Frangipani

Hi Ladies,

Sorry I've been offline for about a week now. In addition to dealing with this wound, I've been very obsessed with the election and all the crazy things going on with the economy. WOW!!! It's been a very crazy few weeks -- huh?????

I must say that it's been very interesting being in one of the big battleground states during this time. It seems like just about every day at least someone is campaigning here. Yesterday we had Obama in Miami and Hillary in Fort Lauderdale

Anyhow, getting caught up on my postings..............

Happy Belated Birthday Frangni, I totally missed it sorry.

Glad to hear the wound vac is doing it's job. How is everything else going?

So does J-Lo have to look out for her new competition? :-)

Shalee, than you so much for the birthday wishes!!!!

Things are going well. The wound is improving, but not completely healed yet. However, I have definitely turned the corner with all of this and my energy is back 100% -- which is a great relief.

Frangi - good to hear from you. Wishing you a quick recovery and a speedy trip home... .and that your house isn't a wreck!

Thanks Karen :thumbup::smile:

I have been lurking here forever, but haven't posted before now.

You have been pretty quiet Frangi - how are you doing? I had a wound vac and know they are annoying - but they are amazing when you look at the results for chronic wounds that won't heal. How long are you going to need it? How is the swelling? Do you still have excess Fluid in the surgical area? How are you actually feeling these days? Is your energy back - most important can you shop til you drop? Curious and caring minds want to know

Becky - I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Please take care of yourself and let us know how you are doing when you are able.

Jacquie

Hi Jacquie,

Thanks for the nice message! My energy is back 100% now -- thank goodness. That was the worst part of this whole thing really.

I do still have drainage, but it is much improved over what it was a few weeks ago. My Wound Vac will come off tomorrow. The wound is not completely healed yet, but it's time for me to go home. Tomorrow will be four weeks in Miami and I can't stay here forever after all!

Did you keep your Wound Vac on until your wound was healed -- or did you have it removed beforehand?

I am so glad you posted -- it's really helpful for me to have someone to compare notes with. Thank you so much for that!

Fragni, Hope things are going better for you and that your healing up nicely. I hope to have even part of your strength with me tomorrow and in the days to come. You have been an insperation to alot of us on LBT.

See you in the flatlands....

Shalee thank you for that lovely message. You really made my whole week with that one :cool2::smile::tt2:!

Trust me, you'll do wonderfully. I'll be back online regularly now and will be following your progress closely!

Once again -- sending good luck and big, healing hugs your way!

Hi Karey,

Glad to hear the surgery went well and that you're resting and healing!

Best of luck in getting rid of the drains and foam-- and congratulations on the hot new bod!!!!

:smile::thumbup:

Hi Shalee,

I haven't been online for about a week now, but I've been thinking about you. I wish you the very best of luck tomorrow and can't wait to hear that you sailed through your surgery and are enjoying your Smokin' Hot new bod!

Sending great big hugs and quick healing vibes your way sweet lady!!!

:smile::thumbup:

We are getting close!! I can't wait. Last night I couldn't go to sleep trying to picture my new body. I am SOOOOO ready to lose the flap on my lap!!

Hi Renewed,

You are getting close!!!! I am 4 months post-op now with my TT and love it more with each passing day -- THE BEST money I've ever spent. You're going to love it!!!!

Talk soon :smile2::smile::laugh:!

Hi Ladies,

Still in Miami, but things are improving. I'm amazed at the Wound Vac. It is a hassle, but very effective.

That said, wound healing is still a very sloooooow process and requires a lot of patience -- something I don't have..............

Frangi: Glad to hear from you. I guess you're getting to know Miami better than you would have liked to?! Sorry for all the problems, but glad that they can help you with it. I'm getting very nervous/excited about my surgery. I had a discussion with the doctor yesterday about the size of my butt. Seems it will be round at the top, but maybe still a little flat at the bottom. I guess we'll see. Glad I trust my doctor. Take care of yourself, cutie. It will all be better soon!

Hi Karey,

Thanks! :smile::smile::smile:

As I told you in your thread, I'm very happy with my results and I'm sure you will be too!!!! Go for it girl!!!!

