TexasBecky

Welcome back Karey. I'm glad you had a good time in Montreal and got to enjoy seeing your son perform. I'm planning a trip to Canada in August. That's the perfect time of year to get out of Texas and head north. I know you will do great with the last 20 pounds. You seem to be so focused and goal oriented that I'm sure you'll have great success. I understand what you mean about dealing with the family on future plastics. I almost didn't tell my sons at all because I didn't want to worry them and I didn't want their opinion, but everyone who knew I was having the surgery encouraged me to tell the kids since they are both adults. I ultimately did tell them, but I haven't mentioned a word about a second surgery and I already dread having to have that conversation. They will think it is absurd. I have already made up my mind though. I will be having a breast lift and brachioplasty; I'm just not sure when. Karey, the ice has helped with my abdominal swelling. My doctor never mentioned it, but as soon as I read that it helped you, I started applying a cold pack several times a day and today I was able to get my size 10 jeans buttoned and zipped. They are still snug, but I'm making progress. Hope to take some pictures soon. Frangi, I hope your trip home is completely uneventful. Flying these days is enough of a drag without having to deal with delays, etc., not to mention that you are still recovering from major surgery! We'll be anxious to hear that you are safely back at home. Steph, I hope you're feeling better today. If you haven't tried the ice, I highly recommend it. NewSo, thanks for the VS coupon link. I'll have to check that out. I haven't stepped foot in a VS in years!

Hey Steph, I wish I had something brilliant to offer. Unfortunately I think time is your best friend. My thighs (mostly just the incisions now) are still by far the worst source of pain and discomfort, but at almost two weeks out, I'd say they have improved significantly. My thighs have not been as swollen as my torso. I have no idea why that is but am thankful because by this time of day my stomach really does feel like it could pop. Actually, my thighs never were too swollen after the first few days. I stopped the prescription pain meds pretty quickly too, but did go back to them at night a couple of times. I'd say that if the RX pain pills make you feel better, then don't hesitate to take them. My doctor had expected me to take them for a couple of weeks and was surprised that I'd stopped them so soon. Have you tried a cold pack? I recently started that on my abdominal area and it seems to help some. Definately keep your legs elevated as much as you can. I really do sympathize for whatever that is worth. I hope you feel better soon. Becky

I think it is possible that you will not need plastic surgery. So much depends on your age, history of gaining and losing, how long you've been obese, etc. Everyone is different. I've seen posts from others who have gotten to goal and been satisfied with their bodies. I also must add, do not let fear of sagging skin interfere with your weight loss efforts. You will be thrilled when you get to goal regardless of your skin issues. Good luck with your journey. Becky

Hi! Tomorrow is two weeks since surgery and I'm feeling pretty darn good. I think I could return to work if I had to, but I'd be wearing a potato sack I guess, thanks to the ongoing swelling. Other than that, I'm coping just fine with the other, now minor, aches and pains. Jody, you crack me up. I'm sure Victoria Secret is looking for somebody just like me to model their stuff. I do already have wings, just not the angel kind - more like the bat kind. I may be even more excited than I am now, when I get my arms and breast fixed. Frangi, I hate that your drain is still flowing, but I think maybe the longer it does the less swelling you'll have to cope with. My swelling got much worse after all my drains came out. When the body has to start reabsorbing that Fluid, swelling naturally results. If it does save you from swelling you'll be glad you had it for a few extra days. I know you must be anxious to go home for a while. When will you have to come back for a follow up? NewSho, thanks for your post. Like Frangi, you have had a very interesting experience. I'm glad it turned out well for you too. Hope everyone has a beautiful summer day to enjoy. Becky

Ok Clay, maybe I should clarify. I voted that I'd lost 100 pounds and needed plastic surgery. However, I truly did not have medical issues that required PS, so I guess I really didn't "need" it. If I were you, I'd post a question on the "ask Dr. Schulman" thread, describing your specific situation, where you carry most of your weight, age, years of obesity, etc. He has lots of experience with weight loss patients and probably can pretty well predict what your situation will be. Whatever the case, don't let fears about excess skin derail your weight loss efforts. Regardless of what shape you're in after you lose the weight I'm certain you will be healthier and happier. Again, best of luck to you.

