Ready, Willing, and Able - but VERY Nervous!

I can hardly believe that this is me. Actually went in the pool - first time in years.

It has been a while since I last posted an update – just been busy and didn’t have anything SUPER interesting/exciting to report.

I am now 19 weeks post-op. I have lost a total of 11 pounds. I was 191 lbs. the morning of the surgery and I am currently at 180 lbs. I am still in a size 14 – mostly because of my large hips & a$$.
I had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Bruno on June 9th. He was pleased with my results. I mentioned to him the two things that I do not love:

1.) The lower part of my stomach is rounder than I would like.
2.) I have a small pocket of fat on each end of my incision.

Dr. Bruno was really sweet, and funny about it. He said I could do some sit-ups (gasp!) to help with my first issue!!! As for the second issue, he said it can be hard to tell how much to cut and where due to stretch marks. He said that we should wait until I reach the one year mark and if things haven’t improved and I am still unhappy with them, he will go in and lipo the three areas. I asked him how much that would costs and he said if he can do it locally in his office then he will not charge me anything – he just wants me happy! If it needs to be done in the surgery center, I will just pay what they charge him, but he will not charge me a doctor fee (have I said how much I LOVE him – seriously, he has been AMAZING)! He gave me my “before” pictures and the picture of what was removed (a request from my hubby – don’t ask), it’s crazy to look at. I have recently posted them on my treadmill as motivation to keep it moving! I got the green light for light weights and sit-ups, but he cautioned me to take it slow. He would like me to come back in 3 months to take my “after “pictures. He asked for my permission to use my “before” and “after” pictures in his book (I’m thinking he must ask all his patients). I told my hubby that is he uses my pics – he will officially be married to a model!!! :)

My incision is healing nicely; I continue to use the silicone gel. My belly button is really small, but cute; I continue to use Neosporin on it. I stopped wearing my faja daily at the 3.5 month mark, now I wear in on occasion. If I’m wearing a dress, I still put my spanx on – got to keep my legs from rubbing!!!

I can’t even tell you how liberating it is to be rid of my kangaroo pouch.
• My clothes lay nicer.
• I can do a jumping jack without it flapping up and down.
• When I lay on my side, I no longer have to worry about it flopping down onto the bed.
• My undies no longer roll down and get trapped in the flap.
• You get the picture….

All in all, I am SUPER happy with my results and soooo glad that I finally went through with it. I won’t lie, there were a few rough days, but it has all been worth it. Without sounding conceited, I now like my reflection!

Best wishes to everyone in their journey to a happier self!