I am so excited to finally be posting here! I just got off the phone from scheduling my surgery! I will be having an extended tummy tuck on December 17! I have struggled with this decision..having lots of guilt issues mostly. Spending this kind of money on myself when I have 6 children, it's right before Christmas, etc. But when I look at myself in the mirror I don't feel like a person who has lost 113 pounds because of this big belly still there making me still look like an almost 300 pound person in my head anyway. I've worked so hard and I still have a little more to lose. .hopefully will get very close to goal before my surgery. My bandiversary is a couple weeks away still and I've come so far. I've done a lot of reading here and followed most of your journeys. I so appreciate you sharing your stories and hope mine will be helpful to someone coming along the path behind me. I look forward to everyone's advice and wisdom as my date gets closer!

Susan

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Mom To:

Hannah, Logan

Lance,

Hayden,

and the TWINkies

Mason & Morgan

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OK ..tell me how long I can expect the numbness to be so intense? And what about this "ken doll" stuff ..how long do I have to put up with that ..it's icky!?! I feel like Frankenstein right now! I am beginning to feel a little better and have been able to sleep a little better but I constantly feel like I am ripping myself in half.

~Susan

Do tell.... what do you mean by this "ken doll" stuff??? I haven't heard this one before...

And Thanks a million for sharing your journey!! It's so helpful!

The ken doll stuff? Are you experiencing swollen labia? This happens with a LBL because the lymph system is comprised. It can last for several months but it will definetly get better. As far as the numbness goes, I am almost 3 months out and my numbness is much better but still have some. I have not numbness left from my first TT 9 months ago. It will ALL get better, never fear!

Susan, hope you're feeling better. What a bummer to have everyone coming down with something. Don't know if you still have drains, but if so, hopefully they'll be out tomorrow!

Take care,

Sam

Ok yea ...yesterday was 3 weeks post-op and I am totally in swell hell! When does this peak?!? I feel like I am going to split open! I look like I am wearing a cup or something!! I am feeling better finally ..still not totally standing up straight and man do I tire easily, but I am able to do a little more everyday. I'm going to try to post some before/after photos. The befores were taken the night before my surgery ..the afters were taken this past Saturday. I was 181 the morning of surgery(17th) and 162 the day I took the afters.

Hey Susan,

I think you look great!!!! Sorry you're still so swollen. Don't know much about that, but I imagine it's uncomfortable. But from what I heard that will pass. You really do look wonderful. Congrats!!!!

Sam

Wow, Susan, you look amazing!! I am excited for you!

Susan: You're results are looking wonderful! Swell hell will pass. Congratulations on your weight loss as well. You're doing fantastic. Keep us the good fight!