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Post by Taterweight on Feb 12, 2014 21:53:39 GMT -5
So glad you are doing well and able to go home! That's when I started really healing...once I got home! Lots of great advice here! Like Kel said def use the wheelchair services at the airport. I almost didn't (because we had to wait for one) but was sooo thankful we did by the time I got on the plane. good luck dear! Thanks Diane! I did take Kelly's advice and signed myself up for wheelchair assist. I'm sure your flight was longer than my 4 hr one, so hopefully I will fair as well as you did! I cannot wait to get home to my baby, who's been holding down the fort while we've been away for the first time....my Amex I gave him for emergencies will never be the same! I know my two fur baby girls will be thrilled to have the peanut cookie supplier back in town. I think my mother has decided to commandeer my brothers and redecorate my house and paint the interior as well. Two weeks is too damn long! My husband is just sure he's going to walk in to a pink nightmare he doesn't recognize. We spent our last day in 80 degree bliss today. Went and toured the Getty Center museum. They had an exhibit on Queen Victoria's love of photography - and I collect both early photography and Queen Victoria commemoratives -- so that was worth the hassle of abdominal crunches all afternoon, having hubby roll me around in a borrowed wheelchair and endure 10,000 children's school groups, We are ensconced right now at a beautiful Holiday Inn at the airport with the MOST comfortable bed I have ever been in. I am passing out right after I post this and take my 6pm batch of pills. It was a great day and hopefully my best night of sleep yet in beautiful California. Thank you all for all the help and support while I was here! -Resa
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Post by Girlrocker on Feb 12, 2014 23:41:24 GMT -5
I am SO happy for you!I It was gorgeous, classic southern California beauty today, even the jasmine is blooming early. And, you made it to the Getty which is one of my all-time favorite museums. It's gorgeous, and, Leonie did that too after her surgery here! A perfect way finish to your new beginning and I know it's going to be great for you to be home. YOU did it!
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Post by Leonie on Feb 13, 2014 0:47:18 GMT -5
Your post fills me with nostalgia. My DS was my very first time abroad. In so many ways it was a rebirth. Now you are ready to embark on the grand adventure that is the DS life.
Enjoy the flight. It is possibly the last time you will be needing an extension belt.
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Post by deedee484 on Feb 13, 2014 21:34:34 GMT -5
Awww sounds like a great 'last' day and night in CA! Hopefully by now you are having sweet dreams of returning home tomorrow! Here's to a smooth flight and happy homecoming!
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Post by Taterweight on Feb 16, 2014 21:51:05 GMT -5
Thought I'd better journal since it's been a couple days. Tomorrow is 2wks from my DS surgery. All in all I'm feeling pretty good. The sutures are pain free except for twinges here and there which I figure are the nerves knitting back together. I just have one drain site that is still obnoxiously open that Dr. K said to strap a Kotex on - thanks Dr K! Hoping if I work on getting my protein up that sucker will seal up! I haven't been wearing my binder since I've been home puttering around and not out and about, but I'm thinking I'm going to start wearing it in earnest now for the large incision line to prevent a hernia. I do strain a bit getting in and out of a sitting position.
Of all the time in California, my last night there was the only good nights sleep I'd had and I was fearing sleep was going to be pretty bad for awhile yet, turned out my bed was just what I needed, even if I couldn't sleep on my side, and I'm sleeping like a rock. I have also reunited with the humidifier portion of my cpap - hallelujah! No more waking up a dried husk. I can feel already that the pressure is too high, so hopefully I'll be weaning off of it soon.
Eating is going along...in one sense I'm not really hungry at all and just eat because it's time to eat something. On the other hand, I am sick of yoghurt, tired of chicken soup, whiny over string cheese, and melodramatic over protein shakes. I hate anything sweet....I dream of chips, popcorn, steak, nachos, anything salty and crunchy. I'm struggling a bit with getting my water in, just from apathy and not paying attention mostly. I've been working harder the past 2 days to get my 64 in, so just need to keep the momentum going.
Here is my food for today at 2 weeks out:
B Syntrax Double stuffed cookie protein (23) L 2oz Kirkland white tune w/tb mayo (16) S string cheese (8) D 2oz Kirkland white tuna w/tb mayo (16) S2 SF Popsicle
Protein 63 Water 60 so far
Haven't weighed myself yet, will in the morning to set my baseline for my home scale compared to what I weighed at the hospital going in.
