Now that I have my pre-op pics from the doctor I thought I'd start this thread. I have learned so much watching Julie and Puddin I wanted to follow their example and share my journey as well.

I am posting my surgical pre-op photos below but am leaving my before/current photos of my clothed self off this thread for now. Somehow that makes me feel just a little more exposed on this thread. Silly I know since my photos are already on several other threads.

wow! all i can say is wow! I am shaped just like you and If a dr. can cut all that away then I am all about it! I think i'll schedule my consult when i get down to 160! 25more lbs to go. My goal is 140, but maybe without my giant tummy it'll push me closer to that.

Wow, you must be so pleased. Take care of yourself.

Diane,

You look amazing! and that is 1 month right?

I am in the beginning stages of looking but look just like you did.

Diane, you look amazing!!! WOohoo, way to go!

You do look wonderful and your scar looks like it's healing good. Take care and enjoy the changes in your body that are still to come. Just wait.......it gets even better!

Tami

Ghost, I am a short girl too, so I have REALLY been watching this thread. Let me say, you look awesome! I am just 3 months into my band but I can tell you now, in about a year you will be getting some ?'s from me!!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Hi Ghost

Have you tried wearing the girdle type thing you had just after your surgery to try and decrease the swelling. I wouldn't let it go to long as you want to get into those smaller clothes asap. Try to put your feet up too whenever you can. You look fabulous and it will only get better from here. Congrats.

Thanks everyone! I haven't posted this thread for the compliments but they are still appreciated :Banane20:.

My doc is requiring I wear a compression garment for the first 3 months post-surgery. I'm using a Spanx that goes all the way up to my bra line. I'm suppose to wear it 24/7 only taking it off to shower (or take pics). After the increased swelling over the weekend I did put the hospital garment over the spanx for even more compression the last 2 days and went back to wearing some compression stockings as well. I've also tried to take things a bit easier this week but haven't been putting my feet up under my desk like I could/should.

The swelling has gone down considerably in the last 24 hours. The doc wanted to see me today to try to drain off some of the excess (i.e. giant horse needle !) I'm going to call this morning in the hopes of talking him out of it.

I keep coming back to look at your most recent pics Ghost. I just can't believe the difference your surgery made. It LOOKS like you lost 30 more pounds. I am also THRILLED as I am thinking the same surgery for myself.

But now you have to go read my post about risks and put my mind at ease.

You look wonderful, but do try and get some rest, don't push youself. After my tt, I didn't have any of the complications you are having, but I would recommend you wear the hospital garment vs. yours.. It will help with the swelling and scarring. My band doctor says he hates tummy tucks because the plastic surgeons leave us too tight and the scar stretches vertically. He is right, mine healed really well on one side and the other side is still dark and very stretched. Well good luck and if your ps is recommending you have that I would suggest you take his advice, imo. Take care.

Thankyou Mariposa It's good to see you! I know I'm pushing myself more than I should. Its just so hard not to with my personality. But honestly, I am trying to keep myself in check as much as possible. The doc had cleared me for switching to the Spanx 2 weeks ago but when the swelling started to increase I switched back to the hospital garment on my own as a precaution.

As far as the pitting edema in the legs, I'm a bit prone to it I think. I first had (or at least noticed) it when I was pregnant with my son 4 years ago. They diagnosed it then as pre-eclampsia. Only after the pregnancy it never went away. Atleast not until I'd lost over 70 pounds 3 years later. I remember being very afraid that it was a sign of either heart or liver failure as the internet suggested and that it would disqualify me for the band. But before the band surgery I was cleared of either problem. I still worry a bit though that my tendency to "pit" anytime I swell might be a sign of an increased risk for either heart or liver failure.

Hey, Ghost. You really are looking great. The difference in the before and after pics is drastic. You must be so pleased. Sorry to hear you're having some problems, but at least they are fairly minor. In another month, you're going to look even better!

you look great and congrats on the tiny jeans!!!!

Diane: You're looking awesome. I also think your belly button looks great. Thanks for sharing the pictures. Did they tell you how much the skin weighed that they cut off? I can't remember that you shared that bit of info. I hope you called your doctor and that you take take of yourself a little more. Patience and then you can do it all again!

Wow, Ghost - look at you! NICE results you got!