Lower Body / Leg Lift in 2012

Since I have had 2 procedures I am posting on both topics. The titles are the same for both and the other blog is under Arm Lift. Also, on my arm blog I have before and some arm after pictures.
I had my lower body lift 13 days ago. Briefly, I lost a lot of weight slowly and steadily for no apparent reason other than I was getting full quickly. As a result, after a hysterectomy in 2008 which coincided with the weight loss, my skin had lost so much elasticity that I was left with hanging skin on my arms, stomach and legs. After much contemplation and soul searching I decided to go for a consultation and have the procedures.
My arms and breast look great! I am happy with my legs too. I am a little unsure about the circumference incision. I did go see my doctor today and he was very nice to explain my reservations. I seem to have a flat butt and I feel as if I have a wedgie all the time. I have to remember that I am only 13 days out of surgery though. After my torso is not so swollen is when I will know more how it will be. After our discussion today, the only way I will have a round butt is if I get a small implant. I don't think I can get fat transferring because there isn't enough fat to transfer. So...I may be looking at that procedure down the road. I didn't want to hear that answer so we'll see. You know, I felt that I asked a lot of questions but one thing I've learned is that you cannot ask about the unknown. My doctor said that he didn't know how my body would look after everything was lifted until he was into the surgery. Everything else looks great! My silhouette is beautiful, my stomach is nice and tight, my legs arent' droopy, my arms and breast are pretty. This is why I have to say that it was worth it.
I'm wearing a compression garment that is a below the breast overall down to below my knees as well as a breast garment. It's comfortable. I had 6 drains initially and had 4 removed. The remaining 2 were still draining more than my doctor wanted so I'm hoping they will come out this week! Then I will start to feel a little more normal.
For the first 3 days after surgery my husband and I slept on our sectional sofa. It's plenty big for 2 adults to sleep on and pretty comfortable. I was propped up with lots of pillows and one under my knees and I slept pretty well surprisingly. I took my pain meds around the clock for about 4 days then weaned down to 1/2 a pill around the clock and now I only take one at bedtime. Once I became more mobile, which I highly suggest to do early and as often as possible, I found I hurt less. I tried to change my positions from laying down to sitting up so I could relieve pressure at my tail bone. My circumference incision was very tight and walking upright didn't come until this week and only after I am moving around more.
One thing I found very helpful was to have a basket by me which held my pain meds, hand lotion, chap stick, remotes, nail file, cell phone...stuff that I found I was asking my husband for. In the middle of the night this came in handy!
I was instructed to have a couple of protein shakes a day prior to my surgeries. I continued to have at least one a day after as well. It really helps our bodies to recover. I use Greek yogurt and a low carb protein powder with frozen fruit.
Also very helpful to me and my family was making food for them and myself beforehand. I made a really good veggie soup and used my hand-held mixer to puree it so it was more like a broth but had all the nutrients. Then I made seasoned turkey meat that my husband could add to the broth. I didn't really have an appetite for much and the soup was good.

I am going to start walking on my treadmill tomorrow. I feel well enough after my LBL to do so. I will also start some light, LIGHT, weight lifting for my upper body/arms. I want my new arms to be nice and defined. I will not overdo it and I'm sure I'll probably know where I stand after tomorrow and will adjust accordingly. I have to remember that I've had 2 major surgeries and even though I may feel up to doing something doesn't necessarily mean I should without plenty of rest as well.

Well, today I did walk on my treadmill and did a few arm things using a 5 lb weight. OK, definitely a case of mind vs body. Mentally I was fully prepared to walk however physically I was not as ready as I thought I'd be. I am an exerciser both running and walking or gym equipment so I thought I'd just walk at a slow pace at 3.0 (20 min mile). Ha! That was too much for my body. My stomach tightened up after a couple of minutes. I took it down to 2.0 and walked for 30 minutes (1 mile). I never hurt and the tightening didn't get worse so I felt OK. It felt good to at least do something.

I still have 2 drains in place. One in particular has drained more than the other and I'm waiting until they are a combined 30cc or less. Then I can get them out! I'm so ready to not have "my little friends" as I call them.

Happy New Year!