ObesityHelp

It has been three weeks since my neck and face lift.  I am so happy with the out come.  For the first time in my life, I feel attractive.  This is not a brag.  This is really the truth.  The way that I USE to feel was unattractive and fat.  This is actually hard to set here and write, but the truth is the truth.  I know we are not suppose to judge people on the outer appearance, but we do.  We have ALL been judged by our appearance all our lifes by friends, family members, kids. strangers and the people on the airplane with the fear in thier eyes that we are going to set next to them. I remember one time while I was at my heaviest, I was sizing a childs foot and he said why are you so fat.  I thought WOW!! That hurt like hell!  My reply to him was thats a good question.  His mothers reply was don't ask people about thier disabilities.  I finished up and went in the back and actually cried.  I then realized how people viewed me, not all people, but alot of them. Now people actually "check " you out, flirt with you, hit on you and ask you out.  I have to admit that it is fun and nice to experience this, but I have to wonder what they would do if they saw my before picture.  I just want to always remember where I have come from and never go back, but also to be compassionate, supportive and most importantly, a friend to those who have not or may not take the journey we have chosen.  I am not sure why I am pouring out my guts on this subject, but somebody must need to read it.  We are all here on this board for support and I thank God for everyone on here.  Thanks for listening!

It has been 5 days since I have had my neck and face lift. WOW!!!!!!  I can say I had mixed feelings after the surgery.  My first thought was, "I will never do this again".  Then the next day things where a little better but not much.  I am not going to lie, it hurt.  My ears are what hurt the most.  They cut in front of and behind and pulled and stretched and you name it.  I did bleed more than normal, but men tend to bleed more than women on this type of surgery.  The surgery took 5 hours instead of 4 hours. I had to leave the drain in for 4 days instead of one.  Dr. Griffin was great and made sure that I had enough pain meds to keep my comfortable.  His entire staff is the greatest.  I highly recommend him and his staff.  They are so caring and concern with every step on this journey.  He will always be my plastic surgeon, no doubts about it.  And yes.....I WOULD DO IT AGAIN!!

One week from tomorrow (Thursday 8th) I will be going in for plastic surgery number two.  I will be having a face lift and a neck lift.  They started me on some pills on Monday, that will help with the swelling and bruising.  I am really excited to see how this is going to turn out.  They say there is pain that comes with it, but it can't be any worse than what I have already experinced with the other.  I will keep this updated after everything goes through.  Of course I will post pictures as well.

Its day three and things seem to be getting easier.  I can get off the bed by myself and lay back on the bed by myself.  I took a shower today and got to see where they cut me.  WOW it looks painful.  I get tired real easy and like to take lots of naps.  My areas were I am cut dont look to bad, but after the shower and putting the binder back on, I got sick at my stomach.  My mom, bless her heart, has come to my rescue, she put a fan right on me blowing in my face and wiped it with a wet cloth and finally it passed.  We did take some pictures, so I will post them asap!  I just have to wait for my pain pills to wear off.....they are good!!!

As you all know I had my trunk lipectomy Thursday.  I have to tell the truth. When I got to the surgery center and the took me back to my room, they told me to undress and lay on the bed.  I did and the nurse came in to start the iv, I started to freak for a few mins.  I thought oh my God, I dont want  to do this.  I want to go home.  So I started praying......God gave me such a peace and I was fine.  The nurses where great.  Dr Griffin came in and talked to me and drawed on me to mark where he would cut.  The surgery nurses came and got me to take me back, they were great to.  They talked to me and made feel real comfortable and the drugs helped too!!!  They explained to me that they would do the back first then turn me over and do the front.  Both sides took two hours each.  I came out of recovery and the nurse gave me something for pain and away to lala land I went.  They woke me up to drink some water and decided that I needed to go home with the cathter.  I was very thankful for it because it saved me from having to get up every 15mins to pee.  I have been walking, and the cather came out today and I have been peeing on my own.  The pain has not been to bad, but I still take my meds when needed.  They removed 10lbs of skin and fat.  I am very happy with that number.  I wanted to thank you all for your prayers and support, with having to put  Chip, my baby dog that I had for 14 years down Tuesday, it has  been a hard week.  Well my pain meds are kicking in and I am about to fall asleep.  I will keep you informed, and again THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT. Mike...pictures will e coming soon!