jands75

I went to four different plastic surgeons in my home town. I got quotes and each surgeon explained what they'd be doing, how long it would take, their feelings on pain management, and their bedside manner. I chose the surgeon who I felt most comfortable with and who made the most sense to me. Very happy with my plastic surgeon.

Hi! I had a Brachioplasty and tummy tuck three days ago. My tummy tuck incision is great. It doesn't hurt, isn't itchy, not leaky, and has minimal swelling. I'm able to wear my compression garment underwear without an issue, and the drain is slowing down. However, my arms are another issue. The incision line is leaking clear puss. There are also clear blisters all along both arm incisions. And they both itch, and have a ton of swelling. The swelling traveled from my upper arms all the way to my finger tips, and I can barely move my fat fingers. I've gone back to the surgeon, who said swelling is normal. She suggested elevation for both arms. They have swelled so much, I've had to remove the compression shirt I was wearing. I'm walking around like a starfish with my arms straight out because I can't put my arms down. Anyone have this much arm swelling or any ideas to help my stuffed sausage arms? I've iced them, made open and closed finger dances, piled three pillows under each, and ace wrapped them from the finger tips down. Help please!

For my tummy tuck, it took about six weeks before the swelling went down. I'm almost eleven weeks out of surgery and if I have a busy day where I'm standing a lot, I notice swelling again.

I had a tummy tuck with muscle tightening a month ago. For the first four weeks I stayed with protein shakes during the day and a small meal with mostly meat at dinner. Now I have started to lightly lift, walk, and use the elliptical for 45 minutes a day, justifying my need to add a snack to the two shakes and dinner. I know I've lost muscle weight, but I've also managed to maintain my weight. Once you can go through a day without a nap, start doing a little more everyday. I'm looking forward to start running my 4 miles in two more weeks, per my surgeon. Good luck!

Thank you! I know having ps is worth every day spent in pain and in recovery. I'm excited and nervous 😊

Thank you Stella S. Before you were cleared for exercise, how did you maintain your weight? Was it just the fear of gaining? I feel like I'm going to be starving myself for two months...

Hi ladies! I'm scheduled for a fluer de lis and arms. This will be done in two parts, the horizontal tuck first (in April) and the vertical tummy tuck with arms six months later. I'm so nervous I'm thinking about canceling my plastics. My biggest issue is the time I will not be able to exercise. After losing 110 pounds, I'm now able to run 4-5 miles per day and lift weights. I eat a ton of protein, but also indulge in a little chocolate because I burn so many calories running. If I have the tummy tucks, I know I won't be able to run for a few months and am afraid of gaining a huge amount of weight. Does anyone have any suggestions? I've seen YouTube videos of tuck patients, and they say they are totally down for two weeks. Then they start walking a little bit. But by two months out, they are still not able to do high impact exercises or weight training and they are barely standing straight. Is this true? I want my excess skin removed, but I don't want to slide back into my old habits of not exercising and being a couch potato (I'm a stay at home mom). Last question, what type of binder and compression garments should I purchase? My ps showed me a knee length zipper type girdle that goes all the way up to the breasts.

Thank you Don2r1950. I didn't lose a pound this week. However, I did go down a dress size. I really hate my scale, but can't seem to go a week without using it. I upped my protein like you and everyone else said. My hunger has decreased majorly. Which is really good! Hopefully the weight will catch up. Thank you!!!

Thanks! I will!

Thank you!!! I'm so nervous about adding calories because I already feel like my weigh loss is slow to nothing. I'll add some cottage cheese and eggs for snacks.

For breakfast I have a protein shake-Premier, 140 cal. For lunch, I have half a cup of Hormel chilli with beans. For dinner, I have about 4 oz of meat, either chicken or beef and a small vegetable serving. And usually I'll have a banana for a snack around 3.

My bypass was two and a half months ago. Weigh loss was fast in the beginning, but is down to half a pound a week, even though I'm sticking to my diet and jogging 30 minutes daily for two and a half miles. I feel hungry every second of the day, except for after eating, duh I am keeping low on the carbs, drinking 80+ ml of Water, and getting in my Protein. I guess I feel like a real dud. If I'm sticking to the high protein diet, exercising, and drinking water, why isn't the weight coming off? And why am I so hungry all the time? How do you get rid of cravings for crackers or Cereal when we aren't supposed to eat them? I just know Ritz crackers will be my downfall. I wish my body would have an automatic "done" button, but I seem to lack one...so hungry. -Big Dud

Thanks a bunch for the info!

What store sells protein tea, and what is the brand name? I love tea, and I'm getting tired of crystal light.

My surgeon changed his rules over the summer. He said I can drink all the way up to a meal, but after the meal I have to wait an hour to drink again. I don't question him since he has a tv show, lol.