Darktowerdream

I had a good nutritionist but still relied on my own personal guidelines, basically kept to a more strict routine and took longer on the stages than she was necessarily happy with but she was understanding, at least as much as anyone could be I suppose. Each nutritionist seems to have their own concepts and suggestions. I told her things I was doing that worked for me and I think she added some of it to her nutrition class. Such as I mix PEScience protein powder with Oikos Triple zero yogurt. on that note my current obsession is Oikos Triple zero Lemon Tart yogurt mixed with PEScience select peanut butter cookie protein powder that I freeze for 30 minutes and mix again. I put A little sola low carb granola On top. A manzano banana. And land o lakes whipped cream. PEScience http://rwrd.io/c6uus2e sorry 😐 what was I saying. I have different circumstances so it was hard to get this across to my nutritionist. I am unable to exercise. And had gastric bypass surgery because of this due to lifelong chronic illness and disability. As well as metabolic disorders. Then you get asked are you exercising ... like ... I’m being as active as humanly possible when exertion that people take for granted exhausts me, makes me ill and exercise causes damage and ages my muscles ... (without actually saying all that because hey no one listens) I stuck to very strict low carb and low calorie until I reached goal and still do with exception of some nuts and a little fruit now. Though the nuts I eat are low carb. I’m obsessed with pepitas roasted salted I usually add a little to my yogurt for extra crunch. my nutritionist said no gummy vitamins until I showed her the ones I take which are garden of life Whole Foods based multivitamin and any sugars are within her guidelines of less than 4-5 grams and food based. if two shakes a day gets you the protein you need and they are low carb low sugar And not high in calories, than I don’t see the problem. Although personally I think sometimes nutritionists recommendations for protein is too high or too generic. 0.36 grams of protein per 1lb body weight is a good starting point to calculate daily intake. Of course higher if you exercise a lot. im not good with meals I still have issue with nausea and things I won’t get into and though I don’t drink shakes anymore and didn’t once I figured out mixing protein powder with yogurt tasted even better ... I have a protein bar for breakfast and the yogurt mixed with protein powder for dinner. My main meal is lunch. And usual consists of something simple like a veggie burger with an egg. Sometimes with avocado. Or even a manzano banana. sorry I rambled a lot and it’s likely not a practical response or not an answer you asked for either. Sorry 😐

If I did then I didn’t have enough left to notice that I did. I had a hysterectomy in 2010. Then maybe a month before my gastric bypass surgery in April 2019 (somewhere thereabouts) I had a oophorectomy along with other pelvic surgeries to try to fix some post hysterectomy problems. They took one ovary covered in endometriosis. Later on some months after my gastric bypass I had to have another oophorectomy and to redo a surgical repair as well. So that put me into menopause. It’s hard to say since maybe menopause impacts me differently with having adult onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia and pcos ... @2Bsmaller18 I’ve never had much shape, I think the Faja gives some illusion of a waist. Probably a nice side effect of the belt lipectomy that I didn’t even think about was creating some waist definition. My having plastics was more for reasons beyond aesthetics. The physical effects of the excess skin and laxity, Including of the abdominal muscles. Although honestly I weirdly don’t have the normal curvature you have in your back that gives your butt definition because my spine is twisted (rotatory scoliosis) it’s just flat as a board. My stomach, butt and thighs were the biggest, I guess I never swelled as much in my calves except post op. My calves and fat piggy feet were huge when I came home. But I think that maybe taking turmeric gummies helped quite a bit. Using the Faja is what helps waist train and give definition especially post op so I plan to use it for a while. And then switch to just waist trainer. Not just to maintain the results of the surgery but to try to help with my severe back pain from degenerate disc disease, arthritis, and the scoliosis. I’m very critical of myself and have a hard time when people comment what I look like. I don’t tend to see it. Or sometimes don’t interpret what they say as good. Ie. When someone says things like if you lose any more weight you will disappear. and I’ve just been rambling ....

