over and I'm back home in my bed. I feel way better than I thought I would! Dr Eckhaus made me feel totally comfortable, answered my questions and assured that pain management wouldn't be an issue. The hospital staff was amazing too, the nurse caring for me was absolutely top notch.
I've eaten a couple of small meals, drank a ton of water (so dry!) and have gotten up to pee a couple of times. No assistance needed but moving very slowly.
I do expect that tomorrow and the next will be more challenging. So I'm totally prepared and organized. Really glad that I picked up a sleeping wedge. I have couple of drains that need to be emptied regularly. Only a minor nuisance Imo.
Going to take a demerol go back to sleep now. Nighty night!
Updated on 6 Apr 2017:
Everything is a little more painful today, but still not as bad as I had anticipated. I can slowly get myself in and out of bed, go to the bathroom, empty the drains, no help needed.
I slept well last night so hoping tonight will be the same. I'm sleeping on my back with a wedge and pillows, and a big couch cushion under my knees. Not much pain unless I move.
Tomorrow I see the doc, hopefully he'll take these drains out. I'm worried I'll yank them out by accident.
Updated on 7 Apr 2017:
Drains are out and Dr Eckhaus says I'm doing great! Had my first peek under the binder and my belly button looks great!
He said he took 1 litre of fat with the lipo and 1.5 lbs of skin. My stretch marks were really high so the are still up around my new belly button, I expected that though. As long as the jiggly jello is gone I'm happy.
Haven't taken a pain pill since last night. Sleeping comfortably, just moving really slowly.
Will take photos tomorrow when I can shower!
Updated on 8 Apr 2017:
Yesterday, I was surprised by a delivery of a small basket of get well treats from Dr Eckhaus' office. What a thoughtful gesture and much appreciated! Love blueberry jam... Yummy.
Slept well again, this time with no pain meds other than advil. Woke up and the first thing I noticed was that I can get out of bed way easier! Off to the bathroom for a much needed number two and a shower, no assistance needed. I feel fantastic!
So far this has been less painful, and the results better, than anticipated. Couldn't be happier today.
Updated on 11 Apr 2017:
On Sunday, day 4, I emailed Dr. Eckhaus about a red (but not painful) area on my stomach. He responded right away, and asked my to trace around it with a marker to see if it grows and asked me to come into the office Tuesday.
Today is Tuesday, day six, and I've been in to see him. The red area did not grow, and is a weird blister on one of my stretchmarks because the blood supply isn't as good as it should be. However, it will be fine once it heals and he cleaned me up and send me on my way with a new binder.
I still feel great, the only real pain is my back from walking hunched over. Only taking Advil and Tylenol. Going to try to walk straighter! Sleeping well, drinking lots of water, bowels moving, slowly, but at least they are moving.
Can't wait to get healed up!
Updated on 12 Apr 2017:
Day seven, standing and walking pretty straight... no more back pain! I've been driving since yesterday, got groceries, cooked dinner. Pretty much back to normal, although moving slower than usual.
I'm so happy with the entire process so far!
Updated on 13 Jun 2017:
So I'm almost 10 weeks out and feel completely normal. Back to all of my usual activities without a second thought. Only a tiny bit of swelling at night, but it's more of a feeling than anything that could be seen.
Wish I had done this 20 years ago, but I know everything happens in it's own time. I had an amazing doctor and was at my goal weight and fitness level when starting this, which I think made everything so much easier.
Updated on 15 Jun 2017:
One more photo, at 10 weeks.
Updated on 15 Jun 2017:
One more photo, at 10 weeks