Full TT with MR & Lipo of Flanks, Hips, and Thighs

I returned to work last week (3 weeks post) and it went ok. I've been really tired by the end of the day. Taking my multivitamin definitely helps. My belly button is finally starting to calm down and redness is fading. Haven't been able to use the marble yet, but maybe this week. Still so glad I had this done!!!

I'm wearing stage 2 garment now. I ordered a size smaller than my stage 1 because I've lost 10 lbs. since the surgery. Current weight is 156. It fits fine. I got the one with longer legs (mid calf) to reduce swelling around my knees. So far, so good. Bruising is almost completely gone. Still get very swollen when not wearing the CG....especially right above the incision line.

I had to buy new pants for work this weekend because I have dropped a full pants size! After trying all of my previous ones on, I realized all of the waist bands were just too big! A good problem to have I guess. :-)

My only concern at this time is my left inner thigh. It looks a little "stretched out" and wavy compared to my right. My outer thighs are a little wavy too where lipo was done, but not as much, despite massaging these areas daily as instructed. I also have what I think are dog ears on both hips. When I'm not as swollen, I still see them. I'll discuss both of these with my doc next visit since I'll be 2 mos post op by then. If I need a follow up procedure, I could still have it done before summer.

Hoping to start working out a little this week....lightly of course. Walking has been great, but I'm feeling jiggly in areas that I'd worked so hard to firm up. Don't want to lose it!

Updated pics show my BB, incision at this time (using silicone strip to flatten), and thighs. Still pleased with overall results, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to need some touch ups to smooth things out.

And WOW! It is truly amazing how this procedure has changed my figure, my thinking, and how I shop! What a blessing this has become. I no longer have to be restricted only to undies that are "full cut brief," or worse yet "control top panties," or to shirts that are loose fitting. I am no longer confined to certain stores or to certain sections of stores.

I went into Victoria's Secret today with some confidence. I've never been able to shop in that store before simply because of my shape. Choosing undergarments there would have been a joke before. Today was different. Although I didn't actually buy anything yet, I loved the freedom I felt while browsing. I got that same feeling when browsing some of the early swimsuit arrivals (yes, swimsuit arrivals - even though it is Jan 2nd!). Although I really had no idea what size to buy in either of these, let me just say - I am SO glad I did this!!! If you are on the fence about having this procedure, please know that the "flat side" isn't perfect....you will have a large scar, you may have some complications, and your results may not be ideal, BUT it sure can open the door to opportunities you may not have otherwise. Happy healing everyone! :-)

I had my 2 week post op appt this week. Things are going well, with the exception of my "angry" belly button (lol! That's what his nurse called it - she cracks me up!) :-) Dr. Fata told me that it is taking longer than the rest of me to heal for some reason and that I should give it another 1-2 weeks before I start the marble technique for shaping it. His nurse sent a marble home with me and recommended that I use the paper tape to hold it in place so as not to aggravate the area further.

They also told me to massage/roller the lumpiness that I see in the areas that were lipo'd. So this week I started using a massage roller (from B&B) when I apply the Arnica gel to my inner/outer thighs. My thighs are still sore and so this is a bit uncomfortable, but if it helps smooth things out, I'm all for it! :-)

As for the indentions near my hips, I still need to give it more time, per Dr. He described my TT procedure as bringing 2 "uneven" pieces (upper & lower abdominal skin) together and stitching them. My scar is hip to hip, plus about an inch beyond on each side. The compression garment will continue to shape everything as it heals, but it may never be perfectly smooth.

I still get very swollen in the lower tummy/groin and knee areas if I'm on feet for very long (ie. after shopping, etc.). I'm still wearing my stage 1 garment to help control this...which it does help. I'm anxious to get my stage 2 garment this week because I ordered the one with longer legs to help minimize the swelling around my knees (lipo area).

Things in the BM category are 90% normal again - thank The Lord! :-) At times, I didn't think it would get better. Almost went to the ER on Christmas Eve b/c I was in so much pain again. Miserable!!! I will NEVER take Percocet again. Simply not worth it to me. I'll stick with Vicodin or Rx strength Tylenol? I did switch stool softeners (to Colace) last week and stopped taking pain killers completely. I continue to drink lots of water and resumed my fiber cereal each morning. It all seems to be working!

Although I can't officially work out again until 6 weeks post op, I walked on my elliptical today and started doing some arm exercises. Since I haven't worked out in about 3 weeks now, I'm feeling flabby. :-/ Still taking it easy, but trying to do something that will keep the flab at bay. I felt great afterward, less sore than I thought.

After reading countless reviews & posts online, I also ordered silicone strips this week to use on my scar as soon as I get the green light. I bought Bio Oil too to use on the remaining stretch mark "tops" that were left right above my incision. The nurse had mentioned Mederma and Kelo-Cote for my scar, but I read too many negative reviews online (different sources) to buy either of them. I really want my scar to flatten out too, which is also why I chose the silicone strips. They are made for longer TT scars and are reusable for 3 months. We'll see how they work...

I've posted some updated pics. I'm swollen in these b/c I had the garment off for the afternoon to wash it. It's really hard to take pics of yourself from different angles! Lol! I did the best I could. :-)