3 Weeks Post-Op... Happy SALAMA BOOTAY to Me!

I had my period on day 16 post op – a couple days early but almost normal cycle. Not wanting to deal with it in my CG with leg compression, I squeezed myself into my small Vedette 128 – which unhooks at the crotch. The first day was TIGHT – no kidding, but by the second day, I was able to squeeze my board in. I don’t like the compression that the Vedette 128 gives to my lower tummy area so I am thinking of wearing it only during the daytime (since it looks better under my clothes) and then the regular CG by night – I have taken it in by another 4 inches – equating to a small (?)

Swelling is negligible, I think I have lost volume in my bootay (though the measuring tape doesn’t show it) which I really don’t mind – I am wary of the shape though – I think too much is gone from the lower outsides. My waist has gone done by another inch – after I lose another inch, I think I will be good with that waist size – so will be retuning my XS vest. I wish Dr S had lipo’d more from my upper back and just by the arm pit area – I have really stubborn fat there – another reason why I don’t want my waist to be too small then have this chunk of fat poking out. Oh, and bootay has movement – flexes and jiggles slightly – its alive!

Week 3 Measurements:
Bust: 38 inches
Waist: 29 inches
Hips: 42.5 inches

My masseuse says my skin is healing really well – firming and molding back nicely. I shed a lot of dead skin over last week too – masseuse said it is a good sign of regeneration of skin tissue. Massages feel really good now – I don’t want her to stop. I feel prickly/itchy sensations occasionally – I am dreading the itchy stage that vets have talked about…

What else? I spoke with Dr S on day 14 – he answered my aftercare questions/concerns. That pocket of fluid is gone – used extra foam compression (3 layers) and it disappeared overnight! I am wearing a marble in my navel to preserve the shape. I started scar therapy. I have not yet sat nor slept on my back or sides and I still hate my compression sleeves but, I am halfway there - I can do it!!!

Well I made it home safe and sound on day 10 – flight was as good as could be expected. I presented my letter to the crew when I entered the plane, they were very cooperative and helpful – I stood or knelt the entire way home - only sat for take-off and landing.

Spent day 11 and 12 cleaning house, doing laundry, light gardening and getting back to mommy-duty and the real world.

I had the pleasure of self-removing my front drain on day 12. First I cut the stitches, felt a bit squeamish and was about to leave it for ‘tomorrow’ but realized there was no turning back as the stitches had been removed. I slowly pulled it out, all 5 – 6 inches of it – I felt a slight sting and warmth as it came out – deep breaths helped me through. It is a relief not walking around with this extra accessory.

Day 13, I took in 4 inches on my XL CG. I am guessing that makes it approximately a medium(?). It is tighter than my large. I will also take in about 3 inches of my large and then transition to my small Vedette.

I tried on clothes for back to work. My butt is too big for my pants (I am a pants girl). My size 8’s that were kinda loose pre-op, can no longer pass my hips. In a pair of size 10’s, they look like bowling balls – I do not like! So I guess it is skirts and dresses until this bootay drops(?)

2 weeks Post-Op measurements:
155lbs (I have been eating non-stop, really healthy appetite - too healthy!)
Bust: 38 inches
Waist: 31 inches
Hips: 42.5 inches
Hoping to lose a few more inches all round…but I also have to control this appetite while also feeding my recovery *sigh*.

...going to start using my board today.

All in all, I love my new shape - what a transformation! I just have a closet full of size 6 and 8 pants and I don't want to go any larger ;-(

At the airport, waiting for boarding. Had to do the body scan for security clearance...my drain showed up on the scan. so I had to cup my ball through my dress, then the agent swabbed my hands and scanned it. She asked what it was for, what kinda surgery I had....I told her back; Said she needed to have back surgery too...lol.

...Standing in a corner, waiting patiently for boarding, am in row 1 - preferred seating, will see how that goes...