Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Post Op Abdominoplasty, Back Lift And Brachioplasty



Recommended Posts

Thanks. I am a little frustrated. I've been walking every night 2-3miles. Which is a miracle as I have hated exercise all my life. Although it's not so bad and I kind of look orward to it now. Saw the doc yesterday for my 2 week follow up. No fill until end of Aug. Did loose 4 lbs. I know that this is a process, but it was so much easier to loose weight when I was heavier. Guess I was hoping for the impossible.

Enough of my pity party. Sorry to hear about the ulcer. Hope everything will work out okay. What are you taking for the pain?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good job on the walkin 2-3 miles. That's awesome! I too hated exercise, but I grew to love it. I miss it sooooo much right now. I worked up to running. This helped acclerate my weight loss. You might want to consider trying to start running. I couldn't go more than 2 houses w/out hyperventilating (LOL), but the Saturday before my skin removal surgery I ran my first ever 10 K (6.2 miles) and I ran the whole thing. :D It took me about a year to work up to the 10 K. In fact the most I ran prior to the 10 K race was 5 miles. I was just so determined to reach my goal for 2012 (running the 10K) that I knew I needed to do it prior to skin removal surgery.

I don't think you were having a pity party at all. You are just expressing your thoughts and feelings about the frustration of being close to goal weight and how hard it is to get there when you're smaller. I have about 30 more pounds to go and it seems like the goal is 100 miles away, but you know what I'll make it, just like you'll make it! Keep your chin up, keep getting out there and exercising. It IS possible!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Started running on the straight aways(if you can call it that, more like a shuffle) and walking the turns. This is advice I got from one of the trainers at the track. I know that I'll eventually run the whole thing. As long as I keep going it's progress. Made it there 5 days this week. My kids are tired of going and now taking turns with me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sorry to hijack...But I am having a TT on Friday. Do you have any advice to offer?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

TracyW2, no problem. Take it easy during your recovery. I'm about 6 1/2 weeks post op and I over did it at work and home on Thurs. I paid the price yesterday and today. I'm totally wiped out and was in some significant pain. Some advise in regards to incision healing: Take extra Vitamin E, once the steri-strips come off and there is no scabbing use lotion with vitamin E in it. Rub in using small circular strokes (my dr said twice a day for 2 minutes) I rubbed the incisions in the shower with the antibiotic soap and then when I put the lotion on. My incisions look great! Let me know if you have any other questions. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the tip about the Vit E. Do you take extra in pill form or just the lotion?

So even at over 6 weeks post op, you still arent quite feeling yourself? My biggest worry is when I will finally be able to get back in the gym. I have been warned about that first week and pain. How long did you take off from work?

I am super pumped about my surgery, but then of course scared and nervous. I typically bounce back pretty quickly after surgery and have a feeling I am expecting to bounce back a lot sooner than what I'm going to.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I take pill form AND do the lotion.

I had RNY surgery not lap band. This surgery was MUCH harder to recover from for me, but I had complications after they gave me a blood thinner so I wouldn't get blood clots. The initial surgery for the abdominalplasty went great. I think had I not had the complications things would have been easier.

I took 6 1/2 weeks off work. I'm a ward clerk in a nursing home. My first day back was this past Wednesday. I was exhausted after day one. Then Thursday I felt great and I had so much energy. Hardly any pain, so when I got home from work, I went out for a walk / jog. I over did it. I paid for it yesterday and still today. So that's why I say take your time in healing.

I'm definitely not myself - well on Thursday I was, but like I said, I over did it and it set me back. Ease back into the work outs.

Everyone's recovery is different so maybe you won't have the issues I did. I'll be praying that you don't! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Tracy I had Tummy Tuck 8 weeks ago. I had lost 170 lbs so there was a lot of skin. My healing took awhile. I just got my last tube out 2 weeks ago. I over did it from the beginning and I think that made the healing more difficult. Now in 5 days I'm having a breast and neck lift (I was instructed no Vitamin e before surgery so check that out). I haven't been able to start exercising but mainly because I don't want the swelling to come back before my next surgery. If it weren't for that, I'd probably chance it. I've attached my before and after. I'm so happy with my stomach now!

Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

post-275838-13813140243029_thumb.jpg

post-275838-13813140243771_thumb.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you. I plan on picking up some vit e this week so i will have it ready.

Karen thank you so much for posting your pics. Seeing them is making me even more excited for my surgery. I jump between 165 and 170 lost and my stomach looks a lot like yours. I have been maintaining for over 6 months.

I have surgery on Friday the 10th and my husband will be with me until he goes back to work on Monday the 20th. How much help did you need at about 1 1/2 weeks out? I have 3 young kids and will have to get 2 of them off to school that Monday.

Again my biggest concern is when i will finally be able to get back into the gym. Did I mention I was a gym rat yet? LOL

Thank you both for your help. It is so nice to talk to others whom have had this done!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My stomach had 2 big tires. I'll try to post photos if I can figure it out.

If you have kids, you will definitely need some help. I am a single lady and though I didn't need a lot of help, I think the stress of the things a mom does you will need help especially if they are real young. Definitely no lifting. Follow your doctor's orders on what you can and can't do. Unfortunately you won't be able to get back to the gym as quickly as you'd like. My surgery was June 18th. I haven't been able to get back to the running that I did before. Though in saying this, I had some complications and my recovery might be different. I have run twice about 2 miles at a very slow pace. Very slow which is VERY frustrating. I loved my exercising and not being able to do it really stinks. Just be prepared to not exercise for awhile. Mentally before surgery, I thought that I would bounce right back into exercising. I was wrong. :( I can't wait to get back to where I was. I pray it is soon.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

one of my fears of getting banded, which was done this past Monday, is the excess skin. I am almost 62 and female. I have been losing a pound a day, which is nice. Since my highest weight in March, 2012 I am down about 33.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Dylanmiles23. Good job on your weight loss. Keep it up! :) Yes, the excess skin can be very bothersome however it can be removed. This is not to discount your feeling at all. Your fear is normal and valid. Have they said that you can't have the skin removal surgery? I encourage you to focus on the weight loss at this time. Fear can set you back. Trust me I know. :( Let me know if I can help ease your fear in some way. I'm here to encourage and support you the best I can.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Tracy I'm having my surgery at cosmed on Thursday the 9th. Will you be there? If not, we will for sure be talking via this website. Good luck! And I lost the 170 by exercising about 6 days a week and I miss it but it won't take long. Heck, I thought it took a long time to lose 170 lbs but now I look back and realize that 2 years was really quick. Funny how I thought when this all started I'd have it off in like 10 months, lol.

Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm having my surgery done here where I live.

Looking back, I did lose it fast. Plus I got pregnant 4 months post op and had to take a year off from losing while I gained a baby.

Good luck to you on Thursday!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good luck to you both this week for your surgeries and i wish you a speedy recovery. I am now 12 weeks post op on my abdomino, body lift and brachio, am completely healed now , just half an inch of a scar where my vertical scar on my tummy meets the horizontaal one, a known trouble spot lol but its almost healed completely now.

I started my cycling at 6 weeks post op, and now at 12 weeks can go back on my road bike and start on my abs again. I had a massive repair to be done to my diastis recti , my vertical stomach muscles and now they need some gentle work to get them back working again.

I actually really never had much pain at all, it was sore and uncomfortable but thats it, obviously keep taking the pain meds till u dont need them, worst was trying to move around while in the bed, couldnt use my arms or tummy so i was more uncomfortable but i soon figured out a way to get into a good sleeping position.

I am having my thighs done next march 2013 but its never going to be a miracle when the skin is as bad as mine is/was. Keep the scars nicely creamed with the vit e cream and hopefully they will all heal up fine. Just be patient on the exercise front, your surgeon will let u do it as soon as u are able to :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×