I'm back - 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

RememberHowToSmile · 01-10-2009, 10:28 AM

Hey ladies,
Well I am offiically back. I know I posted once and said I made it though my surgery after spending the better part of the last three weeks in bed, resting, I'm back on my feet and the internet. I'd been avoiding using my computer because when I was at my sisters it was hard to move around, it's over my 5 pound weight limit, but now that I'm back at my apartment I have a place to set up my labtop and can be online.

Good news, I feel great, a lot of the swelling is gone, the doctor says the scars look amazing and I'm healing well. I'm almost off pain pills. I love the results so far.

Bad news, I'm still swollen which sucks and means I still have one drainage tube. That means I still have not been able to take a real shower, yep 3+ weeks of sponge baths.

I'm having trouble wearing anything including my before clothing because of the binders and swelling (I'm wearing my sisters matentary pants because they have elastic waists. But at least it looks like I'm wearing real clothing). I also got some dresses to wear to work along with the pants.

Oh two more things, I haven't weighted myself since the surgery, I know they took 12 pounds but I don't want to step on the scale because of the swelling. And two, I'll post pictures once I get the tube out and get after pictures.

I want to thank everyone for their support with this. I couldn't have lost the weight or went though with the tummy tuck without you all.

Taylor86 · 01-10-2009, 10:39 AM

Oh!! Honey!! I am so extremely PROUD of you! Know that it takes in amazing amount of courage to do what you did and you have done it so wonderfully.

I am so happy you are back and healthy and doing well!!

Please, keep us updated about your recovery.

HeatherMcG · 01-10-2009, 10:47 AM

Yay! I am SO HAPPY for you! I cant wait to see your results! Good Luck!

CandyKisses0204 · 01-10-2009, 10:50 AM

Glad to see that you are home and feeling better!!!

garstar · 01-10-2009, 11:17 AM

Sounds like your recovery is going smoothly, that is just fantastic. We're all excited to see the after pictures!

RN BSN 2009 · 01-10-2009, 11:31 AM

Glad you made it through!

CakeBatter · 01-10-2009, 11:37 AM

RHTS -

BACK

I didn't know you before you went out for surgery but I am glad to know that recovery is going so well. I have been reading a lot of your posts elsewhere and you are truly an inspiration. I can't wait to see the before and after pictures of you. TT surgery is my ultimate goal "reward" (I guess) so I am just so excited for you.

QTestRDH · 01-10-2009, 05:10 PM

I'm glad your recovery is going so well!! I know I'm with everyone else I can't wait to see the pictures! You are such an inspiration and you definitely deserved this surgery!

jahjah1223 · 01-10-2009, 05:26 PM

Awww welcome back! im so happy for you!

Here we go again · 01-10-2009, 05:45 PM

Remember- I'm so glad that it went well and you're feeling so much better! I'm sure you're tired of hearing this, but I can't wait to see pictures! How long will it be before the drainage tube is removed? How long does it normally take before all of the swelling is done and you're back to normal?

shrinkingchica · 01-10-2009, 06:11 PM

So happy to see you back!!!

RememberHowToSmile · 01-10-2009, 11:04 PM

Thanks for all the wondeful comments everyone.

HWGA - In order for the tube to be removed the drainage has to be under 30 ml in 24 hours. It's all of the map right now, two days ago it was up to 70 and then yesterday down to 40. Today I think it's up again. Normally it is around 2 weeks until it is removed, it's been 3 and a half weeks. The doctor said that with the more skin they take the more swelling you will have. They ended up taking 12 pounds, mostly skin (they tried to do lipo on my stomach as part of the surgery but there wasn't any fat to take) and that is why it is taking so long. Afterwards I'm not sure I've heard up to six months before all of the swelling is gone. But she told me last week not to buy any clothing or bras yet because I'm still too swollen.

Taylor86 · 01-10-2009, 11:12 PM

Yes, 6 months is about right for swelling and it took my boobs a whole year to "settle" into their shape.

BellaHTH · 01-11-2009, 01:35 PM

That is amazing! I can't wait to see the pics when everything is "in place"

You're a true inspiration, and not about the surgery, although it is always great to hear a success story in that area. It's that you did the work and it didn't give up. yay you!

futuresurferchick · 01-11-2009, 03:21 PM

Thanks for the update Remembertosmile. I have a few questions if you don't mind... when you say "5 pound weight limit" are you saying that you are allowed to rest up to 5 lbs on you? You talk about having sponge baths etc.. how much help have you needed from others through this process/how dependent on others have you been to do basic things? What kind of activities are you able to do now? Thanks.