@ChubRub I had mixed feelings about sharing. I think back to losing weight before and how it didn’t stick and hope this is it, you know? I’m not good with words or maybe not with how I feel. Things have been tough to say the least and this was one thing I could fight for. Even though I wasn’t sure even this could happen. I still feel like the fat girl. I also think about someone I trusted, who was a friend I called her my sister, treated her like family ... I won’t get into details but traveled long distance to spend holiday with her and her SO to be supportive. I was struggling with my weight after I’d just had a hysterectomy. The first thing she said to me wasn’t how are you. I don’t remember exactly What she said she barely looked at me. All I remember is her saying “I’m going to fatten you up ...” I don’t know why she said it. But that trip turned bad. And what I thought was a friendship ended. Badly. I struggled with what I ate while I stayed with her. And got accused of not eating for attention. I didn’t want to stress out her SO, he was a good person so I ate whatever meals he prepared. Never mind that I was getting massive rashes on my abdomen and was sick but didn’t tell them that. (Later I found it was a combination of food allergy and my gallbladder, and it was high altitude as well so my breathing was difficult because I was also on a beta blocker for orthostatic intolerance) even When I got home. Everything was just a mess and so was I. Nothing was the same. And over a short time the few people in my life just cut out. Including my actual sister. And another close friend who called herself sister to me ... I didn’t have support beyond my mom through my weight loss surgery and she helped me fight for it. well in my rambling I just wanted to say it was hard to share these pictures because I never have pictures of myself literally never. I’m glad if it helps to see that the weight loss journey is worth it, as is plastics. It helps the steps to feeling complete. To feeling you’ve reached a goal you couldn’t get to before. I still struggle with body dysmorphia. With my self image. I find it almost funny that people don’t comment when you are overweight. My doctor when I sought ought help when I needed it, when I fought my weight and was desperate for help she said oh your weight is fine. Oh no it wasn’t. But now people don’t hesitate to make snide remarks like watch out you lose anymore you’ll disappear. I’m sure they think it’s a compliment too. Not realizing they are saying t to someone who has been invisible all their life.

I hate it but this is the only picture I have before my gastric bypass surgery. It was my birthday at the zoo before surgery. The stupid zoo snapped this horrid picture without me knowing. I wish I’d been able to enjoy the day more than I did. I treated my mom and her friends to a free day at the zoo and a close encounter with flamingos that I’d won. (Yeah It was supposed to be my birthday) that was April 2019. I tried to hide behind my camera. I didn’t know if the surgery was even going to happen but it did get approved the end of April one week before surgery. That happened April 29th. I despise pictures of myself and am not good at taking them. I tried to take a after picture. With and without the Faja. Trying clothes I never thought I’d wear. Not sure anyone wants to see. I dislike my arms and hands and my knees are weird ... and I don’t like my ugly mug 🤣 sorry they are terrible pictures but I never thought I’d be this weight or size ... or that I’d have an actual waist.

I think I said as much in my response but I agree. Most good surgeons do multiple surgeries. I had three, yes it was long and reached maximum time, I don’t remember how long. Over eight hours. But I don’t know how long I was in the recovery area. I had belt lipectomy with butterfly lift, thigh lift and breast augmentation. To me a good surgeon knows his procedures and can do them well in a timely manner. My surgeon was a perfectionist. I think he did excellent considering the number of procedures. Thanks @sillykitty mine are a dark purple especially after I shower. Mostly the belt lipectomy incision. But some areas are already smoothing out. I don’t do much for scar care I don’t get a lot of sun exposure lately ... and I use Tamanu oil. I kept the incisions clean and used a ointment with bee propolis, silver and tea tree oil. I also did a post shower incision cleanse of the incisions before rinsing. I haven’t used any special scar oils. I did get a box of silicone sheets on sale I’m using it on the T incisions on my thigh area. Just to try them. But I doubt I’d buy another box. They just happened to be cheap with a coupon at bed bath and beyond. I bought smaller size Marena Faja from a seller on eBay, size 2XS not new but I can’t afford new. I got three two of the style I have and one step two. They are perfect condition though. I got the three for $80. If anyone needs XS and doesn’t mind used I will have two of them. I just need to find the right size bra. If anyone needs 32C post surgery bras Marena I have two. The original flexfit bras. https://marena.com/collections/womens-post-surgical-girdles/products/sfbhs-compression-girdle

@ChubRub i think I was born tired 🤣 ok not funny I guess ... I’ve dealt with being sick most of my life. The fatigue gets worse over time. Each thing that takes little pieces away I don’t get back. I can’t choose the price I pay. Like, It was either keep gaining weight or fight with all I had left. I also knew having plastics would take its toll ... and it has - the fatigue is a bit hellish but it’s my life as I know it and I have to learn my new normal. Showers are a drain. At some point I need to take over doing laundry again if I can. It’s hard to explain, I can’t go back to normal, just a new version of normal. Things people don’t really think about. It’s funny the things I don’t think about. I casually said To my mom something about it feels like a cat scratching my backside and she says to me that’s the first time I actually said anything about pain since my surgeries ... she thinks I’m brave I don’t think I am ... my skin is so thin and sensitive like an old lady. My backside incision is doing better so I just put a smaller bandage but for some reason the Faja is rubbing me the wrong way in that area ... Pain is such a everyday thing for me that I guess I don’t think about surgery. Although ... coming out of anesthesia from a long surgery is rough with M.E. And getting out of bed takes longer. Most people don’t know what I’m actually dealing with. My mom asked me why my scars look purple and I’m like I don’t know. I honestly don’t ... could just be me. I don’t remember that with any previous surgeries. I have scars on my calves from tendon surgeries. So scars aren’t a big deal to me. The skin ... now that was bad. as for the comment above It’s wrong to say “a good surgeon does one surgery at a time” I had a great surgeon. I had three procedures. He took excellent care of me. It helps to have a lower BMI at the time of surgery for less risk, he might not have done the procedures had certain things not been in place. I guess I’m just saying Wether you have some procedures together or separate is an individual thing. Not necessarily how good a surgeon is. My surgery was solely to remove A lot of excess skin and not fat. My risk factors were more based on chronic illness and disability but my surgeon took care of me. Made sure I had an extra day before I got on my feet, kept the iv fluids in extra as well. That’s a good doctor to me. No offense to the OP. I forgot what I was saying I meant to just simply respond. I’m sorry. I haven’t gotten in the pool yet. It’s humid and hot as hades here. I am waiting for the coccyx incision to close. That and im chicken. I haven’t found a swimsuit yet and haven’t been around humans in a while ... I don’t know if I can do it. Be social. React to the reactions to me in a swimsuit and me not having worn a swimsuit in forever. Or Go swimming. I don’t remember the last time I did. Or how my skin will react to the chlorine. My only issue right now is a pain above my belly button. Feels like some type of hernia. So tired of chronic gut issues related to my neurological problems. The belt lipectomy/butterfly lift actually helped with things at first but then this hernia thing popped up. But I honestly think it’s related to an old incision ... I need to figure out how to deal with this. After my gastric bypass surgery it revealed a neurological problem that started before the surgery and might not have been diagnosed if I didn’t have it but I never got answer to the cause of it ... (but I’ve already babbled too much)

