TheRealMeIsHere!

I actually just got a script for PT. I was totally burnt out doing the treadmill and recumbant bike, as I didn't know what else wouldn't aggravate or cause damage, since I have knee, ankle and back issues. I told her that I need to learn a new exercise routine that I can follow at home to build muscle and burn calories. Only had 2 sessions so far, but am getting alot of great ideas.

Every doctor is different. It will be a while until you can hit your daily Protein goal, consistently. It took me 18 months. During that time, my NUT told me to eat NOTHING that wasn't a high source of lean/FF protein and continue to take my Vitamins. No veggies, fruit, and of course no flour, sugar, Pasta, bread or potatoes. That first salad after 18 months was an absolute delight!!! As far as clear protein, there is a product called nectar which a lot of people like and comes in MANY flavors. There is also unjury, they make a chicken broth which is VERY good. They may also make fruity flavors, but I'm not sure of that. IMHO, I believe protein is VERY important in the first days as it is needed for healing. But again, you will probably not reach your daily goal, just do your best and don't fill any of that tiny precious space with anything but protein.

You still look like you, just a happier, healthier, more confident version! You are beautiful! Congrats on your success, keep up the great work.

@@bigbit you crack me up!

@@cutefacechubbywaist They can be found in many places. Walmart, grocery stores, GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Amazon, etc... I find the best price on EAS AdvantEdge RTD at Walmart. For Isopure Zero Carb and nectar, GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, etc... have a great selection of flavors to choose from.

They usually put a compression band on you in the OR and they will tell you how long it needs to be worn. I was told, the longer, the better. Once the drains were out, I wore my own compression garments for about 4 months, I believe. I figured this was my ONE shot, so I wanted the best possible end result.

Still mostly numb. It's weird, I get an itch, but it's numb when I go to scratch it, lol!! But I had muscle repair so maybe more nerves were damaged. It may be different for you

You really just have to try several until you find what you like. My fave (even 4 years post op) is EAS AdvanEdge RTD. As far as powder I like Quest & EAS Lean 15 Something that I wish I knew sooner is you can COOK with Protein powder!! Flourless protein pancakes, muffins, etc... Many that don't like milky shakes enjoy nectar and Isopure Zero Carb

Can't believe you pulled the drain out, yourself!! I would've been passed out flat on the floor, lol! Bet you're glad it's gone though. You look amazing, your swelling seems to be minimal. I was wearing my sister's size 4's for several months, while I am normally a size 0-2. That's how much swelling I had. (She hated it, because it made her feel like her clothes were 'fat' clothes.) But, then again, I had muscle repair at the same time plus A LOT of bruising!

Definitely looking for a clip on, I do not like anything on my wrists, lol! And one that does not require a smart phone. Possibly to link to my PC, but if it doesn't need to, that's better as internet is limited here. Do any of the devices take into account ht, wt, age, gender, etc... Do they all have reminders to move & be active? Set daily goals? I'm sure they all count steps & calories. Do they figure cals burned on a treadmill & recumbant bike based on speed, tension & incline? What about calories burned while strength training? How accurate do you all find them to be?

Ya, ewww, what's with the dark skin around the belly button?? I never saw that before! Yours looks amazing. All that research and voicing precisely what you wanted definitely paid off!

You already have her beat, lol!!

PHEW, glad you are ok!!

It's great to see and hear how well you are doing!!! The surgeon did an amazing job, it looks awesome, even at 1 day out. I looked HORRIBLE!! The bruising was terrible, surgeon didn't know why I bruised more than usual. Once it healed and all swelling was gone, I was thrilled with the end result. I'm sure you're thrilled already and it only gets better from here!

So glad your are feeling far better than you expected!!! That's how I was, too. I thought I'd be almost completely debilitated for a while. Instead, I felt like I barely missed a beat. Just had to move slower and walk like Quasimodo for a while. Hope your recovery continues well!!

sooooo excited for you!!

@@Elode Best of luck today!!

Since you can't eat/drink after midnight the night before, most people don't want to wait until later in the day to go in. If there are surgeries before you, there can be delays and you end up waiting even longer.

belly button was moved to the proper position at the same time

@@Elode I had mine done Oct 2013. And yes, they did muscle repair. I was told to NEVER do ab exercises again, I have perma-abs, lol!! I used this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007QMK2S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Or an extra firm control bodysuit. You will have swelling so the Fajae may be tight enough, once your doc ok's not needing the binder they provide. Maybe bring it to you doc to check out when you go for a post op check up.

Congrats and best of luck. When I had Panni & tt, the pain really was minimal. It was more discomfort than pain. sleeping sitting up was a challenge, but well worth it. Found a comfy position on the couch, supported by pillows. For best results, I was told to wear the binder or other compression for 6 months. Once the drains were out (even they were no where near as bad as I expected) I used a waist nipper or bodysuit type for compression. It felt better with compression on, also. Here are some before/after pics. I was told that I bruised more than usual, you may not bruise that much.

Have you seen a doctor? Only a doctor, after a thorough exam, can tell you what will work specifically for you. Everyone is different, what works for one, may be harmful to another. I had plantar fasciitis, and know how painful it can be. That was 15 years ago, with no recurrence.

Oh good!! That would've been rough, lol! What's MMO?

wow, you look terrific!! Hope it wasn't all done at once.

Please only respond with encouragement and positivity. I feel like I am isolated, alone, bored and stuck in a monotonous rut, in my life as well as my workouts and have few options to change this. The last time I posted a topic like this, someone even had the gall to say it was amusing!! NOT helpful!! Looking for mind games & tricks to help me feel more positive and keep things fun & challenging. I am working out at my maximum ability 70 minutes each morning, 7 days a week. EVERY morning, I wake, put on workout clothes, leg braces and ankle braces. Then 17.5 minutes recumbant bike, 17.5 mins treadmill at 10% incline (the highest it will go) at 3.2 mph (the fastest that I can go) Then drink my coffee while I check e-mail. Back on the treadmill for 2 more 17.5 min workouts. These small increments work well for me as I get bored easily, and start thinking of what ELSE I could be doing, lol! In warm weather only, as I have severe Raynaud's caused by ankylosing spondylosis, I enjoy walks on the back roads near my house. The rest of the day, I am either alone in the house, helping a friend for 3.5 hours a few day a week in her deli, shopping/couponing, cooking or watching TV with my sis (who would really rather just be alone) Her & I are polar opposites, she prefers to be sedentary & alone while I prefer to be busy & social. Where I live, the only social opportunities are bars I am on a waiting list for an apartment complex for disabled & elderly people. Hopefully that will provide more opportunity for socializing and staying busy. I may even be able to help people with errands, plus there will be places to walk to providing more exercise opportunities. In the meantime, I'm trying to stay motivated, challenged and not sink into a depression that I feel coming on. Watching movies on DVD's helps somewhat with exercise boredom as it eliminates my perception of time and provides distraction.