50 Year Old. Extended Tummy Tuck with Breast Lift and Augmentation - Charlotte, NC

Here I am, 8 days post op. I never thought I'd get here. I had been wanting a tummy tuck and breast lift since losing 130 pounds 3 years ago after having gastric bypass. I hated the excess skin on my belly and my two tube socks filled with sand (breasts) that the surgery and pregnancy with my daughter created. So, after my divorce, I knew exactly what I was going to do with some of my settlement money.

I had consults with 3 different PS total and decided right away to go with the final one, Dr. Kara Criswell. She made me feel most comfortable, was easiest to talk to, and had the nicest staff. My surgery was scheduled for March 11, 2015. My pre-op was 2 weeks earlier.
The morning of surgery, we had to be at her surgery center at 6:45 am. My wonderful bf drove me and stayed by my side the entire time I was being prepped for surgery. I only threw him out when they took more of the dreaded "before" photos. After making him promise to go grab breakfast and not camp out in the waiting room all day, I was taken back around 8am. All I remember is the anesthesiologist telling me to lay my arms out straight, then I was waking up in recovery.
My first words were, my boobs hurt. And the nurse promptly gave me some pain medication. I remember being in awe that I felt no pain at all in my tummy. The nurse explained that was from the Exparel and it would be wearing off in a couple days. All I can say is that stuff is sent from the heavens and if you have the opportunity, use it. I wasn't in recovery long before my nurse Carol was helping me get dressed. After bringing my clothes in, she leaned over and whispered "did you have underwear with you?" I laughed and said, no way, I didn't wear any because I knew I wouldn't be wearing them home. She laughed and said she wanted to be sure she didn't lose them. The ride home was uneventful and painless due to the nectar of the gods. Once home, I climbed into bed all propped up and went to sleep.

I had no problem getting up every couple of hours to pee and walk a bit. I needed help getting in and out of bed. I was just in my regular bed, and that lasted 2 nights until my back started killing me and I moved to the arm chair we have here in the bedroom and an ottoman. I've been here since.
I thought I had prepared for my recovery, but after reading reviews on here, I did not go all out on supplies. I am glad I didnt. I have not needed a walker or potty seat extender. Nor a potty chair or hospital bed. Hindsight is 20/20 and I would have bought more bandages, one of those grabber arms and more reading material.
I was off pain meds after 3 days. Showered after 24 hours, pooped on day 3. I have 4 drains. I hate them. They do not hurt, just are a huge pain in the ass. Not literally. One has started coming out and no longer works. I was told to leave it be and later today is my one week post op appt. I am hoping they take it and one other out. I could get around so much easier without the constant worry I'm going to catch the drain tubes on something. Keeping my fingers crossed.

I had my 1 week post op yesterday. Everything looks good. I had the loose drain removed, I was scared but I didn't feel a thing. The nurse wanted to remove the sutures around my nipples which made me go Eeee. But she decided to wait and let Dr. Criswell take care of it on my next appt. on Tuesday. Ok by me. I feel great physically and mentally. I took my puppy, Chip for a walk around the block today. I walk like an old lady. Im so afraid of bumping or jarring or loosening my drain tubes. How does everyone do it? How do you get dressed and feel comfortable with the drains still in you? I haven't figured out yet whats right for me. The walk irritated the 2 drains in my mons area. They are oozing a bit now, but not painful. In hindsight, I probably should have worn underwear. I haven't worn any in over a week. And Im not sure how they will do over the drain tubes. Everything will be so much better without them. The tubes, not the underwear lol.

I am doubting having had my surgery. Last Friday night I discovered about an inch of my incision on my left hip had opened up. Immediately texted a pic to Dr Criswell. She said it was ok and I already had an appt with her scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. But here it is 3 days later and it doesn't look any better. I DO NOT NEED THIS to be happening. It doesn't hurt and isn't infected, just another annoyance to add to the list. I am so awkward with these damn drains. The two in the front don't even have anything come out of them. I go back to work next Monday. Mentally I am ready to go back today. But I just wouldnt be able to deal with the drains. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day and good news from my Dr.