Frangi,

Glad to hear the vac is working for you. Wound care takes time. You'll do great!! I am partying with the girls as we speak tonight. We are all joining Weight Watchers tomorrow so tonight is party time. No food involved if you get my hint!! :Banane27::tongue:

I went into Coyote Ugly in the New York New York casino when we were in Vegas. I was a bit shy. Unlike me...but next year....LOOK OUT!! I want to be there right there with the girls dancing!!:Banane53::biggrin:

That is my BIG regret of Vegas, not going into Coyote Ugly....Wait until next year folks!!:thumbup:

Well, the hip hop is calling on my patio and the girls are dancing so I will talk more later!! :Banane27::smile2:

Hey Jody,

Based on the date of this post, you had a big party on my birthday! I'm glad someone was partying on my birthday because I sure wasn't!!!

My birthday consisted of having a needle the size of an oil-drill bit inserted in my backside to drain Fluid -- fun, fun, fun!!!!

Good news is that the Fluid is all gone now and I don't need to have that done any more!!!!

Hi Frangi

So glad you are taking good care of yourself. Great news that the doc is happy with the healing and that he's released the guilt you were surely feeling about the problems being "your fault".

I agree totally.... a size 6 is plenty small!!!!! And curves are a very good thing. It's funny how folks see others. I get told almost daily, and sometimes several times a day (I work in a large ER with lots of employees) that I look great and I don't need to lose any more weight. I'm 5'8, 170 and STILL OVERWEIGHT!!!! Sure, my 12's are loose and I absolutely look much better than I did when I wore a snug 18, but perception is a funny thing. I wonder if these folks hadn't known me when I was much larger if they'd say the same thing... that I don't need to lose more. I'm still hoping for a loose 10 (I can get into a 10, but I hate tight clothes and won't wear them) when all is said and done, so we'll see. Then again, when I do get my TT a lot of skin should go away and then maybe clothes will fit differently.

Anyway, I'm rambling. Please continue to rest and heal and take care of yourself. It will end soon and be oh so worth the hassle!!!

Hi Cori :smile::smile::smile:!

Thanks for the well wishes -- and I enjoy your rambles! I'm sure you look smokin' hot at size 12. I was very happy with size 12 and am pretty sure that had I stayed there, I would have been perfectly satisfied with that, even at my petite 5'4". Size 12 is a great for someone tall like you.

hey frangi - just in catch up mode on what you have been going thru... and my heartfelt wish your wounds heal quickly.

hugs your way - lulu

Thanks LuLu!!!! I can't wait to get back to the exercise board to join you guys!!!! How is everything with you?

Happy Belated Birthday Frangi!! :hurray::party::laugh:

Hope you are feeling better. Are you home?

Thanks Jody!!!!! I'm still in Miami and don't have a firm date to return home yet -- probably in the next week or so.

Frangi, So glad you are doing better.

Hi Renewed -- thanks!!! How is everything with you?

Ok....so after reading all of the posts I've come to the conclusion that the smartest thing to do would be to suck it up, save up another couple thousand bucks and have it done locally. I'm just so darned impatient !!!:smile2: I could do it NOW in Mexico...but it's gonna take me at least a few months to save more cash !!! ~~Sigh~~

So I need to thank you all for answering my questions...it's very much appreciated !!! I envy those of you that have gone before me...and can sympathize with those of you waiting with me. 1 day it will be our turn....

Again, thanks to all !!!

Patricia

Hi Patricia,

I know that several on this board have had a positive experience with PS in MX, but I wanted to say that I think you've made the right decision to have your surgery done locally.

I had my Lap Band done in MX and wouldn't hesitate to recommend doing that to anyone, but Lap Band surgery is a much different thing than plastic surgery. A Tummy Tuck or LBL is much more involved. The wound is huge and as such, there is a much higher risk for post-op complications. Most of these complications will be minor and very easily treatable, but the fact remains that your chances of needing follow-up care is pretty high and it's just better to have your PS done as close to home as possible.

Having had post-op complications, I am very glad that I decided to have my surgery done in the States. It just made things so much easier to deal with............

Dr. Schulman also made some very excellent points. I came through my PS with flying colors and did not develop my wound problem until two weeks post-op.

