Let the journey begin. I met with the best Board Certified PS today. I can't believe he came in $4k less for a BA and lift. He also teaches at Stanford. I have some great news about the thigh lift. He said he will not have to cut me from the top of the thigh to my knee. Rather he can cut at the top of the thigh across and lift me that way. I was quite surprised. I hope they turn out okay doing it that way! So here I go for an Extended Tummy Tuck and thigh lift on 4/21. I am taking 2 weeks off of work. Wish me luck.

Nip50: I think that you could get away with 2-3 weeks off of work, just be prepared to feel tired. You won't be in much pain by then.

Julie - How long will you be off work? I have a consultation next month and they told me that I would need 6 weeks off. I was hoping for 4.

Glad to hear you're doing so well. You all are an inspiration to me. I never had 2nd thoughts about the Lap Band surgery, but this one makes me really nervous. Reading about everyone else's experiences helps out alot.

I took 2 weeks off. The tummy tuck was a breeze accept for the drains. I think 2 - 3 weeks is plenty. My thigh lift is a little more difficult. I do still bleed a little bit from the incisions.

HI Ladies, I wanted to let you know that the surgery has finally hit me. I feel like a freight train has hit me finally. Not sure if it is because of the blood drains or what. I am trying to wean myself off of the pain medication because it makes me feel really tired. Yesterday I tried to put some regular pants on and that was a problem with the thigh lift. I really bled from that. Today I am not wearning any pants at all so I am much more comfortable. My husband washed me down with some nice healthy soap so I feel more comfortable. I should get the final drain out on Monday or Tuesday. Today I have only bled out 25 ccs so that is good. My typical day runs 50 ccs. Overall I am satisfied however not really sure about the thigh lift. He didn't stich me very tight so I still have some lose skin. I really though that problem would be resolved. I haven't been able to wear my girdle yet so I'm wondering if the thighs will look better this week after I start wearing it. I'm sure Karey yours will turn out good because it sounds like the incision will be around the body more. My stomach looks awesome thouhg. I am thrilled.

Julie: It's hard to be patient, but your thighs will get better. Your PS probably couldn't pull the skin as tight with the method he used. I guess it's a trade off for a little looser skin or a large scar. I would certainly ask him about it. You've been through a lot so I would rest as much as you can. It takes a long time to feel 100%. Be kind to yourself.

Julie

Glad to hear that you are doing fairly well. You seem to be in good spirits and that is probably why you are pulling through without much pain. I know that when you start going off the pain meds for any reasons the pain seems to hit like a truck. I hope that I have as little pain as you do. Still 2 months away for me, but training for the 1/2 marathon will hopefully take some of the waiting pains away!

Hang in there!

Edited April 28, 200818 yr by salsa1877

Thanks girls. Really looking forward to having the drain removed in the next few days. I am really hoping to take a shower soon. I think that will make me feel better. My stomach looks great.

Monday will be 2 weeks since my surgery. Today is the first day I feel somewhat back to normal. I was itching for a shower so I hooked my drain to my bathing suit top and was able to shower. I swear that was better than the best meal or sex! I felt so good that I was able to shave my legs too which was quite nice. My husband is washing my compession garmet so I am very happy. Put some fresh PJs on and I'm good to go. It was so nice to wash my hair in the shower again. So today is a good day. Just taking it slow but had a good start. Hoping the drain will be out by early next week.

Julie, what compression garment are you using??? does it help tremendously??? I posted a thread asking some people on tummy tuck and their compression garment... I only got one reply...

Lani: Make Me Heal website has some really good compression garments. After the first month I went to some of their stage 2 garments and liked them alot. I now use those and some I purshased at Dillards. They don't have as much compression, but after 6 weeks I don't need as much. I find that I'm alot more comfortable with one on. My doc said to wear them to exercise in, at the minimum. I'm not wearing them for bed anymore, but find I'm a lot more comfortable with one on. Hope that helps.

After I heal I just plan on using my Spanx which go just below the breast line. Right now I am wearing the one they put me in in the hospital. It is getting a little loose though.

Lani: Make Me Heal website has some really good compression garments. After the first month I went to some of their stage 2 garments and liked them alot. I now use those and some I purshased at Dillards. They don't have as much compression, but after 6 weeks I don't need as much. I find that I'm alot more comfortable with one on. My doc said to wear them to exercise in, at the minimum. I'm not wearing them for bed anymore, but find I'm a lot more comfortable with one on. Hope that helps.

Thank you Karey. That is a big help. :biggrin2:

Just wanted to give you all an update. I am now 2 weeks post op. I still have 1 drain in. I am bleeding out 75 ccs still. I need to get down to 30 ccs to have it removed. I hooked my drain to my bathing suit top last week and took a shower. Its amazing how much hair grows on your legs in 10 days! I am 10 lbs from goal. I lost 8 lbs since surgery. 6 of those were abdomenal fat. At first I didn't lose but I guess its because of the surgery. Now the scale is finally showing it. I'll post some pics after I get the drain removed. I am thrilled with the outcome so far. My goal was never to get skinny after banding. I just wanted to get to a healthy weight. I was a size 14 in high school but it was really hard to maintain. I am now in a size 16 and happy. I just want to get to 199 on the scale which is about 12 more lbs. Thank you all for your posts the last 2 weeks. I felt like a hermit so it was nice to come here to talk to my friends!

glad You Are Doing Well Julie. Can't Wait To See Pics. I Hear The Drains Are A Pain In The Ass. Anyway, I Go For My First Consult Today, And I Am Really Nervous. Not Sure What To Expect. Wish Me Luck. Will Update You Later. Have A Great Day.

Hi Sweety, be prepared to get naked. He didn't even give me panties to wear!

Great job Julie and glad to hear you are feeling better!! You are such an inspiration to so many!!