POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover REVIEWS
Almost 5 months PO
ORIGINAL POST
I booked surgery today for November 5th... Less...
MommyslittlemonsterOctober 10, 2012
WORTH IT$15,500
I booked surgery today for November 5th... Less than a month away. I'm very excited but nervous about all the particulars, especially the anesthesia and the recovery. I consulted with three different surgeons before picking my ps. I feel good about his before and afters and his twenty years in the field.
I am 31 with no kids. I had lap band surgery six years ago and have lost 115 pounds, weighing 150 now, about five or ten pounds off from my goal weight. I have a ton of excess skin and my boobs are ridiculously deflated and hanging. I am getting an extended TT and breast lift with augmentation, and I believe flank lipo, although I will know for sure at my pre-op on 10/17.
I plan to take a full week off work and then start back slowly. My mom is a nurse and will be with me for that whole week and then i will be on my own (I live alone). I have a desk job and can absolutely work half days for as long as I need to. Does this sound reasonable? I don't want to push it and not heal properly.
I'm also flying to Australia just under seven weeks after surgery. Am I freaking crazy?? I hope not!
Any thoughts or tips or anything would be very much appreciated. I plan to post pictures closer to the date because they're mortifying and frankly I don't want to look at them!
Mommyslittlemonster's provider
Replies (12)
October 11, 2012
Yay I'm excited we have the same day! My preop is the 18th.
October 11, 2012
Awesome- I'll be sure to post after my pre-op so you can maybe remember any questions you might have for yours the next day!
October 12, 2012
That is a great idea! Have you gotten all your post op stuff together yet? Anything special?
October 12, 2012
No I haven't prepared at all! I guess I don't really know how to, I was waiting on the pre-op to give me some ideas. I have some equipment at my office I could borrow like a toilet riser and shower bench- but other than that... I'm not really sure. My mom will be with me for a week and so I planned on making a bunch of food for the freezer and the like so she can have things ready for her and not just order pizza the whole time haha!
October 12, 2012
WOW! Congrats on your weight loss! That is amazing! I know how hard losing weight is. You really deserve this MM. I hope you are real happy with your results.:-)
October 15, 2012
The mom for a week is a great call. You can survive without help after that, although it would be good if a friend can be on call in case you need help. I think going back to work after 7 days is not reasonable. You are having MAJOR SURGERY. You really need to wait longer to go back to work -- even sitting, even part time. In my opinion wait 2 full weeks THEN do the part time sitting plan.
Whats the point of pushing yourself and then having a set back? At 7 days you probably wont have your drains out yet! PLAN on 14 dats off. If youre doing great, bored to death, and itching to return at Day 10 then fine. But better to come back early then to have to abruptly need more time off because you were too optimistic!!!
Besides... You DESERVE the rest time :)
October 15, 2012
I'm glad you said this! I've been thinking about this more and more too and am thinking you're totally right. I DO NOT want to overdo this. I have a big huge trip coming up at week 7 post-op and I know that overdoing it early on can extend my healing and swelling. I don't want to take my chances. Thanks!
October 15, 2012
Good. And I am sure you will be fine for your trip. I am 19 days today and I could totally take a long flight right now. Just be sure to drink a ton of water and walk the aisles frequently, just like you should do anyway :) I flew to Tonga at 6 months pregnant and was totally fine -- my doc just said lots of water and lots of pacing the aisles!
UPDATED FROM Mommyslittlemonster
21 days pre
My pre-op is in two days and I'm very excited...
MommyslittlemonsterOctober 15, 2012
My pre-op is in two days and I'm very excited about this. But I'm worried that I'm so not prepared for this surgery. I haven't bought a thing yet, like CGs or supplies of any kind... I keep telling myself that I will have a much better idea after Wednesday. My surgeon sent me a packet of things to fill out and go over before the appointment and it mentions that they will be wrapping me in a garment for my tummy. I'm wondering if I will still need to buy something for the first week or if they're providing it. Soooo many questions... I am making a list on my iPad and will be taking it with me to my appointment.
I keep wondering if I should buy a used recliner for my living room. Everyone talks about how they can't sleep in their bed, but then some can. I'm just not sure how prepared to get, how to avoid unecessary expenses and over-preparation. Thoughts??
I keep wondering if I should buy a used recliner for my living room. Everyone talks about how they can't sleep in their bed, but then some can. I'm just not sure how prepared to get, how to avoid unecessary expenses and over-preparation. Thoughts??
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM Mommyslittlemonster
19 days pre
Soooo.... I just had my pre-op appointment and I'm...
MommyslittlemonsterOctober 17, 2012
Soooo.... I just had my pre-op appointment and I'm feeling pretty good about everything. I'm still excited, still nervous, and soon will be a little more broke too :P
What I'm feeling good about:
The RN was awesome and made me feel really comfortable. She could tell I was stressing about figuring out whether or not I had a possible heart murmur (and I do but the PS isn't concerned) and she assured me all would be a-ok. She was also really realistic with me about what I was hoping to see size-wise with the BA. She is a runner, like me, and she was straight with me saying that I need to think a little more conservatively with ccs.