Hi Kelly,

Just checking in. You're getting so close! Woo Hoo!!!!

Goodness, you have everything organized down to the last detail don't you?!!!! I'm in awe and jealous :seeya:!

I'm still in Miami and am afraid to even imagine what my house looks like about now :tongue:!

Hi Karey,

I'm still in Miami dealing with my wound issues (improving BTW albeit very sloooowly). I haven't been on LBT in several days, but I just wanted to check in and let you know that I'm thinking about you and wishing you the very best this week.

I know everything will turn out great for you. The swelling on my backside has gone down quite a bit in the past week, I am loving my results and am very glad that I did this -- I know that you will feel the same about your results as well!

Big hugs and quick healing vibes to you sweetie!!!!

:smile:

Oh Becky,

I've been having Internet problems here at the hotel and have been offline for the past few days. I am so sorry to hear about your Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Big hugs to you...........

Hi Ladies!

I'm here, but I am not my usual energetic self and haven't been spending much time online. Between the wound and the Wound Vac, I have definitely met my match.

I've been spending lots of time resting, sleeping and staying off this wound as much as possible. I have also been fatigued, and have have some Fluid issues on one side of my butt. As a result the Dr. has had to go in with a huge needle and drain fluid (not fun). So between that and the numerous dressing changes for the Wound Vac, my life has pretty much been about Dr. appointments and frequent naps.

The good news is that the Vac seems to be working remarkably well and quickly, and the Dr. is very pleased with the progress.

He also told me that he doesn't think my post-op activity had anything to do with this wound falling apart. He's pretty sure that my wound problem is mostly the result of my body rejecting the sutures. I did have wound problems when I had my TT, but it was such that the Dr. was able to go back in and stitch it up. He told me that the problem is more severe this time because far many more sutures are used for the backside and thighs -- and hence there's a whole lot more for my body not to like. :cool2:

Frangi, Just checking in on you, hope all is going well.

Hi Kelly!

Thanks for checking on me!!! Your date is coming up quick -- I'm excited for you!!!

Frangi: Glad the doc reassured you and that you are now familar with another device! LOL! My absolute favorite TV series is Monk and you can get all the years on DVD. I imagine Blockbusters has it. I have never watched 24 and I'm going to watch about 3 years worth while I recover! I'm coming down with a head cold. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to nip it in the bud? I'm a little over 2 weeks out for my surgery. This is not good. I spent the last 2 days at a friends cabin with 9 other ladies and we stayed up to about 2 am both nights. I'm not a late night person and I'm sure I brought this on myself. I'm starting Emergen-C today and Zicam. Does any one have any other ideas? I'm wondering if I should call and get a Z pack? The glands in my neck are swollen.

Frangi: What's happening? Wondering if you like the size of your bottom now that you're use to it?

Hi Karey!

Are you feeling better now? I use Zicam and it usually works very well for me.

Thanks for the DVD recommendation, I plan on checking this out in the next few days.

I like the shape of my bottom quite a bit, but because of this wound problem my metabolism has kicked into high gear and I've lost more weight. As a result I feel like I'm losing some ground with the buttocks augmentation. I'm down to a size 4 and really would like to remain a size 6. That said, I still struggle with the concept of putting on any pounds that I've lost. What a bizarre problem to have -- I've never worried about being too thin!!!

However, I plan to sort this all out once I move past this wound problem. For right now, I'm just focusing on eating healthy and well and am not going to get too caught up with the scale. So long story short -- I love the shape, but hope to put a few more pounds back on to retain the curvaceous look I was enjoying for a time.

Hi Ladies,

We haven't heard from you in awhile. What's new? Hope all is well!

Hi Jody! Yes, all is well! :thumbup::laugh: How are you doing?

Hi Kelly!!!

I'm so glad you started a thread!. Three weeks from today -- Wow -- it's coming up quickly! I'm SO excited for you :cool2::smile:!

I've ordered two different types of compression garments for my surgeries and both times I used a company called Nouvelle. Here's the link to their website Compression Wear & Bodyshaping Clothing. Ask for Dawn.

