angelnurse

<p>Stefanie-I exercise vicariously through you guys, since I can't right now. I guess you could call me a lurker, as I read all the posts and keep an eye on you guys. I'm feeling pretty good, but will be glad when this darn swelling goes down, as I feel like a stuffed sausage in my compression garment.</p> <p>jm-I found a liquid calcium citrate that I like that is sweetened with stevia not corn syrup. I also try to stay away from corn syrup, it's hard as it is in so many things. I used to see Stevia in a 100 pkg box, like Splenda at Wal*Mart, but the last time I was there I didn't see them, maybe they didn't sell too well. I think they were about $8 a box, not real cheap compared to the Splenda, but I'm sure you could find them at a Health Food store or Super Supplements.</p>

Dibaby-Hope you start feeling better, those head colds can be a b***h! I had one just before my PS. As for not knowing when you'll be able to get back to the gym, I know how you feel, I'm having to take off 6 weeks. I'll have to start slow and work up to where I was before the surgery. It is what it is! Good Luck!

Julie-I can't imagine how you must feel, all done except for the healing. I'm looking forward to the day that I can say the same. Also looking forward to updated pics!

Nina-As for your friends decision on the TT or LBL the surgeon can help her decide which one will give her the best results. I think it just depends on how much the buttock and outer thighs are "drooping". As for the sleeping, I'm doing okay, but I'm a "side sleeper" and it isn't comfortable to sleep on my sides yet. I've tried a few times, but am more comfortable on my back with pillows under my knees to flex my hips.

I'm having MAJOR exercise withdrawl. I miss the gym and posting with all you guys. Hope to be back by February. Hope everyone is doing well and hitting their goals. Miss you guys!:cry

Karey-The drain isn't usually painful, but every once in a while it'll get pinched or pulled and that doesn't feel good. I won't miss it when it's gone.

IMO you shouldn't have any PS for anyone but yourself. Some people just don't understand how you feel about certain body parts even if they think you look perfect just the way you are. I didn't have my LBL lift for anyone but me. I look okay clothed and foundation garments can hide a multitude of "sins", but I wanted it for me. The BL isn't a absolute, I can "tuck & roll" the girls into a bra, but I the option of looking better naked. Your VERY lucky that your boyfriend is so supportive. I have very supportive family & friends that understood why I wanted & needed the LBL for me.

enterprise-My next surgery will be a BL, but I have to wait 6 months between procedures as well as save some $. Are you pleased with the results of your brachioplasty? I have some hanging skin, but decided it's something I can live with.

According to the MSW that runs the support group that I attend, your don't change "body types". If you're an apple, when you lose weight you'll just be a smaller apple and if you're a pear, just a smaller pear. My waist measurement at my consult was 57.75 inches and at my 2-year check-up it was 34.5 inches. I just had a LBL on the 20th and am still so swollen, so I don't know what the final results will be.

Julie-I only had one drain removed as I had a little swelling above the incision around my pubic area and the Doctor was concerned that it was excess Fluid and decided to keep one drain in until Monday. He likes to be very cautious (spelling?). It burned like a hot poker when the Nurse removed the drain but only for about 20-30 seconds, at least I know what to expect on Monday. They were very pleased with the way I was healing. They won't take "after" pictures at least 3 months and maybe more like 6 months post-op. I am getting my "before" pics on Monday but don't think I'll post them until I have an "after" to compare with. I could take showers 2 days after surgery, I don't think I could wait as long as you've had to. No sutures for me just the skin glue. Enjoy your shower!

Julie-Just want to get rid of these drains, even if it hurts, I know it'll only hurt for a minute or two, at least that's what I tell my patients. It's just much harder being on this side of the process. I think I'll eventually post the pics, but will wait until I have the "afters" to compare with. I have been encouraged to have PS by yours and others threads, so I think pics are important. I've followed your "trilogy" and think-How can she go through all that surgery and I struggle with one? You must be one tough cookie! Thanks again for your encouragement, it means a lot to me.

