LBL February 18

[CBT 450]

Post op days 11 sat/12 sun

Nothing much. Trying to combat the nausea from the flu. Taking a long while to recover. Wonder if it's harder with sleeve in general to recover from stomach flu or if it's down to my body already working so hard. First stomach bug I've had since being sleeved.

A bit worried that I don't have an appetite to get my Protein needs met. Forced myself to eat on Sunday.

Missing yoga.

Ready for drain to come out.

I think your recovery is protracted b/c of surgery. My boss just got a Tummy Tuck over Xmas then got the flu two weeks later. She's not sleeved but said flu right after surgery was horrendous. If you stay hydrated, I suspect a week or so not hitting Protein won't be too detrimental. Maybe add a shake or two to your day or unflavored powder to some Soup. I like Unjury's chicken soup flavored Protein Powder.< /p>

Yes, Erp you are right. I just came back from surgeon's office. Met with PA. She said what you said. Already immune compromised so it's a longer and harder recovery. Nausea seems to be gone today

Funny head game I have about shakes. I am so far out and so used to eating dense, quality protein that I tend to discount the protein in shakes. I almost view them as sliders. That's just a head game. I've been drinking them but discounting the quality. I will stop that.

I also did not take my antibiotic today because I knew the drains were coming out. I think my sleeve was torn up and the antibiotic along with the Advil just exacerbated it.

Good news is I continue to surgery heal like I'm used to. I'm about a week ahead of the "typical" patient. She was amazed at my suture healing and range of motion, but mostly surprised that all three drains were ready to come out :0

She was giggling at how "great" my tummy looks. I really needed the encouragement today. It was timely.

I hope to post new pictures without drains tomorrow. Truth is, I can't wait to get a good look myself! Eeeek.

[CBT 450]

Post op day 13

Drains are gone! All three drains at once. It did not hurt. Strange sensation. Don't miss them. Feel psychologically freer without them.

Cleared to start low aerobic activity walking. I can walk-dance, right? Cleared to begin increasing load up to 20 pounds Cleared to start stretching out muscles. Nothing vigorous for 2 more weeks. The idea is to minimally raise my heart rate. I've never been a minimalist. Lol.

My abdominal muscles are firing every time I stand up or sit up so I have this constant reminder. The contraction is similar to labor contraction without the pain. It also wrapped around my hips and into my back.

I spent most of the day up and this evening laying prone. We shall see how I feel tomorrow.

[CBT 450]

How do I post pics directly to this thread? Anyone have a link or something? I'm in the app right now....

[erp 2,016]

If you are on the mobile app, when you reply to the thread there is a plus (+) button at the top next to the send button. It will allow you to attach photos from your phone, iPad, etc.

[CBT 450]

Ooohhhh! Awesome! Thanks, erp!

[Sweet Pee 349]

CBT,

Does this means we will be getting more pictures soon?

Smile,

Sweet Pee

[CBT 450]

It sure does, Sweet Pea

This selfie thing takes a lot of practice. Lol.

Here's one from this morning

[CBT 450]

I took a lot of pictures at my incisions so I could get a good look at them. Idk if people want to see any of those?

[naenaern777 345]

You look amazing!!!

[CBT 450]

Thank you, Naenaern777!

This is quite a head trip. It's similar to going to sleep a blonde with long, straight, hair and waking up with short, black, curly hair.

I'm able to twist more so I can get some side/back shots.

It's interesting how taking selfies works on my own perception of me.

[naenaern777 345]

You should be incredibly proud! You are gonna be rockin that bikini !!!!

[CBT 450]

A little reality testing.

Prior to plastics, I danced 60 minutes, three times a week and often participate in 3 hour dance jams.

I lift weights, interval train and practice vinyasa yoga.

I work out 6 days a week.

I'm active and fit.

First dance class today. I'm a little early to be dancing much so I thought I'd dance level one.

Fifteen minutes in and I took out arms movement.

Thirty minutes in and I left.

If you're planning a large plastics surgery, please focus on your fitness prior to the surgery. This recovery is quite humbling.

I'm glad I went. I have clarity and I saw my tribe. They lift me up.

[erp 2,016]

What would you recommend by "work on your fitness"? I work out 5-6 days a week currently.

[CBT 450]

I think that's great, Erp.

I think cardiovascular fitness is super important to get through the surgery and early recovery and reduce risks of blood clots.

I also think strength is paramount to your comfort and ease with getting about. In the TT/LBL you don't use your abdominal muscles much at all in the first couple weeks. Mine started firing all on their own week 2. So you rely a lot on upper body strength to transfer yourself in/out and up/down, as well as your legs.

I'm pretty motivated to recover and I think fitness has a lot to do with that. For me, the sooner I get moving the better I recover.

Does that make sense?

[CBT 450]

Three week post op surgeon appointment.

I'm doing GREAT!

No more compression garment at night.

Gave me tape to start taping incisions. She will evaluate again at 6 weeks for silicone. She doesn't find it necessary for everyone. She thought I had a bit of Fluid above my belly button from vomiting. The PA aspirated it through my my belly button. Nothing

We talked about exercise. I'm benched. I get it. No dancing. The surgeon explained that she wants everything to "stick back together flat". When you twist and turn and raise arms up high, you risk pulling that apart. Okay. She gave me the clear boundaries. I will follow them.

Walking, treadmill no resistance, cycling no resistance, elliptical. None of these things are me. Bleck.

I dance, martial arts, weight train (upper body okay), yoga...

I will walk and lift weights. Small amount of time for big gains and no set backs.

I have to call and clarify timelines. I can increase cardio at 4 weeks (one more week), something more at 6 weeks and then modified ab work at 8 weeks. I miss planking!