Wow Steph! Your recovery is going remarkably well. I can't believe you are going to work on Monday. You sound like Frangi. Possibly you both may be from another planet! It is wonderful that things are working out as you'd planned. Continue to rest as much as you can and enjoy the little bit more time you have around the house. You made some excellent points for those who go next. I'd also add that I found a shower bench to be a great extra to have post-op. I already had a nice little teak number, but I think you can rent a plastic model for a few dollars. Amen on the sexual activity. Seems like they wouldn't need to even put that in the pamphlet, but there probably is somebody out there (who is on drugs for sure) and would think it sounded like a good idea. Ouch, especially if you've had your thighs done! Continued good healing, Becky

Ok ya'll, panty shopping is a whole new experience. So many choices that I could never have considered before. I was thoroughly overwhelmed with the options and uncertain about what would cover the scars, but I did manage to pick out five new pairs and they all work beautifully. Panties just may become a new shopping obsession for me. This little shopping trip definately lifted my spirits. Frangi, I bet you had the same fun with bra shopping. BTW, you didn't tell us what the doc said about sleeping in a bra. How much longer? I called about the lymhatic massages. They are $180 each at my doctor's office and they didn't have an opening until the first week of July. I need to do a little more research because my doctor's office is about a 45 minute drive for me and apparently they need to be scheduled in a series of six to 10. Karey, did you get yours at your doc's office and were they that expensive?

Thanks Karey, I'm going to look into a massage today. I'm feeling a little better every day. Mornings are better because I have less swelling. As the day goes on I just get more blown up and by the evening I feel like you could stick a pin in me and I'd pop. Cheers for the cute new tight tee, Frangi. What fun to go home with a new look that hubby hasn't been able to see yet! You better be careful. There are post-op rules and restrictions! I know I'd be feeling better if I could get into some new clothes. I'm waiting anxiously for the tucked in shirt! I expected by now to be strutting around with my flat stomach. It is pretty flat in spite of the swelling, but my pants are still too tight, so I continue to be limited to a rather sloppy "workout" look. I am going to buy some new undies today, just to make me feel better. Have a great day. Becky

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery and the beginning of an amazing transformation. I hope you will find the lapband to be as wonderful as I have. I just completed my first round of plastic surgery and my advice is to start saving your money. I think most of us who lose over 100 pounds want/need some work done. Best of luck to you. Becky

Steph, so glad you're on the road to recovery. What a nice treat that your sister got to be there. I know that must have helped a lot. Keep taking good care of yourself and let us know how things are going. Becky

Frangi, well I'm with you, two drains out would have been better, but one is sure an improvement. I think you can stand two or three more days with the lone drain and then you're going to feel like a new woman! Only one of my drains was painful when removed, because it was extra long apparently, and yes it was a doozy. I remember JulieNYC (one tough plastic surgery veteran for sure) reporting that she actually fainted when one of her drains was pulled out. Yikes on the bowel cleanse. Glad I didn't have to do that! I'm glad you have a really good, sensible PS or you would probably be having your second surgery next week, you crazy girl! Good that you are actually enjoying a little R & R. I really don't think there is any chance that you, of all people, are going to become a lazy slug.

No advice to offer, but wishing you great results and a speedy recovery.

Nothing new for me to report today. Still swollen, sore, and achy, but trying to get on with things. Karey, do the lymphatic massages help with the swelling? I wonder if putting ice on my tummy would help? I wish I'd asked the doctor these things, but don't think they warrant a phone call. Salsa, I too am very limited on clothing options now because I gave away almost all of my larger things. Hang on to a couple of those Bozo outfits just in case you need them during recovery. Frangi, can't wait to hear about your doctor visit. I hope you are drainless!

Karey, thank you so much. I have been totaly freaked out. I just assumed that my clothes would be immediately looser, not tighter. My logical mind knows that it has to be swelling, but emotionally it has been very upsetting. Getting into size 10s was a major milestone for me and I felt like I'd exceeded my wildest weight loss dreams. Having that suddenly yanked away just put me into shock. I have no idea where my port is. It was sticking out like a sore thumb before the surgery. My ps moved it and I haven't even thought to ask where it is now. I've felt around, but there is no sign of it. I will try to exercise a little patience and I know I'll be thrilled when the swelling subsides. Jody, I never did tell my parents. I've managed to skate around the truth. They believe that my sister and I went out of town for a few days, which was true, because my surgery was in Dallas and I actually live in the suburbs. Now they just think that I've been under the weather for a few days. I may come clean, but I'm not sure there really is any reason now. Good thing I did tell the boys, since one of them decided to come home this weekend and mom is obviously not her normal spunky self. Cori, thanks again for checking in and being so sweet. My second surgery will include a breast lift and my arms. Then I'll be done. Lord, knows I could stand to have all kinds of stuff done, and when you spend much time around a plastic surgeon's office there are temptations. They can do some amazing things these days. I'm really just interested in correcting the damage from years of obesity and losing and gaining, losing and gaining. The rest is a natural part of aging in my mind and something that I want to learn to do gracefully.

