Just celebrated my third surgiversary! I am still constantly amazed when I walk past a mirror or window and catch a glimps of my reflection. Now, instead of "who is that?" I am just beginning to recognize the "thin" relflection as myself. It is a slow process for the mind to catch up with the body. I now have fewer and fewer people who knew me before surgery not recognizing me. Now it is mostly people who find out about the surgery and tell me they can't believe I was ever that big.

A few things I have learned along the way:

*Protein first is and always will be important.
*Chew, chew, chew.
*Lots of fluids.
*My hair grew back curly and I love it!
*Exercise is alot more fun and eaiser without an extra 135 pounds.
*A good bra is worth the price.
*Good support garments keep the skin from giggling.
*I will always be a fat person inside.
*Head hunger is evil, but at least now I am able to recognize it and know the difference between head hunger and real hunger. (major revalation)
*I can get by on 1000 calories a day and still feel just fine.
*I don't miss carbonated beverages.
*Wine is a quick buzz.
*My husband is now the "jealous type".
*I am grateful for the fact that I don't "dump" but also grateful that I do get sick to my stomach if I intake over 15 grams of sugar at once. it keeps me in check.
*So much easier to find clothes that fit, though I still go straight to the Womens size racks first. Just can't seem to break the habit.
*Calcium causes constipation and heartburn, but gotta have it.
*Too many carbs as one time makes my blood sugar tank a few hours later. (back to protein first)
*I will be forever grateful to have this time as a "normal" person and would do it again in a heart beat!

Wow. Thanks for the heads up! I will spread the news.

Thanks for all the good feedback. My doctor is Dr. Marisa Lawrence.

http://www.cosmeticsurgery.cc/

Yes, there is a scar running from my elbow to under my breast, but already the difference is amazing. I went for a followup this morning. The swelling is almost gone and there is no bruising. I have been released to start stretching to increase my range of motion. I have to get where I can reach the top of the White Board when school starts on August 8.

LaShelle. There is a procedure where an incision can be made cross ways (front to back) in the arm pit to tighten a small amount of excess skin without the huge extended scar running down the arm. I would have loved to have done this, but alas, I just had too much excess skin.

I will post pics of the incision when the rest of the glue falls off.

Wow. Thanks for the update.
Will send prayers and positive vibes to Martina.

Whoo Hooooo!

Thanks for your support. I know you would understand. I am glad you are so young and your skin bounced back so wonderfully! Your most recent pics were grand!

I went for follow up today. Posting pics in my photos. (Warning!!! Only 5 days out. Not pretty!)

But I can shower now! Yea!

Got my arms done!Dr. Marisa Lawrence at Northside. She does a lot of cancer and breast reconstructions. Really nice.

Since I have tape allergies I had to be wrapped up pretty well. One might think I had work done on my entire upper torso, but not so. I have a line running from my elbows to just under my breast. I am going tomorrow to get the dressings removed and get fitted with compression sleeves. I am so excited to see what they look like.
I had a lot of swelling in my left arm the first night and day after surgery, but I have kept my arms propped above my heart when I sleep and some during the day. There has been some pain, but nothing Tylenol can't handle. Getting dressed is a problem, but daughter and Hubby have stepped in nicely.  I don't know how long before I can raise my arms over my head, but I suspect it will be a while as it has been 4 days and I still can't brush my own hair.
Can't wait for the drains to be removed so I can take a shower.Right now the heat and humidity is making everything itch like crazy.


The wrapping is looking worse by the day! If anyone is interested I will post before and after pics.
I am just so excited I had to share. My family just doesn't understand like you guys do!

I feel AWESOME! Thanks for all the support over the last 20 months!

 Posted in profile pictures.

Ok LaShelle. Here is my promised swimsuit picture. It is the first time I have been out "in public" in a swimsuit since surgery 17 months ago. It felt wonderful! I like this picture because it doesn't show how bad my arms are. Which, by the way, will be much smaller this Wednesday as I am having my arms "done" along with the removal of my "back boobs".



 

Try sucking on some SF Popsicles. It gives you fluids and tastes good too. Popsicles made my new pouch feel better.

Good luck!

Remember to walk, walk, walk, and sip, sip, sip! The body can not heal without fluids. Don't worry about eating, just make sure you don't get dehydrated.
Wishing you a quick and successful recovery!