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Post by Girlrocker on Feb 17, 2014 1:23:24 GMT -5
Ah, the sexy menu of the early post op You're going to love that you posted this when you read much later. LMAO, don't you love the kotex advice?! There really is no place like home, but you managed your time here in California like a star. I love that you were able to do some sight seeing, got in the Getty. Good girl staying on top of the water, it's hard, everything is so much effort and work at this point, but before you know it you'll be guzzling again and, wow-ing us with the what I know is an arsenal of recipes in your repertoire. Two weeks down, half way through the first post-op month, you go girl!
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Post by Taterweight on Feb 17, 2014 1:53:22 GMT -5
Oh I know! The hell of WLS on foodies!! The tuna went down great, so I'm gonna start experimenting albeit slowly and carefully with some new foods. Dr. K is hilarious....I'm so very happy that Leonie nudged me in his direction. I have huge doctor trust issues, so the fact that I'm happy with him is a miracle! I must remember when I get down to size fabulous, to have a before and after photo set done and framed for him. Kristina said they have no one that's ever done that for them to hang in their office. So all you Dr K patients consider doing that - his office needs some bling! Sharyl - as soon as I can come down for a follow-up we will have a much better time of it! I was in a bad way this time and felt like hell. I am already on the recipes...my family is having a hard time with me on yogurt since I'm not cooking! They're feeling very put out! They don't fend for themselves very well. Mini me (my 19 yr old) was eating Panda Express everyday while I was away - ugh!
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Post by Girlrocker on Feb 17, 2014 13:04:16 GMT -5
Wait, you mean, when you were here, hundreds of miles from home having major surgery, your gut re-arranged, and you weren't social betty, why not?! You're quite an expert on the Paleo et al lifestyle right, I could, literally, talk about this stuff 24/7. Well your family are being very good sports, you've needed this time for you to really focus on recovery.
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Feb 19, 2014 18:11:13 GMT -5
Oh I know! The hell of WLS on foodies!! The tuna went down great, so I'm gonna start experimenting albeit slowly and carefully with some new foods. Dr. K is hilarious....I'm so very happy that Leonie nudged me in his direction. I have huge doctor trust issues, so the fact that I'm happy with him is a miracle! I must remember when I get down to size fabulous, to have a before and after photo set done and framed for him. Kristina said they have no one that's ever done that for them to hang in their office. So all you Dr K patients consider doing that - his office needs some bling! Sharyl - as soon as I can come down for a follow-up we will have a much better time of it! I was in a bad way this time and felt like hell. I am already on the recipes...my family is having a hard time with me on yogurt since I'm not cooking! They're feeling very put out! They don't fend for themselves very well. Mini me (my 19 yr old) was eating Panda Express everyday while I was away - ugh! Pictures? Did somebody say photo shoot? "I really hate having my picture taken.'"...said Lisa NEVER. Bwahaaaa. I should get him life-sized cardboard cutouts of my before and after shots. Then when I get weird looks, I'll be like "What? You said your office needed some flair!" J/K (kind of).
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Post by Taterweight on Feb 24, 2014 1:29:30 GMT -5
Am now at three weeks post-op so time to journal a bit. Have one more week of freedom before the onslaught of going back to work ramps up. I'm an Estate Appraiser/Antique dealer and March starts off my busy season. It will be good to get back into the routine of moving around, taking pictures and such, but I fear the bathroom issues because I travel all over - sometimes homes, sometimes storage units, barns, and such so I can't guarantee bathroom access. I will also have to be vigilant about bringing plenty of water with me.
I've lost just shy of 40lbs in 3 weeks and I am completely blown away by that! I know it's all water weight from a previous issue I had that led me to having the DS, but I am amazed and relieved to see it go away! I haven't had a moment from surgery where I've regretted it - I knew it had to be done and I couldn't do it alone. I have had my moments of whine though! I am annoyed lately with little things....that my protein shakes taste horrible....that my water doesn't have enough ice, that I'm hot...or cold....that the dogs are flopped across my feet and I can't move...or my biggie - the one drain site on my upper abdomen is gooey and disgusting and looks nowhere near sealing shut! This pisses me off to no end. I know this is irrational and that it will heal hopefully soon, but UGH I hate changing the dressing twice a day!