I've been really pleased with the prices (which seem more reasonable than most) and their truly excellent service. They will help you with sizing and will even custom size a garment for you (at no extra charge I believe). They also ship lightening fast and have an excellent return policy.

I wasn't sure what size I needed before Round 1 either and Dawn shipped me my garment in two different sizes and allowed me to return the unused one for a full refund a few week after my surgery.

Hope this helps and I'll be looking forward to following your journey!

Talk to you soon!

Hey you. I'm worried about you. No energy is NOT a good thing. Please, be eating well and wise and focus on healing, OK? I hope the trip to Miami was as pain free and unenventful as possible. Looking forward to hearing from you and praying that your news is good news.

Hi Cori,

Thank you so much for your kindness -- you are a sweetheart!!!

Everything is absolutely fine now. The trip to Miami on Thursday night was easy and the flight actually got in about 20 minutes early. I got lots of help with my luggage and the nice man at the car rental even gave me a free upgrade!

My wonderful Dr. thought of everything and had it all set up in advance. When I went to the office yesterday I was hooked up to a Wound Vac (thanks again for mentioning this JWRN -- it was great to know a little something about this in advance). It's an interesting device and I am optimistic that it will work well for me.

The only downside is that you are hooked up to some portable machinery 24/7 -- which does present a bit of a "fashion challenge." That said, I love a challenge and I will figure out a way to camouflage this thing and integrate it into my wardrobe (LOL :bolt:).

The other good news is that the Dr. told me that the wound looks really good and really healthy (which I thought too, but couldn't be certain). I knew that there was lots of new tissue growth, and I figured the reddish/pink color was a very good sign, but it was good to have confirmation from the Dr that all seems to be well.

Nutritionally I have been doing absolutely everything possible that I can think of. I have been eating like crazy (2000 calories a day at least and probably even more some days), and taking lots of Vitamins.

I definitely do have fatigue, but I plan to get lots of R & R on this trip. Last night I stayed in my room and watched movies and was fast asleep by 10:00 PM.

BTW -- I received a fresh batch of Netflix before I left town and brought them all with me BUT I think I'll be going through my movie inventory pretty quickly here. So if you have any recommendations for movies ladies, let me know as I also have a membership at the Blockbuster near my hotel.

Hi Frangi!!

I am thinking about you. Frank and I are back from Vegas. What a time we had!! Just wonderful. Please keep us updated on what is going on. I thought of you while I was there. You would set that town on fire girlfriend!!:tt1::biggrin::tongue:

Hugs to you!!:smile2:

Hi Jody,

Thanks!!!

Glad to hear you had such a great time in Vegas!!!! Tell me more! What did you do? Did you catch any shows? Did you win any money? :thumbup::thumbup::tongue:

Frangi: Now you musn't blame yourself for this! Stuff happens! It's easy to get fixated on something, especially when it has to do with your body. I would be the same way. I'm glad that your going back to Miami, if only to confirm that all it well. Who knows maybe you can have some fun while you're there!

Thanks Karey! I read you message the other day and it lifted my spirits. Thanks for that.

I am already feeling so much better having had this checked out by the Dr. in person.

So, so sorry you are having this complication. I am sure that it will be OK but please keep us updated from Florida. Totally sucks that you have to go but sounds like the right decision - the stress of worrying alone makes it worth it.

Thanks Karen! And you are so right about the stress factor -- it's totally gone now that I am back in Miami and just a few miles away from proper medical attention. How are you doing?

Well, my machine is bleeping at me, so I have to figure out what it wants. I'll check back in later -- and please do give me some movie suggestions! I like everything -- dramas, comedies, documentaries, interesting TV series, whatever.........

Thanks ladies!!!! Have a great Saturday! :tt2::smile::smile:

Hi Ladies,

Wow! Thanks for the incredibly nice and supportive messages!!! I will respond to them individually within the next few days, but I need to keep this very short for now.

For whatever reason, this wound problem has really sapped my energy and I have had to carefully pace myself as I get everything ready to leave town, so it's been slow going.

Will update tomorrow or Saturday when I settle in. This trip, I plan to stay off this incision as much as possible and get some serious R&R..........

