LBL February 18

[CBT 450]

Abdominal defused edema? I'm guessing it's belly swelling of done sort... Can you tell me more about it?

You got it right. It's scattered belly swelling that isn't a seroma and only in the abdomen.

The surgeon says at 12 weeks the previously cut lymphatic drain channels will have established and that's the first significant decrease in swelling patients notice.

Some people's bodies are better at absorbing Fluid in other ways, too. Hence the "swelling for up to a year but mostly 3-6 months" chat we get.

[CBT 450]

CBT- I too am always hungry and have been over eating. My band helps to the amount but I seem to be eating constantly. My DR. said My body needs the extra calories to help with healing.

Skiddles are you maintaining your weight?

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

CBT - I think I had more swelling AFTER 12 weeks because my activity increased. It is pretty good now though at 5 months out. I realized that I have alot of numbness between the belly button and the incision line and that tended to make me feel more swollen than I really was/am.

anyway, I was also told it can take a year before the swelling is completely resolved. I am grateful that mine is minor and only in the one spot - no problems on my legs etc.

I have maintained my weight even though i spent weeks being ravenously hungry. It was hard to manage that really - boredom combined with hunger is not good! I know some people lose weight during that period, but beware because a couple ladies i know actually gained 10-15 # due to being so hungry. Very individual... but i am generally pretty good at gaining weight!

[vogue 310]

You got it right. It's scattered belly swelling that isn't a seroma and only in the abdomen. The surgeon says at 12 weeks the previously cut lymphatic drain channels will have established and that's the first significant decrease in swelling patients notice. Some people's bodies are better at absorbing Fluid in other ways, too. Hence the "swelling for up to a year but mostly 3-6 months" chat we get.

Interesting. I suffered with lymphodema before VSG. it's been well under control since. I guess I now have something to keep watch for

[skiddles 66]

I gained about 10 lbs, but it coming down now! My fault entirely, when they changed my port, I lost my restriction. My Dr said He wouldn't give me a fill for 6 weeks. So I binged on all the bad stuff that I haven't had in 2 years. I was a very bad girl!

[CBT 450]

I gained about 10 lbs, but it coming down now! My fault entirely, when they changed my port, I lost my restriction. My Dr said He wouldn't give me a fill for 6 weeks. So I binged on all the bad stuff that I haven't had in 2 years. I was a very bad girl!

I'm glad you're getting back in control. It's a journey, for sure.

[CBT 450]

Well perhaps I was eating nonstop because I was going to get a super bug. My entire family has this awful virus. My DH was 5 days in bed. I came home one day early from vacation because I knew I was getting sick and I'd seen what it looks like.

This is my nemesis. Illness and food. It's a strongly paired coping skill. I don't get challenged by it very often so I don't see it coming. When I was really sick as a child it was the only time we ate out. On the way back from the doctor: cheeseburgers, French fries and milkshakes. It was also the very few times my mom was very maternal. I come from a family of feed-a-cold.

What's weird is I really was hungry before I got sick. But now that I'm full spectrum sick, I can't tell how much is physical hunger and how much is self-soothing.

I'm not going to gain in this short amount of time. I'd just like to slay the dragon

[CBT 450]

Please release me. Let me go!

Six week post op (at 7 weeks). I'm doing great!!! Scars are flat and healing really well. Sure fin said 1-2 more weeks of taping.

Augmentation has dropped into place. Waiting on some of the internal sutures to dissolve and relax.

No more garment required. That's nice because it's 72 here today.

I got right back into the groove of exercise. So important for my overall well being.

I am released to exercise. "Start slow". IDK What that means. I have stop and go.

Surgeon said upper abdominal muscles were separated enough that I will be sore if I don't start out with modified sit ups. Okay. I can do that!!!

I'm just so dang excited to get my life!

[vogue 310]

Congrats!! I was told light exercise as of yesterday. 3 weeks out. I'm so excited for you. I'm ordering that tape from Amazon today. Thanks for all of your help

[CBT 450]

Congrats!! I was told light exercise as of yesterday. 3 weeks out. I'm so excited for you. I'm ordering that tape from Amazon today. Thanks for all of your help

See! I have problems with language like "light" and "slow" and "take it easy". That's all relative to you personally. heehee.

I'm excited to hear how the tape works for you. I hope it helps to flatten that pucker. Sometimes it's just a stitch that has to dissolve. You can kind of tell if it feels tight in that area. I'm glad to pass on what I've experienced. We gotta stick together!

[Sweet Pee 349]

Congrats!! I was told light exercise as of yesterday. 3 weeks out. I'm so excited for you. I'm ordering that tape from Amazon today. Thanks for all of your help

Light exercise after three weeks for me was impossible! I was still barely moving. I still needed help getting up, and doing simple things for myself. (Smile)

I know everyone's healing time is different. Later, I forced myself to go slow, plus my plastic surgeon always told me to stay off my feet. The best advice ever!!!!

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

I am with sweet pea.. go easy. Really easy

[vogue 310]

I'm feeling ok. I think mostly because I had no muscle repair work done, only a panniculectomy Just a lil tugging/itching at some incision spots

Edited April 10, 2014 by vogue

[CBT 450]

Clothes shopping today! Old Navy for some shorts and tanks. A couple pair of work pants. I'm now a medium shirt/tee/blouse/dress. Up from a small because of the implants. Bottom is small/x-small 2-4 at ON. Best part: no skin stuffing. No muffin top. This is how clothes are made to fit.

CrAZy.

Mind blown.

[vogue 310]

Clothes shopping today! Old Navy for some shorts and tanks. A couple pair of work pants. I'm now a medium shirt/tee/blouse/dress. Up from a small because of the implants. Bottom is small/x-small 2-4 at ON. Best part: no skin stuffing. No muffin top. This is how clothes are made to fit. CrAZy. Mind blown.

Congrats!!! You've earned it