38 y/o, No Kids, 4 Years Post-RNY

I got my drains out on Wednesday and was so elated to be free and unencumbered. I have maxi pads covering my drain sites but so far, no real output.

I am very swollen as can be seen in the front picture posted. Right after surgery, my incision line was straight and now it's bulging out quite a bit. My mons is very swollen as is one side of my torso where you can see one side is very curvy and the other less so. I'm in my binder 24/7 and go back for a checkup on Wednesday where he'll drain fluid if needed.

Doc is very pleased with my progress and said I can help the tape come off when it's ready. It's mostly gone though so I don't have much to do there. My belly button hasn't shed yet but it looks great to me.

I was remarking to my husband last night how terrified I was of this surgery and I still am. If someone asked me if they should do it, i would encourage them to wait until they are really sold on it and not wavering at all. I still cannot believe I did it. It still scares me to think about what I put my body through and how I took a giant leap of faith in a stranger. However, I am beyond happy and thankful for a good outcome. Sheesh.... talk about mixed feelings and emotions still. I'm sure I'll keep coming around to it.

Today marks two weeks and I'm so happy that the surgery went well and that I haven't had any complications thus far. I was very excited to have my drains removed yesterday but they postponed it since my output it still too much. I am now scheduled for tomorrow afternoon but I don't see it happening just yet which really bums me out. I have been doing zilch in an effort to minimize output and I'm starting to get a bit bummed. I am good to drive and walk but it seems that when I do, my levels go up and I have a drain output set back, even if I'm not in any pain.

I have a two hour orthodontist appt on Thursday followed by a Christmas luncheon and I would really like to go to both but am wondering where that will leave me. The thought of not being able to attend frustrates the hell out of me. I will mention this to my surgeon's office this morning when they call for my numbers.

In other news, my dermabond is starting to come loose and, last night, I saw a big piece of it hanging off my hip so I trimmed it and took a look at what was underneath. Wellllll, I was quite delighted to see a beautiful, fine line underneath which helped combat my house-bound/bed-bound feelings and woes.

So, wrap up is thus: 1) Drains are not hurting but I want them out so I can get out and about (and wear something cute and get a facial and maybe go to a store to buy a damn gift!!!) without worrying about extra output, and 2) my incision is healing well which is very exciting and all I could honestly ask for --- healthy and non-infected.

Attached is a pic of what I saw last night (the "scabs" are just glued down tape grossness) which made me so happy and sleep a breeze knowing that my body is working so well to heal.

I am going back to meditating on my healing in the hope that it will have a continuing, positive effect.

I'm 6 days post op and feeling great. Last night, I removed some pillows from my bed so I'm less upright and nearly flat. I even slept on my side (mostly comfortably) for a small stretch which was heaven. I'm still numb from my upper most thighs to just above my belly button. I have looked at everything and I'm looking good healing-wise. It took me days to sneak a peek at my belly button but it's there and I didn't pass out --- phew!

My drains are not causing me any troubles and are comfortable the way I have them draped. I am still draining like crazy so I hope for continued comfort as these suckers will be with me for at least a few more days.

Pain is good. Abs are sore but super, super manageable. I am seriously considering going back to work after two weeks instead of three but I'm not going to make that decision until I see my doc again later on this week. I also need to practice sitting upright like I would at work. Returning part-time for that week might be my best bet now that I think of it.

Right before surgery I purchased my first pair of bikini underwear. I spent a whopping $3 on them since I really had no idea if they'd fit, etc. On day 2 po, I put them on and they fit and weren't falling down which made me happy. Jury is out if that's a style that'll work for me but it sure was a good feeling. I then took them off since my drains weren't having it. Womp womp.

My paparazzo is at work so no pics today.