Hi Karen,

I am SO glad to see how well you are doing. See! I told you :smile::smile::wink_smile:!!! It's not that bad really is it?

Take it from me though, lay low and get lots of rest. Don't be too active. I am having wound problems right now and I'm convinced it's because I thought I was superwoman and was WAY to active after this last surgery.

Miralax is the best laxative, and don't worry it will work even though it might take a little while. I had a terrible problem after this last surgery and the stool softeners were not effective. However, my problem was solved with the Miralax.< /span>

Well, I need to keep this short because I'm getting myself ready to return to the States to deal with my wound problem. Talk to you soon, welcome to the flatlands, and congratulations on a wonderfully successful surgery!!!!!

:confused::smile:

Hi Renewed Hope,

Sorry it took me so long to respond, I've been having some post-operative complications and haven't been spending much time online.

However, I am SO happy for you!!!!! What an incredible feeling and accomplishment!!!!! Woo Hoo!!!! This is definitely a dancing banana event!!!!! Congratulations girl!!!!!

:smile::wink_smile::confused::wink2::huh2::tt2::bananapowerslide::bananapowerslide::bananapowerslide::bananapowerslide:

Hi All,

I haven't been on LBT for the past several days and it's great to see how wonderfully everyone is doing! Karen G, I am SO happy to hear how well you are doing!!!! See, I told you!!!!

I'm still having problems with my wound that dehisced (i.e., fell apart in one spot). And yes, not knowing anything about this until I learned it from you Karey, and Cori, I have now given myself a crash course on wound dehiscence. However, I need to stop because all I am doing is driving myself crazy as well as scaring myself reading about all the worst case scenarios.

The area has actually grown a little larger since I've returned home, which is a very frustrating thing for me. I can see that there is lots of new tissue growth on the inside (and my Dr. has confirmed this from the photos I've sent). And I still can't shake the feeling that I brought this whole thing on myself by stupidly being WAY too active after surgery. Dumb, dumb, dumb..........

Anyhow, after several conversations and emails back and forth with my Dr. (who has been simply amazing in his follow up) we have decided that the best thing to do is for me to go back to Miami. He's reasonably confident that everything is okay, but being the very thorough person that he is, he told me that he would really like to look at the wound again in person just to be absolutely certain.

Of course it's a real hassle for me to pack up and leave town when I barely got home, but it is what it is.......

Hi Renewed Hope,

You're very welcome! You will lose weight from the surgeries. I lost 18 pounds from Round 1 and have lost another 3 since Round 2.

That said, your head is totally in the right place and I can tell that you have a really great, "can do" attitude, which is the thing that will get you to goal.

Good luck with all of this. I am so jealous to read about your workouts -- especially the Couch to 5K, which I was also doing and really enjoying before my surgeries.

I miss my workouts so much right now, but because of my wound problems, I need to continue to lay low here for a while more, so for now I will just enjoy living vicariously through you :thumbup::smile::thumbdown:

Thanks Frangi! I have kept up with your progress too and you have done amazing. I have been a lurker on the PS threads for so long!!

Ok, I have a question. I have 5 weeks until surgery, and I REALLY want to lose 10 - 15 more pounds between now and then. I run every other day. usually 2 to 3 miles. I eat high protein/healthy carbs. I have been stuck at this weight for a few months now. Any tips for getting my scales moving again. I REALLY want these pounds off BEFORE surgery!!

Hi Renewed Hope,

I plateaued before my first surgery too -- I think that just happens when we get close to goal. That said, my advice would be to mix up your exercise routine a bit.

If you like running, maybe you can have some days where you do some anaerobic activity, like sprinting. Also you might want to do some "long cardio" on certain days. When I'm in my regular exercise routine, I try to have one or two (ideally two, time permitting) days where I go out and take long (2-3 hour) hilly hikes. Weight lifting is another thing that works really well for me, although I haven't done it since early June because of my surgeries.

I find that keeping my body guessing about what I might put it through next really seems to help keep up a fairly steady weight loss.

Hope this helps, and looking forward to hearing more about your upcoming PS journey!

:biggrin::smile::thumbup:

Hi Karen,

Thinking of you today. I hope by now, you are in recovery and doing well.