@ChubRub that’s awesome 👏 I never truly had a goal weight in mind, I was too afraid of it. This time you will get there. It’s a rough bumpy ride but it wasn’t until gastric bypass surgery that I truly had the tool to get here. I fought so hard on my own and even following the rules I fell backwards and hit rock bottom where I’d hoped never to go again (over 200lbs) The lowest I ever got was 124lb and only stayed there weeks and settled at 134lbs ... and then the slow creep my gallbladder started to get bad and I had surgery and crap happened ... I fought back when we started the process of moving. And didn’t get far with it before I got slammed hard and the weight just piled on no matter what I did ... but somehow i knew gastric bypass surgery was the tool I needed and I’m grateful that it happened. I’m grateful to have had plastics as well. The excess skin was bringing me down. And was more than just cosmetic. I say this because you will have success and be pleased when you have plastics and feel you have reached a goal you couldn’t before. 💙

@ChubRub I am so tired I forgot when I clicked the post to read it and meant to answer you. It is after midnight now I need sleep but wanted to answer first. I need to get myself to shop for a swimsuit then get up the nerve to go to the pool. Wish the weather wasn’t so brutal. Lately the feels like heat index is well over 100 and humidity is the worst. Went with my mom today to get her nails done so I got a few groceries. I’m obsessed with making for dinner a oikos triple zero Lemon tart yogurt with PEScience peanut butter cookie protein powder, freeze 30 minutes. Sola granola on top. I got chocolate this time. Some pumpkin seeds. And land o lakes whipped cream. Of course a manzano banana. It’s really good. great news is that the T incision On my thigh lift is finally healed and closed. Whatever I did helped it a lot l The coccyx incision is getting there ... Although I have a painful lump above my belly button Im not sure what it is. BBS ... soooo tired ...

Thank you. @ms.sss I started to write a response and I lost words ... maybe when I get up the guts I’ll post the picture from my birthday right before my gastric bypass surgery. The only picture I have, a very unflattering one from the zoo. I was miserable that day, not knowing if my surgery was going to happen or if I would ever get my weight under control. And take an after picture ... I just don’t like seeing my face ... I have pictures of my incisions if anyone is curious and what I look like in Faja. It feels strange to share these things even though I technically already have through the Hospital BC page. with body dismorphia I don’t know if my self image will change. I guess with time I will see ... it’s gotten hard to hide the chronic pain and fatigue from my face and day to day and it tends to reflect how I feel around other people. But I guess because I’m on the Autism spectrum I don’t know my own facial expressions ... or how to interact with people. I find trying to understand people exhausting. Of course with Covid I haven’t been around anyone ... my mom keeps asking when can I go swimming. I don’t even know. well that’s why I never finished writing the response 🤣 do I make any sense? I don’t think I know a normal body. So I’m critical. And can’t exercise to firm things up more I hate that. I’m critical of my knees and excess skin on my calves. And my butt isn’t as perfect as it looks in the Post op pics. But probably is just natural laxity that returns. Though I could use some volume there. I didn’t want to look before the excess skin was so horrible it was like well ... flaps. My skin is extremely thin as well like someone twice my age. i guess I’ll ease my way into this and how the few people I do know will react. It’s more how they expect me to feel about it that’s hard ... I think that’s partly why I’m afraid to buy a swimsuit. The attention, I honestly don’t deal well with it.