My PS provides all stages of compression garments because they want me to be in their preferred choice of CG. One less thing I have to buy. Woohoo!
I asked the PS how aggressive he can be on reducing my mons area (I'll post befores soon enough and then you'll get it) and he said as much as I need him to be. I told him I REALLY need him to be aggressive so all is good there.
The office staff are super friendly and are constantly reassuring me I'll do just fine and will be very happy with the results. The financial coordinator even showed me her TT scar that my PSperformed on her and it looks awesome. It was a decade ago but you can barely see anything and tummy is flat as a board.
No pain pump because I'm having exparel injections instead. One less thing to dangle off my body!
What I don't like:
My PS isn't very personable. He spent very little time with me and said hardly anything. I had read this about him, this was the only negative thing I've read.
My PS doesn't seem very willing/interested in dealing with my lap band port at all. I told him I'd really like him to move it if he thinks there's a less noticeable spot for it but I get the feeling that's not going to happen.
What I'm unsure about:
Implants! I was so sure I wanted 371cc high profile silicone but I ended up deciding on 339cc moderate profile instead. I am a B now and I've always been smallish in that way. I am not going for major mass, but I want a natural look that is right for my shape. I really really wish I could've had my mom or sister or a friend there with me. If you haven't done your pre-op yet- bring someone with you! Going solo sucks. So now I'm concerned I won't have large enough boobs and this concern seems almost ridiculous to me at the same time.
My stupid lap band port. I want it gone altogether. I'm so worried I'm going to have a bulge exposing something that I really don't feel I need at all anymore. It would be a shame to pay all this money for a flat tummy only to have a bulge sticking out above my port.
So I got my Rxs and just need to get them filled in the next couple weeks. I know I don't need CGs but I do think I'll get a funnel for peeing haha! I've read someone post that this has helped them so they don't pee all over their garment. I'm also thinking I'll hunt down a toilet riser from my office and borrow a friends recliner.
Anybody have 339cc implants? I like the moderate profile and that's as high as I could go before switching over to high profile, thanks to my awesome tuberous breasts! Can't wait to fix that life long problem!
What I'm feeling good about:
The RN was awesome and made me feel really comfortable. She could tell I was stressing about figuring out whether or not I had a possible heart murmur (and I do but the PS isn't concerned) and she assured me all would be a-ok. She was also really realistic with me about what I was hoping to see size-wise with the BA. She is a runner, like me, and she was straight with me saying that I need to think a little more conservatively with ccs.
My PS provides all stages of compression garments because they want me to be in their preferred choice of CG. One less thing I have to buy. Woohoo!
I asked the PS how aggressive he can be on reducing my mons area (I'll post befores soon enough and then you'll get it) and he said as much as I need him to be. I told him I REALLY need him to be aggressive so all is good there.
The office staff are super friendly and are constantly reassuring me I'll do just fine and will be very happy with the results. The financial coordinator even showed me her TT scar that my PSperformed on her and it looks awesome. It was a decade ago but you can barely see anything and tummy is flat as a board.
No pain pump because I'm having exparel injections instead. One less thing to dangle off my body!
What I don't like:
My PS isn't very personable. He spent very little time with me and said hardly anything. I had read this about him, this was the only negative thing I've read.
My PS doesn't seem very willing/interested in dealing with my lap band port at all. I told him I'd really like him to move it if he thinks there's a less noticeable spot for it but I get the feeling that's not going to happen.
What I'm unsure about:
Implants! I was so sure I wanted 371cc high profile silicone but I ended up deciding on 339cc moderate profile instead. I am a B now and I've always been smallish in that way. I am not going for major mass, but I want a natural look that is right for my shape. I really really wish I could've had my mom or sister or a friend there with me. If you haven't done your pre-op yet- bring someone with you! Going solo sucks. So now I'm concerned I won't have large enough boobs and this concern seems almost ridiculous to me at the same time.
My stupid lap band port. I want it gone altogether. I'm so worried I'm going to have a bulge exposing something that I really don't feel I need at all anymore. It would be a shame to pay all this money for a flat tummy only to have a bulge sticking out above my port.
So I got my Rxs and just need to get them filled in the next couple weeks. I know I don't need CGs but I do think I'll get a funnel for peeing haha! I've read someone post that this has helped them so they don't pee all over their garment. I'm also thinking I'll hunt down a toilet riser from my office and borrow a friends recliner.
Anybody have 339cc implants? I like the moderate profile and that's as high as I could go before switching over to high profile, thanks to my awesome tuberous breasts! Can't wait to fix that life long problem!
Replies (14)
October 17, 2012
Today is your pre-op! I hope you get all of your questions answered. As far as a recliner, I'm in the same boat. What I'm getting from all I am reading is, is your bed high or low. If your bed is low and easy to get into, the recliner may not be necessary. Remember that either way, you will still need lots of pillows.
October 17, 2012
My bed is high. My biggest concern is that when I sleep on my back I have episodes of apnea. I'd be better off as propped up as possible if I can't sleep on my sides so I think I may borrow a recliner from a friend.
