Back from surgery

[Guest guest]

Hi all. Back from Hernia repair, Abdomenoplasty and brachioplasty on 12/19.

So far so good. The pain is pretty intense, although manageable with the

vicodin. The surgery took over 6 hours, (anticipated 4) because of

complication with the henia. It was twice the size they expected. Went

through the whole incision line (about 6-8 inches long). It took some time to

un-adhese that and put the mesh over it all. Then the plastics began. My PS

(who I'm very impressed with so far) does a technique that allows him to lipo

at the same time as the skin removal. He removed 10 lbs of skin from my

abdomen, 1 lb each from my arms and about 3-4 pounds with the lipo. Although

he didn't do my any cutting on my sides and back, he lipoed there and that

should help with the overall smoothness. He also included the infamous

" mons lift " with lipo that we have all been talking about recently. It

looks great! From what I can tell, 6 days out, it's incredible!!! My belly

is gone. Even with all the swelling and still having two drains in, my

abdomen looks so much smaller. My daughter couldn't believe my shape, under

the hospital sheets, it was so dramatically different.

Yes, the pain can be pretty intense at times, and the drains are a real drag,

they should be coming out Tomorrow. So far I only showered once and will do

it again today, as it helps me feel more " human. " Each day I feel a little

bit stronger and better, with my energy level returning. Was in the hosp for

4 nights, (anticipated 2) but couldn't go home any sooner, too difficult to

walk by myself for the first few days. So far, so good. I'll write more as

I'm able, just resting up a lot now. Thanks for all the help and good wishes

I got from these lists. Big bonus, even though GHI disapproved the surgery,

BC/BS approved it and (so far) it looks like they'll be covering the hospital

costs.

Deb