Pain wise, I'm feeling pretty good, just still a little sore in my abdomen. I still can't roll over in bed and have to sleep on my back (another thing that vexes me greatly) so after about three hours my back is stiff and screaming, so I have to get up in a haze and go do a load of laundry and watch tv for an hour before I can stand to go lay on my back again for a few more hours. Before surgery once I was out I was out for 9 hrs solid, I'm not used to sleeping in shifts. This stuff is for the birds. During the day I feel like a zombie most of the time, I know in time it will improve, just trying best I can to live through this period.
Food...I am dying for soda! I bought Popsicle molds and did make some diet 7-up Popsicles....they were a little bland...I might have to experiment with soda stream flavouring instead of using the soda itself so the syrup is more concentrated, however it was somewhat helpful in alleviating the intense craving. I am able to swallow more, so hydrating is a little easier and eating a little more in one sitting (going from one ounce to about three). I have not had any yogurt or cottage cheese at all this week and I notice my diarrhea has stopped. So grateful for that! Have also stopped drinking my protein shakes because they were making me gag. As mentioned in other threads, I've been having Starbucks chocolate banana smoothies, quest protein bars, cheese and tuna for my main source of proteins. I have at any given time three or four different drinks around me....bottle of diet peach Snapple, ice water, unsweetened iced tea, hot peppermint tea....it's bizarre. I'll have a sip of one then want something totally different the next moment. I still feel parched and my mouth feels cottony like I might have some thrush from all the antibiotics. It's not a big deal, but it's there. My first post op with my own pcp is march 3rd, so I'll have her look at it then.
Lastly, vitamins...uhm...haven't really done too much with them yet. I plan on starting my multi tomorrow and start adding more in. I have taken some calcium but not enough. They are chewable =dry which exacerbates my already dry mouth issue, so I can only suffer through 1000mg a day at the moment. Have taken a D and A here and there but will start a regimen, as I said, from here on out.
All in all I feel I'm doing ok. I've had nights of distress on the porcelain bowl...today was a day for zofran and Pepcid and just felt nauseous but it got better after the Starbucks kicked in. Looking forward to seeing what this week will bring....I'm bringing bacon!
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Post by melanie74 on Feb 24, 2014 1:49:35 GMT -5
Love reading your posts and progress. I can relate on so many levels!!!! You have an amazing positive attitude, even if you don't feel positive about everything at the moment.
Thanks for sharing!!
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Feb 25, 2014 21:49:40 GMT -5
40 lbs in 3 weeks??? Doesn't suck! Gooey gaping drains on the other hand? No fun sweetheart. But it will get better with time like everything else. I can totes relate to the sleep issues. I remember trying EVERYTHING that people were suggesting to no avail. I would literally lay there full on angry at my boo because he falls asleep in 4.9 seconds and stays asleep like it's nothing...wishing hateful shiz on him. LOL. Like you, I would finally reach a point where I would just go downstairs and do something and stop kidding myself that I was going to sleep. It became a matter of acceptance for a while and I would just dread the end of the days when everyone was asleep and I would be "alone" again dealing with it. It lasted quite a few months. I can't take Ambien because I black out and do random things while asleep on the stuff. So I just had to deal with it and wait it out. BUT...it DID go away eventually! Good idea on the Soda Stream flavoring! Don't make me get out my Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine and crank out a few using that Soda Stream stuff as syrup. YUM! Thanks for posting. I love to read your updates!
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Post by Girlrocker on Feb 26, 2014 11:49:37 GMT -5
You Resa dahlink, are tremendous! I love reading your experience too, your writing style, POV. I think what saved me in my recovery from being less cranky was that I wasn't going back to work, I knew if I needed 5-6 months (and I did for my revision), I could take it, plus I didn't have husband/kids to attend to. The first 6-8 weeks are pretty sucky, even as far up to 12 weeks, and it's that 3 mos. point where a page seems to turn. So I think you're handling this like a champ. You're resourceful, embrace the challenges with honesty and that's what it takes to go the distance. Rock on for that nice first drop, old problem going away, a few pounds into the new DS life, all good Excellent launch pad. Proud of you and looking forward to more Resa Tales of the DS!
