Manatee's turn for plastics

[Manatee 3]

Officially one week out today.

I'm tapering off the pain meds on normal days. The swelling is still there, but even at this point I'm smaller than I was pre-tuck.

I had Cowboy tickets yesterday thanks to another bandster, so we went to the game. Although I was still in full compression mode, I made it the mile or so to the stadium from the parking lot. I was immensely sore at that point, and moving slow. The return trip was worse, but survivable. I will admit to sucking down a LOT of the hydrocdone (sp?) when I got home, and got to bed early.

Feeling stiff and sore today but not as bad as I expected. I'm scheduled for a follow-up and stitch removal tomorrow morning. Fun, I'm sure.

It does look like I'm going to end up with some slight dog ear flaps, but I'll wait until after the swelling goes to see what happens. As mentioned earlier, this is covered by the original costs.

Edited September 29, 2008 by Manatee

[TracyinKS 7]

Looking good! and I'm pretty amazed that you made it to the game. Have you driven yet?

[Manatee 3]

Have you driven yet?

Yeah, I was driving around a few days later. Not far, but I was tired of being stuck home.

Edited September 29, 2008 by Manatee

[Manatee 3]

Follow up with the plastics doc

Today was my week+1 day follow up with the plastics doc.

He said that he was very pleased with his work (naturally!) and that he thought it would heal very nicely.

He took out many stitches from the various liposuction holes, but didn't touch the large incision hip to hip. Those will apparently come out later, either naturally or he'll remove them later.

I have been talking about how swollen I've been getting. This doc doesn't use drains, so the fluids have just been building under the skin. He took a big-ass needle and sucked out 120 cc of Fluid from the area -- 60 cc from each side. That's 4 Fluid oz of liquid. Delightful.

Still have to wear the compression garments for another 2 weeks at least. I have another followup on Friday of this week for more drainage, and then another checkup on Tuesday of next week.

To those who were asking about my 'dog ear' comments, look below -- ugly pic warning

Here's what I mean -- see the pic of me with the scar? Look at the sides where the scarring ends. That edge might turn into a little flap, that looks like a clipped 'dog ear' on either side of the abdomen. I have included a close up of the area so you can see what I'm talking about. Doc thinks it probably won't happen, but if it does it just means a slight trim on each side.

[losingjusme 12]

you look mahhhhhvelous!!!

[TracyinKS 7]

Thank you so much for the pics! I have always wondered what dog ears (or potential dog ears) looks like!

Look at that flat belly!

[Manatee 3]

Ouch

I've been going crazy with the "no exercise" restrictions. I finally asked the plastics doc if I could at least ride the bike to have something to do.

The response was very careful:

"You can ride it as long as you are feeling comfortable to do it. Obviously if you are in pain or anything along those lines we would ask you to stop.

Do what is comfortable for you. If you have any other questions, please let

us know. "

Fair enough. So I geared up and went for a light ride this morning. Easy easy light pace, 5 mile in 30 minutes on a mostly flat circuit. I had the compression suit on under the bike gear.

I am in SO much pain right now. The torso is throbbing and swollen, and the whole area is quite definitely upset at me.

So -- if you should happen to get a Tummy Tuck in the future -- avoid bike riding for a while.

Now I really DO have a $1000 clothes hanger.

[Shalee04 7]

I guess I better get my butt on my bike and ride long and hard for the next 3 weeks then!

Edited October 2, 2008 by Shalee04
edit

[losingjusme 12]

So -- if you should happen to get a Tummy Tuck in the future -- avoid bike riding for a while.

my PS was very strict ... he didnt even want me on a treadmill for 1+ month. i begged him after 3 weeks... he only agreed after i promised to go with someone and take it very very slowly.... i think i did 1.25-1.5 MPH... and still swelled like no other!

take it easy...

[kareyquilts 1]

My, you're hard core to even attempt the exercise thing so soon! I know it's really depressing and boring not to be active, but get some good movies or something! LOL! Hope you're feeling better soon!

[Manatee 3]

Thursday afternoon after the bike ride I had a pre-scheduled appointment with the doc. He pulled out another 85 cc of Fluid and said he was happy with the progress.

To me, I still look fat and bloated, but I'm treating this like a tattoo -- one has to trust the artist, and not focus on what it looks like halfway through.

Got another appointment for Tues, already seem to be filled up with Fluid again.

[Manatee 3]

Another followup

More Fluid drawn off, 110 cc this time.

For those counting, that's now just over 10 fl oz total, so that's almost a tall expresso at FiveBucks coffee.

Doc is still pleased with himself. Stitches are still in the main incision, I suppose they come out on their own. They're starting to look frayed. Doc said I can lose the additional binder across the belly but wants me to stay in the suit. With a 10 hour drive coming up Thursday I think I'll keep it on for that, helps keep the swelling down.

We've entered the boring part of the recovery. The process from here should be drain Fluid, wait for swelling to go away. One more week for the suit 24/7, then it's night only for the next 3 weeks.

Next checkup is Thursday right before I leave, for a last minute look-see.

[kareyquilts 1]

Fluid build up doesn't sound fun. Glad everything else is going well for you!

[Manatee 3]

It's so easy to forget where we were

I was browsing my photos and found the ones taken the night before the surgery. I've been obsessing over a small bulge and some swelling. Looking at these photos, and it's very apparent to me that the $5600 was probably the best money I've ever spent.

Edited October 9, 2008 by Manatee

[Sue Magoo 71]

Wow! You look so fit! Congratulations. $6k well spent.

Take care of that handsome body.

Sue