Big healing hugs to you! :crying::smile::wink2:

Hi!!! I have been MIA for a while as I have had some major problems with medication, but I am back on track...though I found a few of my lost pounds. However they are coming back of.

I just quickly wanted to tell Frangi that you might want to consult a naturopathic doctor about honey. It sounds weird but my mom had a HUGE gaping would that would not close after surgery. After 3 months of a wound vac and weeks in and out of the hospital she finally had a doc stop by who was substituting for her regular doc that practiced naturopathy. He had her fill the wound with honey (yep the one that comes out of the bottle looking like a bear) and within 3 days the wound was healed. I would not suggest trying this without seeing an actual doctor however as all wounds are different, but if there is a naturopath around it might be worth talking to them about and having them decide if it could be worth a shot.

Okay...waaaaaaay behind at work so I will check back later. Karri

Hi Salsa!

Glad to hear all is well with you and thanks for checking in!

Yes, I have heard and read about honey and wound healing. Seems like a really wild, counterintuitive thing to do, doesn't it? But I know that a number of people swear by it and I'm so glad to hear that it worked so well for your Mom. If push comes to shove and I don't see any progress with the wound healing, I might investigate this one a bit more. Thank you very much for the suggestion.

Frangi, You look amazing!!!

Hubby isn't going to be able to keep his hands off you.

Hi Kelly -- great to hear from you!!! Thank you so much!!!!

I can't wait for you to have your surgery done -- you are going to LOVE your results. I am blown away by what a good plastic surgeon can do with the body -- it's truly beyond anything I could have imagined.

I know that you also have an awesome Dr. -- so get ready to start loving your new body!!!!

Becky, it's been a few days since we've heard anything from you. I'm getting worried. I hope everything is okay with your Mom -- please update us when you can.

Thanks again ladies for all the nice comments, they really help during this little bit of a downer I'm going through with these incision problems. Waiting for a wound to heal is like waiting for (and watching) paint dry, but worse because it takes SO MUCH longer.........

Hi Renewed Hope,

Good luck with your surgery and looking forward to following your progress. I also had GYN surgery when I had my TT and BL with implants. It's a great idea to combine surgeries this way.

I'm laughing at your comment about not being able to imagine having a flat stomach because I felt exactly the same way. In fact, I did not believe it until I saw it!!!! Before surgery I'm sure I drove my poor Dr. crazy asking him over and over if he could really make my tummy flat. Finally he said to me (in a somewhat exasperated tone) "Yes! It will be flat, that's what you're paying me for, isn't it?" -- which in turn made me LOL

Anyhow, good luck and trust me, you will be in the flatlands with the rest of us and loving it!!!

Thanks Frangi. The biggest Q for me right now is what to do if my TOM isn't over. I think it will be mostly over but not 100%. Sucks right? Also, I am probably as it turns out in the hospital for 2 days. I can ask my sister to post an update if she can but I don't think there is wireless in the hospital. I will certainly post something when I get home.

Hi Karen,

Good luck tomorrow!!!

I had my TOM during both of my surgeries. The first time was really bad because my (five) fibroid tumors (which were also removed during Round 1) caused heavy, heavy bleeding. Having my TOM really didn't seem to cause any major problems -- it was just one more (very minor) thing I dealt with during the recovery process. Hope this helps!!!

Can't wait to hear back that you rocked your surgery and are on the road to recovery!!!! Sending quick healing vibes your way!!!!

Hi Ladies,

How wonderful it was to sign on this morning and see all your lovely comments!!!! You really brightened my day!!!

LOL! Frangi, you make me smile. Dehissing simply means your wound closure has come apart, or the skin that had been pulled together to close the wound has spread open. Closing it at this point is the LAST thing you want to do.... packing is the absolute way to go (or so I've been told) so please follow your doc on this one. I'm sorry to hear you're having a rough time, but I've no doubt you will heal completely and quickly. So glad you are not looking to lose more weight. I think a 6 is plenty small, no matter your height or body type. so, did you buy out Miami? Have you enough clothes to get you by for now? Or do we have to watch out for you on QVC and the shopping channel as you continue to take it easy and heal

A quick "hello" to everyone else and wishing you all success in your continued weight loss or on your road to PS success.

