3 week PO - Update, new pics: TT Post Weight Loss, No Children - Colorado

I was overweight from childhood to age 18. Once I left home to attend college, I lost about 60 pounds through changing my diet and exercise.





I've kept that weight off for almost 12 years now, but the loose skin on my belly is a constant reminder.





My frown belly button and crepe-paper skin have kept me from a lot, unfortunately, and I'm finally ready to shed them.





My PS confirmed that my muscles don't need tightening, so I'm doing a skin/fat removal only - and I'd like to share that experience here.Updated on 15 Dec 2011:My doctor recommends renting a walker and an electric bed to make recovery as easy as possible.


Has anyone out there done this? It seems like most everyone gets by with a recliner, and I've got one of those!


Thank you.Updated on 18 Dec 2011:Alright, I added some before pics... whoa.





More about me. I'm about to turn 30. I'm 5'8" 150lbs. At my heaviest I was just over 200 lbs.


TT is day after tomorrow!!!





I'm off to pick up prescriptions and groceries for the week.





I thought I saw a post somewhere about all the things you should have/would love to have for TT recovery, but now I can't find it... or maybe I made it up?


Either way - if you have any must haves, please send 'em my way. Thank you!Updated on 20 Dec 2011:Alright, TODAY is the day!


Surgery is at 1130am, and I am STARVING. :)


I feel ready. I've been fueling myself with some great visualizations of how I know I will look post-surgery, and more importantly, how I know I will feel.


For example, I can't wait to return to working out and doing plyos. Jumping without my loose skin flopping around and making my pants move down. Or worse, a roll flying out! TMI, I know.


Or even the simple act of being able to lift my shirt to wipe sweat of my face, without turning to face a corner.


It's the little things...:)


Alright, I'll update more this afternoon.


Your thoughts and prayers are with me!Updated on 20 Dec 2011:Hi everyone,


I'm back at home & I feel great. I've already eaten, peed twice, talked to my mother for hours, and walked around. I'm sure some of this is do to the local anesthesia still being there?


Either way, I'll take it... knowing the next 2 days could be different (i.e. harder).





As for the surgery, here's the update:





Per my decision, my surgical team used local anesthesia and IV sedation and I as very comfortable, breathing on my own, and woke up feeling normal and not nauseous, or at least not yet...


Turns out my lower abs WERE separated by an inch or so :( , so my PS went ahead and repaired them (per my permission/our discussion prior to surgery.) I'm grateful for that.


As for the rest, sounds like they removed quite a slice of skin/fat (NY pizza sized! eww?) and are thrilled with the result. PS told my friend I was in phenomenal shape :) ! so he thinks I'll be thrilled with the result. Fingers crossed... WOO!


Another important thing I wanted to mention. I have NO DRAINS.


My PS uses the quilting stitch method to eliminate the vacuous space and, ideally, the need for drains. Also, I have really no binder on. Just gauze and a gauze wrap... so my experience seems different from the majority?


Hmm... okay that's it for now. I'm going to eat more soup, I'm STARVING still.


I hope all my fellow Tuesday TTers are doing well, my thoughts are with you.


More soon.Updated on 20 Dec 2011:* * *


Quick update before bed. Surgery was at 1pm, actually. Around about 930pm I could tell my local anesthesia wore off. Nothing too shocking, just mild pain all over by tummy more or less, like I had just had the best core workout of my life.


I took a crushed up vicodin in apple sauce and felt better in 15 mins. There is bleeding around my new belly button, but not too bad. I have a post op tomorrow, so hoping to get a glimpse then.


Should be memorable!Updated on 21 Dec 2011:* * * *





Alright. 1 day post op.


I feel great.


I've already had 2 BMs. I credit 2 cups of Smooth Move tea (Traditional Medicinal brand), dried prunes and lots of water. Oh, and a healthy appetite. :)


I also went for a nice slow walk with the dog.


My only complaint is not being able to stand up straight. I'm very tight, but it's okay.


Other than that, I feel much better than I could have hoped. I am so so grateful, there are no words.


I also had my post-of appointment today. They changed the bandages and I saw everything. Looked good to me...


Here are some pics.Updated on 21 Dec 2011:Well, by "some pics" I meant one pic. Ha!


Anyways, I should add, I didn't sleep much last night. Not for pain, but for excitement! I just sat there thinking, I can't believe it. I did it. Wow.


Might have been the steriods I'm on too, they tend to make folks wired...

* * *








Day 2. Not too much to report today. Another BM, another walk, some gift wrapping, finally some good napping! That was the best part.


I can stand up a little straighter today, but still not straight. My back muscles are super sore but the heating pad is miraculous. My tummy is very tight and I am getting some swelling on my lower right side. All to be expected.


I think that is it for now. Oh, I took a shower too, felt great.


another post op mtg tomorrow. Last one until the new year, so i'll have to make sure I ask about everything... like how come I don't need to wear a binder?

Hi again,



Day 3 PO. Feel better. Much easier to walk, although definitely not upright.

Saw my surgeon today, says everything is looking great.

I'm headed out to buy spanks or some sort of compression garment from the store.

Send your favorite brands if you have them.

The tenting from being pulled so tight (plus the swelling) has definitely given me extra inches in the waist. I'm posting a picture to show this. Can't wait to see this go down, but hey - day 3, not bad.