I guess it depends on your measurements for you 34D is probably the best size. It should fit snug on the loosest hook. Maybe it’s the brand and style that you have that isn’t comfortable. Have you ever tried Felina bras? They have some very soft comfortable bras they don’t have my size but I’ve bought them from Target (called Paramour on Target) in the past and found them soft and comfortable though some bra bands do run smaller and maybe that’s why you sometimes need to size up a band size (and down a cup size) might have been the convertible back t-shirt bra but they also have a memory foam fit bra. There’s a bogo sale going on. https://www.target.com/p/paramour-women-s-sensational-convertible-back-t-shirt-bra/-/A-52430696?preselect=52947619#lnk=sametab Another comfortable one is Target brand Auden Bliss wire free bra. I will always be very self critical. I’m trying to not be but it’s always there. I’m noticing my knees and loose skin on my calves. And my there was so much loose skin removed from my backside but has the natural laxity returns I see flaws I wish I could change. But I’m also looking where I didn’t look before because I didn’t want to see. Because the sagging skin was so bad. Do I even know what a normal body is.

We tend to be most critical of ourselves. The folded skin should smooth out over time. Some folds from my thigh lift have started smoothing out finally. I don’t have before photos and I haven’t shared after. The only before and after I have are ones my surgeon shared on their website. I didn’t have much breast tissue I was surprised I had anything, but my breast reduction I had very solid dense breast tissue so whatever was left after weight loss was whatever was left of that and I lost all the fat leaving behind empty skin. I do feel I have some loose skin left also after my augmentation I’m hoping won’t be too much as swelling goes down. I think you have the option to ask for a larger implant once. Although for me I can’t afford the expense to travel and the operating room expenses. When you have the butt lift alone it can cause issues, I hope your doctor fixes it so that you are happy with the results. i Find myself seeing some imperfections that I don’t quite know what normal is. I don’t regret my surgeries. I just see things like my knees being a weird shape and looking big. But I think these things take time as we heal and our bodies adapt to the changes. not to be nosy but what do you measure under bust? Measured tight. Whatever you measure is your bra band size. Rounded up if necessary. Ie. 31” = 32 band size. But I’m fairly certain to get cup size if your bust measures 34” at the fullest for example you’d take 34 - 31 = 3 “ and each inch equals 1 cup size. So this example bra size would be 32C. Although my measurements are weird 25.5” under bust and 32” bust ... https://lindasonline.com/pages/bra-fitting-calculator

@ChubRub thank you I appreciate that. I bought paper tape and gauze pads and a special ointment (a blend of propolis, silver and tea tree) to make my own bandages. To be honest I also used pantyliners under tape as an absorbent for when the open wound was more wet. I have to say it’s interesting that I showered so soon after surgery. And the most important thing is to use a blow dryer on cool to dry the incisions. In hospital they dried them that way even covered in paper tape still. I clean the incisions well and blow dry especially the still raw areas but they are improving. I think the method worked well. when I get up the guts to wear the Romper I’ll try to get up the nerve to post a picture too. I am actually wearing dresses, albeit casual loose ones so far. I never worse dresses before. But they are convenient. I try to take pictures with my tablet but can’t get the bigger picture ... literally and figuratively.

@ms.sss I’m torn. It’s hard seeing myself as tiny. And thinking of wearing something that might draw attention. I live in a retirement community with my mom. I’ve lived most of my life overweight, fighting my weight, living with chronic illness and disability that only gets worse. I try to see the positive in what the surgery has given me. Something I never really had before. Some parts are still loose my knees are a bit weird. I’m not in a good place lately. I’m not depressed just not sure where I am in life. Not something I can talk about on a public forum. anyway. My measurements are 32” bust 25.5” under bust (bra band) I’d need a 28 bra size - 24” waist (I ever in my life imagined having a waist that size) 33.5” hips 16.5-17” thigh My one leg is at least half an inch smaller on the left side. My entire left side is smaller due to some aspect of my medical conditions. I haven’t bought a swimsuit I don’t know when I could go in a pool. I haven’t thought about it. My body doesn’t much like chlorine. im in a trap between people wanting me to be happier with the results of the surgery and me not knowing what my reaction is supposed to be or how I am supposed to feel. I’ve never seen myself as feminine or attractive for the entirety of my life. But like I said it’s just not things you discuss on a public forum. Is it tied to my being on the autism spectrum. Maybe. My childhood. Maybe. My chronic Illness. Maybe all those things. It just is what it is. sorry. I wish I had normal answers. It does surprise me to see the results. Maybe at some point when the last bandages come off I’ll process it better. I’m not sure ... the lowest my weight ever got was 2009 124lbs and I followed a strict low carb low calorie way of eating but it didn’t stay there. A few weeks it settled at 134lbs and stayed. Fast forward and eventually got to where I was still following the way of eating but my weight skyrocketed (again) and my gallbladder went to crap and I sought out gastric bypass surgery. I never thought I’d ever reach goal let alone this goal. when opportunity came to possibly have plastic surgery I grabbed it because I knew if I didn’t, it wouldn’t happen at all ...