Thanks Karey. I've missed you. Are you still in Montreal? I understand the desire to wait on another surgery. I was thinking I'd want to go for round two ASAP. Not in such a hurry now. Please tell me about your experience with the initial swelling. Did you see my comments about my pre-surgery clothes being so tight? Did you have this problem and if so, how long did it last? Thanks, Becky

Hi, its me again. This is day 10 post-op and I'm feeling pretty good. I'm naturally impatient and want so badly to feel like my normal self, but it is going to take time and there doesn't seem to be much I can do except let the necessary time pass. I was up and around a good deal yesterday. My youngest son and his girlfriend are here for the weekend so I prepared a nice brunch and even felt up to making a lovely dinner. Actually enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine too since I'm off the Rx pain pills. So, as you can see, I am functioning, but not at my usual robust speed and energy level. I had to take lots of breaks to put my feet up and was exhausted by 9 pm. Nightime is the hardest. It takes me a good while to settle into a comfortable position (yes Frangi, on my back only) and then God forbid I have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. I get so stiff and sore after being in bed for a long time that it takes me time and great effort to get up and out of bed, to the toilet, and then try to settle back into a comfortable position. If I had good sense, I'd cut off the liquids early in the evening, but no, I carry my Water around all day and drink right up until I go to bed. Serves me right, doesn't it? Frangi, I know those new boobs must look great. I'll be curious what your doctor says about the length of time you have to sleep with a bra. I'm feeling the same way about my binder - already sick to death of it and he wants me in it as much as possible for another couple of weeks. I'm wearing it about 22 hours a day. On Monday I discussed the importance of compression with my doctor. In his opinion, long term abdominal compression is very important if you've had a lot of lipo with your surgery. In my case, he thinks a couple of weeks of compression will be fine and said there was no need for me to invest in an expensive garment. I'll be in this binder until I see him on the 30th for sure. Thanks LJM. I hope you're right. I like Frangi's term "swell hell". Thanks also Marjorie & Lulu. I didn't realize until this surgery just how much a few words of encouragement can help. Doyle, strickly self pay for me. I didn't have legit medical issues from the excess skin, so I didn't even pursue insurance coverage.

Salsa, thanks for sharing your details. I know you'll do great and we will be following your story closely. The anti-gravity chair is a great idea for those who don't have a recliner. I hope you don't have to fight DH for it, lol. Becky

You can do it! Your age will work in your favor and if you really are willing to exercise, eat right, and follow the band rules you will be looking great by the wedding. I've lost over 100 lbs. in less than a year and I'm almost twice your age. Good luck.

Good Morning! I slept so much better last night without those drains. They were just constantly in the way and I was always worried about them getting kinked or pulled out. I am also on strictly over the counter pain meds now. I'm taking some Advil during the day and Tylenol PM at night and doing just fine. I wouldn't say that I'm pain free just yet, but it is manageable at this stage without heavy duty drugs. Truth is, if the heavy duties didn't have some negative side effects for me, I'd probably still be taking them. I do prefer to be a little more comfortable and carefree, and Percocet will definately keep you that way, LOL. Frangi, I just knew you were out there blowing and going yesterday. If I felt up to it I would be too, so I really can't scold you too much. Although I don't believe you will, I agree that you should really try to rest today and tomorrow. You want a good report and drain removal on Monday. I think the champagne is a lovey gesture that your docs will really appreciate and another indication of what a thoughtful person you are. My doctor will have to buy his own damn champagne. I think he is wonderful too, but he has been more than fairly compensated by me and will no doubt make another bundle when I go for round two. He should buy me a bottle of nice French champagne, lol. BBK, ditto to what Frangi said. Getting a compliment from the LBT Queen is very flattering. Cori, thanks for your vote on the thighs. I keep repeating the mantra, "they were worth it, they were worth it". Ok, I did have one rough moment yesterday. Since the surgery, I've only worn workout type pants with elastic waist or drawstrings. After I got my drains out yesterday I came home and was going to put on a pair of shorts. They are a size 10 and I was wearing them before my surgery just fine. They would not even come close to buttoning! I was horrified and thought these must have shrunk so I tried on my size 10 jeans and had the same results. I almost cried. I had not weighed since my surgery, so in a panic I went for the scale. My weight is actually down a couple of pounds. Thank God. It must be the swelling, right? I knew I was swollen, but holy cow. My pants seem to be two sizes too small in the waist. Now I've read everybody elses exciting stories about post surgery shopping and smaller clothing sizes, so what is the deal? The doctor removed 7 pounds of excess skin from my abdominal area. Even with swelling, shouldn't my pre-surgery clothes at least fit? I hope its a great day for everyone. I'll we watching closely for some replies about my tight pants. Becky