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Post by Taterweight on Mar 9, 2014 22:01:08 GMT -5
5 weeks out from surgery, 55 lbs down, and just now finding a sort of rhythm. My new finds for this week are Pro-Yo frozen protein yogurt - 20 grams of protein, probiotics, and delicious. That has become my breakfast. $8 for a box of three but I'll pay it gladly. Watermelon...I have had really awful cottonmouth since surgery and nothing was helping. My pcp attributed it to dehydration and suggested the watermelon as a water substitute. Winner! My carbs are still below 50, and I only have a half a cup, before any of you balk. I've added chicken, bacon, Nalley's chili con carne, almonds and pumpkin seeds to my diet and removed much of the cheese. I'm feeling better and my nausea seems to be tapering off if I have my pro-yo right after waking, or a glass of Lactaid. I've never been a milk drinker and on a whim decided to try Lactaid - loving it! 8 grams of protein and isn't sickening sweet. I had a flat bottle of diet coke from my adventure with Popsicles....I poured some over ice and carefully sipped it to kill that craving. Sooooo yesterday! It tasted nothing like I remembered. Might try some flat diet root beer but not in a big hurry - I feel like I scratched that itch. Bought some Fritos...because I was craving crunch and salt. Had 2 pieces...yum! No desire to take the bag in to sit before the "plasma god" or anything, just had my two bites, grabbed my water bottle and went and had a "come to Jesus" with my girls (boxers) over trash tipping for bacon wrappers. I don't care what that latest study said about dogs not feeling guilt.....they definitely know when they're bad! I digress, the Fritos hit the spot and I like knowing that I can grab one when I need some salt and feel fine squirreling the bag away for another day. And speaking of bad...I confess, I have been - with my calcium! Sigh. I can take all my others no problem but I MUST get a handle on my calcium. I had bought it before surgery....then realized it was bad - the Kirkland brand that has b6, so I had hubby take it back when I was home bound....he came back with carbonate. Sigh #2. He took that back and brought home citrical chews....carbonate again! Sigh #3. Took that back and got calcium citrate...wafers...very drying, chewable wafers....that I have tried to melt in water to no avail. I just need to go order some from vitalady and get my ball rolling before my teeth fall out. So that covers food pretty much, this coming week I've bought shrimp for scampi, breakfast link sausages, and will try some hamburger made into taco meat if get daring. Oh! I had my first cup of coffee today, tasted a bit different, but was good. Looking forward to trying these protein coffee recipes everyone has. Fluid wise i'm drinking coffee, bottled water, propel zero, and Lactaid milk. I cut off drinking Snapple and have been sleeping without as many incidents waking me... Which leads me to poo. Was going once upon waking and then as soon as I went to sleep getting up every 3 hrs like clockwork with cramps, bloat, and gas. After cutting out the cheese, whey shakes, and now Snapple; I feel much more in control and can sleep until 8am without waking. (I'm a night owl, so I don't sleep until 1am) I can also now finally sleep on one side, yay! Still can't sleep in my right, but just to be off my back is glorious! Physically - still feel weak but with the nausea at bay I feel much stronger. I have not been pushing myself at all, right or wrongly, I've just never had major surgery and don't want any complications, but I'm eager to start swimming and taking walks as spring is finally getting in gear. I still have my gooey drain site...still changing the gauze daily. My edema swollen sausages of legs are now slim and defined again! Wouldn't have believed it. In desperate need of more lotion! I'm resembling a very loose alligator. I also see my arms are 10 times thinner, my face...my chest (of course!). I've always known I inherited my father's boobs and not my mother's, but it's still sad to see them deflate first! My belly is still a bit bloated, though nothing like it was. Since I'm an antique dealer, work has been easy this past week, so I've been able to rest. This coming week will have a few more hours to put in, but I'm soooo grateful I don't have a standard 8-5, coz I dunno if I'd make it. I know that 6 weeks is one of the "milestones" everyone notes. That point where you start feeling more like yourself. I finally feel like I'm getting there. Hopefully it will be next week, but even if it isn't, i am getting closer to normal now so there's light at the end of my own recovery tunnel. The anguish of getting water in and protein isn't as hard as it was just a couple weeks ago. So for those reading this who are behind me...it'll get better!
