Slow but Sure - Fort Lauderdale, FL

I am 54 years old my son is 32 I gained approximately 80 pounds during pregnancy. I also yo yo dieted for years. I always wanted to have this and finally pulled the trigger. I have always had a belly it seems like, no matter my weight. I choose my surgeon based initially on location, recommendation, and price. After my consultation I was very impressed with him and moved forward with the surgery. I am 11 days post op extended TT and lipo of my waist and flanks. I choose to have my surgery out of town near my family and thank god I did. As horrible as I felt for the first week there is no way my husband, could have given me the po care my family did. Between my sister-in-law, sister, brothers, mother, nieces and nephews I was never alone and wanted for nothing. Monday night before the surgery I did not sleep and nearly called the surgery off due to impending doom feelings I could not shake. Tuesday morning I flew out bright and early and met my sisters for breakfast followed by my pre op visit at the surgeons off. I had all my labs done at home and results sent to my surgeon. Wednesday my sister in law took me to the clinic and dropped me off. The surgery lasted around 3 hours I was in recovery around 1 1/2 hours, then home I went.

Recovering from the anesthesia was a little tough, coughing was a [RS bleep]. I was so sore and uncomfortable. No matter how prepared I thought I was, nothing could have prepared me for how uncomfortable I was. I am trying to avoid using the word pain, because I kept up with the paid meds really good for the first 5 days then went to an as needed basis. I really thought I was just going to get up after 5 or 6 days and be on my way. NOT. I had the drainage tubes in longer than I expected, minimal swelling, I just kept draining. Everyone heals differently and the drainage tubes are something you can't rush. I had originally scheduled my time for 10 days here with my family I thought that was plenty of time. I went to the dr the day before my flight and he told me he could not remove the drainage tubes as I was still draining too much. I was really upset, nothing was wrong, my body was just not ready yet. I had to change my flight and tell my husband I would be here another few days. My dr. Told me to come in Saturday morning if the drains had less than 25 cc per drain after 24 hours. They had 30 cc, so I did not go in.

I have an appointment for Monday morning (tomorrow) at 11:30. It's looking really good that they will take the drains out. I want to go home so bad, I miss my husband and my dogs. I dont regret having the surgery here, my family were so great it was like being at a spa. My BIG mistake was underestimating how long my recovery time before I could fly would be. I am vey happy with the surgery so far but I really can't tell anything yet as I am still bent over and wear my binder religiously. Please every keep your finger crossed that they remove the tubes and I can go home tomorrow