My port flipped 6 months out, June of 2006. I had it revised 6/26/06, under general anesthesia and through my original port incision. I didn't miss any work and felt pretty good. I don't have any kids, so don't know how that will be for you. I've heard of some Doctors doing it under local anesthesia, but my Doctor opted for general. Unfortunately don't know why it happened, but he made sure to suture in very good this time in case it was his fault. I had to pay out of pocket for the surgery, $2,125 (ouch!). Luckily I had my income tax money in savings to take care of this. Good Luck!

Karey-Thanks, I hope the drain removal is a cinch! Sounds like your PS journey is going to be quite the adventure. I would like to get a BL but have to wait 6 months between procedures as well as get the $. Will you be starting a PS thread soon?

A new month and no one has started a new thread for this month, so here it is. Dec. 1st Exercise- Elliptical: 7.84 mi., 90 min. Treadmill: 2.81 mi., 30 min. Good Luck to everyone this month on reaching whatever fitness goals they have made.:biggrin1:

Karey-Thanks, it was your encouragement that got me to start this thread. I guess everyones recovery from PS is different as everyones pain tolerance as well as type of PS is different. I actually lost 1/2 a pound, so maybe the swelling is starting to subside. Looking forward to the Doctor visit tomorrow with mixed feelings, want the drains out but hope it's not too painful. I guess it'll be over with quick. You're getting a TT in March, right? Any other procedure at the same time? Happy New Year to everyone at LBTF!

Diane-I asked my Surgeon about a pain pump, but he doesn't use them. All I can say is thank goodness for the other pain meds and muscle relaxants. This too will pass. I'm just looking forward to having the drains removed on the 2nd!

As of right now I don't have the "before" pictures from my PS, but am planning on getting them. I'm not sure if I'm ready to "bare all" to everyone just yet, but have been thinking about it. I'm not sure when they'll take the "after" pictures, as I'm so swollen, but I plan on getting a copy of them also.

I'm feeling pretty good if I take my pain meds every 4 hours. I'm hoping to feel better once the swelling goes down some. It'll be nice to get rid of the drains too! I'm going to the Dentist today, because over the weekend I broke-off part of one of my molars and need to see about getting it fixed. Luckily, my Dentist, was able to squeeze me in today. Hope you have a great party, I'll be ringing in the New Year with my boys.

jm-good luck with the party and congrats on the one pound.! What are you serving or is it pot-luck?

enterprise-you might not have to get a port scar revision, they took my scar when they took off the skin in my LBL, I was looking the other day when I had my compression garment off for a dressing change around the drain tubes and noticed that it was gone. It depends where your Doctor put your port, mine was right and just a smidge higher than my belly button. Hopefully they'll remove it!

Karey-wasn't sure what forum to start a thread on. The PS one, Life near/or at goal or? I was also waiting on some pictures from my Doctor's office. The surgery went well, thanks for asking. I've been posting on the Dec exercise thread that I started, as far as my PS journey goes. Don't know if I'm brave enough to post pics of that but would love to post before/after pics in that forum. I just got the pictures from my Doctor's office in the mail today and haven't figured out how to post them yet as I need to scan them as they aren't on a media card. I'm hoping to figure it out but I'm also trying to do what the Doctor ordered and rest from this surgery.

I just had a lower body lift and they didn't touch my band. No problems with nausea, I just take my meds with a little food.

I see the Surgeon next Wed., Jan. 2nd. The output from the drains has slowed down but needs to be less than 30cc in a 24 hour period for 2 consecutive days. I also get to wear this lovely compression garment 24/7 for 6 full weeks then only during the day for 2 more weeks.

Thank you Dr. jm. I'm just not the most patient of people, dang it I want it now!

jm-I was so afraid that I had gain about 10 pounds with all the swelling from the surgery and the IV's that I didn't want to step on the scale for several weeks, but I'm glad I did. I'm hoping that I've got about 10 pounds of swelling so after that is gone I'll be at goal. I'm having 2 protein shakes a day with one "real" meal a day. I add extra protein powder to the shakes to increase the protein, I've been getting 130-150 grams of protein a day, so that may be what's making the difference. Whatever it is, I'm going to continue with it. I just wish I could start decreasing the pain meds as I still am taking them every 4 hours around the clock. I feel like such a "drug addict" but my surgeon says "Remember, I cut you in half, you're going to be sore for a while."