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Post by melanie74 on Mar 9, 2014 22:33:51 GMT -5
Great to hear your status - you are doing so well and have lost an incredible amount of weight!!! I am going to try to find that frozen yogurt - where did you find it where you live? Normal grocery or a health food store?
I'm cheering you on and hoping you feel even more normal as the next week passes. I have been having a pity party this weekend - so was good to hear the cheerfulness in your post!!
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Post by Taterweight on Mar 9, 2014 23:41:57 GMT -5
Thanks Melanie! I sure hope you feel better soon. In case anyone else wants to find it - I found the Pro-Yo at Whole Foods and a store called Rosauers. It's in the health food section by the Rice Dream and frozen yogurt bars. It's a new product that just launched October 2013, so not sure how wide their distribution is yet. I feel like I need to stock up so they stay in business!
And believe me...it's not all roses over here! The nausea has been keeping me from eating and drinking a lot! I've been dragging an airsickness bag with me everywhere I go from room to room some days. It was making me afraid to shower, dress and go out for fear I'd empty my stomach of my vites. But I'm learning...like I said, if I eat something right after I wake up, I can usually make it. I rarely eat after 5pm...I'm done with any desire or ability to eat. I'm learning to plan my meals in advance...which is tough for me coz I like variety - not one for having the same thing over and over.
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tandt
Junior Member
Posts: 99
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Feb 14, 2014
Surgeon: Dr. Rudolph Weiner
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Post by tandt on Mar 10, 2014 9:12:26 GMT -5
Howdy partner! Great to hear your update. Especially since you are sleeping better and on your side! I am still tired by 3-4pm, but can't imagine how I would feel if I wasn's sleeping through the night! I am excited to try some of the food suggestions you are having. Trying to still follow orders here and stick with "soft" foods. I really wish I could go to the store and get some of those drinks!!! Unbelievably hard to find protien drinks/ shakes etc here!!!
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Post by Girlrocker on Mar 10, 2014 9:46:45 GMT -5
Resa! You sound good and kudos to how you approach your foods and liquids, trying to find what works, doing some elimination to assess what was irritating you. As for your lack of calcium, you are aware and, each time you had the wrong one. You can't do harm this early with the malabsorption, but if you can get started now that would be good. Wanted to also let you know another option, GNC makes calcium citrate in chewables. That was the only way I could get it in my first 8 weeks, I was very nauseous too and, very tender inside. In fact, ordering from GNC became one of my BFFs while I was recovering, until I became stronger. One less store stop to make for me. And I will spend now too on a supplement or something that I really like, because I decided I'm worth it, especially after all the crap I stuffed down for years. Like you, my first bariatric surgery was also my first experience with major surgery, and I was 40. You've come such a long way already mentally, I don't know if you realize it but you'll be really glad you blogged like this. And you're back to work already, I would love to see/hear more about your antique trade.
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Post by melanie74 on Mar 10, 2014 12:24:31 GMT -5
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Post by melanie74 on Mar 10, 2014 14:12:53 GMT -5
I can take all my others no problem but I MUST get a handle on my calcium. I had bought it before surgery....then realized it was bad - the Kirkland brand that has b6, so I had hubby take it back when I was home bound....he came back with carbonate. Sigh #2. He took that back and brought home citrical chews....carbonate again! Sigh #3. Took that back and got calcium citrate...wafers...very drying, chewable wafers....that I have tried to melt in water to no avail. I just need to go order some from vitalady and get my ball rolling before my teeth fall out. Not sure why my last post ended up empty but will try again I know all about the calcium carbonate issue .... But what is the 'no b6' issue? Thanks!!
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Post by Taterweight on Mar 10, 2014 16:49:29 GMT -5
Apparently the Kirkland brand of calcium citrate pills has added B6 - which we want to keep low. So, it's no good. The uk and Canadian versions don't have it added in, so I'm not sure why we're special....one of those things we Costco members all need to write in about and make them change it!
