Second time’s a Charm...

In about 4hrs, I will be having abdominoplasty, lipo and Jderm skin tightening with Dr Paul Dillon - A do over from my first expensive lesson with mediocre results from EliteBody Sculpture Chicago. A myriad of poor results procedures including full an lipo & mini tummy tuck.
I’m getting full abdominoplasty, lipo of flanks, sacrum, & bra roll plus full back jderm skin tightening. I’m nervous and excited. Dr Dillon seems like the perfect surgeon for my needs. I really like his bedside manner, confidence in his ability, his spiritual nature and his calm presence. I will report back in a few days to a week as to my experience and developing healing & results.

Due to health concerns, Dr. Dillon decided prior to performing my procedures; the tummy tuck should be done in one session/appt and full back Li po in a second appt. was best. The first few days are haze of medications and sleeping. End of day 2 has found me battling gas pains and no remedy seems to help relieve it. I kind of feel like a sitting duck. So much to do, but not really knowing what I should do from day to day to care for myself after surgery. The nurse from the office called me the afternoon after my surgery, I missed her call and when I called back, it went to voicemail. I never received a return call. Day 2 I called the 800# to get follow up information on how to care for my drains and ask about showering; which I’m told I can do; but feel very uncomfortable trying to do with drains.
I’m a bit disappointed with the lack of immediate aftercare and concern from Dr Dillion and his staff. Generally, a personal follow up call from the surgeon concerning their patients comfort, well being and questions within the twenty-four hour period is warranted.
I have been relying a lot on YouTube videos, Google searches and experiences from the RealSelf community to compare my current stages to determine as normal.
I managed to unsnap my compression take the soiled coverings off, wipe down the itchy areas of my belly with a Gloved covered hand using a gauze sponge and witch hazel. I replaced dressing with large Poise Pads and fastened my compression garment back in place. It’s a little stingy at the drain areas when I sit or move a certain way. But other than that normal I guess. So day 3 post op finds me a little disappointed in my care team, but I’m hoping it gets better with the 1week follow-up.

Post op day 4 finds me in better spirits.. it’s amazing the difference just a day can make! I’ve been on a strict schedule for my meds and compressed to the point of uncomfortablility, lol (let’s go with it) snapped up tightly in my compression garment. I went over all my pre & post op paperwork just to be in the know of things
I’ve not had a bowel movement yet, but drinking a 5.5oz can of sweet prune juice and a can of Schweppes Ginger Ale swiftly helped get the gas moving out of my stomach so I wasn’t so miserable.
I put the my fear aside, decided to take a quick warm shower and look the handi-work that lay beneath the compression & dressings.
I stalled all morning until finally I just did it. I lay out everything I needed to get re-dressed; then positioned myself in front of my floor length mirror and took everything off! Gently... Imagine being afraid to touch or look at your own body! I was scared I was going to do something wrong. Scared to see what lies beneath.. lol.. To my great surprise right there, slowly my new tummy is taking shape before my very own eyes! There’s swelling & draining but I can see the foundation ready to take shape. My week follow up is Tues.