Hi 🧡 I didn’t read the other replies but I had gastric bypass surgery April 29th 2019. I started out 5’ 208+ lbs and in under a year I lost 106lbs. I do not regret that decision at all. I stick to mainly a low carb way of eating And keep daily log of my meals, protein and calories BUT I do have fruit now no dumping and I have had a little wine here and there no dumping I’ve also had a margarita (whatever option had the least sugar) and I have had Prosecco which usually carbonated is a no no but I do have energy drinks sometimes too, I let the bubbly go out a bit. I didn’t have these until I was close to goal, well I admit I did cheat with the margarita a little early but otherwise I kept to my strict way of eating and slowly added things at goal. well I’m rambling. You Feel it out as you go through the steps when you have surgery. But You won’t regret gastric bypass surgery. I didn’t and would do it again even knowing how hard it was for me with my lifelong chronic illness and disability.

I wanted to add something about step 2 Faja, it’s not just about sizing down. Step 2 Faja no longer have the hook and eye closures ... https://marena.com/collections/womens-post-surgical-girdles/products/sfbhs2-compression-girdle I was looking on eBay for a more affordable price on a smaller size Faja (girdle) with the hook and eye closure. Money is crazy tight. Of course style depends on your surgeries. I’m in a weird spot my thighs are xxs but the rest is exactly in between sizes. I’m considering a Faja with calf length for daytime because my knees get swollen and the knee high compression stockings fall below the knees ... im not sure when I’d use phase 2 it seems harder to get in and out of ... hope everyone is doing well.

Hope all is well with everyone. I’m deal with some things. Not necessarily related to my surgery. I can’t remember if I said that I’m not sure but one thing I think that helped with post op swelling (besides compression stockings) was Garden of life Turmeric gummy supplements. I also took my usual Garden of life whole food based gummy multivitamin, natures way hair skin and nails formula gummy, plant based omegas I added extra Biocell collagen and antioxidants. of course it can take 4-6 months to a year to see the true results (Something like that) it is still a bit unreal to me. I haven’t looked at the big picture yet. I don’t see myself as small. I struggle with body dysmorphia and sometimes it’s a battle between chronic health issues and wow my stomach really is flat I’ve never had an actual flat stomach ... I will be honest also and say I sleep in my Faja though I haven’t quite figured out the Faja and underwear thing I mean you can’t wear them under the Faja but it’s too weird to not have anything with the open crotch. Especially wearing dresses. 🤣 The open incision on my left T incision (thigh lift) is finally getting closer to being closed. I had a protruding swollen “fat cell” which is what usually fills an open incision in secondary wound healing. it was keeping the incision from closing. And a blood blister next to it. It was swelling and also two small areas in the incision had some small blood pockets. Not to be TMI but I snipped and drained the swelling of built up blood in the “fat cell” and pressed it hard to push it into the incision and the “blood blister” next to it was the likely culprit I found a suture in it and drained it and cleaned it the best I could. Afterward It looked better and I could see the incision has nearly closed. I just have to monitor for any internal swelling. I haven’t mentioned it to my surgeon since it’s the weekend and I don’t want to be an annoyance. I’ve learned to take care of things myself most of the time. Even had my surgery been in the same state I’d have been doing the same thing ... The open incision on my backside (coccyx or whatever you call it) the stress point, it’s no longer a hole not healed yet but getting there. A couple of incision points need to heal more. Considering my immunodeficiency part of me expected some complications but in a way these were small compared to ones I’ve seen online. Especially for thigh lifts if the surgeon is removing more than just skin. I’m surprised at how smooth some parts of the incisions are. I’m not worried about scars. Though I think I’ll notice a few little things down the line ... like behind my knees, my calves, the incision on my inner thigh in pictures I take for wound care checking has an odd angle to my inner thigh. But One difficult thing for me is I’ve never seen myself as pretty and I’m not happy with my face maybe it’s loose skin. And maybe I just won’t ever see myself that way. I actually bought a article of clothing I never thought I would. A romper. For when the incisions are healed enough for the last bandage to come off. And I get up the nerve to wear it. I’ve Been wearing dresses since they are easiest but very casual ones. Since I’m mostly home except when I venture out for errands. I actually bought a girls size large dress at Target (Under $4) and was surprised it fit. My mom wanted a picture to show a friend. Sigh 😔 I hate my face. It’s still a bit unreal that I had three surgeries June 15th ... sorry for babbling.