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Post by Taterweight on Mar 22, 2016 20:30:17 GMT -5
Wow! Where did I go for 2 whole years??? Time to update! Honestly though, not really too much to report - living life with no regrets. I have energy to get things done and keep moving. I lost my father last year, my mother-in-law, a beloved adopted grandmother and even my dog! After seeing on the boards that dear sweet PBG is gone, I thank God that I got to meet her - even if it was only virtually, for she was a shining star. I do have a rather large baby (hello hernia) that I am about to be done with in another week. Having had it for almost a full year - my weight has pretty much been at a standstill. I have lost and gained the same 10 lbs despite my best intentions. I will be having abdominalplasty along with the hernia repair to ensure there are no more reoccurrences. I dread the surgery and recovery to come from all that I've read about the pain, but I can put it off no longer. Hubby is anxious for me to get on the mend as he is headed in for his DS with Dr. K as soon as I am up to caring for him. Yay hubby! So this week I'm protein loading and gearing up for a month of recliner living... More to come...
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Mar 23, 2016 17:42:25 GMT -5
Hi there!
Just wanted to mention I had the hernia repair/abdominalplasty surgery in October. It was a tough recovery so be prepared. I still have tightness across the abdomen but my belly is absolutely beautiful! I'm not sure whether the continuing discomfort is from that or the small bowel blockage I had in January. Either way, I still have some discomfort. I know, in time, all will be absolutely perfect but only time will make the pain go away. Good luck with everything!
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Post by Taterweight on Mar 24, 2016 21:07:18 GMT -5
Good to know! Anything I should have on hand or look for?
I've read to stay away from mucous causing foods...like dairy...to reduce the possibility of coughing. (Which I've heard hurts like hell!) I've bought dry shampoo knowing that while I have drains - I'm not allowed to shower. (Sigh) I'm protein loading now and have protein ready for after. Also, I made sure to have an electric recliner for sleeping in the first couple weeks since using abs to recline and push a recliner down into place will be bad juju! Hubby likes it and will get it as his command center when I'm feeling better!
Not really sure what to expect with a flat tummy - I've never had one before. Looking forward to getting rid of this pain in my gut hernia, though! Never ever thought I'd be opting for a tummy tuck - but as it's the only way to keep hernias from ever coming back to visit - here I am.
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Mar 26, 2016 16:05:38 GMT -5
I think you'll do just fine. Just know that the recovery is a little tough and you can handle it! Just an FYI, the tummy tuck is not a guarantee that you'll never get a hernia again. unfortunately, for the past day I've been feeling pain in my left lower quadrant of my abdomen and I'm praying it's not a hernia or a blockage. The pain doesn't compare to the pain I felt with a blockage so I really don't think it's that. That leaves a possible hernia, I'm really hoping not...
The chair is a good idea, I slept on my recliner for a week then was back in bed. It is very strange not having to move any skin to wash and having a washboard abdomen. I'm hoping it stays for a very long time... I did have the blockage after the repair, however, so it's not as perfect as it originally was. I'll take it, though!
Take your time recuperating would be my only advice. Don't rush it. Wait to exercise and do what you usually do so you don't injure anything.
Good luck, Kelly
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Post by Taterweight on Apr 1, 2016 18:24:05 GMT -5
Had surgery Mar 30th - so I'm 2 days out. This is not too bad. I went in at 5:30am to the hospital and was discharged later that evening at 5pm. I find this incredulous to have 6.5 hrs under anesthesia and be released! But, all is well. Abdomen is sore as hell, but if I breathe deep I can move around. I'm in a girdle for a solid week and support hose - it's quite the look - and undoubtedly I will smell to high heaven by tomorrow, let alone my follow-up visit next Friday with my surgeon. Warm soapy washcloths are my only friends. Med wise I'm taking 2 baby .norco's every 4-5 hrs with vistaril for nausea, keflex as my antibiotic every 6 hrs, one syringe of lovenox as a blood thinner in the thigh each morning for a few days. I have 2 drains that I'm tending 3 times a day and I'm drinking as much protein shake as I can to get those suckers healed up! Have not seen my new tummy or the absence of hernia baby other than the girdle that has been packed full of gauze. So, that's it for now!
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