Jody, get yourself down here. My garden needs you. The weeds are thriving while I'm recuperating! Seriously, I hope I don't lose my tolerance for the heat by the time I am able to get back to the gardening, because it is sure heating up around here. It is such great exercise and I find it relaxing. I'm also one who loves instant gratification in all areas. You can always see the results of a little work in the garden. I guess it's also a test of patience and faith too when you plant something and wait for it to grow or bloom. Gardening is just a nice balance of things that are good for us. As is shopping! Maybe not, but I love it too and can't wait to return to that as well. Shopping is of course great exercise, and you get to do it in the air conditioning! Frangi, are you out at Stein Mart again? I'm glad you are enjoying your time in Miami. I'd have never expected you'd be able to squeeze so much activity in with major surgery. I might agree with your doctor. Maybe you are from another planet, lol. I saw my doctor today and he took out all of my drains. Yipee!Defininately cause for celebration. I didn't want to get my hopes too high, but what a thrill to get them out. He said eveything looks great and he will not need to see me again until June 30. That's it for now. Becky

Great results Trudy. Thanks for posting the pictures. You must be so happy and proud. Good luck with your recovery.

Frangi, I do not know how you have done all that you've done and lived to tell about it. I went grocery shopping today and was completely wiped out for hours afterwards, and that was with DH driving me and doing all the bending, lifting, etc. I really, really am shocked at how little I did and how tired and sore it made me. I had more energy and stamina on Monday when I went to the doctor and went out to eat with my sister. I think that may have been because I was so high on pain pills that I couldn't feel anything. Today was another story entirely. Haven't you been to the airport like three times now and to the doctor twice, plus you're managing all by yourself now? You are a better woman than me. I sure hope you have rested today and feel like reporting in later. I miss your regular posts. Thanks to everyone for your comments on the thighs. I do think it was worth it even though they are really quite an ordeal. My doctor said that he is only able to do the particular type of thigh surgery I had on about 1 in 10 patients and get good results. According to him, if your thighs are much bigger or saggier (is that a word?) than mine were, he has to do the long vertical incision to get a good outcome. Legster, in answer to your question about the "knee brows", I don't really have those too bad. I do still have a little knee sag, which this type of thigh surgery can't fix, but not so much that it actually does drape over my knee. I asked my husband to get my knees in the picture, but as you see, he didn't. I'll make sure they are showing in some photos I'll take later. For me the thighs are my only rather "instant gratification" from all this surgery. Although they hurt like crazy, the scars are hidden pretty well, there is no brusing and the swelling is less there than anywhere. Everything else is still pretty ugly, so those pictures will be "down the road a piece" (that might be a Texas saying, but hope it made sense). Jody, the drains are a major drag. I hope he takes out at least one more tomorrow. Candle, if I don't get my arms done, I won't be wearing any bathing suits anywhere. If you thought my thighs were bad, you should see my arms. Breast and arms - that's phase II. I hope plastic surgery is like childbirth, the memory of the pain fades fast enough that you're willing to do it again, lol.

I'm going to try one more time.

So, it didn't work out like I'd planned. Obviously I wanted the pictures to just show up side by side. Can ya'll actually open each attachment and see them? I'm too tired now to mess with it anymore but maybe I can do better later.

Ok everybody, I've obviously got too much time on my hands and I'm on drugs or I wouldn't have screwed around with these pictures so long. I think I've got them postable finally though, so hopefully I'm about to attach before and afters of my thighs. Now remember, I am almost 51 and the legs are still swollen, so be kind.