35 Pounds Kept off for 4 Years Was Rewarded - Omaha, NE

Four years ago I lost 35 lbs and had skin that I was not able to tone up. So I promised myself that if I kept the weight off I have the skin removed. I had a consult for an abdominoplasty and then ask if I could have the back side done as well! So Dr. Bruneteau performed a circumferential abdominoplasty. I would say the procedure had more discomfort than pain. My drain tubes took awhile to reach the required amount for removal.. The staff was very helpful when I called in with questions. I would have the procedure again in a heartbeat. I had 2.5lbs removed from the front and 5.2lbs removed from the back side. For the first time in my life I have a flat stomach!! The first three weeks after surgery I spent sitting in bed or watching TV. I would walk around the house every couple of hours.

I had one of four drain tubes start coming out on a Saturday night 4 1/2 weeks post op. We called the emergency number to see what we needed to do. Dr. Bruneteau called me back and told me to just pull it out! When we got to the office the following Tuesday, I had one drain tube that was at ready to be removed so it came out. Dr. Bruneteau said sometimes you just need to bite the bullet and pulled out another one!! That meant I could sleep on my side for the first time in five weeks!! I waited for two more weeks to get the last tube out. Sponge baths were a thing of the past then and oh boy did it feel good take a shower!!!! I started out slowly with walking and have built back up to my full routine, which includes running two miles in the pool and then taking the dog for a 2.5 mile walk. I had no complications with my procedure. The worst thing was not exercising and not being able to shower!! I dion't remember having any fears about the surgery, I was just so excited to get it done! Along with the almost 8lbs of skin removed I had some lipo on each thigh/hip. The amount taken on each side was a liter bottle. I am just waiting for the swelling to be gone before getting a new pair of jeans. Once again, I am so glad I had the surgery. I did take three weeks off work and my boss was very supportive and is still concerned that I don't lift anything that is too heavy. All the nurses, Betsy and Lindsay have been very helpful anytime I called with questions and concerns.