Well I had my pre-op appointment with the "wonderful" pre pictures (I will get copies after the post surgery pictures) I am getting the bat wings lopped off and a 360 belt abdominoplasty on the 21st. I am excited to get rid of the extra skin. Hoping I will loose a few pounds with the surgery since my weight loss stopped a year ago.

Before anyone asks: the surgery cost 15K. I paid cash. My plastic surgeon is Dr Todd Case MD in Tucson AZ and I have been very impressed with the care so far.

I stayed overnight for those combined procedures (though I a 360 degree lower body lift). I probably could have stayed an additional night for pain management. I doubt you will be ignored for any reason, but nurses in hospitals are there to take of post operative patients. They designate entire wings to it.

I did mine as outpatient and had only hubby to take care of me, but I think the hospital would take care of you well!

Good luck!

What a drag!! I hope they accept the RN idea.

I know you do not want to wait. I wouldn't want to wait either. They are just being cautious and concerned for your health.

I wish you the best!

Well the anesthesiologist agreed to the private RN at my house. I asked my friend (who has OR recovery experience and is an RN) to stay overnight at my house and she agreed. My sister will also be with me for the first week post-op. My case is moved to be the first case of the day (another requirement of the anesthesiologist) so I will be leaving my house at 5 AM to get to the hospital by 6 AM.

I am excited that, despite all the hassles, my journey to become a new (thinner) me is going to happen!

Ok. Surgery went well. (good) Came home on 3 days of pain meds (bad) that I stretched to the 1 week follow up and was told to take acetaminophen (Right like that helped)

DRAINS: SUCK when they are yanked out. The burn was for a few seconds and he did give me time to catch my breath between pulls but boy was that NOT what I expected.

I have a small area of fat necrosis at the top of my tush incision so I have to pack it twice a day and extend the antibiotics for another 2 weeks. I about fainted on the floor while he was "extending" the infected area then packing it while I was standing. (granted I could not lay down or on my side so I just grabbed ahold of the edge of his counter and tried to keep breathing) He did stop to give me a break when I asked so my advise to anyone with this complication....Ask to rest as much as you need.

I am posting pre and post op pictures. I am still swollen I am not to the final product (and the surgeon includes minor touch ups if needed in his fee)

The funniest thing that has happened throughout all of this is that my sister and my friend (the RN who agreed to stay overnight) both had to help me undue the snaps on the compression garment for the first 5 days. I was partially embarrassed and then got to the point that it was too funny for words. The only other challenge I have had is getting out of my recliner without help. My sister says I am just the entertainment one needs when they have had a bad day. No one could watch me struggle out of the chair without using any stomach muscles and not laugh. I told her I was "happy to be the butt of her joke".

Congratulations! You are looking good! Wishing you a speedy recovery. I had those two surgeries a year ago and I'm still thrilled every day. One question - no belly button? Or is it there and just not visible in the pictures?

Ouch but I am sure it will be worth it ..

Oh no did the doctor not give you a belly button?

Congratulations!!! Hang in there! Keep us updated!

Congratulations! Looking great!

I requested "no belly button". I have had several surgeries through mine and it was so contracted down from scar tissue that I figured it would be the area of problems healing (go figure it is my bum instead). My kids call me "Eve" now!