@ChubRub thank you I trusted Dr. Ampudia and only asked that i have upper pole fullness. The pictures don’t quite show how bad the excess belly skin was and my butt was really horrid. Now one cheek can fit in my hand 🤣 my thigh lift is a separate picture but I don’t think it can show how bad it really was before. So much excess wrinkled sagging skin that maybe someone in their 90s would have. My skin is very abnormally thin. All things considered, I think he did awesome. If I get up the guts I’ll post my own after pictures. I never kept my own before pictures. I'm still dealing with the open incision on the Left thigh lift T incision which is slowly healing, And a small one on the right side that’s been a bit problematic. But right now the incision at the coccyx area is being a literal pain in the butt. It seems to have gotten bigger. I’m trying to figure out how to better manage it. I’m using Bactigras and bandages but don’t know how to relieve pressure on it. I’m trying to get some routine but with my chronic illness and Covid going wild around here I haven’t gotten out and about much. It takes a lot of energy to take care of the little things. i meal plan to keep my calories within a certain range and get enough protein. My weight is up slightly but still below my goal of 106lbs. Though I weigh myself dressed with Faja and stockings 104.2 today. When I went for surgery I was at my lowest weight for better healing, my scale. at home 102.2, their scale when I arrived 101.2. I think lower BMI helped since I was having so many procedures. Hitting the snag I did thankfully it worked out. And I keep trying to hold in mind why I did it all as I work to get these problematic incisions healed. The rest are doing good. Just some fluid retention after removing the drain that wanted to ooze out of some spots in my thigh incisions. And one small open spot at the front. I think just my thin skin in existing medical conditions. But given those I’ll get there eventually. I wouldn’t Change my decision to have it, or change where I had it or my surgeon.

Awesome results @mousecat88 I hope recovery is going good. Was that 450cc implants or is that total volume? That confused me. My implants are 200cc with 370cc total volume. I assumed the implants were 320cc but it meant total volume. I also had reduction forever ago though. My doctor advised on size. I chose upper pole fullness. Funny thing is a small part of me is like did I not get big enough 🤣 of course the doctor advised size based on my frame and thin skin ... but I digress. Congratulations on coming to the end of your journey 🧡

Hospital BC Facebook group has my before and after pictures up. You can have to join to view. I’m not sure if they share pictures here on the forum. https://www.facebook.com/groups/HBCPlastics/

Hi @ChubRub I meant to update. I saw my PCP and also updated my surgeon on everything so I wanted to get results before I came here. I don’t communicate very well but didn’t let my doctor have a chance to say anything bad about the surgery or my surgeon. I just told her what procedures I had, and what an excellent surgeon I had as well. I wanted answers as to why the heck my hemoglobin dropped unexpectedly which I didn’t get a real response from her. I explained to her had it not been for the excellence of my surgeon things would not have gone as well as they did. That I had two blood transfusions due to my hemoglobin unexpectedly being 10.2 she didn’t understand the concept that it needs to be higher for this type of surgery (and should have been because it was the last time I was tested before I had the double balloon enteroscopy) I gave up trying and just got her to do bloodwork for baseline hemoglobin, ferritin, iron etc. last time my ferritin was only 7. My iron was ok though. I did previously have some elevated liver level which I needed to see a gastroenterologist about (according to her) I got the bloodwork results online fast. And the two blood transfusions actually helped my levels a lot. I think because I needed them they help longer. My ferritin actually improved to 39. My hemoglobin is right on the normal range of 11.7 (11.7-15.5 range) so hopefully is helping me heal better. My iron is good. The liver level is borderline high is probably altered by the blood transfusions as well and falsely low and needs to be monitored. My B12 is off the charts which to me should be of concern it’s a water soluble vitamin it shouldn’t be high in the blood unless there’s a problem. My RDW is high. Something I thought weird before my surgery I noticed about something called eosinophils, mine as long as I can remember were zero. This is a type of white blood cells. All of a sudden the numbers spiked ... I find that strange. The same for my others, like lymphocytes not out of range but a sudden spike up. anyway but I digress ... my surgeon is pleased with the bloodwork but did say to have it repeated in three months to have a kind of new baseline because this is from the transfusions. It also helped that my BMI was so low. Otherwise honestly he might not have done surgery. But ... it happened and all in all it went well. And the open incisions are things that happen. And with the Bactigras although difficult bandaging them they are slowly improving. It does annoy me I can’t reach the one in the back to do myself. so yesterday was exactly four weeks after surgery. I actually removed the surgical drain myself last night. It finally slowed enough to come out. I knew it was time and how to remove it but confirmed it with my surgeon. My mom was like you should have been a doctor or nurse ... 🤣 it didn’t bother me in the least. Should it have? My surgeon said I can resume normal routine and I thought what is normal routine. The thing is with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis when I have surgery, especially major surgery, or even things not as major, I need to relearn my new level of normal ... I lose pieces along the way but it is the price I pay but it was a price I chose to pay to start getting rid of the effects of the extra 106+ lbs of weight and fighting it most of my life. This for me was not about cosmetics but most people won’t see it that way of course now I will see some cosmetic things. Like my knees/calves. And that my butt has no volume so right now it’s like sitting on blocks not butt cheeks ... but I’m not thinking about those things right now just continued healing. I don’t know what my bra size will be just that it’s not nearly empty skin now and just looks normal. I trusted my surgeons judgment to base it on my frame size so it’s 200cc silicone (total 370cc size) he removed 2lbs of skin which doesn’t seem like a lot but my weight was under 102 lbs at the time of surgery. I’m still below my goal weight (106lbs) but right now it’s 105.3 but that’s dressed and with Faja and compression stockings. I’m swollen probably because I removed the drain and also ventured out into the heat humidity to get groceries. And admittedly I cheated a tiny bit on carbs but am getting back on track. I am just focused on healing ... why am I rambling ... I think people don’t understand that I live every day with chronic pain and fatigue and I’ve been asked why I don’t look happy about the surgery or results. It’s not that I’m not. They are probably seeing the pain and fatigue and assuming I’m not happy. That kind of pisses me off but that’s the story of my life ... people who can’t understand lifelong chronic illness or why I had this surgery. sorry for the long response that you didn’t ask for 🤣 Edit: I’m finding out from my surgeon where I can find the before and after photos to share here.