I'm excited about the pre-op today! I will post after!
October 18, 2012
Hi MLM, it sounds like your preop went great, but it seems like your PS ignored your concerns about your lap band port. Remember you are paying for this and "hiring him" to do this. He works for YOU!!! If it's a big concern for you, you need to call them back and voice this concern. You don't have to speak to him, but the nurse or coordinator need to get the message and answer from him for you. Either they need to do what you want, or give a good reason why the doctor feels this is not necessary or possible. Of course he is the doctor and knows best, but you are the patient and need to feel satisfied with his answer. People seem to forget or get intimidated by their doctors and tend to forget that they work for us, not the other way around. Other than that, his bedside manner aren't really that important if he is good at what he does. But you still need to voice your concerns even if it's through his staff. About the breast size, there is another forum I frequent that is very good when you are trying to figure out breast implants. Everyone there is very friendly too. I hope this helps: http://www.justbreastimplants.com/forum/
October 18, 2012
I agree with everything you've said. I feel like maybe I should've taken more care to find a surgeon that does a lot of procedures after major weight loss. I know my PS has that experience but he clearly doesn't specialize in it. I know he can relocate my port some place more hidden if needed- I know he can because the port is just sutured into my fascia and they will be right there anyway. I have plenty of extra tubing to move around so he could put the damn thing on my back if he wanted! (ok that won't happen but you get the idea!) I've heard some surgeons will lipo the area a little more to create a divit so the port will rest inside of it like a nest. There are things that can be done. I'm waiting on some info from the surgeon who put the band in. When I get that I will email my PS office and hopefully they will set my mind at ease that they will do everything they possibly can to make sure I don't have a mass sticking out of my stomach when all is said and done!
Thanks for the website info- I will check that out today!
October 18, 2012
Oh and btw.... That forum also has a lot of women who run and can give you good advice on size and running. They have a separate forum that we lovingly call Fitness Freaks (I'm not a runner, but am a fitness freak): http://www.justbreastimplants.com/forum/fitness-exercise/
October 18, 2012
Huge props to you for losing so much weight! I have a friend who got the same lap band and lost almost no weight, even changing her lifestyle to include exercise...it's still difficult to lose weight, and your success is a testament to your hard work. My own MM is the day after yours, so I'll be looking forward to sharing this journey with you!
October 18, 2012
Thanks TPO! I've worked my arse off for this and I still can't believe I'm finally having this procedure. It's so nice to find people who will be going through this with me and those that are in the recovery already. This is probably more helpful than anything I could learn at my ps office!
October 23, 2012
HI MLM! I had to close my other profile down, it was MakeMeOver36. How are you? I am ready! I just have to get my prescriptions filled and a button down blouse! Can you believe we have only 2 weeks left??
October 23, 2012
Sorry somehow the comment above still posted from the old profile! I am no longer using that one! Blah.
October 23, 2012
OMG it did it again!!! GRRR realself lol. I am clearly stalking your page :-)
October 23, 2012
hahaha! I was thinking ummm, are you sure you changed your profile?? :p I'm doing ok. I am stressing about a possible hiatal hernia presently- yay! I am so worried they won't be able to do surgery if I have one. I know it's related to my lap band, and I should know exactly what's going on this Thursday. I haven't gotten my Rx filled yet and I still need to get a button-down too. My PS says to show up to surgery in a zip up jacket of some kind for IV purposes. So I'm thinking about getting some thin zip up sweatshirts and mostly wearing those after. It's cold here so I think that would be comfortable.
I need to start planning how to keep my mom fed for the week she's up here to take care of me. I think maybe making a bunch of vitamix soups and freezing them? I don't want her to starve! Or me for that matter!
October 23, 2012
Oh no! A hernia? I know from this site that there are some women who have the TT and hernia done at the same time. Maybe if you do have one it can be done at the same time? I haven't gotten any of my meds filled yet either. I am scuffing my feet doing that. I just hate having to go to the pharmacy and waiting! My PS didn't say anything about Arnica or Bromelain so I am going to shoot them over an email about those 2. I did find a soft zip up sweatshirt from Target that has pockets on the inside that are perfect for hiding the drains in! Can't remember how much it cost, but I know no more than $13. It is not thick, but I'm in San Diego and it's not really cold here yet. We start bundling up when it hits 69! lol.
October 23, 2012
I'm jealous! I was meant to live in a sunny climate, not sure what happened!
Yea the hernias that are repaired with TT are umbilical or similar but the ps will only go to the fascia, not under. My hernia would be in my stomach so I would have to find a surgeon that would repair that at the same time as my plastic surgery. Hoping my lap band just needs to be emptied and the problem will fix itself. I will find out soon enough!
That sweatshirt sounds awesome! I will have to check it out. I'm hitting up marshall's too. Time to buy some comfy lounge stuff I think.
Thanks for starting your story! I'd go for two weeks off at minimum. That seems to be the concensus of most of the ladies on the site. Please let us know how your pre-op appointment goes. (Oh, and congrats on that weight loss! You rock!)