Cori,

It's so nice to hear from you!!!! :smile::smile::smile: How have you been? You made me LOL so hard with your QVC comment!!!! Thanks for that :lol:

Frangi:

Wow! Congratulations to you. You loooooookkkkkk fffffaaaaabbbbuuuulllloooouuuussss! I forget who used to say it on Saturday Night Live, but you truly do look fabulous. I hope that looking at these pictures brightens your day while you are recuperating from your recent surgery. Nice curves! I'm very jealous.

Sue

Hi Sue!

Thank you so much!!! I love SNL and I know that character you are talking about!!! I believe it was Billy Crystal doing the actor Fernando Lamas.

How's the Trikking going? Your weight loss is amazing! Congratulations!!!! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

YOu look amazing! As you know I go on Thursday and am feeling a bit nervous but seeing your great results gave me more courage. Thanks for sharing.

Karen, thank you so much! It will be worth it, trust me!!!

Tomorrow is the big day, I will be thinking of you and wishing you the very, very best!!!!

Frangi -

You look amazing!! I hope your incision heals up quickly. Cori made me laugh with the QVC comment. I can see you hosting it with your own line of clothes!!!:tongue:

Hi Jody,

Thank you sweetie!!!

I meant to comment on this earlier but forgot (remnants of drugs in the past few weeks, my memory seems wiped out -- truly). Congrats on all your progress with the exercise! You're doing a fabulous job with all of this and I can't wait to be back on the exercise threads with you :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:!

Frangipani

You look fantastic.

As far as your wound, have they considered a wound vac? I have used these many time and it helps with the healing. It is remarkable what they can do. It is a sponge that goes into the wound and has a continuous suction that promotes new tissue growth and healing. Are you going to a wound care clinic? Sorry, I haven't waded through the many postings on this thread, so you may have already mentioned your treatment.

Hi JWRN,

Thanks for the terrific suggestions regarding wound care. No, I have never even heard of a wound vac and it sounds like a great device. Unfortunately (well, fortunately sometimes), I live in the Caribbean (St. Thomas, USVI) and the health care situation here doesn't even come close to what you might find in the states.

That said, Dr. Masri has been absolutely wonderful in his follow-up. He is always very accessible and keeps close tabs on my progress, and I plan to discuss some of your ideas with him and see what he thinks. It might be an option for me to return to Miami to access some of these additional healing tools, if need be.

frangi - you look FAB!!! your waist, curves & the sexy black ensemble'..:tongue2:

hot, hot, hot!!!!

Thanks LuLu!!! How's everything going with you girl?

Frangi: Thanks for sharing the pix. You look fabtabulous! I can tell you that even at 6 months I am noticing improvements in my tummy and I have gone down 1 size more. You're going to be getting better and better. Your poor DH isn't going to know what to do with such a smoking hot babe!

Hi Karey,

Thanks! It's also great to hear that things will continue to improve.

Thanks again ladies, for the reminder that there are positives to focus on at this point and that this will all be worth it in the end!

Big hugs to all of you -- you are an awesome group of women!!!! :smile::smile::smile:

Hi Ladies!

Well DH isn't due back until the weekend and has not yet seen the new bod (thanks for asking Karey), but I will update you when I get the "official feedback."

As you know I have been feeling kind of blue about my incision problems. A friend came over to visit today and suggested that we take a few pics of what I do like so far, which is my Tummy Tuck and breasts -- so here are the 3 months post-op TT and breast photos. The next time I post photos I will try to wear a different type of a bra so that you can get a better idea of the breasts, which I am very happy with.

For those of you who haven't had surgery yet, I have also included a before photo taken 4 days pre-op, and a two-week post op photo, so that you can get an idea as to how things heal and progress. The Dr. tells me that even at three months post-op, there is still some swelling, so it will be interesting to see how things continue to develop.

So that's what's happening here. I'm de-hissing!

Sounds about right-- LOL! :tt1:

The Dr. didn't really give me a time frame, he just tells me to be patient and that it will heal.

So I'm trying to be patient...... even though I am (obviously) a very impatient person!