@ChubRub just as I think things are slowly going better and I started using Bactigras on the open incision on my left T thigh lift. Another stress point opened up today that I thought was doing well. I just had a pad to catch any fluid leak from the incision which was less but then this evening it had blood on it and suddenly there was a open area of incision right at the center. it stressed me out wondering what I did I’ve tried to be careful. If I’ve bent a little too much. My sleep is restless and sweaty. I have to sleep on my back head and feet elevated. Sometimes I shift my weight off my backside the best I can. But the dr had said as long as it’s not sudden movements the stitches are strong. But he also said 3-4 weeks is a vulnerability point. With two different areas of stress points now I’m stressed of how to move, sit and sleep. even if I technically know what to do. It’s stressful. I contacted my surgeon and he got back to me immediately. I’d had a fever yesterday so he thinks it was a Seroma and that this is good that it opened and drained. I need to wear the Faja to Help prevent it from happening again. More wounds to treat but hard to reach myself ... I’ve a doctors appointment With my primary care physician Tomorrow I forgot I had scheduled before surgery. The low hemoglobin makes the incisions more vulnerable. My hemoglobin should have been good. She should have been on top of things. I’m tired of her attitude. I don’t regret the surgery or where I had it, or my surgeon. I would not change it. I’ve dealt with a lot in my life and this is just another. But my resources are running low. I knew this with M.E. I accept it. I need to adapt the best I can. Most people don’t approach this with chronic illness. sorry for rambling. I know this is par for the course ... I just can’t figure out how to get a decent nights sleep. And not pressure the incisions.

I would prefer liquid, I will finish what I have and see what I can budget in next month. I got a coupon for vitacost so will see what I can do. I think I am going to ask my doctor about my hemoglobin and try not to let her piss me off ... and if I can get my hemoglobin tested if it’s low then insist on infusions. I think I eat healthy I already take Whole Foods based multivitamins and eat iron rich foods. My iron itself is good. My hemoglobin before I left for surgery was ok, then before leaving I had the double balloon enteroscopy, my general doctor said to mention some levels on my bloodwork (Not the hemoglobin) to the gastroenterologist but I only saw him 1/second in the procedure room. And about the same after. My procedure was upsetting and provided no answers. But somewhere between there and preop bloodwork my hemoglobin dropped drastically, before surgery! The last it wa# that low was after my gastric bypass surgery ... It was perplexing. To keep me safe they gave me blood transfusions. That’s how good my surgeon was. He knew my underlying chronic illness and kept me safe. crashing now. Didn’t sleep last night. Doing my best not to stress. My main incision stress point is an awkward spot. It’s a T incision in the thigh area I guess inner thigh incision, it’s where the opening of a Faja hits. Maybe it’s combination medial and lateral thigh lift. I’m not sure. Right where the two incisions meet is where it opened on my left side which is my bad side to being with. I use a low dryer on cool to dry everything very well and also as my doctor calls it use fan therapy for the open incision. Next is the Bactigras. I won’t scare anyone with pictures. But since I’m on top of it, it could be worse. I won’t yet ask my doctor about a wound care specialist until I try myself the Bactigras. But I know one mention she will blame me for where I had surgery but any complication is on HER not monitoring my bloodwork and my health. I’m worry watching my left side, it’s a small open spot and hoping it heals before the stitches start loosening. But a lot of the other parts of the stitches are doing well and some parts completely closed! It’s hard not to stress an area that’s involved with toileting and such. Aka high stress point. Thankfully I guess my myalgic Encephalomyelitis comes in handy I’m too fatigued to do much. But do everything myself, except laundry. Showers take forever and exhaust me. Catch 22? This is depleting things I can’t get back but still I’d not change anything. explain later after I rest. Need to ask my surgeon how much skin he removed too.

Thank you @GreenTealaelfor the suggestion. I’m totally exhausted financially right now but will add it to my Vitacost list in case I can get it. I have to figure out my vitamin order. I got this for this month ... Since it’s Whole Foods based though I’d prefer liquid or even gummies since they absorb better. It was just more in my budget but still Whole Foods based and non constipating. (I hope) https://www.vitacost.com/garden-of-life-vitamin-code-raw-iron the surgeries were more than just cosmetics to me. But right now I just want to make it through the incision healing phase. My main concern is the thighs of course. I didn’t even remember I had a doctor appointment with my general practitioner on the 9th which I am dreading the trek, getting in the car, the heat and humidity and ... talking to her condescending (Fill in blank)

Hi @ChubRub I kind of stepped out mentally and physically. And my tablet just hit enter on my post before I even started typing it. So I’m saving it and finishing it otherwise it will look very odd. im exhausted and frustrated of course this has nothing to do with where I had my surgery because my doctor is the absolute best and he’s been in contact with me and always answers my emails. Things happen and I’m just dealing with it the best I can, my chronic illness compounds things a bit since I get drained of energy extremely quick if I’ve got it at all. Normally I can get out every so often but I’m 100% homebound. The weather here isn’t much conducive to healing. I’ve Reached week three. But things got a bit complicated with my thigh lift. I had I think what’s called a medial thigh lift that involves a T incision and this is a very high stress incision. Well as is my luck it opened. Good thing I do have some knowledge On incision care and alerted my surgeon immediately with photos and he instructed me what to do, I actually had the correct idea of what to do already But it’s a long healing process it has to heal from within called secondary wound healing. I have to keep it dry and bandaged a certain way. I update my surgeon with pictures. Honestly even if my surgeon was right next to me the treatment would be the exact same. I started off trying steri strips but cut my own using medical micropore tape then gauze and more micropore tape. I had to stop wearing Faja to give it some fan or open air therapy to let my left leg incisions dry and thankfully they stopped draining from the incisions. It’s slowly getting a little progress. I bought something called Bactigras to use on it now. im just stressed and angry at my physicians here and their lack of care here because my hemoglobin should have been normal when I had surgery and it kept going up and down. I had bloodwork that it should have been fine and went to Cleveland Clinic for a double balloon enteroscopy before going away for surgery. And something between my bloodwork and that enteroscopy effected my hemoglobin. My surgeon was so awesome and took care of me though but now that I’m home my incisions need to heal and I worry my hemoglobin levels have gone south again even though I’m eating very healthy and taking lots of vitamins ... I am not sure how to deal with my doctor. She was very obnoxious to me about having surgery in Mexico yet I trust my surgeon in Mexico more than her ... Sorry for the rambling, it’s hard to find comfortable position to sleep. My legs are propped up on a pillow and my head on two thick pillows but they keep shifting I end up ocd thinking am I stressing my incisions am I in the right position. I’m such a restless sleeper and get night sweats. But it’s not all bad my other incisions the butterfly lift (lateral body lift whatever the name may be) the stomach muscle tightening, augmentation those incisions are doing well all things considered. Just a little minor drainage in two small spots. I do have the one drain in place. And it’s known what a pain in the arse the thigh lift can be. the fact he ended up doing the different type of thigh lift was because of how bad the excess skin there was. I guess it’s my lifelong chronic illness? I’ve got the thin skin of a old lady ... so I guess this is why I kind of dropped off the map. The basic self care has been exhausting. I barely got dressed. I finally got to wearing casual cotton dresses with some lovely compression stockings. And maybe Faja again shortly. I’ll update more I had a exhausting day and it was just a shower today although I did make a special lunch I made fresh salmon ...

It’s a long story over the course of my life, living with lifelong chronic illness and disability. I have myalgic Encephalomyelitis since age 9 at least which causes post exertional malaise. Exertion is exhausting And exacerbates symptoms, exercise is physically damaging. It led to developing many medical conditions including fibromyalgia. Metabolic disorders. I cannot exercise and my metabolism is slower than a sloth. I fought my weight since childhood too. I went to strict low carb and calorie counting fighting sugar addiction but over time it wasn’t enough, I could never get to a healthy weight, I’d always be stuck but I felt I had to accept that I’d be a higher weight 134lb highest 215lb. Lowest on my own briefly 124lb. But my weight got out of control again. I had feelings my gallbladder wa# making it worse but no doctor listened. My weight got to 208lb and I desperately fought for bariatric surgery. Finally I got to Cleveland Clinic where they listened to how for so long i ate low carb low calories and it stopped helping me. And I had gastric bypass surgery April 29th 2019 along with gallbladder surgery which turned out to be chronic inflammation. it did take a toll on M.E. but I couldn’t carry the burden of the weight either. I literally lost a small person in weight ... not a cure but easier to carry yourself without the burden. having the ability to keep moving helps fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. Catch 22 with me since it hurts M.E. But I will never regret having the tool of gastric bypass surgery. I hope you find success and relief on your journey.